Roy Blunt

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the first television station to serve Southwest Missouri. When Channel 10 signed on the air on March 14, 1953, it was KTTS-TV. In the early 1970s, the station adopted the name KOLR, and today it is known by viewers as ``COLOR Ten.'' Owner Harry Cooper, Sr. located the studios of KTTS-TV at the corner of Jefferson and Walnut Streets in Springfield, Missouri, in a large white house that was also home to the radio station that he owned. It was soon apparent that the TV station needed more room, so in 1959 the TV station moved into expanded facilities on its transmitter site in east Springfield. The growing CBS affiliate has served the Ozarks from 2650 East Division Street ever since. Years later, a new 2,000 foot tower and transmitter facility were built in Fordland, Missouri. KOLR was the first television station in the Ozarks to broadcast ``in living color'' and was first in the Ozarks to add stereo broadcasting in 1986. In 1999, KOLR 10 began sharing services with FOX affiliate Channel 27. In its record of pioneering breakthroughs, KOLR 10 introduced the area's first full time ``Weather Lab'' in 2000 with the region's first Live Doppler Radar staffed by a team of three meteorologists. In the golden age of television, KOLR was the venue for another generation to see Elvis and the Beatles on the ``Ed Sullivan Show,'' the weekly comedy of Red Skelton, Jackie Gleason and Jack Benny, and the dramas of ``Gunsmoke'' and ``Perry Mason.'' Channel 10 has been number one in primetime for many years and is currently home to such Ozarks favorites as ``Survivor,'' ``60-Minutes'' and ``C.S.l.'' and many other programs. The CBS Television Network has recognized KOLR 10 as one of the highest rated CBS-affiliated TV stations in the nation. KOLR has also been a source of information and news on the region and the world. KOLR has brought Ed Murrow, Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather into the homes and businesses of the 33 Missouri and Arkansas counties it serves. Because of KOLR's commitment to local news, it has been the recipient of a number of awards for reporting and public service excellence. KOLR has given its viewers a window into the growth and development of the Ozarks demonstrating that the region is a good place to work, raise a family and enjoy countless leisure opportunities. The television viewers in Southwest Missouri and I express our gratitude to KOLR 10 for its 50 years of service and dedication to the Ozarks.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the commendable work of the Students in Free Enterprise or SIFE. This international nonprofit organization, headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, was highlighted in a Wall Street Journal article on January 14, 2003, by Carol Hymowitz titled, ``Independent Program Puts College Students On Leadership Paths.'' SIFE has been championing our free market system and changing the outlook of promising young business professionals and entrepreneurs for nearly a quarter century. Missouri's 7th Congressional District is not only the home of Drury University, 2001 National SIFE Champion, but eight other preeminent SIFE chapters. As a former university president and teacher, I have seen firsthand the practical work experience and self confidence collegians gain from SIFE's leadership training and business competitions. These regional, national and international peer contests simulate the competitive nature of today's business environment while creating a risk-free learning atmosphere for the students. SIFE teaches college students that they have the potential to change the world. In today's global economy, it is no wonder more than 500 schools overseas have Joined the 797 SIFE chapters nationwide. As the Journal article detailed, SIFE allows students to put their untested business skills through rigorous opportunities like teaching school children about business concepts and going overseas to teach remote villages about the prosperity of free enterprise. In keeping with the goal of acclimating students to the real business world, the SIFE chapter at my own alma mater, Southwest Baptist University, has held events such as resume workshops, financial planning seminars and mentoring programs. More than two decades ago, ``March Mania'' was created to teach public school children about free enterprise. SIFE team members teach the students lessons about supply and demand, international trade and consumer behavior. These experiences, coupled with the business competitions and training opportunities, not only teach young adults necessary business principles, but also demonstrate the importance of mentoring the next generation of business professionals. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud of the investment SIFE continues to make in young people, and I'm proud they Join me in calling Missouri's 7th Congressional District home.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 included provisions related to vaccine injuries that have been misunderstood and misconstrued. I believed then and now that these provisions are good public policy: they clarify that vaccine injury claims involving vaccine ingredients, such as preservatives, are subject to the same no- fault compensation system as other vaccine-related injuries established by the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986. The alternative is needless, time consuming, and expensive litigation that is not in the best interests of those who believe they have been injured. Congress established the Vaccine Program in 1986 for two reasons. The first was to provide definite, speedy, and generous compensation for those who suffer from vaccine-related injuries. The second was to address litigation and insurance costs that were spiraling out of control, which forced current manufacturers to leave the industry and discouraging others from developing important lifesaving vaccines. Now, of all times, is not the moment to allow the Vaccine Program to be dismantled. When our enemies are engaged and determined to develop and expand their supply of chemical weapons, when we continue to face a terrorists threat at home, and when more and more of our troops are stationed oversees, we need effective vaccine production. We cannot afford to slow research and development, or experience a critical shortage of vaccines. But this is precisely what is occurring today. Personal injury lawyers, who would like the larger fee that they might receive through litigation, are chipping away at the Vaccine Act in our Nation's courtrooms. They are trying to distinguish injuries allegedly related to ingredients contained in vaccines, such as preservatives, from the vaccine itself, in order to escape the no-fault system. The courts have done a good job at rejecting these attempts. The provisions in the Homeland Security Act simply sought to codify these decisions, preserve the intent of Congress in establishing the Vaccine Program, and ensure that the injured receive speedy and fair compensation. I continue to support the vaccine ingredient provisions in the Homeland Security Act. I understand the provisions are being repealed without prejudice and not because of the substance. I am confident that these provisions will proceed through the House and be enacted. By reenacting the provisions, I believe Congress will address the issue in a manner that ensures the broad availability of vaccines for the American people.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for recognizing me and him and the gentlewoman for introducing this resolution. Just a week ago, America remembered the anniversary of the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger and its crew as it headed toward orbit. This week America is grieving the loss and praying for the families of the seven-person crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia which was destroyed suddenly and unexpectedly as it headed back to Earth. America's manned space program has used science, technology and experience to reduce the risk of space travel. Exploring space and space travel have never been risk free, but they have given us the ability to keep improving things on Earth, as well as to keep improving the program itself. We learned when three Apollo I crew members perished in January of 1967 in a fire during a test that the use of purified oxygen in a space craft's cabin was hazardous. We made improvements. We learned when seven astronauts were killed in January of 1986 when the Challenger broke apart during launch that there were design flaws with the O-ring system in the booster rockets. We made improvements. Whatever we learn from last Saturday's tragedy will push our space program further than it has been before and make it safer than it has been before. We will soon see an international space station built and completed. America has led the way, pushing the limits of space and for people that were Earthbound a little more than a century ago. The pursuit of space with an international coalition was reflected in the brave crew that perished on Saturday. Kalpana Chawla told Mission Control how beautiful the Earth looked from miles above as she summoned the crew to the shuttle window. Chawla logged more than 376 hours in space. Colonel Ilan Ramon, as the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) just mentioned, was the son of a Holocaust survivor, Israel's first space traveler. He spoke about the quiet of space and was quoted saying, ``I only hope that the quiet can one day spread to my country.'' Ramon was selected as a payload specialist by the Israeli Air Force and approved by NASA in 1998. He reported for training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston in July 1998 and was making his first space flight. Navy flight surgeon Laurel Clark liked to say, ``Life continues in a lot of places.'' She was selected by NASA in 1996. It was her first space flight. Air Force colonel Rick Husband, the shuttle commander, loved the hymn ``How Great Thou Art,'' which includes the phrase, ``I see the stars. I hear the mighty thunder. Thy power throughout the universe displayed.'' Selected in 1994, Husband logged more than 235 hours in space. As a boy, Navy flight surgeon David Brown thought of astronauts as movie stars and grew up to be a physician, an aviator who could land on the deck of a carrier in the middle of the night. Later, he became a shuttle astronaut. Columbia pilot William McCool was a former Eagle Scout and test pilot. He was in space his first time. Payload commander Michael Anderson said recently to his pastor, If this thing does not come out right, do not worry about me; I am going on to a higher place. Commander Anderson has told people he could not recall a time when he did not want to be an astronaut. Congress will be asking questions and will provide oversight in an attempt to understand the loss of Columbia and its crew. The goal is to further reduce the risk for future shuttle flights. May the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia be with God and may God be with those they have left behind.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman will yield further, I agree totally with the gentleman. I think it became clear during the further discussion of the bill that we sent to the other body and during the conference that we needed to deal with this question of judges as well, and certainly would believe that that would follow any legislation that passed that did not include these judges.

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

Mr. BLUNT. The gentleman makes a good point. Because of the passage of the legislation, I think we would need to add the judges as the legislation did that came back from the conference committee. I think that was a wise addition, and the gentleman certainly has my commitment, and I believe the commitment of the majority of our colleagues, would be my thought, that we would follow up with the sections of this bill that relate to judges, assuming that the bill is passed in the other body.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I make a point of order under clause 9 of rule XXII that the conference report includes matter outside the scope of the differences between the two Houses that were committed to the conference committee for resolution. I specifically cite section 331 of the conference report which is described in the joint explanatory statement of the managers as having no counterpart in either the House bill or the Senate amendment.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. I thank the gentleman for that clarification.

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the majority leader for his kind comments and for yielding me the time. I would like to engage in a short discussion with Chairman Young on two issues which are very important to me and I feel need some clarification. This relates to the training of pilots to carry firearms in the cockpit of our commercial airlines and to the training of cabin crew members in self-defense methods. As the House knows, these provisions were included in this bill; and I feel they are important provisions. However, I want to make clear in my own mind and in the record that these programs are not intended to be a new cost factor for the Federal Government or for our economically challenged airline industry. I understand they are voluntary. Just as our Constitution protects the rights of all citizens to own firearms for self- protection, we have provided the ability for airline pilots to voluntarily request that they be allowed to carry firearms for the protection of their passengers and crew while performing their duties in flight and other cabin crew to be trained in self-defense methods if they choose to do so. Nevertheless, I want to make sure the following is completely clear: One, the Federal Government and air carriers are not obligated to compensate a pilot or cabin crew member for participating in any training program, qualification or requalification to carry a firearm or to train in self-defense. Again, the word there is ``obligated.'' It does not mean that they cannot do it at the airline level, but they are not obligated to do it. And, number two, these training programs cannot be an excuse or reason to disrupt or otherwise interfere with any carrier's scheduled service. Therefore, an air carrier will certainly not be required to disrupt its scheduled service to accommodate a flight crew member's training after that crew member has already been scheduled for duty. These sections are not intended to cause further operational burdens on the airline industry. I just want to be sure in my own mind in this discussion with Chairman Young that I understand what this does in a proper way.

Mr. BLUNT. I yield to the gentleman from Alaska.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, traveling by limousine is increasingly popular among business travelers who appreciate the security and predictability that come with pre-arranged limousine and sedan service. Women are increasingly turning to these services because they provide a measure of safety and security that is not always found by hailing a cab in a strange city. A substantial portion of their service occurs interstate. Limousine and other prearranged ground transportation service providers are frequently assessed registration and licensing fees by these other states. Enforcement of these requirements, including vehicle impoundment and heavy fines, has caused tremendous hardship to drivers and owners of these businesses, many of which are small, single vehicle operations, over 80 percent, are 1- to 3-car operators grossing less than $500,000 a year. H.R. 2546 rectifies this burden. It prohibits states other than a home licensing state from enacting or enforcing a law requiring a fee or some other payment requirements on vehicles that provide prearranged ground transportation service. H.R. 2546 prohibits States or localities from restricting limousine or sedan services if: (1) the service is registered with the Department of Transportation as an interstate carrier; (2) the company meets all the requirements of the state in which they are domicile or do business; and (3) the limousine or sedan service is engaged in providing pre-arranged transportation from one state to another, including round trips.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Convoy of Hope being organized in Springfield, MO on October 26, National Make-A- Difference Day. Volunteers make a difference in the quality of a nation and how we treat the less fortunate. A great number of community services rely on volunteers. Volunteers come from all walks of life and often have the skills and experiences of a lifetime of work that make them invaluable resources and problem solvers. On October 26, the Convoy of Hope will bring 1,000 volunteers together to honor 5,000 guests--the working poor and the needy. These guests will receive a hot lunch, medical and dental screenings at a health carnival, a KiddsZone carnival, free haircuts, services from state and local agencies, and job search activities. This is an effort by dozens of local churches to reach out to the poor and needy and raise awareness of local needs in our communities. The goal is to improve the quality of life for the less fortunate and to share a message of spiritual faith and hope. These churches in Springfield, Missouri share the same goal as the U.S. Congress. In the last five decades, Congress has created and expanded and re-created dozens of programs to help the less fortunate. In contrast, the churches and faith-based organizations of our nation have an even longer history and a greater number of success stories to tell about these compassionate endeavors. These organizations also seem to accomplish their goals more efficiently and with less cost than many programs created by the Congress. The Convoy of Hope will touch the lives of thousands of volunteers and guests on October 26, 2002 and unite them in a meaningful expression meant to change lives not only for that day but for days to come. I wish them great success in this undertaking.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I stand before this body to honor an institution and its leader who have championed our free enterprise system for two decades. Students in Free Enterprise is a nonprofit education corporation whose mission is to work in partnership with businesses and institutions of higher education to provide university students the opportunity to understand and achieve success in a business world open to individual enterprise. Students are guided through the development of leadership, teamwork and communication skills by learning, practicing and teaching the principles of free enterprise. For the last 20 years, Dr. Alvin Rohrs has served as President and CEO of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). His tireless work has seen an international expansion of SRFE from 18 to 31 countries. Its classes, which teach of the principles of market economics, entrepreneurship, business ethics and personal financial success, are in 1,200 schools of higher learning worldwide. SIFE proponents and students hold annual international competitions that emphasize the strengths and positive societal contributions of the free enterprise System. The free enterprise system reaches its zenith when it is coupled with individual liberties. Its principles resonate with many people who believe in the idea that hard work, free markets, and democracy lead to prosperity and social responsibility. More than 170 of America's business executives from some of the world's largest companies are members of the SIFE board. Alvin Rohrs' commitment to free enterprise has been unwavering. Prior to his work with SIFE, Rohrs served as the Director of the Gene Taylor National Free Enterprise Center at his alma mater, Southwest Baptist University. He came to SIFE in 1983, a year after receiving his Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri Columbia School of Law, where he graduated with full honors in the top ten percent of his class. Dr. Rohrs has received the National Charity Award twice, honoring his leadership in SIFE. He has also received the National Entrepreneur of the Year Award for ``Supporter of Entrepreneurship.'' Active in community service and church work, Rohrs is a member of the Missouri Bar Association and serves as a member and Deacon at First Baptist Church in Bolivar, Missouri. He resides in Bolivar with his wife, Bolivar Municipal Court Judge Elizabeth Rohrs and their two children. We wish him and Students in Free Enterprise continued success in spreading the gospel of free enterprise and entrepreneurism, on which our American way of life is founded.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise with some concern in my opposition to this resolution, because I have such high regard for my friend, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), who just spoke in favor of the resolution. But I have read the resolution carefully, and I think this is a step backward in all of our actions. It really restricts, rather than broadens, the use of force against Iraq that already is authorized under current law. Section 3 is even narrower than Public Law 102-1, which already authorizes the United States to use force to restore international peace and security. We are already authorized to stop Iraq from supporting terrorism. We are already authorized to prevent Iraq from threatening its neighbors. We have already authorized the United States to protect Iraq's own civilian population. I believe you can read this resolution clearly. All of those things would no longer be authorized. I think you cannot even continue to enforce the no-fly zone under this resolution. Section 3 would require the United States to wait for the United Nations Security Council to act before the President could take action to protect our national security interests against the dangers of weapons of mass destruction posed by Iraq. Even the United Nations Security Council approval of section 3 would not authorize the United States to act. We would have to have United Nations action, and then we would have to have a second vote in this Congress. The vote in the Congress is restricted by the substitute. This is a step backward. It sends a muddy signal about our resolve. It completely replaces the Gephardt-Hastert resolution that is before us, and really postpones a critical question to another day. We have put this question off too long already. This resolution asks us to put it off yet longer. I encourage my colleagues to join me in rejecting this Spratt substitute resolution and moving forward to pass the Hastert-Gephardt resolution later today.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, Aflatoxin, a biological weapon that has no battlefield use, something I only recently read about, as it has become apparent that this weapon has been designed and put on missiles able to be delivered by Saddam Hussein, no battlefield use, no military advantage. Somebody has written it could keep a lieutenant from becoming a general, but otherwise has no effect on the battlefield that day. It is designed to end life, it is designed to end life in a slow and painful way. The greatest target of aflatoxin are children, children who, many of whom, would eventually die from liver cancer if this particular weapon is used. In so many ways it sums up Saddam Hussein. Other countries have developed weapons of mass destruction, but only one person in charge of a government today has ever used these weapons. He has used them against his own people. He has used them against a neighboring country. Saddam has stepped beyond the bounds of civilized nations. I am convinced, Mr. Speaker, that the President will use the authority of this resolution after exhausting all reasonable alternatives. For too long, Saddam Hussein has terrorized his own people. For too long, Saddam Hussein has encouraged international terrorism. For too long, Saddam Hussein has defied the international community. For too long, Saddam Hussein has ignored his agreements with other nations and with the United Nations. The United States did not seek the decision we have before us today. It was forced on us by a discredited dictator and the cowardly forces of terrorism he encourages. Our leadership today will encourage the international community. The United Nations was created specifically to deal with this type of situation, this kind of aberration among civilized nations. Hopefully, the United Nations will act and act soon. In any case, we must show our willingness to enforce the standards of civilized nations on this dictator. We will be joined by many immediately and others as we demonstrate our commitment to the cause of freedom. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, a decision we all come to reluctantly but necessarily as we maintain and understand our position of leadership in the world.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ken Meyer, a Southwest Missourian who has championed his alma mater, volunteered his leadership to worthy causes and has entertained and informed the region via radio. Though his voice is not on the radio, his stations have been a long-trusted source of information about government, politics, business and sports for more than four decades. Ken and Jane Meyer have had a passion for radio, Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU) and each other. Their marriage partnership began in 1959. This partnership has paid great dividends to SMSU, and the success of their radio properties has enriched the lives of countless people in our region. Sadly, Jane passed away earlier this year. Ken Meyer graduated from what is now Southwest Missouri State University in 1950 after serving two years in the military at the end of World War II. Mt. Vernon High School graduates, Ken and Jane got into the radio broadcasting business when KTXR–FM went on the air in 1962. It was a gamble in the early 60s. FM radio was new and there were few receivers. AM radio ruled the air waves then, but the Meyers were in the vanguard of change. By the 1980's FM radio had established its dominance. Today, Meyer Broadcasting has stations in four markets, but the flagship station remains in Springfield. Ken and Jane made their broadcasting stations a great success. With the “Gentle Giant” as they dubbed KTXR, Ken and Jane developed close ties with their listeners by broadcasting St. Louis Cardinal's baseball, big band hits and easy listening music. Ken also uses his radio power to promote SMSU. For example, his radio stations became some of the first to regularly broadcast women's college basketball, along with the men's schedule. The Meyers have shared their good fortune with charitable groups and with SMSU, which named Ken their “Outstanding Alumni” in 1985. The Meyers have established endowments for academic and athletic scholarships. They are givers to capital projects on the campus including the David Glass Hall, Juanita Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, the Wehr Band Hall, and the Robert Plaster Sports Complex. Earlier this year, the Kenneth E. and Jane A. Meyer Foundation provided funding for a carillon that was added to an expansion of the university's library. Dedicated in the name of Jane Meyer, the 48-bell (four octaves) musical instrument sits atop a 140 foot tall bell tower on the campus. Ken continues to give of his time to important personal priorities. He has served on the Blue Cross-Blue Shield of St. Louis Board for 15 years and has been a longtime member of the Board of Trustees for Westminster College. He also established a foundation at Covenant Presbyterian Church where he is a long time member. He has served on the Cox Health System Board of Directors, was a founder of the First City National Bank and was a Regent at Southwest Baptist University. Ken's philosophy may be best captured in a Vince Lombardi poster that declares “Winning is a habit.” Ken Meyer has certainly lived a life as a champion of causes. He may be the most enthusiastic supporter that Southwest Missouri State University has ever had. On the occasion of Ken's 75th birthday on October 14, I wish to thank him for his untiring work for the community and alma mater; thank him for the beautiful music originating from the Jane Meyer Carillon; and thank him for bringing dependable information and entertainment to his countless listeners.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, in response to my friend, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), I would like to say that on the list of things she mentioned, the House of Representatives passed virtually all of that legislation, sent it to the Senate. We would like to see it come back and would like to take final action on it and hope that the conference reports on defense and military construction and other conference reports would produce some of that work next week. In terms of Iraq, there is hard work on a bipartisan bicameral basis to get a resolution that I personally would be pleased to see come to the House next week, but we are working hard to have a resolution that has broad agreement to deal with this very important question.

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, at the gentlewoman's request, I am told it will be on suspension on Tuesday, and I look forward to seeing that bill come to the floor as well.

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I am pleased to announce that the House has completed its legislative business for the week. The House will next meet for legislative business on Tuesday, October 1 at 10:30 a.m. for morning hour and 12 o'clock noon for legislative business. The majority leader will schedule a number of measures under suspension of the rules, a list of which will be distributed to the Members' offices tomorrow. Recorded votes on Tuesday will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. For Wednesday and the balance of the week, the majority leader has scheduled the following measures for consideration in the House: H. Res. 559, a House resolution on expedited special elections; H. Res. 543, expressing the sense of the House that Congress should complete action on H.R. 4019, making marriage penalty tax relief permanent; a continuing resolutions; and S. 2690, the Pledge of Allegiance Reaffirmation Act; and Conferees are also working hard to complete work on the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act conference report. It is our hope that the conference report will be available for consideration in the House next week as well. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 2 p.m. on Monday next.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns on Monday, September 30, 2002, it adjourn to meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1, for morning hour debates.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary may have until midnight on Monday, September 30, 2002, to file a report to accompany H.R. 4561.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary may have until midnight on Monday, September 30, 2002, to file a report to accompany H.R. 4125.

Mr. BLUNT

Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure may have until midnight on Monday, September 30, 2002, to file a report to accompany H.R. 5428.