Ken Calvert

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, all I can say after listening to the great passages of our former literary giants, is I ask the House to pass this legislation. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, the Delaware River is the last free-flowing river in the eastern United States. Approximately 330 miles in length, the river flows along four State boundaries and provides water to nearly 10 percent of the Nation's population. The upper and middle Delaware River regions have already received wild and scenic designation; and in 1992, Congress authorized a study of the lower Delaware region to determine its viability for the wild and scenic designation. The study concluded that 14 segments were eligible for the wild and scenic classification. S. 1296 would designate eight of these segments as wild and scenic. According to S. 1296, the Secretary of Interior will continue working with the local river municipalities and within 3 years of the enactment of this bill may designate any of the remaining segments in the management plan as wild and scenic. Madam Speaker, I urge support for S. 1296. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 1296) to designate portions of the lower Delaware River and associated tributaries as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden).

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, S. 1936 was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden. It would allow the Forest Service to sell the Bend Pine Nursery in the State of Oregon and use the proceeds to purchase other lands in that State. The gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden) has introduced the House companion bill for this measure, H.R. 4774, and he should be commended for his work on behalf of the State of Oregon. S. 1936 passed the full committee on September 20 of this year by a voice vote; and I would urge support for the passage of S. 1936, as amended, under suspension of the rules. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 1936) to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or exchange all or part of certain administrative sites and other National Forest System land in the State of Oregon and use the proceeds derived from the sale or exchange for National Forest System purposes, as amended.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 4312 introduced by the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Johnson) directs the Secretary of Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing an Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area in the State of Connecticut and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Housatonic River and associated valley lie in the southwestern corner of Massachusetts and the northwestern corner of Connecticut. The river flows approximately 148 miles eventually emptying into Long Island Sound. The proposed study area would consist of a 60-mile segment of the Housatonic River's watershed extending from Lanesboro, Massachusetts south to Kent, Connecticut. H.R. 4312 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine whether the area has an assemblage of resources that represent distinctive assets of American heritage, reflects traditions and customs that are valuable national history, provides conservation and recreational opportunities, and contains important resources important to the identity of the area. The study would include demonstrated local support for the heritage area, identifies a lead management entity and has a conceptual boundary map supported by the public. This is a bipartisan bill. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4312. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4312) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing an Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area in the State of Connecticut and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and for other purposes.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis), who represents the area in question with this legislation. (Mr. LEWIS of California asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe has been living in portions of California and Nevada for hundreds of years. At the present time, the majority of the tribe's ancestral homeland is located within Death Valley National Park, which is ably represented by our colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis), and other areas currently under the Bureau of Land Management Control. S. 2102 provides the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe with a land base within its aboriginal homeland on which the tribe can live permanently and govern its own affairs. The legislation would also form a partnership between the National Park Service and the tribe to ensure that the resources of the park are protected and enhanced. It would formally recognize the contribution the tribe has made in the history and culture of the area, authorize the Secretary of Interior to purchase additional lands and water rights for the tribe's use, as well as help for further clarification of rights and obligations on these lands. Madam Speaker, the interests of both the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe and the United States would be enhanced by recognizing their coexistence on the same land and by establishing partnerships for compatible land uses. This is a good piece of legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support S. 2102. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, this is an excellent piece of legislation. I urge its passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 4965.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 5225, the bill just passed.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 630) providing for the concurrence by the House with an amendment in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1444.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I do not have to tell Members of this body that health care inflation is out of control. Our constituents are telling us that every day. They are feeling the effects of medical costs that increased over 10 percent in 1999 alone. The latest projections are that health care inflation will outpace overall inflation for many years to come. This poses a significant threat to American families, government programs, and employers who are shouldering a growing burden of the U.S. health care costs. One solution to this problem is to increase the availability of generic drugs. Generic drugs deliver the same health results as brand drugs, but generics cost 70 percent less on average than the brands they replace. The savings are significant. A new report released by Sanford University in Alabama shows that for every 1 percent increase in generic drug utilization, consumers, taxpayers and employers save over $1 billion in prescription drug costs. It is clear that the greater use of generic drugs must be a part of the plan to cure the Nation's ailing health care system.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the whole of my delegation to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the great state of California joining the United States of America. As the 31st state to join the union, nobody at the time could have predicted the incredible breadth of agriculture, business, military prowess or diversity that California would and continues to contribute to the nation. My own small corner of California, anything but small really, encompasses western Riverside County, including the cities of Riverside, Corona, Norco, Lake Elsinore and Murrieta. In fact, Riverside County is the fourth largest county in the state, stretching nearly 200 miles across and comprising over 7,200 square miles of fertile river valleys, low deserts, mountains, foothills and rolling plains. Between 1980 and 1990, the number of residents grew by over 76%, making Riverside the fastest-growing County in California. By 1992, the County was ``home'' to over 1.3 million residents--more than the entire population of 13 states, among them Maine, Nevada, Hawaii and New Hampshire. Of course I would be lax in my position as the Representative to the 43rd Congressional District if I did not add that it is also the most impressive district in California. Founded in 1870 by John W. North and the Southern California Colony Association, the City of Riverside took off and has never looked back. In its infancy Riverside became known for its many citrus groves, palm lined avenues and wide array of subtropical shade. The region became famous for its citrus and horticultural industries that over time gave way to military and industrial growth, and education. In fact, in 1907, Riverside became the home to the University of California Citrus Experiment Station, sponsoring wide-ranging research that greatly benefited agriculture in the region. The site was established as a campus of the University of California fewer than 50 years later in 1954. Today, the University of California at Riverside has earned a reputation as one of the pre-eminent teaching and research institutes in the world. Agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of UC Riverside as California continues as the nation's top agriculture state, a position it has held for more than 50 years. From Humboldt County in the north to Imperial County in the South, California agriculture is a blend of valleys, foothills, coastal areas and deserts where a bounty of superior agricultural products unmatched anywhere in the world grow. My home district also offers up its beautiful architecture to those who visit. Its ``Mediterranean image'' derives from the many examples of fine architecture in the California Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial styles that grace its landscape. The best known example being the Historic Mission Inn, in the City of Riverside, which was built between 1902 and 1932 by Frank A. Miller and his partner Henry Huntington. Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart were married there. Teddy Roosevelt was its first Presidential guest. Richard and Pat Nixon exchanged wedding vows at the Inn. Ronald and Nancy Reagan began their honeymoon in its Presidential Suite. Mr. Speaker, the 43rd District has obviously seen rapid growth and change over the past 150 years. We are proud to join our other friends across California in celebrating our great fortune and success as a State. California is guaranteed to continue as cornerstone of agriculture, education and industry in the next 150 years to come. Happy Birthday California!

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the President's veto of H.R. 8, the Death Tax Elimination Act. One point I want to make, those 2 percent we keep hearing from our friends on the right, or on the left, I should say, those 2 percent hire a substantial amount of the people that work in this country. Keep that in mind. This estate tax plan is simple, and we need to make sure that we sustain the President's veto. It is disgraceful as a result of the estate tax more than 70 percent of family-owned businesses do not survive the second generation. Seventy percent of family-owned businesses do not survive the second generation. Earlier this summer we had a vigorous debate about free trade, protecting jobs of American men and women, and then forcing 70 percent of Americans to sell off a family-owned business to protect American jobs. It this the American dream? I do not think so. This estate tax is simply Uncle Sam double-dipping into the pockets of hard-working Americans. First we pay income taxes, then Uncle Sam comes back for more and more taxes, and the estate tax, which is now taking 55 percent of the value of an estate upon death. This estate tax is extremely hard felt in my State of California where land prices are extremely high. Please vote to override.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly support this important law enforcement legislation. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the original Aimee's Law and legislation, and have voted on this provision in the juvenile justice bill earlier this year. Those who prey on innocent children do not deserve repeated opportunities for freedom. This bill, also known as the No Second Chances for Murderers, Rapists, and Child Molesters Act of 1999, would encourage States to increase penalties for serious violent crimes by calling for murderers to receive the death penalty or be imprisoned for life without possibility of parole. Those convicted of rape or dangerous sexual offenses involving a child under the age of 14 would be imprisoned for life without the possibility of parole. This legislation finally will assist local law enforcement officials by ensuring that the most dangerous criminals will not be released back to the streets to commit more deadly crimes. Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe that we must take all necessary actions to help protect the innocent from predatory violent criminals. I believe that Aimee's Law significantly helps achieve this goal. I encourage all my colleagues to support this legislation, and thank my friend, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Salmon) for introducing this bill. I encourage its passage.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Chairman, I do not know the instances in these various products, but I have confidence that the appropriators have looked into this. I have confidence that the USDA does not have time to look sometimes into the minutiae of what the gentleman is trying to do. They must respond immediately, not only with research but with dollars to back up that research, or we are going to have an epidemic on our hands with various produce and products in this country. I would like to say one thing, produce is extremely important to this country. Fresh vegetables are important to this country, not just to the farmers but to the people who consume them. We need to have the research and the response as quickly as possible in this country to make sure that we continue to have the best produce at the best possible price for the consumers in this country. In that sense, I would absolutely oppose the gentleman's amendment, and would urge all our Members to vote against it.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. I come from Southern California. We are being attacked by what is called the glassy-winged sharpshooter, which is capable of totally destroying the wine industry. I want to make one point, Mr. Chairman: Insects do not wait. They do not wait for a competitive grant, they do not wait for a competitive investigation of whether one insect is more deserving of investigation or research than another. We do not have time. When an insect first hits the ground, it starts reproducing at a rapid rate. They become endemic very quickly. We have found in California if we do not respond, for instance, to the fire ant that was found recently, or the Formosa termite, which was literally eating its way across San Diego, or the Medfly, and continue to have research on that most destructive insect, I think everyone would agree in the United States, which totally destroyed, by the way, the citrus industry in Florida many years ago, that these research grants need to be responded to immediately. They cannot wait. We do not have the time. We have to give the responsibility to people to make those types of decisions. I would say that I join my friends on both sides of the aisle in opposition to this amendment. I would hope for the sake of the produce industry, certainly something very important in California, that this amendment is voted down. We do not get subsidies on our crops in Southern California. We are produce farmers: strawberries, fruits and vegetables. Our farmers really have to succeed on the price of their produce. The only thing that we have to get us in some kind of a competitive advantage is good research. I want to stand for research and in opposition to this amendment.

Mr. CALVERT. I yield to the gentleman from Washington.

Mr. CALVERT. I yield to the gentleman from South Carolina.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, as cochairman of the Generic Drug Equity Caucus, I would like to talk about generic drugs and how they make prescription drugs more affordable. Currently, generics fill over 40 percent of all prescriptions in the United States and are extremely affordable, at only 10 to 15 cents per dollar spent on brand names. The Congressional Budget Office reported in 1994 that generic drug competition results in a cost savings to consumers of $8 to $10 billion annually, while meeting the FDA's requirement on bioequivalence, meaning that generics have the exact same effect on the human body as brand names. Too many of the brand name companies seek to extend their patents, thereby restricting prompt market access by generics and raising drug costs. Americans have a right to be concerned about the high cost of prescription drugs. The solution could be as simple as encouraging the use of generic substitutes and providing co-pay differentials between brand name and generic drugs, and preventing abusive marketing and regulatory practices.