Ken Calvert

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4680, the Medicare Prescription 2000 Act. The bill is a fiscally sound way to help our seniors with a vital need. As co-chair of the bi-partisan Generic Drug Equity Caucus, I am encouraged by the bill's support for generic drug use. Currently, generics fill over 40 percent of all prescriptions in the United States, and are extremely affordable at only 10 to 15 cents for every dollar spent on brand name drugs. The Congressional Budget Office reported in 1994 that generic drug competition results in a cost savings to consumers of 8 to 10 billion dollars annually. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for this sensible bill. I hope that we can include an even more explicit preference for the use of generic drugs when the bill is conferenced with the Senate. This is a good bill, it's right solution at a critical time. We all should vote aye.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, today I commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War. This Saturday, June 25th, the Winchester Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4379 and the 23rd VFW District will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War to ``Honor America's Heroes.'' On June 30th, 1950, President Truman ordered United States ground forces into South Korea and a naval blockade of the Korean coast. Only a few days earlier, North Korean forces had crossed the 38th parallel invading South Korea and capturing the South Korean capital of Seoul. One of the war's most dramatic battles, Chosin, saw 17 Medals of Honor and 70 Navy Crosses awarded, more than any single U.S. action. The Marines and other Allied troops saw nearly 2,400 of their own killed and 10,000 wounded or frostbitten. And yet, this is often called the ``forgotten war'' by our veterans, who found themselves returning to an indifferent home front keeping their experiences to themselves. Well, I say ``NO MORE,'' Mr. Speaker! And ask that my home district of Riverside County, California and the whole nation open their minds and hearts to the stories of our Korean War veterans--that they join in the celebration. The sacrifice that service men and women have selflessly accepted over the centuries deserve at least that much. I offer my most heartfelt appreciation to the veterans of VFW Post 4379 and the 23rd VFW District.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, today I commend Kindergarten Teacher Susie Haas, one of only five, who will be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 2000. I am particularly proud, because Susie teaches at one of my own hometown elementary schools in Corona, California--the John Adams Elementary School. In fact, I went to school with Susie. Susie, I promise not to tell any stories if you'll do the same for me! Susie says, and I quote, that her ``philosophical beliefs concerning how children make sense of the world around them are the foundation of the instructional program I have created for my students. I believe all children deserve to be taught in an environment that will promote, value, and nurture their natural desire to learn.'' Susie's own teaching philosophy seems like common sense-- straightforward and easy. However, it is the hands-on practice of her philosophy that has made such an incredible impact on all of the children and parents with whom she has come into contact. As a result, Susie has been recognized numerous times by her students, colleagues, community, state and nation. In 1999 alone, Susie was a Disney American Teacher of the Year Honoree, California Teacher of the Year, one of the Inland Empire Magazine's ``Teachers Making a Difference,'' Walmart Teacher of the Year, Riverside County Teacher of the Year and Corona- Norco Unified School District Teacher of the Year. And Susie has not stopped her work at the door of her own classroom. She has written a variety of documents and books and given seminars across the United States to share her expertise in teaching, most significantly in literacy instruction. The Lap-Reading program created by Susie has educated thousands of parents across the nation on how they can boost their own child's school performance by offering monthly ideas on how parents can increase reading at home. For her students, she has created Spot, a stuffed classroom mascot, who travels home with each child two nights each year. Spot has done almost everything from birthday parties to dentist visits. All of the adventures have been recounted in drawings and writings by each child into Spot's personal journal. Mr. Speaker, as we debate the need to reform our education system this year and years to come, I ask my colleagues to look in their own backyard for advice from teachers, parents and students. They are living and breathing the adventures of literacy, the key to success for all future generations. To Susie Haas, I offer my deepest appreciation. Her passion and commitment to teaching America's next generation is truly awesome and inspiring.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a former small business owner, a family business, and a strong supporter of H.R. 8, the Death Tax Elimination Act. This bill finally phases out the Federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax commonly referred to as the ``death tax.'' Small businesses are a foundation of the American dream. My father, after he served in World War II, started a small coffee shop chain, started with one restaurant and built it up. My father passed away and as a family, we are facing this estate tax, as many families in this country face this tax. It is unfair, it is un-American, and we have an opportunity to end this tax today. Mr. Speaker, it is disgraceful that we continue this practice, and I am looking forward to a vote today that will finally start us down the road to ending this tax which hopefully will be signed into law.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and to express my full support for H.R. 4576, the Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2001. This important legislation honors the men and women serving in our Nation's armed services. I commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) for their leadership and commitment in addressing the needs of our service men and women and their families. This bill enhances recruiting, retention and quality-of-life programs. It also includes a 3.7 percent pay raise and an additional $64 million for basic housing allowances. It also addresses procurement shortfalls that our military has suffered since the Kosovo campaign. In particular, I am thankful for the gentleman from California's support for metrology and calibration accounts and the C-17 Globemaster funding levels. I look forward to working with the gentleman to explore the active associate wing concept for any additional C-17s procured. Mr. Speaker, I believe this bill is good for the U.S. service men and women, good for the national security needs of our country, and a sound investment for the people of the United States. Once again I would like to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis) and the staff of the Subcommittee on Defense of the Committee on Appropriations for their long hours and dedication. I know my district and the Nation's service men and women are better off because of their commitment. I support the rule and the bill.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, as I rise today, we are perhaps days away from an announcement of the completion of a draft map of the entire human genome. This is a major milestone in biological science, an achievement that some have likened to the Moon landing and the invention of movable type. My subcommittee has held two hearings on the status of the human genome project involving both the public and private sector. Three themes have emerged from these hearings: First, the medical breakthroughs stemming from this research will be immense; Second, the competition and cooperation between the public and private sector has brought us to this moment and will deliver results for us all; Third, Congress' duties in areas such as ethical, legal, and social implications of genetics research, as well as the need to fund gene- based disease therapies, will require us to think wisely and legislate prudently. I commend the public and private sector researchers for achieving this scientific milestone. Truly, a bright future beckons.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this conference report, the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000. This legislation goes a long way to assisting our farmers. I want to thank both the chairman and the ranking member, the gentlemen from the great State of Texas, for moving this conference report forward. I am especially pleased that $25 million was included to compensate growers for losses resulting from Pierce's Disease, plum pox, and citrus canker. My district has been hit hard by Pierce's Disease, which is transmitted by the glassy-winged sharpshooter. The disease attacks grapevines and is spreading at a rapid rate through Southern California, the gateway of one of the premier wine regions in California, as well as threatening the wine regions in the northern part of the State. It is estimated that 25 percent of the 3,000 acres of vineyards in Temecula have been destroyed to Pierce's Disease. Pests are not new to California and to this country. It is estimated in California alone we will lose about $3 billion in losses just because of pests. Pests are introduced in California, new pests, every 60 days. This assistance will help our growers to fight these pests and to struggle through a tough period.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend a group of individuals who have dedicated their lives to the Inland Empire's veterans in need. There is no more appropriate time than Memorial Day to recognize the men and women who serve at the Riverside Veterans Center in Riverside, California. The Riverside Vets Center was established in 1981 and has served over 6500 veterans and their families. At the Riverside Vets Center, veterans receive needed counseling, are involved in outreach programs with local schools and community-oriented volunteer programs, work with homeless veterans and participate in social activities. Recently, a writing group established at the Center by Leonard Reims and several other veterans, created and published a moving and inspiring collection of poems entitled ``Windows to our Souls.'' I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the fine staff whose dedication, passion and commitment ensure that the necessary services are available to these veterans. The current and former members of the staff who have made a major impact on these veterans include: head counselor Thomas ``Buddy'' Hawkins, Max Greenwald, Eleanor Parham, Marion Wilson and Rosendo Reyes. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to give special recognition to Bill Densmore with the Riverside County Vets Service Office, VFW Post 9223 and the Vietnam Vets of America Chapter 47 for their active involvement and support of the Riverside Vets Center. On behalf of the veterans in California's 43rd District, thank you!

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of granting permanent normal trade relations, H.R. 4444, for the People's Republic of China. I have long subscribed to Ronald Reagan's philosophy on dealing with adversaries: contain them militarily, engage them diplomatically and flood them with western goods and influences. I believe a similar combination will work on China. Many Americans are rightly concerned about human rights; and religious and political freedom in China. However, rejecting normal trading practices with China will not improve freedom in China. In fact, it will plunge China further into isolation and reduce freedom. Pat Robertson, with the Christian Broadcasting Network, and Rev. Richard Cizik, with the National Association of Evangelicals agree that engagement with China has and will continue to improve human rights in China. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help our American economy improve human rights in China. Vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4444.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 4205. Mr. Chairman, I am in full support of this important legislation that honors our men and women serving our nation's armed services. I believe this bill properly addresses the needs of our servicemen and women by providing needed quality of life programs and revamping the procurement shortfalls our military has been suffering since the Kosovo campaign. I am particularly thankful to Chairman Spence and the Armed Services Committee for their continued support of the C-17 Globemaster. This legislation contains language focusing on the aging C-141 aircraft fleet and replacing this aircraft with C-17's. This legislation directs the Secretary of the Air Force to consider placing C-17's at bases with reserve units, especially those that could accommodate a reverse- associated unit, like March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, CA. Mr. Chairman, I believe this bill is good for U.S. servicemen and women, good for the national security needs of our country and a sound investment for the people of the United States.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, throughout towns and cities across our nation there are individuals who are willing to step forward to dedicate their talents and energies to making life better for their friends and neighbors. The citizens of California are fortunate to have such an individual in Jerry A. King. Jerry King's involvement with the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Region, and community, began in 1983 when he was first appointed by Governor George Deukmejian. As a Regional Board member Jerry represented the community's concerns, set priorities for projects and plans of action, allocated funds, and made decisions essential to the future of water quality in southern California. His endless energy is displayed by his long list of business and community involvements including: President and owner of J.A. King & Associates, Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Orange County Transportation Authority, board member of the Industrial League of Orange County, President of the Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau and countless other local charitable and civic associations and organizations. Jerry King has made, and continues to make, a lasting and positive impact in the southern California community. His involvement and leadership have established a path for those individuals following in his footsteps. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jerry for his dedication, influence and involvement in our community. He has served as an outstanding representative of community leadership. It is a great pleasure for me to congratulate Jerry King for the outstanding job he has done as a member of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining?

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of the time. Mr. Chairman, this is a simple amendment which requires that a seller be a willing seller. This is as simple as that. Everyone here agrees that that is what they want. They want willing sellers. Well, then, I would suggest that they accept this amendment. The fact that a list can be made up of sellers' property somewhere, trust me, will have an adverse effect on the values of that property. And then to have the Government come back and negotiate to acquire that property from a so-called willing seller in itself is quite remarkable in this country. I think that this is a workable way to resolve this issue. I would hope that my colleagues would support this, and this would make it I think a much better bill.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 15 seconds. The language in my amendment does not eliminate a willing seller entering into a voluntary condemnation. In my previous life, I negotiated those agreements frequently. This does not do that. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Hill).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 15 seconds to only say that the coercive power of the Government to recommend condemnation in itself has a destructive effect on the value of property. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/4\ minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, let me start out by saying that I fully support the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This fund is one of the most successful conservation programs in history. The Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped support everything from parks to playgrounds, wilderness to wetlands, open trails to open spaces. Nevertheless, I want to ensure that landowners are not forced to sell their property and that all land owners are treated fairly in the process. My amendment ensures that landowners are not forced to sell their property, and that all landowners are treated fairly in the process. CARA provides for $900 million to be appropriated annually for Land and Water Conservation Fund for the purposes of purchasing land. Private landowners are understandably nervous that such a huge sum of money available, their land may be easily condemned for public use. My amendment helps alleviate these concerns by providing an effective check against overzealous agency acquisitions. With regard to the bill that we are looking at today, there is a loophole, not Federal ``willing seller'' portion. In its present form, the willing seller provision in the Federal portion of this bill allows acquisition of property if the owner is willing, or by an Act of Congress. By allowing for an Act of Congress, this bill creates a loophole through which Federal agencies could trample on the private property rights. In addition, CARA contains no private property rights protection for funds funded to State and local governments. Let me be clear, this amendment only applies to adverse condemnation or an unwillingly seller. Friendly condemnations, willing sellers, will be allowed. Some argue that my amendment would infringe on States' rights by not allowing the State to condemn. Let me address this point for a moment. As we all know, the 10th amendment to the Constitution states ``powers not delegated to the Federal Government are reserved to the States''; however, the fifth amendment states that no private property shall be taken without just compensation. Clearly, our founding fathers directed the Federal Government to protect private property rights. Mr. Chairman, I support allowing States the maximum amount of flexibility, whether we are talking about welfare or education or labor laws. I voted for the 1996 Welfare Reform law. I have cosponsored Dollars to the Classrooms, but, Mr. Chairman, the protection of private property rights is a distinct and clear Constitutional responsibility of the Federal Government. No matter how noble the objective, we should not abdicate our constitutional responsibility to protect private property rights. Further, this amendment applies only to funds provided to the State via the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a Federal fund. In addition, States will use this money to respond to Federal requirements, such as the Endangered Species Act. Without my amendment, Federal agencies could coerce States and local governments to condemn property in order to satisfy Federal land acquisition laws. Members should listen to the concerns of their constituents, especially their farmers, who are justifiably concerned that this bill will create an even bigger government. I cannot support a bill which does not take their concerns into account. This amendment is straightforward. It goes to the core of the willing seller issue. It comes down to the fact that the government should not be able to force taxpaying citizens off their land, land that has sometimes been owned by generations of families. I do not think anyone believes this should take place. My amendment goes a long way in preventing this from happening. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this amendment, which goes a long way in protecting rights of Americans. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote yes on my amendment. It is a vote to protect average Americans and maintain the sanctity of property private rights. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of his time.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I strongly support H.R. 3709, the Internet Non-Discrimination Act. Why? Quite simply, an unhindered Internet has brought the benefits of knowledge, trade and communications to more people in more ways than ever before. H.R. 3709 is not about sales taxes on Internet purchases. The bill in no way stops or restricts states or cities from taxing sales over the Internet. In fact, current rules governing state or local governments' ability to collect regular sales or use taxes on remote sales were set by the U.S. Supreme Court. H.R. 3709 leaves these rules untouched. Instead H.R. 3709 stops new taxes that specifically target Internet access and sales. The bill extends for five years the current Internet tax moratorium, enacted in 1998. The existing moratorium outlaws taxes on Internet access, the double-taxation of a product or service bought over the Internet and discriminatory taxes that treat Internet purchases differently from other types of sales. The bill also ensures that the moratorium on Internet access taxes is equally enforced in all 50 states, for those who rushed to tax Internet access thinking that they could avoid the federal law. Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the Internet Non-Discrimination Act. The Internet should not become subject to special, multiple or discriminatory taxes.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I rise today with reservations regarding the Conservation and Reinvestment Act, CARA, in its current form. Unfortunately, Mr. Chairman, I cannot support this bill as it presently exists. I have concerns about the lack of property rights protection in this legislation. I will offer a condemnation amendment to address the fundamental flaw in this bill. My amendment will ensure that landowners are not forced to sell their property and are treated fairly in the process. CARA provides for $900 million to be appropriated annually for the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the purposes of purchasing land, including private property, farms and ranches. Private landowners are understandably nervous that with such huge sums of money available, their land may be easily condemned for public use. CARA contains no private property rights protection for LWCF funds provided to State and local governments and very minimal protection with Federal funds. It comes down to the basic right that government should not be able to force taxpaying citizens off their land, land that has sometimes been owned for generations by families. I do not think anyone believes this should take place. My amendment goes a long way in preventing this from happening. I agree that money for parks and recreation, historic preservation and wildlife restoration are worthy endeavors. However, I cannot support a bill which forgoes the rights of American citizens. Mr. Chairman, I hope that my colleagues will support my amendment which will significantly improve this bill.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with the California Inland Empire Council Boy Scouts of America in saluting Dr. Raymond L. Orbach as their Distinguished Citizen of the Year--2000. Dr. Raymond L. Orbach has been Chancellor at the University of California, Riverside for eight years, where he is also Distinguished Professor of Physics. At UCR, Chancellor Orbach has made community service and partnerships the focal point of his administration. The major part of that focal point is the students themselves. In fact, to remain in touch with the student population, he teaches the calculus- based freshman Physics course at UCR every winter quarter. Chancellor Orbach has been and continues to be a shining example of a person with passion and principles, who has strived to change the cultural and political direction of our nation. His approach and policy has been a simple one, that a community's strength comes from just that--the community. We must first start close to home and then radiate out if we hope to have fulfilling lives and impact others. We have a vast system of public higher education in this country; a network of great state universities and colleges. Today we enjoy academic excellence in America as it is enjoyed nowhere else in the world. Chancellor Orbach is responsible for that part of America's incredible educational experiment known as UCR. Every student at UC Riverside is the beneficiary of this man, who is deeply committed to educating our nation's young people and ensuring that they have a bright future. In fact, a New York Times Magazine article, in May of 1999, lauded Chancellor Orbach for his passion and principles. He is one person, making a difference. Chancellor Orbach reminds us what we, as Americans, ought to be. What we, as Americans, are capable of achieving. Since 1910, the Boy Scout has been the epitome of the good American citizen. He has been instilled with the drive to ``help other people at all times,'' and to keep himself ``physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.'' To do this he must be: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Chancellor Orbach has gone above and beyond the Boy Scout protocol. I ask all of my colleagues in Congress to please join me in honoring the Chancellor for his courage, innovation, and commitment to the youth of tomorrow as he is recognized on May 8th.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I take the floor today to honor Cynthia G. Roth, the recipient of the 2000 ATHENA Award. The ATHENA Foundation Award Programs originated in 1980 by Martha Mayhood Mertz, who realized that in the 75 years of presenting community awards, her Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, of Michigan, had only once honored a woman. Mertz recognized that focus had to be given to the incredible professional women in our communities and they had to be incorporated into leadership positions in the local Chambers of Commerce. Cynthia G. Roth, of my own district of Western Riverside, California, has worked with Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce for 23 years. She started with the Chamber as a receptionist and is now the President and Chief Executive Officer, where she oversees a budget of $1.1 million, supervises a staff of 15 and promotes the Riverside region. Cynthia's 23 years with the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce epitomizes the ATHENA philosophy of leadership that celebrates relationships and services to the community. Mr. Speaker, my district is fortunate to have the dynamic and dedicated community leader in Cynthia. She has given her time and talents to promote the businesses, schools and community organizations of Riverside. Moreover, she has been an exceptional motivator and inspiration to all young women around her. Cynthia's outstanding work makes me proud to call her a community member and fellow American. I know that all of Riverside, including myself, are grateful for her contribution to the betterment of our community and salute her on May 10th with the 2000 ATHENA Award. I look forward to continuing to work with her and the many professional women of Riverside County for the good of our community. I would like to close with the ATHENA Foundation motto by Plato: ``What is honored in a country will be cultivated there.''

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that methamphetamine has reached epidemic proportions in our Nation. Last year alone, we saw almost 6,000 lab seizures affecting nearly every State in the Nation. It is time we declare war against meth. This deadly drug has thousands of innocent victims. Ordinary families find their property ruined or health at risk by the deadly chemicals used to make meth. These chemicals destroy soil and plants, contaminate drinking water, and poison the air we breathe. We know we have reached a crisis situation with meth. The statistics are there. Forty-four States reported nearly 6,000 meth lab seizures in 1999 alone. And most disturbing, over 1,200 children were found during these lab seizures. We must face the problem head on. My legislation does just that. The War Against Meth Act ensures that we stop meth production but punish those who would put innocent victims and the environment in danger. Today we introduce this bipartisan legislation with over 60 cosponsors. Mr. Speaker, I would like to finally thank all the law enforcement men and women that are fighting this battle on a daily basis as we declare, once again, war on meth.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 116 I was inadvertently detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''