Shelley Berkley

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I came here today to vote for an across- the-board tax cut, but the tax cut that I support must be fair, it must be responsible, and it must ensure that this country pays down its national debt. Sadly, this tax bill does none of these things. When my constituents in southern Nevada sit down to figure out how much of their paychecks they can afford to spend, they know better than to spend money they do not have, or money that they need to pay their bills, or money that they might earn in the future. Unfortunately, this Congress has not learned these simple lessons. We are getting ready to pass a very large tax cut. How will this tax cut affect our education system, our seniors, our prescription medication plan, our veterans, our military? We do not know, because we have not got a budget yet. I want to pass a large tax cut but to do so without a budget, without protecting Social Security and Medicare, without paying off our national debt is irresponsible and inappropriate. We should be here voting on a bipartisan bill that fits our budget and helps American families. We are not. We are attempting to ram something through without hearings, without input, without reasoning. It is very disappointing, Mr. Speaker. I cannot condone this process, and I am not going to be a party to it.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for the methamphetamine legislation signed into law this session as part of the Children's Health Act of 2000. I strongly support the provisions of this bill that address the methamphetamine problem and the sale of pseudo-ephedrine, the primary ingredient in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The production of methamphetamine and the unregulated sale of pseudo- ephedrine is a serious problem in my district of Las Vegas. Local law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to combat the abuse of this drug, and to crack down on the toxic methamphetamine laboratories that inhabit rental properties and hotel rooms that are often used by tourists. I concur with the provisions in the legislation to reduce the amount of pseudo-ephedrine that can be purchased in a single transaction from 24 grams to 9 grams. At the present time, the 24 grams of pseudo- ephedrine that can be legally purchased equates to about 900 tablets. It seems obvious that a person in need of pseudo-ephedrine for its intended purpose to relieve cold symptoms does not need this quantity of the drug. I also strongly support the provisions of the bill that strengthen the sentencing penalties for those who manufacture this drug, and the provisions that provide the critical training to local and state law enforcement agencies so they are able to safely and effectively fight this drug. However, I believe that it is equally important that we take the next step and increase regulation of the sale of pseudo-ephedrine. I have talked with local law enforcement agencies about the unregulated sale of pseudo-ephedrine and I'm all too familiar with the frustrations they face on a daily basis. There is evidence that drug wholesalers from other states come into the State of Nevada and sell pseudo-ephedrine by the caseload to retail outlets. When the distributors are asked why they traveled such distances to sell their drug in Las Vegas, they simply say that their home state ``does not have a methamphetamine problem.'' This is shameful, and the problem must be rectified. There is no federal law requiring retail outlets that sell limited amounts of pseudo-ephedrine to keep records of transactions. Without federal regulation, there is no uniform, reliable method to track the distribution of this drug. Illegal methamphetamine laboratory operators may continue to buy this drug by the caseload without a single record of transaction being documented. And because there is no federal regulation, law enforcement agencies do not have authority over the exchanges. Reducing the number of grams for purchase and increasing fines and penalties are a step in the right direction. But more needs to be done. We need to have greater accountability and we need to give law enforcement agencies the authority to intervene when drugs are being purchased for illegal activities. Methamphetamine is a growing problem already plaguing many cities and it is spreading across the nation. We must make common sense changes in our national policy today, in order to curtail the drug crises of tomorrow. I applaud the recent changes regarding methamphetamine and the sale of pseudo-ephedrine, and I will support future efforts to strengthen these policies.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize my friend Brad Beal, the President and CEO of the Nevada Federal Credit Union, headquartered in my district in Las Vegas, for his recent election to the board of the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU). Brad has been a leader in the Nevada credit union movement for over 14 years and I am glad to see him receive this national recognition. For the last decade, Brad has served as the President and CEO of the Nevada Federal Credit Union, which has over $550 million in assets in 17 branches throughout Nevada. In this role, Brad has been a leader for over 250 employees at Nevada FCU, and a leader for the credit union community, both in Nevada and at the national level. During my time in Congress, he has kept me fully informed about the issues of concern to the 77,000 members of Nevada FCU and credit unions everywhere. Brad has always been sure to take the time to meet with me when he is in Washington, D.C. or when I am in the District, to keep me and my staff updated. His election to the NAFCU board culminates a long career in the credit union industry. NAFCU is the national trade association that represents federal credit unions and ensures that their voice is heard in Washington. I congratulate my friend Brad Beal on his recent election to the NAFCU Board and look forward to continuing to work with him and America's credit unions. I know Brad will be an outstanding voice for credit unions everywhere.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Water Resource Development Act, which includes a provision to help restore Lake Mead and the Las Vegas Wash and Wetlands in southern Nevada. The Las Vegas Wash and Wetlands is the only major drainage channel for the entire 1,600-square-mile Las Vegas Valley. On average, 153 million gallons of water, including harmful pollutants, flow each day through the Las Vegas Wash, then through the Las Vegas Wetlands eventually draining into Lake Mead, which is Las Vegas Valley's primary source of drinking water. Fortunately, the Las Vegas Wetlands filter out harmful pollutants before they enter into Lake Mead. In 1972, the Las Vegas Valley had 135,552 people and 2,000 acres of wetlands. Today, the Valley has over 1.2 million people and only 200 acres of wetlands left. The Valley's tremendous growth has severely eroded the Las Vegas Wash and Wetlands. If left alone the wetlands will disappear, and Lake Mead will become badly polluted resulting in an environment disaster threatening local fish and wildlife species and the health of area residents. The future of Lake Mead and the Las Vegas Wash is the future of our community, so this is hugely important to southern Nevada. I've grown up with Lake Mead and the Wash and I've seen over the years how they've become more and more polluted. Not only do we rely on Lake Mead and the Wash for clean drinking water, but they provide one of our greatest recreational and scenic areas. If we want our children to continue to have access to this tremendous asset, we have to come together now to save the Lake and restore the fragile Wash. This important legislation authorizes $10 million in funding for the implementation of a water resources plan adopted by the Las Vegas Wash Coordinating Committee. The plan directs federal, state, and local officials to work together to restore the wetlands at the Las Vegas Wash and to improve water quality at the Lake. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is crucial to the continued growth and environmental sustainment of southern Nevada. I praise the bipartisan efforts that created this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, due to business at the White House, I was unable to vote during House consideration of S. 2311, the Ryan White CARE Act Amendments on Thursday, October 5, 2000. I would like the Record to note that, had I been present, I would have voted in support of this legislation.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the great work of my constituent, Jane Ryan, RN, MN, CNAA, who is ending her tenure this year as President of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). Mr. Speaker, Jane Ryan has dedicated her entire career to the field of mental health. For many years, Ms. Ryan focused on training the next generation of psychiatric nurses at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). As a tribute to her work, former students have been known to still talk about Jane's unique ability to bring out the best in her pupils. Despite her busy schedule, ever the teacher and mentor, Jane still continues to keep in touch with a number of her former students and colleagues. Mr. Speaker, Jane Ryan has worked tirelessly on the issue of seclusion and restraint. Recently, her hard work came to fruition as Congress passed language related to seclusion and restraint that focuses on patient and staff safety issues. I supported passage of this measure and was a co- sponsor of the Patient Freedom from Restraint Act. I agree that seclusion and restraint requires our serious attention and we must all thank Jane for her leadership in this area. During her career, Jane Ryan never lost sight of the larger picture-- she never forgot why she and others entered into the field of psychiatric nursing--to help people. With this in mind, she always stressed the need to hold a constant dialogue with patients and their families, in addition to those in the health care provider community. This important theme was made clear when APNA established a Consumer Advisory Task Force to continue this important dialogue. This type of progressive thinking is a hallmark of Jane's leadership. Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure of meeting Jane a number of times in my Washington, D.C. office. In fact, with her numerous visits to my office, I was beginning to wonder when she planned to stay in my home state of Nevada for more than one week at a time! However, I do know that I am scheduled to meet with Jane at least one more time this year for what promises to be a very special ceremony in Nevada. I am pleased to announce that I was chosen to receive APNA's 2000 Congressional Service Award. This is a true honor and I wish to thank the entire membership for their consideration. Mr. Speaker, we have seen a tremendous amount of progress in the field of mental health over the past few years. For example, Dr. David Satcher released the first-ever Surgeon General's report on mental health, where we were reminded of the need to chip away at the stigma that still surrounds mental illness. In 1999, we witnessed the historic White House Conference on Mental Health, led by Mrs. Tipper Gore, where participants, including Jane Ryan, discussed ways to increase access to mental health care. Also, I must mention the efforts of my colleague Senator Harry Reid, who has worked tirelessly to draw attention to the issue of suicide--a problem affecting far too many families across the country and, in particular, those in Nevada. We know, then, much work remains. However, we should reflect and be proud of the accomplishments that were made in the field of mental health--and look forward to more progress. Mr. Speaker, we must thank people like Jane Ryan, for the remarkable strides we have made. There is no doubt that Ms. Ryan, along with the many other members of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, are to be commended for their work. On behalf of my colleagues, and citizens across the country, thank you for making a difference in the lives of Americans across the country.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 26th anniversary of Turkey's invasion and occupation of Cyprus. Today an estimated 35,000 heavily armed Turkish troops continue to occupy 37 percent of the island. If a solution is ever to be achieved, it is essential that all decisions and pronouncements of the international community be fully implemented. It is my hope that the United States Congress will continue to firmly support the people of Cyprus by urging Turkey to comply with the resolutions of the United Nations and to work instructively for a solution. It is imperative that we take all necessary steps to actively support efforts to end the forcible division of the island and its people and to unify Cyprus through a just and lasting solution. Twenty-six years of occupation are enough. Twenty-six years of occupation are 26 too many. It is time to end the occupation now.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize a group of students and their teacher for their outstanding achievement and their remarkable understanding of the fundamental ideals and values of American constitutional government. The students from Basic High School in Henderson, Nevada, were recognized for their expertise on the topic, ``What Rights Does the Bill of Rights Protect?'' at the We the People . . . the Citizen and the Constitution national finals held in Washington, D.C. The outstanding young people competed against 50 other classes across the nation and demonstrated their ability to understand and articulate the individual liberties granted by the Bill of Rights. Additionally, the Basic High School students worked as a team to exemplify the ideals our nation was founded on. Their dedication, hard work, and unity truly embodied the three simple words in the preamble of our Constitution: ``We the people.'' The Constitution of the United States is the oldest working document in our nation's history, and thus the wisdom we have inherited is invaluable. As these students continue to carry out those values, we can be assured that our country will continue to strengthen and prosper. They will be ready to face the challenges of tomorrow and be leaders of our community. The students who participated in the event are: Kate Bair, Joshua Bitsko, Ryan Black, Daniel Croy, Scott Devoge, Danielle Dodgen, Courtney England, Starlyn Hackney, Jill Hales, Alia Holm, Janae Jeffrey, Ryan Johnson, Aimee Lucero, Nathan Lund, Jessica Magro, Jasmine Miller, Holli Mitchell, Gary Nelson, Krystaly Nielsen, Mark Niewinski, Amanda Reed, Jeni Riddle, Leslie Roland, Landin Ryan, Alena Sivertson, Ashley Stolworthy, Tarah Strohm, Tyler Watson, Kara Williams, Ricky Zeedyk. Other individuals who should be recognized for their love and dedication for the students are their teacher, John Wallace; State Coordinator, Judith Simpson; and District Coordinator, Debbie Berger. I thank their teachers and their parents for investing and sacrificing for the future of America. And once again, I congratulate these students for their accomplishment, and wish them every success in future endeavors.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Chairman, due to mechanical difficulties, my flight was 262 minutes late which is why I missed rollcall votes No. 373, No. 374, and No. 375. Had I been present, I would have voted no on No. 373, no on No. 374, and yes on No. 375. Amendment No. 51 Offered by Mr. Royce

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I oppose this bill because it fails to provide seniors in my district who are crying out for prescription drug relief with comprehensive coverage under Medicare. I favor a drug plan that is voluntary, affordable and reliable, one in which seniors feel secure and know that the Congress has not abandoned them. I urge my colleagues to vote against this half-hearted effort and stand up for seniors by demanding a comprehensive drug benefit under Medicare now.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule. This rule does not allow us to consider the best prescription drug plan that we can offer our senior citizens. I represent the fastest-growing senior population in the United States. Not a day goes by that I do not receive a call from a frightened senior begging me to help them obtain affordable prescription medication; sharing their feelings of despair and worry; sharing their horror stories of having to choose between buying food to survive or medicine that will help them survive; of having to choose between paying their rent and purchasing their prescription medication. I have seen the Republican plan firsthand. The Nevada State legislature passed similar legislation over 13 months ago, relying on private insurance companies to provide drug coverage. To date, no insurance company, not one, has agreed to participate. My friends in Nevada are attempting to fix the program. They have the best of intentions, just like my friends across the aisle. But why in the world, when it is not yet functioning for the 223,000 seniors in Nevada, would we try to replicate it for the millions of seniors that are desperately in need of affordable prescription medication? I urge my colleagues to consider the Democratic alternative that would provide a comprehensive volunteer affordable prescription drug plan. Our parents and our grandparents are expecting better from us.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon) for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Weldon amendment. This common sense measure would instruct the Secretary of Interior not to publish any new onerous gaming regulations until our Federal courts have finished adjudicating cases presently pending. It is simply ludicrous to waste time and taxpayers' money on intrusive new regulations until we know the outcome of these cases. To myself and others concerned with States' rights, this premature rush to regulate is deeply troubling. I believe profoundly in the capacity of our Federal Government to do good, but it is imperative that we resist the pressure of over zealous Federal bureaucrats intent on regulating States' rights. Additionally, at a time when we seek to maximize the efficiency and cost effectiveness of our Federal Government, why in the world do we allow the wasteful spending of taxpayers' dollars? Why would we encourage work that may ultimately be rendered moot or duplicative? Mr. Chairman, let us leave the Federal Government out of it. States and Indian tribal governments can resolve gambling issues within State borders. They certainly do not need the help of any cabinet secretary and they should not be forced to take it. I encourage my colleagues, please support the Weldon amendment. It is the right thing to do for States, for taxpayers, for common sense.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule and stand up for the men and women who dedicated their lives to this great country, and as a result are now suffering debilitating diseases. Earlier this week, I appeared before the Committee on Rules to speak in favor of justice and fair play for former Department of Energy workers who have suffered serious diseases due to radiation, beryllium, silica, and other toxic chemical exposure related to their jobs. From 1951 to 1992, the Federal government tested nuclear weapons above and below ground in southern Nevada at the Nevada test site, among other sites around the country. Growing up in southern Nevada, I was friends with many of the children of Nevada test site workers and knew these people well. These former workers are now suffering debilitating diseases, and many have died as a result of their service to their country. These workers were never made aware of the potential danger exposure to radiation, beryllium, silica, and other toxic chemicals might pose to their health, but we now know the hazards that were faced and we now have the responsibility to do the right thing. The Federal government is already spending millions of dollars of taxpayers' money reimbursing contractors for the legal expenses contractors incur fighting claims from radiation victims. The Federal government is also already compensating atomic veterans and down winders. I know that there is a sense of Congress that is going to be introduced, and I support it, because that is the right thing to do. But I am also well aware of the fact that that is too little and it will not be getting the job done for these people who are looking to the Federal government to get compensation for their illnesses. It is the right thing to do, it is the appropriate thing to do. I want to state my strong opposition to the rule and my strong support for compensating former site workers who suffered work-related illnesses or lost wages due to radiation exposure and other toxic exposure.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, last week I appeared before the Committee on Rules to focus attention on one section of H.R. 853 that threatens to undermine the American public's confidence in Medicare. I am referring to provisions in title IV that require authorizing committees to establish a schedule for sunsetting and reauthorizing all mandatory spending programs, including Medicare, over 10 years and that limit the authorization of any new mandatory program to 10 years. Congress needs to ensure that taxpayers' funds are spent wisely. However, the authorizing committees already have both the responsibility and authority to conduct such oversight. Lack of effective oversight is not a consequence of the way that the budget process operates. Nor is it due to the permanent authorization of fundamental programs such as Medicare. In fact, the authorizing committees regularly review the programs under their jurisdiction and report legislation updating them. The Committee on Ways and Means has regularly held hearings on Medicare and has proposed a number of reforms in recent years to modernize the program. For instance, we are now considering creating a prescription drug benefit for seniors that would, I hope, become part of Medicare. Why would we want to create the uncertainty of limiting a prescription drug benefit to only 10 years? And why should Medicare itself be put on a schedule that might call into doubt the future of the program? Such outcomes would do little good and possibly great harm. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote against this legislation that weakens our existing budget process, our committees and the entire Congress and brings uncertainty to such programs like Medicare that millions of older Americans depend on for their very survival. I am puzzled and dismayed that my colleagues on the Committee on Rules refused to consider my amendment to exclude mandatory spending programs such as Medicare from this measure. I urge a ``no'' vote on this legislation.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize a man who has dedicated his life to improving education for the children in the Las Vegas community. Dr. Brian Cram has spent over 34 years as an educator, serving our children as a teacher, as a principal, and as the superintendent of the Clark County School District. It is with great sadness that we say farewell to an educator who has touched the lives of thousands of students, but it is with great happiness that we wish him a joyous retirement. Affectionately known by the students in his district as the ``Supernintendo,'' Dr. Cram's tenure will be remembered by his strong personal relationships, and his ability to bring the ``human side'' to the needs of the school district. As a principal, Dr. Cram was not satisfied sitting behind a desk, and was happiest during the times when he was actively involved with the students' education. As a superintendent, Dr. Cram would actively participate in the educational needs of the students by traveling to as many schools possible to read to classes during the district's ``reading weeks.'' Dr. Cram was witness to the enormous growth of Las Vegas, as the Clark County School System expanded from 111,000 students, to over 215,000 students. As a self proclaimed ``poster boy for school bonds,'' Dr. Cram supported the building of 100 new schools, and championed voter approval of billions of dollars in school construction bonds for the students, teachers, and staff of the Clark County School District. Driven by the fundamental principle that education is the ``great equalizer'' in life, Dr. Cram endorsed the School to Work program that was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, enabling students with the necessary tools to excel in the workforce. Dr. Cram should be very proud of his accomplishments, as he has been successful in achieving his greatest challenge to meet the growth needs of the 8th largest school district in the country. His commitment and dedication is unmatched, and will be truly missed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Cram on behalf of the Clark County community, and wish him every success in future endeavors.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, yesterday we celebrated National Teachers Day and paid tribute to some of our Nation's most important citizens, our teachers. Today, I rise to discuss school construction, an issue which is very important to the teachers in my district. In my hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada, we have the fastest growing school age population in the United States. We have to build a school a month in order to keep up with the unprecedented growth. We have 1,200 students for every school in southern Nevada. That is twice the national average. We have 210,000 people in our school district. Too many of these students, as many as 22,000, are being educated in trailers, being educated in portables. This is not an appropriate place for our students to be educated in. It is not an appropriate environment for our teachers to teach in. The teachers in my district need school construction so that they can teach smaller classes and help their students learn better. I urge my colleagues to pass fair, common sense legislation that will help our teachers and benefit all of America's students. Let us pass school construction.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3293, a bill to honor our Nation's Vietnam veterans. In my home State of Nevada, we have over 65,000 Vietnam veterans. In my district alone, there are 41,000. These courageous men and women sacrificed their lives to defend our country during a time that their efforts were not always appreciated by their fellow countrymen. They deserved our praise and admiration then, and they deserve our praise and admiration now. Today, the Vietnam Memorial Wall stands as a vivid reminder of those who gave their lives to fight in the Vietnam War. I recently had the opportunity to take my 14-year-old son to see the Vietnam Memorial. It was a moving experience for us both. However, there are many veterans whose lives were also cut tragically short by the war in Vietnam who are not listed on the wall. My colleague has introduced legislation which will honor this special group of Vietnam veterans. These fallen heroes deserve recognition for their sacrifice, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Join with me and my colleague who introduced it, and I thank him very much for doing so.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1070, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act, legislation which will give the States the ability to provide treatment for uninsured and underinsured women battling breast and cervical cancer. I am pleased that the leadership has finally agreed to bring this critically important legislation to the House floor for a vote no later than Mother's Day, May 14. There is absolutely no excuse to miss this opportunity to save women's lives in this country. To date, the bill has 290 bipartisan cosponsors, well over the required number to pass a bill on the Suspension Calendar. In addition, the National Breast Cancer Coalition and over 500 leading health care and women's organizations have said that passage of H.R. 1070 is one of their top priorities this Congress. Let us give our grandmothers, our mothers, our sisters, and our daughters the gift of life. Let us pass H.R. 1070 at the earliest opportunity.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin).

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson), the sponsor of this bill.

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1279 is a bill to designate the Federal building in Clarksdale, Mississippi, as the Aaron Henry Federal Building and United States Courthouse. Dr. Aaron Henry was a civil rights pioneer, a thoughtful mentor, scholar, and great humanitarian. He led an active, committed, exemplary life. After attending local public schools, he joined the Armey in 1942 and was a veteran of World War II. After the war, he attended and graduated from Xavier University in New Orleans. In 1953, Dr. Henry organized the Coahoma County Branch of the NAACP, and served as the State NAACP president from 1960 to 1993. During the 1960s, he participated in the Freedom Rider Movement and in the Mississippi Freedom Summer's nonviolent campaigns of public protest. Dr. Henry served on numerous boards, such as the Executive Committee of the NAACP, the Federal Council on Aging, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Acknowledging his contributions as a civil rights leader in 1979, the citizens of Coahoma County elected him to the Mississippi House of Representatives, where he was reelected in 1983 and 1987. Dr. Henry was instrumental in securing passage of legislation that created the Office of Economic Opportunity, and was a strong advocate and spokesman for the Job Corps and Head Start. Dr. Henry was an active member of the Haven United Methodist Church, serving as its lay leader. He was committed to his community and educational and civic issues throughout his life. It is most fitting and proper that we support the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson) and honor the great contributions of Dr. Henry. I urge passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2412 is a bill to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as the ``E. Ross Adair Federal Building and United States Courthouse.'' Congressman E. Ross Adair served his country and his State with bravery and distinction for almost his entire life. He was a dedicated teacher, decorated war hero, conscientious civil servant and diplomat. He served in the House of Representatives for 20 years, from 1951, the year that I was born, until 1971, representing the citizens of the 4th District of Indiana. In 1972, President Nixon appointed him as ambassador to Ethiopia, where he was posted until 1974. In 1976, Adair served on the Indiana State Privacy Commission, and in 1976 he was appointed to President Ford's reelection campaign. He was active in many civic organizations as well as in his church. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting and proper to acknowledge the accomplishments of Congressman Adair with this designation. I support H.R. 2412 and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BERKLEY

Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) for yielding me the time. Madam Speaker, at the close of debate I will offer a motion to commit S. 1287 to committee. I oppose S. 1287 because it would irresponsibly ship nuclear wastes to Yucca Mountain, a location that scientific evidence has established cannot safely contain the massive heat and radioactivity generated by 100,000 tons of high-level nuclear waste. After more than 15 years of study, it is clear that Yucca Mountain is not what Congress had in mind when it set high standards for finding a nuclear waste disposal site. A nuclear waste site must be free of groundwater contamination for many, many centuries to come; but Yucca Mountain is now known to be at high risk for water contamination that will speed the release of radioactivity into the water supplies over a vast area of the Nevada desert. A nuclear waste site must be free of earthquakes, but Yucca Mountain is in one of the more active earthquake zones in the country. It has been shaken repeatedly, even over the past year, by severe earthquake jolts. And a nuclear waste site must be free of volcanic activity, but scientific findings show that Yucca Mountain is subject to potential eruptions deep within the earth that could cause a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions. I offer this damaging assessment of Yucca Mountain as a backdrop to the many flaws identified with S. 1287. Bills like S. 1287 only exist because they offer a political, not a scientific, approach to the Nation nuclear waste problem. S. 1287 is the latest ploy in a long line of actions that have been taken to undermine the tough standards for a nuclear repository that Congress established 18 years ago. S. 1287 constrains the Environmental Protection Agency from implementing their final rule for radiation standards, at the same time this bill opens up the door to making radiation standards a political exercise in the hope that a new administration would shift its policies away from strong radiation standards towards more lax limits on radiation exposure. S. 1287 also takes a dangerous and arbitrary position by mandating that high-level nuclear waste would be shipped to Nevada beginning in the year 2006, years before testing and construction at Yucca Mountain could possibly be completed. There is absolutely no logic to sending high-level nuclear wastes to Nevada, the most dangerous substance known to mankind, to a place that it is not safe to begin with and certainly would not be ready to safely accept this toxic garbage. It is an outrage that the Republican leadership is even considering this legislation. Common sense should dictate that in the light of a promised presidential veto and the ability for the Senate to sustain that veto, that we waste not one more moment of our precious time with this issue. Let us focus our time and energy on fighting for prescription medication for our seniors, a Patients' Bill of Rights, finding ways to protect Social Security and Medicare, and other important issues confronting this great Nation.