Corrine Brown

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of preserving wage and labor protection for Amtrak rail workers. Overall, the Amtrak authorization bill is an acceptable bill, but it eliminates wage protection provisions which already exist because of collective bargaining agreements. Mr. Chairman, this is totally unacceptable. Let me repeat, Mr. Chairman. This is totally unacceptable. Congress should not place in law language that disregards labor agreements. I urge all of my colleagues to support the Traficant amendment which allows collective bargaining to settle the wage protection and contracting issues.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2036, the Aviation Insurance Reauthorization Act of 1997. First of all, I wish to congratulate the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. Duncan], subcommittee chairperson; and the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Lipinski], the ranking member; as well as the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Shuster], the chairman; and the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Oberstar], the ranking member, for their work on this legislation. It is a good bill and deserves the support of all. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2036 reauthorizes the important War Risk Insurance Program until December 31, 1998. It also contains provisions intended to ensure that the program runs more smoothly the next time it is utilized. It is important that carrier concerns are addressed to the greatest extent possible in order to encourage continued carrier participation in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet. The need for a vibrant CRAF Program was evidenced in 1990, during the Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations. Since the program was last authorized, the Department of Defense, working with the Federal Aviation Administration and the carriers, entered into an agreement whereby losses incurred by a carrier operating on behalf of the Departments of State or Defense, covered by nonpremium insurance, could be reimbursed in a more timely manner. When our committee held a hearing on these programs earlier this year, GAO testified that there were only two outstanding issues that should be addressed legislatively. Mr. Speaker, this is a noncontroversial bill developed on a bipartisan basis, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Yes, Mr. Chairman, I have a question as former chairman of EDA. I come from Florida, a community that has 2 bases to close, and I want to be clear what is EDA's responsibility as far as these base closures because, as we think about Florida, I want to be clear that my area of Florida supports the EDA grants and the mayor, the city council, the county commission, the State of Florida is working in partnership for these grants. Could the gentleman explain?

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on the eve of Taiwan's 86th National Day, I wish to pay tribute to President Lee Teng-hui, who has recently completed an arduous Latin-American trip to shore up his country's relations with a number of Latin-American countries. President Lee is one of the hardest working heads of state in our time. Also, I would like to commend President Lee for having selected Dr. Jason Hu as his new Foreign Minister. Dr. Hu is currently Taiwan's representative in Washington. During his tenure in Washington, Dr. Hu has impressed us with his diplomatic skills. In his new capacity as Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Dr. Hu will no doubt use his talents to the utmost in promoting his country's diplomatic interests around the world. Taiwan faces a number of diplomatic challenges, but with President Lee's leadership and Dr. Hu's stewardship in the Foreign Ministry, I trust Taiwan's diplomatic fortunes will soon improve.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my deepest sympathy for the families of the hundreds of persons who drowned before dawn on Monday of this week when a packed Haitian ferry--transporting hundreds more passengers than it was built for--tipped over. These people, who were merely going to work, died tragic and unnecessary deaths. This horrifying event is the second such event in Haiti in recent times. In 1993 over 1,000 persons drowned in another crowded ferry off Haiti's coast. We should be outraged that such tragedy happens so close to home. But because Haiti is a nation of black people living in crippling poverty, and not an oil-rich country, the United States turns a blind eye. As a member of the Transportation Committee, let me say this: The reason for such tragedy in Haiti is simple--there is no decent or safe transportation infrastructure in Haiti due to lack of funding and necessary expertise. America has failed Haiti and there is shared responsibility for the failure. The President, along with the leadership in our State Department, should have carved out a realistic financial program to give Haiti the tools to build a sustainable democracy. What is needed is a unique program--designed to fit Haiti's particular needs and requirements. In foreign policy, we need to get away from the cookie cutter mentality that expects all foreign countries to be the same. When we look at the nations of the world, we can see that they have different histories, cultures, and assets. Haiti is the eyesore that will not go away; and the United States cannot continue to turn its back. To do so is foolish because no wall is high enough to keep tragedy from spreading onto our own shores when we refuse to help a neighbor. As the world grows smaller, the Caribbean region comes closer. Today we stand facing one another; it is increasingly difficult to turn away--even if we do not wish to see the appalling poverty, lack of education, and other serious difficulties. Haiti's crucial needs include: One, land reform that will make the most of land in fertile areas; two, transportation assistance for a modern, safe transportation infrastructure; and three, administrative reform that includes considerable assistance from the World Bank and other international lending institutions. Only as we face the reality of Haiti's dire needs will we, as a nation, develop a deep, lasting, and beneficial partnership with Haiti. I also implore the media to grant fair coverage to the tragedies in this country. It is time to quit making news, and instead begin covering the news. My prayers right now are with the families of those who have died, and I urge the leaders of this great Nation to reach out to our neighbors whose catastrophes go unnoticed day after day.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2159 and to share my thoughts and observations with my colleagues concerning various aspects of this important legislation. As my colleagues know, numerous articles in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and other leading newspapers recently reported the retreat of some large American companies from Ukraine. I am pleased to know that the fiscal year 1998 foreign operations appropriations bill moves to address this problem by conditioning United States foreign assistance to Ukraine to economic reform and the elimination of corruption, allowing American companies to compete on a more level playing field. As the representative from Florida's Third Congressional District, it is important for me to know that north Florida's international businesses can flourish without unnecessary interference. Some 2 years ago, when a north Florida company, Itera International Energy Corp. needed Ukraine to honor business contracts worth many millions of dollars, I wrote to then Secretary of State Christopher requesting his assistance, met with Ukraine's Ambassador in Washington, and wrote several letters to Ukraine President Kuchma. Later, in December 1996, I traveled to the former Soviet Union to personally examine the business climate for American businesses in the region. It was a tremendously informative and educational experience, meeting with our U.S. Ambassadors, foreign government officials, and U.S. business leaders. I was particularly interested in the energy sectors of these countries because Itera, headquartered in Jacksonville, is actively engaged in the marketing of natural gas to Ukraine and other countries of the former Soviet Union. I also was interested in other areas of trade and development for northern Florida, particularly transportation, agriculture, and tourism. Further, as a representative of the American taxpayer, I wanted to ensure that U.S. foreign assistance was the most cost effective and was used for the purpose for which it was provided. I learned that the same problems that have plagued Itera have plagued many other American companies. Contractual agreements, accounting methods, and political attitudes are some of the many areas where there is room for differences of opinion, corrupt practices, and a difficult dialog. All of this made me realize what is most important in the former Soviet Union: for old government institutions to give way to young, private companies that can create new global markets. In the process, business contracts must be fulfilled. When private enterprise is not allowed to flourish, government corruption is often a primary reason. Itera, for example, despite the odds against it, is an adaptable, entrepreneurial company which has been able to market natural gas to the former Soviet Union by establishing business and personal relationships so necessary for business in the region. I am informed that Itera is not actively engaged in a joint venture with the Government of Armenia and Russia's largest gas company, to provide enhanced natural gas transportation and distribution facilities in Armenia. This will provide strong support for the economic well being for the people of Armenia and the region. I will continue to work with my constituents to expand commerce around the world--to the benefit of all citizens. This will, I believe, contribute to peace in our time and to peace for future generations.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments. Mr. Speaker, I rise to day to speak about a bill that I would like to offer that honors one of America's major literary voices of the 20th century: Zora Neale Hurston. Hurston is one of America's most famous writers, folklorists, and interpreters of Southern rural African- American culture. This bill recommends that the U.S. Postal service issue a stamp that recognizes Hurston's contributions to American literature. Born in 1891, Zora grew up in Eatonville, FL, the first incorporated African-American township in the United States, which is in the Third Congressional district of Florida. One of her favorite retreats was ``the lying porch'' of Joe Clarke's store. Years of stories and tall- tales that were told there, later became a part of Zora's works. As Zora grew older, her writing took shape as she found a way to express herself. It wasn't until college when Zora's writing began to flourish. She attended Howard University and, in 1924, she had her first work published. The short story ``Drenched in Light'' appeared in Opportunity, an Urban League publication. Attracted to the Harlem Renaissance of New York City, Zora moved to New York to further her writing career. In 1925, she won the Urban League's literary contest short story and one-act play categories. This distinction led to her association with artists and poets like the famous African-American poet Langston Hughes. In a short time, Zora Neale Nurston became the predominant female literary voice of the Harlem Renaissance. Zora continued her college education with a scholarship to Barnard College. There she changed her focus on English to anthropology and graduated with a background in folklore of Harlem and the American South. It is this combination of Zora's writing style and the subject of the African-American experience for which she is so well known. Through her lifetime, Hurston produced numerous works of fine quality that include an autobiography, ``Dust Tracks On A Road;'' novels like ``Jonah's Gourd Vine,'' ``Man of the Mountain,'' and ``Seraph on the Sewanee;'' folklore such as ``Of Men and Mules'' and ``Tell My Horse''; short stories, articles, and plays. But Zora's best work which I have here, is ``Their Eyes Were Watching God.'' It is in her most popular work that Zora introduces the character of Janie Crawford who represents the prototype of the 20th century women searching for her own identity. Besides publishing many works, Zora was also a teacher, a Hollywood scriptwriter, and a newspaper columnist. Later in her life, Zora received fellowships to continue her anthropology research in the South, the West Indies, and Haiti. Since Zora's death in 1960, respect for her writings has increased along with their popularity. The recent discovery of plays by the Library of Congress has also revived interest in Zora Neale Hurston and her writings. She has attracted an international following and the interest of feminists who transcend race and ethnicity. Modern day poets and authors such as Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison, world-renown poet Maya Angelou, and Pulitzer Prize winner Alice Walker all mention Hurston as a major influence on their writings as well. She has been listed in ``Black Female Playwrights,'' inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame and the Florida's Writer's Hall of Fame. Her writings have also inspired a Zora Neale Hurston Society, an annual festival in Eatonville, and a biography of her life by Robert Hemenway, who has placed her in history as the major, undiscovered literary voice of this century. Mr. Speaker, I hope that you and all of my colleagues will join me in celebrating the accomplishments and the life of this inspirational American. By cosponsoring this legislation, we will encourage more Americans to learn about Zora Neale Hurston and perhaps influence that one child to become the next great American author. Issuing a commemorative stamp in 1998 and unveiling it at the 10th Annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival--scheduled in 1999--would rightfully honor this famous American who has changed the landscape of American literature. Before I conclude, I would like to thank the 35 Members who have already signed on to this bill as original cosponsors. I hope that more of my colleagues will sign on in the near future in support of Zora Neale Hurston.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, ``Their Eyes Were Watching God,'' Zora Neale Hurston, published first in 1937. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about a bill that I am introducing that honors one of America's major voices in the 20th century, Zora Neale Hurston. Hurston is one of America's most famous writers and interpreters of southern rural African American culture. This bill recommends that the U.S. Postal Service issue a stamp that recognizes Hurston's contribution to American literature. Born in 1891, Zora grew up in Eatonville, FL. That is my district, the Third Congressional District, the first official African American township in the United States. She attended the Morgan Academy, which is now Morgan State University, and Howard University and became the first African American woman to graduate from Barnard College in 1919. The dominant female voice of the Harlem Renaissance period, 1919 through 1995, Zora Neale Hurston produced two works of folklore: ``Of Men and Mules'', and ``Tell My Horse''. Using the talk of the rural southern African-American peasant, Hurston lifted the language of these folks to a level of poetry and fine literature. Through her style of writing and the subject of the African-American experience, she attracted international followers and the interest of feminists who transcend gender, race. Her life and work have inspired the founding of the Zora Neale Hurston Society at Morgan State University and the annual festival of arts and humanities in her home town of Eatonville. Since her death in 1960, respect for her writings has increased along with their popularity. The recent discovery of plays by the Library of Congress has also revived interest in her writings. Mr. Speaker, I hope that all my colleagues will join me in celebrating the accomplishments of the life of this inspirational American. By cosponsoring this legislation, we will encourage more Americans to learn about Hurston and perhaps influence that one child to become the next American author. Issuing a commemorative stamp in 1998 and unveiling it at the 10th annual festival scheduled in 1999 would rightfully honor this famous American who has changed the landscape of American literature. Before I conclude, Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the 36 Members who have already cosigned on this bill as original cosponsors. I hope that more of my colleagues will sign on in the near future in support of Zora Neale Hurston.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. I would now like to yield time to Delegate Donna Christian-Green, who I had the opportunity to visit her veterans, and also note the work that Secretary Brown has done for the veterans from the Virgin Islands.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. I thank the gentlewoman. I yield to the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Davis].

Ms. BROWN of Florida. I yield now to the gentleman from California [Mr. Filner] from the committee.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Now I would like to yield time to Congressman Sanford Bishop, who is also on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. Now I yield to the gentlewoman from Indiana [Ms. Carson].

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Juanita Millender-McDonald].

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas Ms. Sheila Jackson-Lee.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, would the gentlewoman believe that one-third of the homeless people are veterans, veterans who have slipped through the cracks? We owe service to these people who have paid their dues up front. When I look at the budget that is put forth tomorrow, I look with disgust, because we are sacrificing the veterans who have paid their dues. Perhaps it is a good time for Secretary Brown to leave, although we will miss him. He is and I am sure he will continue to be a strong voice for the veterans in this country.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman. Someone said earlier tonight, let the work I have done speak for me. It is clear that Secretary Brown has done the work, and we all are grateful. The gentlewoman from Florida [Mrs. Meek] wants to make a few closing remarks, but before she makes those remarks, I have a story that I want to share with America about Secretary Jesse Brown. Often in this Chamber I hear bashing of government employees on this and government employees on that. I have got a story that tells how government should work. In my district that extends from Jacksonville to Orlando, in the Orlando area we had a serious problem as far as a facility for veterans. When the Base Closure Commission recommended closing the Naval Training Center in Orlando, which was devastating, we came up with how we could take that lemon and make it lemonade. We invited the Secretary to come down to the Naval Training Center. He did. He viewed the hospital facility there. And he wrote the Secretary of Defense and asked him to give this facility to the veterans in this country. The Secretary of Defense gave the hospital to the veterans. They came, they needed an appropriation of $14 million. Well, they came to me and we were able to get that $14 million in the budget. It was a win-win for the veterans in the area. And, of course, taking a lemon, making it lemonade. But do you know that when the Republicans first took over, the first thing they did was to take that $14 million out? I went to Orlando and met with the veterans and they got on the phone and called the Congresspeople from Florida, and we put that money back in. And today I can tell my colleagues that that hospital is up and operational, thanks to Secretary Brown. That is an example of how government should work for the people. Mr. Speaker, I now yield to the gentlewoman from Florida [Mrs. Meek] for a few closing remarks.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida. As I close, I want to also thank President Clinton for appointing Secretary Brown as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. I often say when we begin our committee meetings, that Secretary Brown is one of the brightest spots in President Clinton's administration, but he is also one of the brightest spots in this country. I guess I am going to say good luck. Joy go with you. Leave us here fighting. I know you are going to help us out when you can. I thank my colleagues for joining me. I just want to thank Jesse Brown's family for letting him share this time with us. Let me say, God bless Secretary Jesse Brown and God bless America.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to someone that I feel is one of the brightest stars in President Clinton's administration, Secretary Jesse Brown. But before I begin, I would like to say a word about a woman who is in Washington today, a member of the Russian Duma, Mrs. Svetlana Go Voyz Da Va is the deputy chief of the Economic Policy Committee in the Russian Congress. During our visit this afternoon, we have agreed to set up an international conference where elected women, officials from Russia, France, England, Africa and the United States can meet to discuss solutions and strategies for the problems that face women across the world. These problems include education, labor, health care and poverty. We have pledged our cooperation and will continue to work together to help women and children throughout the world. As she said earlier today, ``Why not?" Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to recognize the great achievement of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jesse Brown. Secretary Brown will leave his post on July 1st of this year after serving a distinguished 4 years with the administration. Secretary Jesse Brown, a combat-disabled Vietnam veteran, guided VA through a significant transition period where health care delivery systems evolved to reflect marketplace changes, where severe budgetary challenges presented themselves in the wake of deficit reduction, where growing demands were placed upon existing veterans' services, and where emerging illnesses from Gulf War veterans challenged the Nation's best physicians and scientists. Secretary Brown embraced all of these challenges with vigor and directed the Department of Veterans Affairs to be more responsive in the areas of claims processing, more sensible in its benefits for Agent Orange veterans, more proactive in developing programs for the significantly growing number of women veterans, and more compassionate with the treatment and compensation of Gulf War veterans suffering from illnesses. I commend Secretary Brown for his outstanding work in these areas, and I also call for Members of this House to observe his example and not abandon veterans in our budget, veterans who have fought so hard for this country. The United States have the most comprehensive system of assistance for veterans in any Nation in the world. Jesse Brown begins serving as Secretary of Veterans Affairs on January 22, 1993. As Secretary he directed the system that included hospitals, clinics, benefit programs and national cemeteries. In his vision statement Secretary Brown said, ``Our vision is as simple and is noble. It is to provide our veterans with quality health care, timely benefits and burial with dignity.'' I believe this simple statement says a lot about Secretary Brown. It shows how he has the leadership to put our Nation's veterans at the top of the priority list in terms of receiving benefits and service they deserve for fighting to protect this Nation's liberty and freedom. I was most impressed with his motto, putting veterans first. Let me repeat that. The motto: Putting veterans first. That is exactly what he did as Secretary, and it is so important that we continue to do so. I yield to my colleague the distinguished gentlewoman from Florida, Carrie Meek.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the subject of my special order, Secretary Jesse Brown.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I would like to enter my objection to this amendment, this provision, which is the beginning of the end of 60/40. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is the beginning of the end for the 60/ 40 provision which protects national security interests by ensuring the majority of mission critical maintenance is conducted by government employees. Further privatization of depot work would restrict the maintenance capability available to our forces in times of crisis. 60/40 is an excellent example of private and public partnerships. Contractors benefit by being allowed to perform core work where they have a comparative advantage, and government employees offer their own acquired learning curve in addition to reliability in times of crisis. If the Everett amendment passes it will open the door to full privatization in the military. Most of us know that privatization rarely benefits the middle class working family. Additionally, there is no evidence that shows that this type of privatization saves any money. I urge you to support the BRAC process, national security, and our hard working constituents and oppose the Everett amendment.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, NATCA, on the occasion of their 10th anniversary. NATCA represents approximately 14,000 air traffic controllers nationwide, including 893 in Florida. NATCA protects air traffic controllers' rights, benefits, and working conditions in nearly 400 facilities in the United States and its territories through strong contract negotiations, labor relations, and litigation. Since its existence, NATCA has aggressively championed aviation safety with Members of the United States Congress, the White House, the Federal Aviation Administration, the media, and the flying public. I am especially proud to recognize the outstanding performance of the 893 air traffic controllers that work in 25 air traffic facilities throughout Florida. Aviation safety is paramount for the flying public and this Congress. Air traffic controllers play a critical role in ensuring the safety of all who fly. Therefore, it is my pleasure to honor all of our dedicated air traffic controllers.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, June 18, 1997, the Congressional Black Caucus [CBC] will gather in the Rayburn House Office Building to celebrate the unprecedented success of the smash hit premiere national touring musical ``Chicago's'' in our Nation's Capital. The CBC will honor ``Chicago'' ' brilliantly innovative and charismatic cast, and will pay special tribute to the stars: Jasmine Guy, Obba Babatunde, and Carol Woods. A congressional reception was held April 8, 1997, hosted by the Illinois delegation and featuring the ``Singing Senators,'' Senators Trent Lott, John Ashcroft, Larry Craig, and Jim Jeffords to welcome the cast to Washington, DC. Also in attendance were the Honorables Bill Barrett, Howard Coble, John Conyers, Asa Hutchinson, Henry Hyde, William Jenkins, Dennis Kucinich, Nita Lowey, Michael McNulty, Constance Morella, Silvestre Reyes, Tim Roemer, Carlos Romero-Barcelo, John Shimkus, Louise Slaughter, and Secretary William Daley. ``Chicago'' cast members, Obba Babatunde and ``The Girls,'' performed for the distinguished audience. ``Chicago'' has broken box office records at the National Theatre and in New York City with its Broadway cast. ``Chicago'' is also the season's biggest musical hit. The Broadway cast received six Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, Best Director--Walter Bobbie, Best Choreography--Ann Reinking, and Best Lighting Design--Ken Billington. This wave of recognition continues with nominations from the prestigious New York Drama Desk for Outstanding Musical Revival, Outstanding Direction, Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Actress in a Musical, Outstanding Actor in a Musical, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical, and Outstanding Lighting Design. The New York Drama Critics Circle, the Nation's second oldest theatre award, after the Pulitzer Prize, voted a special award to the cast and creative team of ``Chicago'' for outstanding contribution to Broadway. ``Chicago'' continues to win raves and awards with five Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Musical Revival, Best Director, and Best Choreography. The Musical is based on the 1926 play of the same name by Maurine Dallas Watkins. The play inspired the 1942 movie, ``Roxie Hart,'' starring Ginger Rogers. The John Kander-Fred Ebb-Bob Fosse musical premiered in 1975 and the new revival, under the direction of Walter Bobbie and choreography--in the style of Bob Fosse--by Ann Reinking, opened on Broadway on November 14, 1996. ``Chicago'' has been hailed as ``A triumph'' by Time magazine. The New York Times raves ``Chicago'' is a musical for the ages with the sexiest, most sophisticated dancing seen on Broadway for years. It flies us right into musical heaven. The Congressional Black Caucus will honor these talented and ambitious African-Americans for their inspiring success as artists and human beings. For it is individuals such as these who raise our aspirations, motivate our youth, and provide us with powerful national role models of integrity and spirit. We thank you for your commitment and honor your achievements.