Sherry Boehlert

Mr. BOEHLERT

Mr. BOEHLERT. The request from the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller) was that 10 minutes of his time, Mr. Miller's time, be controlled by this Member. Is that correct?

Mr. BOEHLERT. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the rule, but in opposition to the bill. It is a perfectly fine rule for a fatally flawed bill. I had hoped not to be standing here today. I had hoped the Committee on Resources would pull together a noncontroversial bill, one that would be signable, that actually had a chance to become law. That result was encouraged before the bill was even introduced and there was an offer to negotiate. Indeed, discussions did take place for 4 days last week. But the Committee on Resources opened those negotiations by listing the items that they considered nonnegotiable, and they were some of the worst provisions of the bill. That is not a very promising way to start negotiations. But we still tried to work out issues concerning forestry, Bureau of Reclamation projects, and the rules governing wilderness areas. Unfortunately, none of these issues was fully resolved. We did reach a compromise on one provision, procedures for a NEPA waiver for certain forests. In short, the bill and the manager's amendment do not address my concerns or the concerns of so many of my colleagues. If my colleagues have heard otherwise, they have been misled. So, I urge my colleagues to support the rule, but oppose the bill; a bill that could have been negotiated, a bill that could have been noncontroversial, a bill that could have helped Americans all around the country, but a bill that instead is opposed by every environmental group. It is opposed by the Taxpayers for Common Sense, it is opposed by the administration, it is a bill that is going nowhere, regardless of what happens here today. The majority of this bill could have been passed on the suspension calendar if the temptation had been resisted to deal with controversial matters that have never been the subject of full and open hearings. I have no objection to the rule. It is a tribute to my friend and good chairman, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Solomon). But I urge defeat of the bill.

Mr. BOEHLERT. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to once again reinforce my opposition to this measure. And it is too bad that it has worked out this way, because it could have been worked out in such a way that this bill would have passed unanimously in the House of Representatives. Ninety percent of the provisions in this bill are good provisions and could pass on the suspension calendar, which is reserved for noncontroversial items. But 10 percent of the bill, 10 percent of the bill, is not good. It is bad public policy. I would suggest to my colleagues that anyone who wants to do good would not prescribe a solution, a potion, 90 percent penicillin laced with 10 percent arsenic. Let us recap what this bill would do. This bill would remove areas from wilderness protection. It would set new weaker guidelines for wilderness protection. It would waive normal environmental reviews for a road across world famous salmon streams. It would create new barriers to the creation of discovery trails. It would create new incentives to cut trees in national forests. And it would transfer Federal property in a manner that endangers the environment and cheats taxpayers. Now, this is not just my view. This is not just the view of many of us in this chamber. This is the view of a whole wide range of organizations. Let me point out, first of all, that the opposition is led by the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller) and this Member from New York, from coast to coast. But this is region specific, too. For example, the opposition comes from the Alaska Rainforest Campaign and from the Alaska Wilderness League. The opposition comes from the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and from the Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs. If that is not enough, these region specific organizations, such national organizations as Friends of the Earth, the Isaac Walton League, the National Environment Trust, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the National Audubon Society all strongly oppose this legislation, and with good reason. It does harm to the environment. Now, we want a bill that would be signable, a bill that actually has an opportunity to become law. Let me point out that one of the previous speakers, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan), rightly enumerated a number of measures in this bill that he supports and, quite frankly, we all support them. They are noncontroversial. They were passed by the Senate, as he so properly suggested. They would be passed in this bill if they were presented to us separate from all the controversial provisions that have been added on. This is an effort that is unfortunate, but the fact of the matter is we have to stand up here and register our strongest opposition, not just with all the environmental groups, not just with the Taxpayers for Common Sense, but with those who are offended by the process, a process that says a 450 or so page bill can be introduced and 3 weeks later, without the benefit of full committee hearings, without the benefit even of subcommittee hearings on some of the more controversial provisions are presented to the people's House in the closing days of a session for consideration. That is a process, quite honestly, that offends many of us here, whether we are for or against the individual bill. We want thorough deliberation. We want open and public hearings. We want a chance for the people's House to examine all of the various provisions. So for all of the above reasons, I rise in strong opposition to this measure and point out that the amendment to be offered by the chairman will not correct those deficiencies.

Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Chairman, I have no objection to this amendment which does make some real improvements in the bill. But I would simply point out that the amendment does not fix the fundamental problems with the bill which I have already outlined several times today, and others have done the same. Let me emphasize that this amendment, despite what Members may have heard or seen reported, does not take care of the objections that the environmentalists and the administration had with this bill. It does not incorporate, as has been suggested, most of what I and other moderates were seeking in negotiations. It does not touch the most troubling parts of this bill. So while I appreciate and support the amendment by the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), I would urge my colleagues not to fall into thinking that it makes the bill acceptable. Far from it. I continue to urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Mr. BOEHLERT. I yield to the gentleman from Utah.

Mr. BOEHLERT. I will be glad to. I will share once again what I have shared with the gentleman many times before, with members of his staff, a whole list of objections.

Mr. BOEHLERT. Parliamentary inquiry, Madam Chairman. May I get a clarification?

Mr. BOEHLERT. Madam Chairman, I yield myself 30 seconds to point out to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Alaska, that some of those calls I have received are long distance from Alaska from people up there who are vitally concerned for the environment. Secondly, I would point out that I hope we do have good memories. Thirty-five Republicans voted on that Chugach measure. We had the Black Caucus which initially supported the position of the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), but upon serious reflection have issued a statement that they are opposed to it. Madam Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Greenwood).

Mr. BOEHLERT. Madam Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle), the former Governor.

Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Chairman, how much time is remaining?

Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOEHLERT. I will be glad to share this with my distinguished chairman.

Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Coburn). (Mr. COBURN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOEHLERT

Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, it is important that our colleagues and the American people understand that intelligence, as distasteful as it sometimes may seem, is critical to the very survival of our Nation and our way of life. This conference report focuses on those programs that provide the best possibility of success for our Nation's first line of defense: its intelligence community. Specifically, this report puts a great deal of emphasis on the future. We made some very difficult choices to cut funding for some legacy programs so that we could add funding for critical technologies and research and development necessary to ensure future capabilities. The ability of our laboratories and scientists to develop new techniques and ``leap-ahead'' technologies is critical for our intelligence community to stay ahead of the threats that our country faces. This report is about the wise and prudent funding and oversight of those intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination functions necessary to ensure the security of our Nation, its interests and its citizens around the world, now and into the future. So I urge my colleagues to stand with our chairman and ranking member and support the report. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to add to the remarks of my colleagues and say farewell to the two distinguished gentlemen, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks), both of whom are leaving this committee this year. They have been great mentors for me, with respect to many intelligence issues, and they remain great friends. Also, to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Skaggs) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Harman), who are leaving not only the committee but the Congress, I join with the other Members in wishing them well in all of their future endeavors and thanking them most sincerely for their very distinguished service not only in this committee but in the Congress of the United States.

Mr. BOEHLERT

Mr. BOEHLERT. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Speaker, the gentleman is exactly right, and I was one of the great fans cheering him on when he pitched that perfect game. And my colleague from Arkansas neglected to mention another great Hall of Famer from his home State. Arky Vaughn. The fact of the matter is, one of the reasons why this settlement was delayed was the genuine concern for the future of minor league baseball. Because when all is said and done, while we are all thrilled by America's pastime, most people have to watch it on television. But across America, 35 million fans are going to the ball parks to see minor league baseball, in places like Syracuse, New York, and Utica, New York, and all over America. In Toledo, Ohio, the Mudhens. Who can forget them. It is indeed America's pastime. The great concern that all of us had was the preservation of minor league baseball. I am pleased to report to my colleagues that the minor league baseball officials have worked cooperatively and they do endorse this package. It is good for baseball at all levels.

Mr. BOEHLERT. I yield to the gentleman from Illinois.

Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this conference report. I do so in my capacity as chairman of the Minor League Baseball Caucus. The common thread that unites all of us in this caucus is our love for America's pastime. I am a little bit disappointed that the two gentlemen that preceded me in the well, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Bunning), who is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, when he talked about the great year of 1998, I am surprised that he, a great Hall of Fame pitcher, did not mention that David Wells pitched a perfect game for the New York Yankees. The gentleman from Kentucky knows more than most that good pitching beats good hitting all the time.

Mr. BOEHLERT

Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a special pleasure for me to be here in this well to talk about a man with whom I have had some of my fiercest battles with in my service in these 16 years in the Congress and some of the most pleasant satisfying victories. I know of no individual who is a better friend of the veteran, of the farmer, of the working men and women in America than Jerry Solomon. He will be missed for all the right reasons. He is as conservative as any Member of this House; but underneath that hard veneer, he has got a heart as big as all outdoors. There are a lot of people who have benefited from the service of Jerry Solomon in the Congress of the United States. So it is a privilege for me to be here in this well saluting this very distinguished American.

Mr. BOEHLERT

Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, a previous speaker talked about a hostile takeover with negative impact. I would like to talk about a hostile takeover with a very positive impact. Yesterday the New York Yankees won their 114th game, to set an all- time record for an American League club. In addition to that, Bernie Williams won the American League batting championship with a .339 average. In addition to that, David Cone, after 10 years without winning 20 games, won his 20th game. In addition to that, the wonder boy, Shane Spencer, who came up from the minor leagues and captivated the hearts of all America, he has more home runs per game at bat ratio than Mark McGuire. He got number 10 yesterday, his third grand slam in 9 days. Joe Torre, that magnificent manager, brought them all together under the leadership of George Steinbrenner. All America is smiling today. Mark McGuire has his 70 home runs, the New York Yankees are the American League all-time champion, and I invite all the Members to come witness what baseball has to offer America in Cooperstown, New York, that mecca of baseball. Come see it.

Mr. BOEHLERT

Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the pending amendment and in support of the base bill, which provides tax relief to virtually every American while saving social security. This is the moderate's moment. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Taxpayer Relief Act and in opposition to the substitute offered by Mr. Rangel. This bill will provide targeted, responsible tax relief to middle- income families. This bill will strengthen our economy. And this bill will remedy problems with the current tax code that have been talked about for years, but have never before been addressed. The bill would correct the marriage penalty, which perversely creates a disincentive for couples to marry. It would exempt more interest and dividends from taxation, increasing the funds available for investment. It would allow more people to deduct the cost of their health insurance, reducing the number of Americans who lack coverage. It will allow seniors on Social Security to earn more income. It will create new incentives to save for education. It will exempt more inheritances from estate taxes. It will help farmers stabilize their tax payments so the government does not exacerbate the ups and downs of farm income. It will increase the number of families who can deduct education and child care expenses. And it will extend a number of credits for business, such as the research and development tax credit, that would otherwise expire. In short, virtually every American taxpayer will feel the benefits of this $80 billion tax cut bill both directly--in the form of lower tax bills--and indirectly--through the benefits to the overall economy. In fact, this is such a good tax bill that there's no disagreement over its tax provisions. The Democrat's substitute contains each and every tax cut provision that we Republicans have proposed. But the Democrats claim that we can't afford these cuts and that we are endangering Social Security. This is politics pure and simple. Just yesterday, we voted to place 90 percent of the budget surplus-- 90 percent!--in a separate account dedicated to Social Security. This unprecedented action will reserve more than enough to cover our debts to the Social Security--and in so doing will pay down our national debt. Thanks to the strong economy, thanks to the Balanced Budget Act agreement, the surplus will be large enough to be used for more than one purpose without threatening Social Security. ``Save Social Security first'' is good advice--and we have followed it. ``Save Social Security only'' is bad advice; it's political advice; it assumes a false sense of impoverishment that will deprive taxpayers and the economy of a needed and affordable boost. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4579 and provide responsible tax relief.

Mr. BOEHLERT

Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, 1998 is the Year of the Ocean. We have heard that mentioned several times. So, it is only fitting and proper that we focus on the ocean this year. And in doing so, I would like to commend the gentleman from New Jersey (Chairman Saxton) for the outstanding leadership he has provided. He is there every step of the way. It is his inspiration, his innovation that has gotten us to this juncture today. But, Mr. Speaker, he has not done it alone. The gentleman from California (Mr. Farr), the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Bilbray) have all been very active participants in this process. I think this is very important legislation. We sometimes think that if it is not a major bill providing trillions of dollars of expenditures and a lot of controversy, it is not all that important. Let me suggest that this is very important. Two-thirds of the world's surface is covered by water, and we have to deal with that water. I was glad to hear the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr), give that recitation of all those things that people did not know about this year; that in 1998, nobody knew that Titanic would get the Oscar. I think that people are properly focusing on the ocean and I think a commission to study the issue and make recommendations to all of us for further action is something that is very right and very proper. Mr. Speaker, I am here as a colleague who was watching this debate, colloquy more than a debate, in my office and said what they are doing over there is very important and I want to say that to them. I want to express to the gentleman from New Jersey (Chairman Saxton) and to the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr) and the others who have been involved, ``Thank you for what you are doing. I am proud of you.'' Mr. Speaker, this is the type of work that day in and day out the House of Representatives is very actively engaged in. It is very important, not just for now but for future generations.

Mr. BOEHLERT

Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding to me, and I thank both of my colleagues and all of my colleagues who are today here paying tribute to Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. All the sporting world knows that they are truly all-stars when they get on the ball field and they hit that ball. But I would suggest to everyone, as we are looking for role models, you could not have two better role models than Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. They are all-stars off the field as well. I would suggest that all of my colleagues read an inspiring story that appears in today's New York Times, written by Bill Dedman. It is the story of Sammy Sosa. Just let me read one quote, because it just says so much about the man. Sammy says ``I don't want to get a big head. I was raised religious, and I'm scared what would happen to me if I did that.'' That is a quote from Sammy Sosa. It is a wonderful story. Now, let me tell you, first of all, both of these gentlemen are already represented in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. That is the shrine and mecca for baseball. For those of you who want to go to Cooperstown, and I encourage all of you to do so, take 270 north, and you go to Route 15--no, I will not give you the whole route today. But I will tell you that, in that beautiful magnificent village of Cooperstown, New York, two very distinguished, very accomplished athletes, two great citizens, fine, decent, caring, sharing individuals are already represented. So I would encourage those who cannot get out to see Mark McGwire or Sammy Sosa play at the ball field. The season is almost over, some of us are hoping that the Cubs will really make it to the play-offs, and I know my distinguished colleague in the well will address that subject shortly. Forevermore these fine gentlemen will be represented in the shrine of baseball in Cooperstown, New York, and I would encourage people to visit that magnificent facility and see for themselves. Once again, let me stress that I am a baseball nut, self-proclaimed. I confess it. I am addicted to baseball. It is a wonderful way for my wife and I to sit and relax in the evening, a big bowl of popcorn and some soda and we sit and watch the game, and my Yankees are doing just fine this year, thank you, and I am excited about that. I have to admit, in two instances recently I had tears to my eyes. One, when I saw Mark McGwire, and then after he hit the home run one of the things that happened that was so moving, Sammy ran in from the outfield, they hugged and they embraced, two great gentlemen. Then when I heard that Sammy Sosa had hit two dingers to catch up with Mark McGwire, I did not even see it, I just heard about it, and it moved me because I have such a passionate feeling about the game and what it means to this great country, but I am so excited because of the great accomplishment of these two fine gentlemen. So I am pleased to be able to be here and share in this tribute. I thank those who have advanced it. I encourage all of my friends here in this chamber and all around the world to pay proper recognition to Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. Please come visit the shrine of all American baseball in Cooperstown, New York. The article that was referred to previously is as follows: The Man Who Would Be McGwire his rival is `the man,' but sosa may be the home run champ (By Bill Dedman) Chicago, Sept. 14--Relaxing at home in his 55th-floor condominium before a game, Sammy Sosa is the same as at the ball park: focused by funny, exuberant but reserved. He is in a strange country, conversing in two languages, but his every movement displays a combination of confidence and humility. He does not want to talk about his wealth, or his charity, or even to appear to be restraining the impulse. ``I don't want to get a big head,'' he says. ``I was raised religious, and I'm scared what would happen to me if I did that.'' Staying humble just got harder, as Sosa's glorious weekend put him dead even in the chase for the most glamorous record in sports: most home runs in a single season. After the record had been all but conceded to Mark McGwire of St. Louis, Sosa's four home runs in three days tied him with McGwire. As Sosa's Cubs begin a series tonight in San Diego and McGwire's Cardinals played at home against Pittsburgh, each had hit 62 home runs in 150 games. (McGwire had two singles but no homers in four at-bats tonight.) Two weeks remain in the season. ``I'm rooting for Mark McGwire,'' Sosa said last week. ``I look up to him the way a son does to a father. I look at him, the way he hits, the way he acts, and I see the person and the player I want to be. I'm the man in the Dominican Republic. He's the man in the United States. That's the way it should be.'' Sammy Sosa grew up without a father in the back of a converted public hospital in San Pedro de Macoris, a dusty seaside town in the Dominican Republic. His father, Juan Montero, died when Sosa was 5. Sosa shared two bedrooms with his mother, four brothers and two sisters. To help out, he shined shoes for two pesos. Now, at age 29, Sosa has a four-year, $42.5 million contract. Besides the condo, he has two other homes and was able to give his mother, Mireya, a house for Mother's Day. But ask him about his wealth, and he will find an excuse to leave the room. If prodded to name the favorite of all his automobiles, he will allow, ``Probably the Rolls,'' and change the subject. In Chicago last week, Sosa entertained guests before a night game at Wrigley Field. Wearing Versace jeans instead of Cubs pinstripes, he offered a glass of white wine and a tour of his condo--really four condos combined into one--in a tower rising above Navy Pier. In the den, where the windows reveal Lake Michigan, Sosa's two agents occupied the sofa, eating shrimp and fielding offers for an advertising deal in Japan. In the dining room, decorated with a wrap-around view of the Loop skyline, his wife, Sonia, was setting out the good china for a lunch with friends. Their 5-year-old daughter, Keisha, was at school, and the three younger children were finishing their naps. Sammy's brothers were around, back among the eight bedrooms. When Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs in 1927, his biographer noted his boast, ``Sixty, count 'em, 60!'' and Ruth's dare for anyone to match his total. Now Ruth has been matched, and bested, by Roger Maris, McGwire and Sosa. Not a braggart in the bunch. When he came into the major leagues nine years ago, Sosa gained a reputation as a selfish player, as a flashy underachiever, ``Sammy So-So.'' His teammates, coaches and friends say he has grown tremendously, as a baseball player, as a father and as a team player. ``Sammy is showing a grace that blows my mind,'' said Tom Reich, who is one of his agents. ``He is so intuitive. He draws everyone into his loop with his good will and generosity.'' Back home in San Pedro de Macoris, there is a statue of Sosa with a fountain. In the winter he visits hospitals to deliver presents to children and schools to give new computers. They call him ``Sammy Claus.'' Pesos thrown in his fountain are given to the shoeshine boys of Macoris. Here in the United States, Reich and his partner, Adam Katz, are taking their time working through offers for endorsements. They will let most of the deals wait until the season is over, so as not to distract Sosa from the task at hand: helping the long-frustrated Cubs make the playoffs for the first time since 1989. Sosa says he does not mind the greater attention that has been given to McGwire since the season began back at the end of March. As to the suggestion that his dark skin color might account for his lack of acclaim compared with McGwire's, Sosa laughs and says: ``What? Come on, man, it's 1998.'' The Sosas moved in to their million-dollar home in June from a smaller one a few blocks away. It appears almost unlived in, with little of the debris of life scattered about. The only book is a Spanish-language Bible by a bed. The Sosas' winter home is in Santo Domingo, the Dominican capital, about 40 miles west of San Pedro de Macoris. And they have a stopping-off place in Miami. A few treasures are on display in the Chicago home: photos of their children. A plaque from friends in the Dominican Republic (including the President, Leonel Fernandez Reyna) in honor of Sosa's record-setting 20 home runs in a single month. An award from the Cubs honoring his community service, named for his hero Roberto Clemente, whose uniform No. 21 Sosa adopted. A plaque rests on a cabinet in the living room: ``My house is small, no mansion for a millionaire. But there is room for love and there is room for friends.'' Sammy and Sonia met 12 years ago in the Dominican Republic. With the help of a maid, she takes care of the children: two girls, Keisha, 5, and Kenia, 3, and two boys, Sammy Jr., nearly 2, and Michael, almost 1. On this quiet afternoon, the children woke up just in time for a family photograph and lunch before batting practice. The children know Sosa plays baseball, but they have no idea of his fame. Occasionally, on a replay, they do see the trademark two-fingered kisses that he blows their way. ``They see me on TV and say, `Papi! Papi!' '' he said. ``I am very proud of them.''

Mr. BOEHLERT

Mr. BOEHLERT. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding to me. Madam Speaker, over the past dozen years, technology has reshaped the face of our economy and our society. From transportation to health care to manufacturing to education, all sectors have been transformed. We can only expect that the dynamic growth in high technology industries and the jobs that they will produce will continue well into the 21st Century. That is good news. But, unfortunately, while we have made significant progress in recent years to bolster our high-tech work force by integrating women and minorities and people with disabilities, their numbers remain pathetically low. For example, women represent nearly 50 percent of all U.S. workers but they comprise only 22 percent of the entire science and engineering workforce. We can and must do better. In our increasingly technological society, education in science and engineering is critically important. H.R. 3007 will help us identify how best to bolster the enrollment of women, minority and people with disabilities in science and engineering programs in our universities, and how to boost and retain their numbers in our workforce. This bill has been endorsed by the IEEE, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Association of Women in Science, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Association of Engineering Societies. These groups recognize that every sector of the population must be represented in their industry. I strongly support this bill and urge my fellow Members to support it as well. It is good for science, good for the workforce and our economy and good for the future technological vitality of America. Finally, I thank the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella) for her leadership, for providing the inspiration and the incentive to get this bill moving. I would say to the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella), the House, the Nation, owe you a debt of gratitude.