Dan Burton

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, there is a reporting requirement in the bill in section 3565(c) of the legislation under the Responsibilities of the Office of Management and Budget. However, if the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) feels like this is necessary to have an additional study, even though I think that is covered in the bill, we have no objection to it, and we will accept the amendment.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, this amendment contains technical and clarifying corrections to the legislation that I have worked out in advance with our ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner), the subcommittee ranking member. There are eight changes that include such things as correctly aligning reporting dates and clarifying language used in definitions. These changes serve to make the intent of the bill as clear as possible. I think this is an amendment that everybody will support. It is technical in nature and has been cleared with the ranking minority members, as well.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays), one of the more valued members of our committee.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Horn), the subcommittee chairman, and a very valued member of the Committee on Government Reform. (Mr. HORN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bateman), my classmate and a great American.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose), a very valued member of the committee, and I also thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner) for all his hard work on this bill as the ranking member on the subcommittee. (Mr. OSE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, today we are going to do something that is a little bit unusual for the Congress. We are going to vote on a bill that will save taxpayers' money instead of spending their money. Today we are going to vote on the Government Waste Corrections Act. The Federal Government is one of the biggest consumers and customers in the world. Every year, Federal agencies spend hundreds of billions of dollars buying goods and services, pens, papers, computers, cars, trucks. You name it, and the government buys it. Along the way, mistakes are made. Someone punches in the wrong code, and a vendor gets paid too much, and taxpayers' money gets wasted. Nobody knows exactly how much money gets wasted each year, but we do know this, it is not thousands of dollars, and it is not millions of dollars. The General Accounting Office estimates that billions of dollars are wasted each year in erroneous overpayments. Private sector companies are very aggressive about trying to catch these errors and get their money back. Most Federal agencies do not. My bill would focus agencies on getting back these millions and billions of dollars in overpayments. My bill takes a proven private sector financial management tool called recovery auditing and applies it to the Federal Government. It is used very successfully by Fortune 500 companies to identify and recover overpayments. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that if government agencies use recovery auditing, they will collect back at least $180 million over the next 5 years. I think it will be a lot more than that. What will happen with all this money? Well, part of the money can be used to pay for recovery audits. Part of the money can be used to improve financial management systems. At least 50 percent of that money will be returned to the Federal Treasury. CBO says that this bill will save taxpayers at least $100 million over the next 5 years. That is probably just the tip of the iceberg. I remember last fall, we were trying to finalize the Federal budget. There were negotiations over a 1 percent across-the-board cut in the Federal budget to try to help balance the budget. We asked all Federal agencies if they could find 1 percent of their budgets where there was waste or excess spending that could be eliminated. Well, it seemed like most of them screamed bloody murder. They accused us of trying to cut into critical programs. There was nothing that could be cut, not one penny of waste, many of them said. Well, we finally agreed on an across-the-board cut of four-tenths, about four-tenths of 1 percent. When we think about the trillions of dollars we spend, that is just a drop in the bucket. Well, there is waste, and there are errors, and there are overpayments, billions of dollars in overpayments. They can be recovered. That is what this bill is all about. Here is a brief explanation of what this bill will do. It requires agencies to conduct recovery auditing if they spend more than $500 million annually on goods and services, and most of the agencies do. Recovery auditing uses sophisticated computer software to analyze billing records and identify overpayments. This bill does not apply to programs that make direct payments to beneficiaries like Medicare or Social Security. It applies to the purchase of goods and services for the Federal Government. As I said to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter) a few moments ago in the colloquy we had, we will be looking at Medicare and waste in that area down the road. Agencies can either conduct recovery audits in house, or they can use private contractors, whichever is the most efficient. At least 50 percent of the amounts recovered must be returned to the Federal Treasury, and I think that is very good news. Agencies are allowed to spend up to 25 percent of the recovered funds for management improvement programs. Lord knows we need to improve management in most agencies. Agencies can use a portion of the recovered funds to cover the costs of the audits. Recovery auditing has been used very successfully in the demonstration programs at the Defense Department. The Army and the Air Force exchange systems have used recovery auditing for several years. The most recent audit recovered $25 million. In 1996, the Defense Supply Center in Philadelphia began a pilot program. Potential overpayments there have been estimated at $23 million. The bill we have before us has a number of technical changes that have been added since it was passed by the committee. These have been discussed at length with the minority and Members of the other interested committees. Several definitions have been added to clarify our intent. This bill is designed to get at inadvertent overpayments. To help clarify this distinction, the definition of facial-discrepancy payment error has been addressed. Recovery auditors are to identify overpayments based on what is on the face of the payment records. They are not authorized to make determinations about the quality or the value of products provided to the Federal Government. Many government contractors were concerned that recovery auditors might come to their offices and demand to go through their files. This bill does not allow them to do that. Recovery auditors are only allowed to analyze the agency's records. The manager's amendment explicitly prohibits a recovery auditor from establishing a physical presence, to set up shop, so to speak, at any contractor's office. The bill originally contained a provision allowing OMB to exempt certain agencies from recovery auditing if it would not be cost effective. The manager's amendment authorizes agency heads to request exemptions from OMB based on these same criteria. However, it is my view that exemptions should be only offered in rare circumstances and that most agencies would benefit from recovery auditing. The manager's amendment also stipulates that recovery auditing will apply to the Defense Department's major weapons systems only after these contracts have been closed. This change addresses concerns raised by Members of the Committee on Armed Services, especially the gentleman from Virginia. Multi-year contracts for major weapons systems are very complex. They often involve estimated payments that are reconciled in later billing periods. Conducting recovery audits at the completion of these contracts will avoid unnecessary confusion. Mr. Chairman, in essence, this bill does three things that are very important. First, it eliminates waste. CBO says it will save taxpayers at least $100 million over the next 5 years. Second, it puts private sector business practices to work in the Federal Government; and that is something we should have done a long time ago. Third, it gives Federal agencies new resources to improve their financial management programs. The Government Waste Corrections Act passed through the committee with bipartisan support. It is supported by the administration. I want to thank the leadership for scheduling this bill today. I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Horn), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology for his hard work on this issue, and also the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), my ranking member. I have already said I wanted to thank the subcommittee ranking member for his hard work as well. We have all worked together to resolve several issues so that this bill could get the bipartisan support. So I ask all of my colleagues to support this bill. It is a good bill. Its time has come. We need to expand it in the future, but we will look back at that later on. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his kind remarks. Let me just say that the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions), as the chairman of the Results Caucus, has provided invaluable service to the country and to this body in working with us to formulate this legislation. I would like to also thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner), the ranking minority member on the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology for his hard work on this. The gentleman from California (Mr. Ose) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey) were very instrumental in helping draft the legislation, bringing it up to the position we have today, where we can bring it to the floor. I want to thank them for their participation. I would like to also thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the chairman of the Committee on Rules, for his expeditious handling of this bill before the Committee on Rules and bringing it to the floor, along with the gentleman from California (Mr. Sessions). I think this is a good rule. It does provide an open rule so Members can amend the bill if they find it necessary, although I do not expect many amendments, if any. Let me just say to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter) who just spoke. We did consider provisions involving Medicare. Because of all the aspects of Medicare, we thought that it would encumber the bill at this time. However, let me just tell my colleagues that that is one of the things that we ought to be looking at and will be looking at because Medicare allegedly does waste billions of dollars. I think the same accounting procedures in the future ought to be considered by the entire body, and we will work toward that end.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, last December President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan was in Washington, D.C. for the annual meeting of the U.S.-Kazakhstan Joint Commission. The purpose of these meetings, which are alternately held in the United States and Kazakhstan, is to promote economic and political cooperation between our two countries. Among other things, the U.S. side regularly presses the government of Kazakhstan to improve its human rights record and undertake economic and political reform. I understand that U.S. officials pressed the Kazakhstani side especially hard this year, because of the sham parliamentary elections held last October, heightened corruption, and an acceleration of abusive action taken against opponents of President Nazarbayev's increasingly repressive government. In an apparent move to blunt U.S. pressure during the upcoming Joint Commission meeting, President Nazarbayev issued a statement on November 4, 1999 indicating his willingness to cooperate with the opposition in Kazakhstan. He also stated he would welcome the return of former Prime Minister Akhezan Kazhegeldin, the exiled leader of the main opposition party. On November 19, Mr. Kazhegeldin responded to President Nazarbayev by calling for a ``national dialogue'' to examine ways to advance democracy, economic development and national reconciliation in Kazakhstan. Similar national dialogues have met with success in Poland, South Africa and Nicaragua. Mr. Kazhegeldin pointed out that convening a national dialogue would be an ideal way to initiate cooperation between the opposition and the government. However, President Nazarbayev has reacted with stony silence to Mr. Kazhegeldin's proposal. Moreover, Mr. Nazarbayev has reneged on a pledge he made in November to ship oil through the proposed Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, and continues to refuse to settle investment disputes with foreign companies that have lost millions of dollars because the government failed to honor its commitments. Mr. Nazarbayev also arranged to have a ``kangaroo court'' convict an opposition leader for having the temerity to criticize Nazarbayev's government. Finally, and this is very troubling, an investigation and trial have failed to find anyone to blame for the delivery last year of 40 MIG fighter aircraft from Kazakhstan to North Korea. Mr. Speaker, the Administration needs to stop turning the other cheek every time Mr. Nazarbayev commits an outrage. The cause of freedom and democracy will continue to backslide in Kazakhstan unless the Administration voices its strong support for a national dialogue similar to the one proposed by former Prime Minister Kazhegeldin. At the very least, the government of Kazakhstan should make one hour a week of state-controlled television available for use by the opposition. The U.S., for its part, should assist the democratic opposition by providing printing presses to replace those that have been confiscated by the government. It is time to stand up for democracy in Kazakhstan and to stop coddling dictators like Nazarbayev. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit an article into the Record from the Washington Times that speaks volumes about the situation in Kazakhstan today. [From the Washington Times, Dec. 20; 1999] Dining With Dictators--White House Fetes Kazakh President (By Thomas B. Evans, Jr.) For some inexplicable reason the president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, has been invited to visit Washington this month by the Clinton-Gore administration. Mr. Nazarbayev is the same dictator who over the past eight years has created a monopoly of riches for himself, his family and carefully selected friends. He has also lured many investors to his country and then pillaged their assets for himself, his family and a few cronies. Knowledgeable sources say that he is the eighth richest man in the world. This, in a country where the per capita income is well below the poverty level. Mr. Nazarbayev is the same person who promised Vice President Gore a year ago that he would permit a fair and free presidential election in January 1999 and then rigged the disqualification of his main opponent, thereby eliminating any chance of defeat and ensuring the perpetuation of his corrupt regime. Mr. Nazarbayev is also the same person who has had $85 million in ill-gotten gains frozen by the judiciary in Switzerland. Mr. Nazarbayev is the same individual who ordered the destruction of printing presses used to print newspapers questioning his policies. And Mr. Nazarbayev's record on human rights is anything but outstanding. There is, quite simply, no freedom of the press, no independent judiciary and no freedom of assembly that could threaten Mr. Nazarbayev's one-man one-family rule in Kazakhstan. In spite of all the above, Kazakhstan still receives millions of dollars in foreign assistance from U.S. taxpayers and hundreds of millions more indirectly through the Export- Import Bank and international financial institutions in which the United States is a major contributor. Is it not just about time that we let dictators like Mr. Nazarbayev know that we are not going to accept this type of behavior? Is it not past time for us to be taken as fools who don't care about how a country's ruler treats his people and foreign investors? Is Kazakhstan's oil so important to us that we would sacrifice basic principles by inviting Surely, this administration does not want to assist in the perpetuation of a regime in Kazakhstan that is the antithesis of all that we stand for as Americans. Both the president and vice president should make it unmistakably clear that the status quo in Kazakhstan is unacceptable. On Nov. 17, former Prime Minister Akhezan Kazhegeldin, who was prevented from running against Mr. Nazarbayev last January and now heads the leading opposition party (although living in exile in Western Europe), proposed that a national dialogue be launched with a view toward reforming the political and economic system in Kazakhstan and holding free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections. Similar national dialogues were successful in Poland and South Africa, and convening one for Kazakhstan could set the pattern for reform throughout the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. Mr. Clinton and Mr. Gore should emphasize to Mr. Nazarbayev that close cooperation between our two countries depends on his agreement to participate in a national dialogue. They should also insist that in order for a national dialogue to be credible, it must be held outside Kazakhstan and should be organized and monitored with the assistance of respected organizations such as the Council of Europe or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Mr. Clinton and Mr. Gore should make support for political and economic reform the centerpiece of their discussions with Mr. Nazarbayev. That is the very least this administration should do at this point, and that is not an unreasonable expectation on the part of the United States.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 76, and I commend Congressman Salmon for introducing it. Every year, over 3 million children are reported to be abused in America. Unfortunately, it is estimated that the actual incidence of abuse and neglect may be 3 times greater than the number reported. In fact, we know that more than 3 children die each day as a result of parental mistreatment. Child abuse may take many forms: it can be physical, emotional, sexual or as a result of neglect. I know, because I've been there. Many of you know that I personally experienced the horrors of domestic violence in my youth. Fortunately for me, my mother, and my siblings, we were able to escape that horrible situation and make a better life for ourselves. Sadly, for millions of children in America that is just not the case. That is why H. Con. Res. 76 is so important. H. Con. Res. 76 expresses the sense of this Congress that all Americans must share in the responsibility of helping fight child abuse. More than that, it emphasizes the need for the faith community, non-profit organizations and volunteers across America to mobilize their resources in combating child abuse. Organizations, such as the Safe Haven Foundation in Indianapolis, are key in developing programs and providing shelters to the victims of domestic violence. That is why I am proud to have helped secure $500,000 in funds to the Safe Haven Foundation, so that it may continue its important efforts against domestic violence. Child abusers can come from any socio-economic, religious, or ethnic background, and since the signs of abuse are varied, we all need to work together in identifying cases of child abuse. Standing shoulder- to-shoulder against child abuse, we can help save the lives of those most vulnerable: our Nation's children. We need to re-commit ourselves to protecting our children, and this resolution does just that. Let's keep these children in our thoughts and prayers, and let's all give H. Con. Res. 76 our strong support. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1451, the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Act. First of all, I would like to thank Congresswoman Judy Biggert of the Civil Service Subcommittee, who happens to represent Illinois, for speaking so eloquently on this important piece of legislation. Secondly, I commend Mr. LaHood, my colleague also from Illinois, for his sponsorship of this measure honoring President Abraham Lincoln. I also would like to mention Congressman Ron Lewis of Kentucky for his work on H.R. 1451, which ensured that President Lincoln's birthplace of Kentucky also had a legitimate role in this commission. Mr. Speaker, in 9 years the United States will celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. On this occasion we will certainly want to properly honor Abraham Lincoln for his immeasurable contributions to our Nation and to mankind. The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, established by H.R. 1451, will study and recommend activities and programs through which we, as a nation, can best remember and honor Abraham Lincoln, and rededicate ourselves to the ideals for which he fought and died. At this time, I also would like to express my appreciation to my colleague from Indiana, Congressman Mark Souder, for his efforts on behalf of our home State. Indiana is proud to be the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln. From age 7 to age 21, he lived on the frontier in southern Indiana. During his years in Indiana, he acquired his education, grew to his full height, and most important, developed his strong character which served our Nation so well during the crisis of the Civil War. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1451, and again thank all those involved for making this the exceptional piece of legislation that you see before you.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 2, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' on rollcall No. 2.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, the Indian Express reported on November 12, 1999 that a Christian family was hacked to death in Jamshedpur. The attackers stormed the house of 35 year-old Santan Kerai, dragging Mr. Kerai, his wife, their two year-old child, and a relative out of the house to murder them. Finally, the mutilated bodies of the Kerai family ``were found on a football field about 100 yards from their house,'' according to the article. The newspaper does not identify the assailants, but the attack is part of the ongoing pattern of repression of Christians in India today. I have been deeply concerned about recent reports of Hindu activists raping and terrorizing nuns. A nun named Sister Ruby was abducted by Hindu fundamentalists, who stripped her naked and forced her to drink their bodily fluids. They threatened to rape her if she refused. Earlier this year, Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons were burned alive by members of the Bajrang Dal, which is the youth arm of the openly Fascist organization called Rashteria Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). The ruling BJP, which leads India's 24-party governing coalition, is the political arm of the RSS. Since Christmas Day of 1998, Hindu fundamentalists have burned down Christian churches, prayer halls, and schools. Four priests have been murdered, some of them beheaded. Christians have not been the only target of persecution in India. Sikhs and Muslims are routinely beaten, tortured, and murdered by these radical groups or even Indian security forces. Mr. Speaker, India is neither secular, nor is it democratic. It is clear that there is no place for religious, linguistic, or ethnic minorities in India. So, it is no wonder that there are seventeen freedom movements in India. I call on the President to press the Government of India on the issues of human rights and self-determination when he visits the subcontinent next year. If the United States will not speak out for freedom in the world, who will? If we don't press these issues today, when will we? We must do whatever we can to bring freedom to all the people of India. Mr. Speaker, I would like to place the Indian Express article into the Record [From the Indian Express, Nov. 12, 1999] Christian Family Hacked to Death Jamshedpur--Four members of a tribal Christian family have been hacked to death by some unidentified people at Peteripa village of west Singhbhum district. Police said some people had stormed the house of one Santan Kerai (35) at midnight on Wednesday. The assailant pulled him, his wife and their two-year old child besides one female relative out of the house and killed them with sharp weapons. The mutilated bodies of Santan, his wife and the child were found on a football ground, about 100 meter away from their house. PTI report.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on November 18, 1999, the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) will celebrate 125 years in existence, making it the oldest, continuing, nonsectarian Christian woman's organization in the United States. Their motto is ``For God and Home and Every Land.'' Directed entirely by women from its beginning, the WCTU has united women from various backgrounds and geographical regions in their determination to educate the world about the dangers associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Throughout the years, the WCTU has advocated for universal voting rights for women and minorities, the eight-hour work day, equal pay for equal work, opposition to child labor, shelters for abused women and children, and world peace. In 1945, the WCTU became a charter member of the United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO). Their first National president, Annie Wittenmyer, was thanked by Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant for her work during the Civil War in organizing diet kitchens in military hospitals. Their second National president, Frances E. Willard, was honored in 1905 by having her statue placed in the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol--the first woman and the only woman to be honored for more than 50 years. The current National president of the WCTU is Sarah Ward, a resident of the great State of Indiana, and I wish her all the best in her endeavors with the WCTU as they continue their good work for the protection of the home.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to file a report after adjournment. I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Government Reform be permitted to file an investigative report by December 10, 1999.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I was disturbed to learn of the organized protests against Pope John Paul II in anticipation of his recent visit to India. In fact, many would tell you that there was more reason to worry about his safety on this trip than when he traveled to communist Poland under martial law. Although the Pope left the country safely, I cannot forget the ghastly image printed by the media of Hindu activists burning an effigy of Pope John Paul II in New Delhi before his visit. Mr. Speaker, these protests were led by a violent faction of Hindu fundamentalists that are closely aligned with the Hindu nationalist government. They have carried out a wave of brutal attacks on Christians within the past year. Since Christmas Day of 1998, they have burned down Christian churches, prayer halls, and schools. Also, four priests have been murdered, and earlier this year Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons were burned alive. How much more of this must we witness? Already 200,000 Christians, 250,000 Sikhs, 65,000 Muslims, and tens of thousands of others have fallen at the hands of either the Indian government or those closely related to the government since the subcontinent's independence a half- century ago. Mr. Speaker, I submit the articles from India Abroad and the New York Post into the Record regarding this disturbing issue. [From the New York Post, Oct. 28, 1999] Pope's Passage to India May Be Most Perilous Yet (By Rod Dreher) Will Pope John Paul II be safe in India? There is more reason to worry for the pontiff's welfare as he visits the world's largest democracy next week than there was when he went to communist Poland under marital law. That's because a small but violent faction of Hindu fundamentalists aligned with the Hindu nationalist government have been conducting an organized campaign against the pope as part of a concerted effort to demonize and persecute the country's tiny Christian minority. The government promises to protect the Holy Father from coalition fanatics. But while John Paul can rely on state security, his Catholic followers and Protestant brethren remain at the mercy of Hindu brownshirts. These thugs have carried out vicious attacks on Christians since a coalition led by the hard-line Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power two years ago. Freedom House, the Washington-based human-rights organization, says there have been more recorded incidents of violence against India's Christian minority in the past year than in the previous half-century. The most shocking incident took place in January, when Hindu thugs burned alive Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two little boys. That was far from an isolated incident. In 1998, the Catholic Bishop's Conference in India reported 108 cases of beatings, stonings, church burnings, looting of religious schools and institutions, and other attacks on Catholics and evangelicals. It has been just as bad this year. Just last month, a Catholic priest working in the same territory as the Staines family was murdered while saying Mass for converts, his heart pierced by a poison-tipped arrow. Why the attacks? Hindu nationalist leaders, particularly those associated with the BJP-allied World Hindu Congress (VHP), claim Christians are on ``conversion overdrive.'' This is preposterous. Despite being present in India for almost 2,000 years, and educating hundreds of millions of Indian children, Christianity claims the allegiance of less than 3 percent of the country's people. Even in Orissa state, site of the worst anti-Christian violence, fewer than 500 conversions occur each year. Still, Hindu nationalists continue to make wild-eyed assertions, such as VHP leader Mohan Joshi's recent statement that missionary homes run by Mother Teresa's order were ``nothing but conversion centers.'' Not true, but if it were, so what? We know perfectly well what would have become of the diseased and the destitute had Mother Teresa's nuns not rescued them from the street: They would have been left to die in the gutter, condemned by a culture that decrees these lowborn souls deserve their fate. ``What has the VHP done to better the life of the low castes? The answer is nothing,'' says Freedom House investigator Joseph Assad. ``When I was in India, I talked to one Christian who was forcibly reconverted to Hinduism. He told me when no one cared for us, Christians came and gave us food, gave us shelter and gave us medicine.'' An Indian Protestant activist who lives in New Jersey told me BJP rule has meant open season on followers of Christ. ``The last two years have been unprecedented,'' the man says. ``They have burned churches down, raped nuns, killed people. We complain to the government, but they look the other way.'' The Hindu militants certainly do not represent the sentiments of all Hindus. But these thugs have the tacit support and protection of the ruling BJP. Indeed, the BJP Web site condemns ``Semitic monotheism''--Judaism, Christianity and Islam--for ``bringing intolerance to India.'' This is what is known to professional propagandists as the Big Lie. No wonder Hindu hard-liners confidently pillage Christian communities. How many more Hindu-led atrocities will Christians and others suffer before Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee calls off the nationalist dogs? Will it take a physical assault on the Holy Father for the world to wake up to the kind of place Gandhi's great nation has become.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, as the author of the bill, I have just been informed that one of our colleagues has some minor problems with the bill. In order to accommodate him, what I would like to do, with unanimous consent of the House, is to withdraw the bill at this time, try to correct any differences that we have, and then bring the bill up later today. I think we can do that in a relatively short period of time.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce the Dietary Supplement Fairness in Labeling and Advertising Act. When Congress enacted the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), Congress intended to insure that all Americans had access to factual and adequate information about vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements so that they can make informed decisions about their health and well-being. There is an increasing amount of scientific data demonstrating the benefits of good nutrition, education, and appropriate use of dietary supplements to promote long-term health. Additionally, preventive practices, including the safe consumption of dietary supplements will play a role in significantly reducing health-care expenditures in this country. At a time when we are looking at a doubling of our health care expenditures by 2007, it is very important to find cost-saving measures such as the use of dietary supplements. The Government continues to provide funding to Agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, which includes the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Office of Dietary Supplements, as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Science Foundation to conduct research in nutritional approaches to improving health status and in the prevention, treatment, and cure of diseases. Over 100 million people safely use dietary supplements every day in the United States. The bill that I am introducing today will allow the public access to solid scientific research information about the safe and proper use of dietary supplements. It would amend the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC) so that that information on the scientific studies, including clinical trials, be made available to consumers without the FTC charging the manufacturer with improper advertising. The FTC does not allow the same information in advertising of dietary supplements that is allowed in labeling of the same products. Dietary supplement manufacturers are currently allowed to make some statements in the labeling regarding the benefits of calcium, vitamin C, and other common supplements that have been studied extensively. However, the FTC makes it very difficult for this useful information to be used in the advertising. This makes no sense. The information that the FDA allows as part of the labeling of a dietary supplement should also be allowed in advertising the same supplement, yet the FTC is seeking to regulate the advertising of dietary supplements by denying to consumers the very information that the DSHEA required the FDA to allow be used. This dual and contradictory set of regulations undermines the intent of Congress. DSHEA required the FDA to promulgate reasonable guidelines to regulate the content of dietary supplement labels. The goal of this requirement is to insure that the labels give consumers necessary information for decision making in supplement selection and usage, without making claims regarding medical or disease benefits. Additionally, the bill will instruct the FDA to withdraw the notice of proposed rulemaking published in the Federal Register of April 28, 1998, which attempts to regulate the types of statements made concerning the effects of dietary supplements on the structure and function of the body. In the Government Reform Committee, we conducted a hearing in March in which we discussed this very issue. The FDA proposed rulemaking is in direct conflict with the intent of Congress in DSHEA. Pregnancy and Aging are not disease states, but under the proposed FDA rulemaking their redefining of ``disease'' would designate them as such. Furthermore, it was never Congress' intent that citations from credible scientific publications not be allowed in providing accurate information in labeling of dietary supplements. In passing this legislation, Americans will gain access to better information about the research in dietary supplements. Additionally, there will be access to fair and adequate reviews of claims. This bill prescribes a method by which the FTC must act prior to filling a complaint that initiates any administrative or judicial proceeding alleging noncompliance by an advertiser. The FTC would be required to provide a full and fair opportunity for advertisers to consult with the Commission's scientific experts and allow for an open exchange of ideas and information to insure that decisions are based on concrete, substantial scientific evidence. This is the development of an efficient and effective government practice during a time where our society has become far too litigious, I support strengthening the review process, prior to filling any claims or complaints. I urge my colleagues to co-sponsor the Dietary Supplement Fairness in Labeling and Advertising Act. It would insure that all Americans have access to factual information about vitamins and other dietary supplements so they can make informed decisions about their health and well-being, while continuing to provide adequate safeguards to protect the public good.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce the Food Stamp Vitamin and Mineral Improvement Act of 1999. This is a commonsense piece of legislation. It would give those Americans using food stamps the ability to purchase vitamin and mineral supplements for themselves and their families. A similar bill was introduced with bipartisan support in the Senate and already has the support of the following organizations: the Alliance for Aging Research, the Spina Bifida Association of America, the National Osteoporosis Foundation, and the National Nutritional Foods Association. Nutrition experts such as Dr. Paul Lachance, Chair of the Department of Food Science at Rutgers University, Dr. Jeffrey Blumberg of Tufts University, Dr. Charles Butterworth, Director of Human Nutrition at the University of Alabama Birmingham, and Dr. Dennis Heldman, Chair of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Missouri have also called for making this commonsense change to food policy. This legislation would contribute substantially to improving the nutrition and health of a segment of our society that too often falls below recommended levels of nutrient consumption. Scientific evidence continues to mount showing that sound nutrition is essential for normal growth and cognitive development in children, and for improved health and the prevention of a variety of conditions and illnesses. Studies have also shown, unfortunately, that many Americans do not have dietary intakes sufficient to meet even the very conservative Recommended Daily Allowances, or RDA's, for a number of essential nutrients. Insufficient dietary intakes are particularly critical for children, pregnant women and the elderly. A recent study conducted by the Tufts University School of Nutrition, and based on government data, showed that millions of children living in poverty in the United States have dietary intakes that are well below the government's Recommended Daily Allowance for a number of important nutrients. The study found that major differences exist in the intakes of poor versus non-poor children for 10 out of 16 nutrients (food energy, folate, iron, magnesium, thiamin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc). Moreover, the proportion of poor children with inadequate intakes of zinc is over 50 percent; for iron, over 40 percent; and for vitamin E, over 33 percent. For some nutrients, such as vitamin A and magnesium, the proportion of poor children with inadequate intakes is nearly six times as large as for non-poor children. Pregnant women also have high nutritional needs. Concerns about inadequate folate intake by pregnant women prompted the Public Health Service to issue a recommendation regarding consumption of folic acid by all women of childbearing age who are capable of becoming pregnant for the purpose of reducing the incidence of spina bifida or other neural tube defects. That is why this change has long been a priority of the Spina Bifida Association of America. Furthermore, the percent of pregnant and nursing women who get the RDA level of calcium has dropped from just 24 percent in 1986 to a mere 16 percent in 1994. That's 84 percent of women who aren't getting enough calcium--which we know is critical to preventing the debilitating effects of osteoporosis. And again, the evidence is that lower income women, many of whom are eligible for Food Stamps are more likely to have inadequate intake of key nutrients. Women with income of 130 percent or less of the poverty level have higher rates of deficiencies in intake of Vitamins A, E, C, B-6 and B-12, as well as Iron, Thiamin, Riboflavin and Niacin than those with higher incomes. Obviously, the best way to obtain sufficient nutrient intake is through eating a variety of nutritious foods, but some groups-- particularly those at the greatest risk, including children, pregnant women and the elderly who do not absorb nutrients as well--may find it significantly difficult to obtain sufficient nutrient intake through foods alone. Accordingly, many people in our nation do rely on nutritional supplements to ensure that they and their families are consuming sufficient levels of key nutrients. I urge my colleagues to co-sponsor the Food Stamp Vitamin and Mineral Improvement Act of 1999. This bill, when passed, will help families, particularly children and the elderly, have a better chance at better health through adequate nutritional support.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce legislation to amend the Internal Revenue Code to provide that amounts paid for foods for special dietary use, dietary supplements, and medical foods be treated as medical expenses. There is an increasing amount of scientific data demonstrating the benefits of good nutrition, education, and appropriate use of dietary supplements to promote long-term health. Many Americans rely on dietary supplements as a means of maintaining good health and for some, to improve health conditions. Additionally, children with inborn errors of metabolism, and pervasive development delays such as autism require special diets and supplements that can create a significant cost burden to families. All individuals with autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammatory disease, and diabetes have special dietary needs incur significant expenses in regard to these needs. A long-term cost savings will be realized in health care by the adherence to special dietary needs of individuals with certain disease and disorders through the slow down in progression of disease and better quality of life. The inclusion of dietary supplements as a medical exemption, will in no way re-designate them as drugs for regulatory purposes under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. DSHEA required the FDA to promulgate reasonable guidelines to regulate the content of dietary supplement labels. The goal of this requirement is to insure that the labels give consumers necessary information for decisionmaking in supplement selection and usage, without making claims regarding medical or disease benefits. The FTC currently enforces a standard for advertising that conflicts with the intent of DSHEA. The FTC does not allow the same information in advertising of dietary supplements that is allowed in labeling of the same products. Dietary supplement manufacturers are currently allowed to make some statements in the labeling regarding the benefits of calcium, vitamin C, and other common supplements that have been studied extensively. However, the FTC makes it very difficult for this useful information to be used in the advertising. This makes no sense. The information that the FDA allows as part of the labeling of a dietary supplement should also be allowed in advertising the same supplement, yet the FTC is seeking to regulate the advertising of dietary supplements by denying to consumers the very information that the DSHEA required the FDA to allow be used. This dual and contradictory set of regulations undermines the intent of Congress. I urge my colleagues to co-sponsor this Internal Revenue Code amendment. It would insure that all Americans with medical conditions that require special dietary approaches and individuals who are maintaining better health through the use of dietary supplements will not carry the burden of this additional expense alone.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, Payne Stewart transcended the game of golf and will always be a timeless symbol of athletic talent, spirited competition, and a role model as a Christian gentleman. That's why I'm proud to join my colleague from Missouri, Congressman Blunt, in sponsoring H. Res. 344, a resolution recognizing and honoring Payne Stewart, and expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives to his family, and the families of the other victims who perished in the October 25th plane crash. At the age of 42, and while experiencing the best year as a professional golfer in his life, U.S. Open Champion Payne Stewart, a devoted father and husband, tragically was killed in a plane crash along with Van Arden, Stephanie Bellegarrigue, Bruce Borland, Robert Fraley, and Michael Kling. Payne Stewart, attired in plus-fours and a tam o'shanter hat was one of the most indomitable personalities in the game of golf. He made history when he won his second U.S. Open sinking the longest putt ever to win the U.S. Open in the tournament's 105-year history. As a member of the U.S. Ryder Cup team, he displayed his patriotism and pride for his country, and his sportsmanship in helping lead the U.S. team to victory. Payne Stewart was more than just a role model to many aspiring athletes in the United States. He truly recognized the joy of giving and making a difference in the lives of children. He donated his winner's check from the 1987 Bay Hill Invitational to the Florida Hospital Circle of Friends to aid the families of cancer patients. Just last year, Payne Stewart and his wife donated $500,000 to the first Foundation, the fundraising arm of the First Baptist Church of Orlando, to be used for the expansion of a Christian school. In the most recent years of his life, Payne Stewart devoted his life to his family and his faith in God. Payne Stewart's love for America was a great credit to the game of golf and to our country. I urge my colleagues to join me in extending the House of Representatives' deepest condolences to Payne Stewart's family, and to the families of Robert Fraley, Van Arden, Michael Kling, Stephanie Bellegarrigue, and Bruce Borland.

Mr. BURTON of Indiana

Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight for my colleagues the continued cooperation between The Gambia and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The Gambia's President, Dr. Yahya Jammeh, recently completed his first visit to the United States as head-of-State, and I had the opportunity to meet with him personally to discuss issues of mutual interest. The Banjul Airport has been among four select locations in the world designated as augmented emergency landing sites and recovery locations for the United States Space Shuttle. NASA space shuttles, launched eastward in a ballistic trajectory over the Atlantic Ocean, fly directly over Banjul, thus making it an ideal location for emergency landings if needed. Banjul International Airport (BIA) boasts an ultra- modern $10 million passenger terminal, a new nine-floor Air Traffic Control Tower, newly installed security systems, and upgraded airfield lighting and navigation systems. In addition, The Gambia's Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) works closely with the United Space Alliance, which is responsible for operating the Transoceanic Abort Landing (TAL) sites for every NASA space shuttle mission. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend NASA and President Jammeh for their cooperation, and I strongly encourage them to continue to work together in the future.