Howard Coble

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I just want to reiterate what the gentleman from California said. These pages have done a great job. We hear oftentimes, Mr. Speaker, about pages running amok, engaged in drugs and assault and batteries, et cetera. These pages have done a great job here. If I think they are a good example of the young people across our landscape, we have little about which to worry. We thank you, pages, for what you have done.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina for yielding time to me. Mr. Heineman has pretty accurately portrayed what this bill will do. Under current law, as he pointed out, the Bureau of Prisons may grant a nonviolent addicted prisoner as much as a 1-year early release if that inmate completes a residential drug treatment program. In other words, I think an argument could be made that the law discriminates in favor of criminals who enter prison with a drug habit. Representative Heineman's bill corrects this problem by eliminating the bureau's discretionary authority to act in this manner. In addition, H.R. 2650 requires the Attorney General to ensure that the Bureau of Prisons uses necessary incentives and sanctions to compel inmate participation in drug treatment programs. Examples would include reduction in good time credits and preferred housing or job assignments. Representative Heineman's bill enables the Bureau of Prisons to use a variety of these sanctions and incentives at varying and differing security levels. Finally, Mr. Speaker, present law restricts drug rehabilitation assistance to those inmates who request such help. H.R. 2650 changes this requirement or alters it by confining treatment to inmates who are within 24 months of release, thereby hopefully maximizing each program's effects. I applaud Representative Heineman's work on this issue. His legislation serves the interest not only of society, it seems to me, but the inmate as well. In many instances, rewarding inmates for activity they should have avoided in the first place appears to perhaps be a misplaced priority. I think Representative Heineman's bill is pursuing the proper course, and I thank the gentleman from North Carolina for having yielded the time to me.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, each year an estimated 76 million Americans-- more than one-fourth of our population--enjoy recreational boating as a means to forget the stress and pressure of everyday life. Fortunately, our Nation is blessed with vast water resources that provide a means of escape for those who just want to ``get away from it all.'' Tragically--and to a great extent needlessly--approximately 800 people die each year in boating-related accidents. Recreational boating is second only to motor vehicles in the number of transportation- related fatalities. Since 1958, by sponsoring National Safe Boating Week and other activities promoting boating safety throughout the year, the United States Coast Guard has continuously worked to remind the American public of the importance of boating safety. ``Lifejackets: They Float-- You Don't!'' is the slogan of this year's boating safety campaign. National Safe Boating Week is being observed this week, May 18-24, just prior to Memorial Day weekend which is the beginning of the traditional summer boating season. Falling overboard and capsizing are the leading causes of boating accidents. In 77 percent of the documented recreational boating fatalities reported to the Coast Guard, the victim was not wearing a personal flotation device, more commonly referred to as a lifejacket. The Coast Guard considers wearing a lifejacket the single most important factor to ensure survivability in these accidents. It is unfortunate that, while hundreds of people die needlessly each year, the boating public still does not understand the importance of wearing lifejackets. The most recent tragic example of the need for lifejackets was the drowning of former CIA Director William Colby. It is presumed that Mr. Colby drowned when he fell out of his canoe as he was boating in a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. Unfortunately, Mr. Colby was not wearing a floatation device when found. Another tragic example is an incident that occurred in Arkansas in July 1993. A family of nine (two parents and seven children) went out on the Fourche LaFave River in a 14-foot flat-bottom boat designed for only three people. Although the weather was clear and the water was calm, the overloaded boat quickly began to take water, and within minutes of leaving the shore the boat went down. There were no lifejackets on board even though only two of the people could swim. Both parents and five of the children drowned. This incident is a textbook case of failure to observe basic boating safety rules. So as Americans everywhere flock to our Nation's rivers, lakes, and oceans to enjoy the hot summer weather, remember ``Lifejackets: They Float--You Don't!''

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, as the National Basketball Association playoffs move into high gear, I would like to pause for a moment to recognize some young basketball players from North Carolina who achieved the ultimate thrill--winning State high school basketball championships. We are particularly thrilled, Mr. Speaker, because all three high schools are located in our part of the State. North Carolina has long divided its schools into classifications to determine sports champions. This method offers an assurance that schools of equal size can compete fairly. This system also allows more schools the opportunity to compete for titles and trophies. We are proud to say, Mr. Speaker, that the Piedmont Triad is the home of North Carolina's 4-A, 3-A and 2-A champions for 1996. One three high school basketball champions were crowned on March 23 in Chapel Hill, NC. In the 2-A class, it was an all-Sixth District battle as Southwest Guilford High School defeated Thomasville 64-57. The Cowboys' win capped an outstanding 30-2 season for head coach Robert Kent's talented squad. State championships are nothing new at Southwest Guilford. In just the last few years, boys and girls soccer and girls volleyball all captured North Carolina championships. In the 1994-95 school year, Southwest Guilford was awarded the Wachovia Cup for all-around athletic excellence for 2-A schools. Southwest also has won the last two News & Record Cups for overall excellence among the 14 public high schools in all classifications in Guilford County. The latest Southwest title squad was led by the starting five, all seniors. Guards Lamont Sides and Chris Davis, forwards Tucker Swindell and Derrick Boger, and center Todd Ashworth were freshmen when Coach Kent took over the team. Southwest had won just 3 games in the previous 2 years, but has won 20 or more games each year since then. This season, the Cowboys lost only two games by a total of six points. The starting five will tell you, however, that this remarkable season was a total team effort. Congratulations must also go to fellow seniors Darius Pickett, Jeff Raber, John Cathey, and Greg Robertson, juniors Jared Wright, Reco Ryals, and Rod Boger, and the lone sophomore on the team Kashun Bynum. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District, we offer our congratulations to the team, Coach Kent, assistant coaches Tim Atwood and Mark Williams, scorekeeper Kristin Bowen, certified trainer Angelique Durocher, student trainer Zachery Womack, and video tape director Levar Lovelace. The Cowboys were cheered on by varsity cheerleaders Heather Bowles, Natalie Richardson, Melody Cadenhead, Allison Brooks, Heather Cooper, Olivia Quick, Martika Harrington, Missy Andrus, Holly Humphrey, Holly Stowe, Landi Coltrain, and cheerleading coach Robin Neal. To athletic director Rick Kemp, Principal Dennis Quick, the faculty, staff, students, parents and friends of Southwest Guilford High School, we offer our congratulations on winning the North Carolina 2-A state basketball championship. The North Carolina 3-A championship also went to a Sixth District team on March 23. Walter M. Williams High School of Burlington defeated Hickory 78-58 to capture the 3-A crown. It was the first State title for the Williams basketball team, but the second for head coach Tommy Cole, who led Graham High School to a championship in 1983. Coach Cole told the News & Record that some of his Graham players called him just before Williams played for the title. ``They didn't want Williams to take the limelight,'' Cole told the Greensboro newspaper, ``but I told them not to worry, that I'd never forget them. They were the first. It's just that because this (Burlington) is my hometown and alma mater (Williams), it's a little bit special.'' It was definitely special for Williams High School which had waited 46 years to win a basketball crown. Just 2 years ago, when the Bulldogs finished 9-16, it did not look like a championship was in the near future for Williams. This season, however, a senior-dominated squad plowed through an impressive 27-2 record all the way to the title. The one starter who will return next year is guard Alex Spaulding who scored 27 points in the championship game and was named Most Valuable Player. The other members of the championship Bulldog squad all played key roles throughout the regular season and into the title game. Those players included B.J. Farrington, Craig Miller, Draper Pulliam, Corey Mattison, Lamont Watlington, Brian Fields, Omar Curry, Thomas Burnette, Will Simpson, Joey Schoeneck, and David Crotts. All will savor the fact that they won the first basketball crown for Williams in almost half a century of competition. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District, we offer our congratulations to the team, Head Coach Cole, assistant coach David Wyrick, managers Jay Skeen, James Harris, Trevis Gilliam, and Adam Hall, statisticians Dwight Hall and Blake Cole, scorekeeper Kristy Sharp, video director Joey Edwards, and team physician Dr. Bob Ellington. To athletic director Tommy Spoon, principal Donald Andrews, the faculty, staff, students, parents and friends of Williams High School of Burlington, we offer our congratulations on capturing the North Carolina 3-A basketball championship. We hope you will not have to wait another 46 years for another title. Finally, Mr. Speaker, the third Piedmont Triad high school to win a state basketball title is not in the Sixth District, but it is close enough that we can share in the pride of their championship, particularly since some of our district attend the school. On March 23, James B. Dudley High School of Greensboro won the State's 4-A basketball crown by defeating Richmond County in a thrilling 79-68 overtime win. Like its 3-A counterpart of Williams, Dudley had to wait many years for its first basketball championship. In fact, it was 35 years ago when the Panthers won their school's last roundball title. Dudley's win capped an impressive 29-2 season. Head coach David Price told the News & Record that winning the school's first basketball championship in 35 years meant so much to so many people. ``Everyone has been coming up hugging us,'' Price told the Greensboro newspaper, ``and it really has been a warm feeling. A lot of them remember the last time Dudley won a State basketball championship.'' When Dudley won its last basketball title, North Carolina's high schools were still segregated. Dudley won its 1961 championship while playing against other black high schools in the State. One of the current assistant coaches, Everette James, is a direct link to the last championship squad. James was a sophomore starter on the team which captured the 1961 crown. ``This has been good for the school and the community,'' James told the News & Record. ``It's been so long, and a lot of the old fans have come out to say congratulations.'' We join in that chorus of congratulations by extending our best wishes to each member of the Dudley Panthers basketball team. The championship squad was led by Parade All-American Vincent Whitt, championship game MVP Braxton Williams, Brendan Haywood, Lennie Jones, Derrick Partee, Charles Goodman, Brett Claywell, Marcus O'Neal, Derrick Hicks, Jemaine Price, Daniel Davis, Kenneth Ferguson, and Marcus Watson. Everyone connected with the Panthers assisted with the run for the title. They included Head Coach Price, Assistant Coaches James, Gary Copenhaver, Taft Turner, and Brian Seagraves, statistician Shannon Stewart, managers Monica Walker, Joy Underwood, Johnetta Chavis, and Tameka Rowells, trainers Scott Ellis and Phillip Owens and team physician Dr. James Kramer. To athletic director Roy Turner, principal Larry Lewis, the faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends of the Dudley Panthers basketball team we offer our congratulations on capturing this year's 4-A high school championship. To all three schools, we again say congratulations on completing outstanding seasons. We are proud that the Piedmont Triad is North Carolina's home of basketball champions.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I have no problem coming to this floor to engage in open debate. This is, after all, our reason for being, to debate issues openly and notoriously in the hope of improving it. I do, however, Mr. Speaker, have problems when Members assure me that they are with me, then, as a result of what I call political intimidation, conclude that they are not only not with me but against me. Oh, I am not angry. I am not that thin-skinned. I am disappointed, because we changed our position in reliance upon their assurances that they were supportive of this good legislation only to learn at the last minute that their support had vanished like the morning dew. This bill, I say to my colleagues, promotes a sound fiscal approach by dismantling the Federal Maritime Commission and saving taxpayers approximately $20 million per year. The Federal Maritime Commission, my friends, is a vestige of the Federal bureaucracy whose usefulness, if any, has been served. Just yesterday, at the House Committee on Rules meeting, the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Moakley] asked the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Oberstar] why he was going about his dismantling FMC, and here I am paraphrasing, and the gentleman from Minnesota replied to the gentleman from Massachusetts, its time has come. And, folks, the time has come. It is time for us to move along and this is an excellent way to dismantle big Government. This bill, secondly, promotes and encourages competition. It has the support, and, Mr. Speaker, I hope the Members are listening to this, it has the support of these groups: The American Farm Bureau. And I would say to the gentleman from Tennessee that I am told that they represent 4.5 million farm families. The National Retail Federation, the American Forest and Paper Association, the American Automobile Association, Sea-Land Service, American President Lines, the two largest carriers in this country, the National Broiler Council, the National Turkey Federation, and I could to on and on. But as evidenced by the aforementioned support, Mr. Speaker, this bill affects America. The title, Ocean Shipping Reform Act, might imply to the uninformed that this affects only ports and only coastal communities. This bill, Mr. Speaker and my friends, affects people, individuals and corporations across this land who produce goods and/or services, Americans who live in New England, who live in Dixie, who live on the Great Plains, the Pacific Northwest, the scenic Southwest. Americans all will benefit, directly or indirectly, with the passage of this bill without any amendments. This bill could be labeled, Mr. Speaker, America's bill. It is a good bill. I urge passage of this rule.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania, the chairman of the full committee, for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, at the outset I want to comment to the gentleman from Minnesota, I think he took umbrage with my earlier statement when I used the words ``political intimidation.'' Well, I use those words again, but I certainly meant nothing personal about that, I will say to the gentleman from Minnesota. Folks, is there anybody in this great hall who would dare think that political intimidation is not an ingredient that we see every day up here? All of us, nobody is immune to it. Sure, political intimidation is kicked around. I did not mean anything personally by that at all. But I do stand by my choice of words. I do think political intimidation is involved here. I have heard it said, Mr. Chairman, that oftentimes the lyrics of music sometimes can bring things together. So I heard a song not long ago, and I am going to try to connect it, Mr. Chairman, to what we are about today. The song was written by Tom T. Hall, the country balladeer, country story teller, who was reared I think in Congressman Rogers' district in Kentucky, and it is entitled ``The Ballad of $40''. The lyrics depict a fellow who died and he was indebted to a friend in the amount of forty bucks. The creditor friend goes to the funeral, and the lyrics depict him standing alongside the church there viewing the activity. And as he sees the survivors of the deceased, his debtor, walk by, he says, ``That must be the widow in the car, and would you take a look at that; My, what a pretty dress, you know some women do look good in black. He ain't even in the ground, they tell me that his truck is up for sale. They say she took it pretty hard, but you can't tell too much behind a veil.'' Well, many people up here obviously have been wearing veils. Veils conceal the eyes, and observers therefore are unable to determine the sincerity of the voices behind the veils, because the veils conceal eyes and faces. The observer is, therefore, at a disadvantage. We were assured by our Democrat friends that they were supportive of this legislation. And as the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Chairman Shuster, said earlier, we worked hard, Democrats and Republicans alike, to strike a delicate, yet well-oiled balance. Strategy sessions were conducted and staffers attended these sessions representing Democrats and Republicans alike. A man said to me yesterday who represents one of the groups supportive of this bill in its present form, he said, ``I feel violated. I went to those strategy sessions and shared information that was very personal to my group, thinking people there were supportive of this legislation. Now I find out they were spying.'' Those were his words, not mine. He felt violated, he said. All was well, Mr.. Chairman, until the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO weighed in and told many of my friends on the other side it was time for them to withdraw their support, withdraw their support, despite past assurances that they were in fact supportive. Have we come to the point in this body where one's word, one's promise, has no significance, has no meaning? Permit me, Mr. Chairman, to elaborate about the 11th hour involvement of the labor unions. Now, I am not being critical of rank and file, card-carrying union members. My complaint is with union bosses. Union members are rather flexible politically. They vote Republican, Democrat, Liberal, Conservative. Union bosses, on the other hand, with rare exceptions, vote straight Democrat, because I assume big government, sometimes intrusive government, has appeal to these people. Well, these bosses yell ``jump'', and many respond ``how high must I jump?'' Recently some of my colleagues charged that the NRA had too much clout with this Congress. Well, I wonder if these same people believe the AFL-CIO has too much clout? Oh, I guess it is perfectly permissible for the AFL-CIO to dictate the course of legislation, but highly improper for the NRA and other groups to do likewise. The imposition of a double standard, I ask, Mr. Chairman? Perhaps. Perhaps indeed. A sea change has occurred on this bill. As recently as last week, I say to my friend from Pennsylvania, I say to my friend from Minnesota, the bill was on its way to inevitable passage because of bipartisan support. Then came the AFL-CIO with their marching orders. Now those who previously supported the bill have jumped ship. A man's word was at one time his bond, but obviously not this day. Too many people, Mr. Chairman, are wearing veils, enabling them to say one thing and do another, and yet often times get away untouched, unpunished, with this elusive approach. This is a good piece of legislation in its present form, and America, as I said in my remarks during the debate on the rule, will benefit. The gentleman from Pennsylvania, Chairman Shuster, just mentioned how much money will be realized by Americans if this bill is enacted. I urge my friends to support it.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1202.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, Secretary O'Leary continues to call the shots at the Energy Department. Oh, no, she can't be fired despite the flagrant abuse of her privilege, not right, but privilege of travel. The taxpayers, in my opinion, have been ripped off because of her excessive travel. Ms. O'Leary flies first class or she charters her own private plane and is accompanied by her ubiquitous entourage. The time has come for President Clinton to show this woman the gate that leads to the road out of town. Even then she will likely demand a first-class ticket or a private charter and her entourage of 5 to 25 aides to preclude any heavy lifting on her part. Oh, no, she's special, she can't be fired. Yet she will continue to enjoy the luxury of worldwide travel at the expense of the American taxpayers as well as her own employees. Inexcusable, Mr. Speaker. Inexcusable.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, as the college and high school basketball seasons move into high gear, we pause for a moment to give praise to one group closely associated with the sport of round ball which is often overlooked, namely the cheerleaders. These dedicated young people contribute much to the joy and enthusiasm which exists at our Nation's high school and college basketball games, as well as many other sporting events. Of course, everyone knows that North Carolina is a basketball hotbed. We are proud of the level of basketball skills exhibited at the high school and college levels and that includes our cheerleaders. We think they are the best. Now, we have proof that the Sixth District of North Carolina is home to the best cheerleaders in our State. The members of the Ledford High School varsity cheerleading team were declared State champs recently in the North Carolina State 2A cheerleading championships. The Davidson County high school squad, coached by Debbie Pope, won the State title which was sponsored by the North Carolina Cheerleading Coaches Association and recognized by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. The Panthers' cheerleading squad is comprised of team captains Heather Pitts and Courtney Troutman, as well as Shannon Montgomery, Chrissy Ayers, Lauren Garner, Leslie Varner, Kellie Jackson, Ashley Craven, April Kindred, Brittany Yountz, Mellisa Quinn, and Alicia Belle. The most recent State championship is not the only trophy captured by the Ledford cheerleaders. The squad won the varsity dance/pom championship at UCA summer camp and the ECA regional championship in the varsity division. Ledford was also invited to the ECA Nationals. Three team members were selected as all-stars at UCA summer camp, and Chrissy Ayers was chosen to be a member of the West squad for the N.C. East/West All-State Cheerleading Team. For winning this title, we offer our congratulations to Ledford principal Max Cole, athletic director Gary Hinkle, Coach Debbie Pope, the faculty, staff, students and families of Ledford High School. We are certain that the whole community is sharing in the excitement. So, if you attend a sporting event at Ledford High School anytime soon, take special notice of the cheerleaders because they are State champions. From the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, three cheers to the Ledford High School Varsity Cheerleading Team.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate Morton Gould, the great composer, conductor, and recording artist who died on February 21 at the age of 82. Gould's contributions included significant works for orchestra, chamber ensemble, band, chorus and soloists, as well as scores composed for film, television, Broadway, and ballet. Throughout his career, Gould's work was characterized as particularly American, integrating the elements of jazz, blues, spirituals, and folk music. He was born on December 10, 1913 in Richmond Hill, NY. As a child prodigy, he composed and published his first work at age 6. Growing up during the throes of the Great Depression, Gould supported his family by working as a vaudeville pianist. His music has been commissioned by symphony orchestras, the Library of Congress, the New York City Ballet, and the American Ballet Theatre. Gould's work has been performed worldwide by a number of prominent conductors. He received the Kennedy Center Honor in 1994 and the Pulitzer Prize in Music the following year. Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1986, Gould received 12 Grammy nominations and a Grammy award in 1966. He conducted more than 100 albums on three different recording labels. Finally, Mr. Speaker, Gould was a great friend of the intellectual property community as an active participant in many ASCAP and ASCAP Foundation programs. A tireless advocate for new American composers, he was constantly seeking opportunities to expose their work. Gould also served with distinction on the Board of the American Symphony Orchestra League and on the National Endowment for the Arts Music Panel. Mr. Speaker, Morton Gould was a great American artist whose talents and contributions to our national culture will be missed. I join my colleagues in acknowledging his accomplishments. We extend our sympathies to his family.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the Senate bill (S. 1004) to authorize appropriations for the U.S. Coast Guard, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House; to strike out all after the enacting clause of S. 1004 and insert in lieu thereof the text of H.R. 1361 as passed by the House; to pass the Senate bill as amended; and to insist on the House amendment and request a conference with the Senate thereon.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, when you hear the terms rodeos and cowboys, your mind wanders off to images of the wide open plains of the American West. Now, however, when you think of champion cowboys, you will have to think of the Sixth District of North Carolina because we are now home to a world champion bullrider. Mr. Jerome Davis of the Glenola community in Randolph County, NC, won the world bullriding title in Las Vegas, NV, on December 10, 1995. Davis had fulfilled a lifelong dream by capturing the top bullriding trophy. In fact, he entered the 10-day national finals rodeo competition ranked No. 1 in the world standings, but Davis needed a final-day win to secure the top prize. Runner-up rider Terry West scored an 89 on his final ride which meant that Davis could not be thrown off his final mount or he would lose the title. Davis was able to stay on the aptly-named ``The Jam'' and scored an 84 to clinch the title. He won more than $72,000 at the national finals to complete the season with more than $135,000 in earnings. Davis beat West by only $3,000 to claim the world title. As reported in the High Point Enterprise, more than 300 well-wishers greeted Jerome Davis when he returned to the Piedmont Triad International Airport on the day after his world victory. ``I never expected anything like this,'' David told the Enterprise's Mark McKinney. ``I figured maybe my Mom would be here with a few folks. This is more than I could have imagined.'' It appeared that the entire Glenola community turned out to greet Davis, sporting homemade lapel pins that read ``Jerome Davis, World Champion!'' and ``#1 Jerome Davis.'' Calvin Wagner of Silver Valley, a longtime rodeo promoter and enthusiast, told the newspaper that Davis is a trail blazer. ``Jerome brought it home,'' Wagner said. ``By being the first world champion bullrider east of the Mississippi River, Jerome has opened doors for cowboys that previously were closed.'' Davis told his crowd of supporters that he could not have won by himself. ``A lot of work goes into winning a world title,'' Davis remarked. ``But I never could have done it without the support of my family and friends. I don't know how to thank everybody for all this.'' We know how to thank you, Jerome. On behalf of all the citizens in the Sixth District of North Carolina, we offer our congratulations on winning the world bullriding title. Now when people talk about champion cowboys, we can say just look to Glenola and Jerome Davis.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the business in order under the Calendar Wednesday rule be dispensed with on Wednesday next.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, this week during the State of the Union Address, the President remarked that the era of big government is over; however, it seems that some agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] are under the impression that it is business as usual, especially when it concerns tobacco products. In 1992, Congress tasked HHS with implementing the Synar amendment designed to keep tobacco out of the hands of our children. This new congressional policy is simple: Encourage each State to enforce laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors, oversee these State efforts, and deny certain Federal funds if the State fails to enforce these measures. Just last week, HHS issued its final rules governing the administration of this law. While I am disappointed that it took more than 3 years to issue these rules, I am encouraged that we may now see results from this policy. Meanwhile, a component of HHS--the Food and Drug Administration--has also attempted to improperly intervene in this debate on the pretext of protecting our children. I cannot believe that such action is simply a case of one hand not knowing what the other is doing; rather, it demonstrates that the FDA is so out of control that it has decided to disregard congressional intent and pursue its own Federal tobacco policy. I am pleased that HHS has finally decided to implement congressional policy to keep tobacco away from our children. I urge the President to withdraw the FDA's proposed rules and reject that agency's assertion of jurisdiction over tobacco products. In addition, I am enclosing an editorial on the subject from yesterday's Washington Times. I think my colleagues will find it to be interesting reading. [From the Washington Times, Jan. 24, 1996] A Consensus on Teen Smoking Last week the U.S. Health and Human Services Department (HHS) did something remarkable in the campaign to limit teen smoking. It proposed regulations with which almost everyone agreed. It threatened to strip states of millions of dollars to fight drug and alcohol abuse if they didn't crack down on teen smoking. To those who haven't followed this controversy, it may seem an odd approach to the problem, to wit: If the states aren't going to limit adolescent smoking, the feds aren't going to let them limit drugs and alcohol abuse either. But so far at least, it has the backing of tobacco foes, friends and perhaps most important, Congress. Lawmakers opened the door to such rules in 1992 when they signed onto legislation from the late Mike Synar requiring states to prohibit the sale of tobacco to persons under 18 years old. Congressional backing is what separates the HHS rules from the far more publicized and ambitious anti-smoking campaign launched in August by U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner David Kessler. Among other things, he would ban mail-order and vending-machine sales and sharply restrict tobacco advertising. Many lawmakers subsequently criticized Mr. Kessler for overstepping his authority. Some 120 House lawmakers said in a bipartisan letter to the agency, ``So, while we stand steadfastly against tobacco use by minors, we strenuously object to the FDA's effort to expand its jurisdiction and the federal bureaucracy in dealing with a problem that Congress has already designated to the states.'' Fifth District Virginia Democrat Lewis Payne complained the FDA plan poses a serious threat to Congress' legislative authority. ``Under our system of government, it is the Congress, not unselected bureaucrats, who are suppose to make the laws.'' A similarly critical letter from 32 senators included Tom Daschle, the Democratic minority leader, and Bob Dole, the Republican majority leader, two men not often on the same side of an issue. The irony of the situation is that Mr. Kessler's critics can find plenty of support for their position from Dr. Kessler himself. In a 1994 letter to anti-tobacco activist Scott Ballin, the commissioner cited the complexity of regulating cigarettes and added, ``It is vital in this context that Congress provide clear direction to the agency.'' Well, Congress has been abundantly clear. It wants states regulating tobacco use by minors. Mr. Kessler went ahead last August and proposed to regulate tobacco as a ``drug,'' which it has statutory authority to control. But the agency's own internal documents from previous administrations challenge that assessment. ``FDA's longstanding position,'' said one, ``has been that, absent therapeutic claims, conventional tobacco products are not drugs under the [Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act].'' Said another, ``In our opinion, however, providing the FDA with the authority to regulate tobacco would represent a significant change in the scope of its authority in providing consumer protection.'' To date, Congress has provided the agency no such authority. By exceeding his own, Dr. Kessler undermines anti- tobacco statutes already on the books. Consider the example he sets. If Dr. Kessler can't bring himself to abide by the law, he is not in the strongest position to complain if retail outlets and minors don't.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 1996, for morning hour debates.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it may be in order at any time on Thursday, February 1, 1996, for the Speaker to declare a recess, subject to the call of the Chair, for the purpose of receiving in joint meeting His Excellency Jacques Chirac, President of France.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, the Thomasville Bulldogs have done it again. On December 11, 1995, the Bulldogs of Thomasville High School captured the 1995 North Carolina 2-A Football Championship with a 16-0 victory against Clinton High School. Not only was this the school's first perfect football season, but Thomasville became the first prep club in North Carolina to win 16 games in 1 year. To top off a perfect season, head coach Allen Brown was named the Associated Press Coach of the Year in North Carolina. Coach Brown now has three State championships to his credit and a total of six trips to the State finals since 1983. Coach Brown, who has compiled a 220-72-2 career record during his 23 seasons at Thomasville, told the Thomasville Times that this year's team was a special group. ``They worked so hard and they deserved what they got. I'm in a great community for football and we have a great group of kids.'' The entire sixth district of North Carolina is proud of the winning tradition that the Thomasville football squad has established under the leadership of Coach Brown and his staff. Congratulations to athletic director/head coach Allen Brown, assistant coaches Roger Bryant, Billy Freeman, Dan Medlin, Ed Courtney, Bob Mattow, Avery Cutshaw, Benjie Brown, and Chuck Parks, Kemp Harvey, and each member of the team. Best wishes to Terrance Baxter (10), Ryan Jarrett (11), Chad Tobin (12), Stephon Gladney (13), Lamont Leak (14), Gary Robinson (15), Nick Means (16), Stephen Lindsay (17), Jaun Alford (18), Tevin Watkins (19), Monta Burton (20), Damion Scott (21), Anthony Anderson (22), Damian Henderson (23), Brian Davis (24), Dusty Fant (25), Teron Alford (30), Dewayne Burgess (31), Jermaine Kilby (32), Craig Thomas (33), Kinte Huntly (40), Dishun Huntley (41), Reggie Pegues (42), Ricky Smith (43), Barry Hare (44), Nagayle Carroll (45), Antwaine Neely (50), Andre Cannon (51), Todd McComb (52), Walker Miller (53), Eric Hawkins (55), Preston James (60), Tavon Cooper (61), Andreas Kersey (63), Chris Hawkins (64), Jeff Hayes (65), Samuel Hairston (66), Tim Bottoms (67), Steve Calvo (70), Carl Leak (71), Gary Cooper (72), Jonathan Ross (73), Wes Crowell (74), David Sheffield (76), Travis Davis (77), Khari Baker (80), Kenny Thomas (81), Corey Borders (82), Dygeal Redfern (83), Chris Nicholson (84), Phillip Keels (85), Brian Fritts (86), Gary Bowers (87), Terry Everhart (12), and James Beasley (83). Thanks also goes to the team managers, Matthew Bryant, Nick Harvey, Patrick Small, and Jonathon Yokley, as well as P.A., Steve Eller, and scoreboard attendant, Casey Medlin. To principal Wayne Thrift and to all of the students, faculty, families, and fans of Thomasville High School, we extend our congratulations on capturing the State high school 2-A football championship. Best of luck to the Bulldogs for another successful season in 1996.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I know of two. It may well be three. Two comes to my mind. Is it three?

Mr. COBLE. So it is three. So my friends and the viewers who are watching C-SPAN now, let us come back into reality here and let us add balance to this discussion. Mr. Speaker, as is obvious, I am not prepared, because I am doing this impromptu, but I am grateful for having had this time and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I will say to my friend from Illinois, before he leaves the floor, he is one of the most gentle, one of the kindest persons on this floor. And oftentimes when a Member comes to the mike on the floor, Mr. Speaker, it is an advantage to follow someone who is not very popular and who is a scoundrel. I have the unlucky draw today to follow the most gentle Member of the House, but I do that nonetheless. Mr. Speaker, I did not plan to speak today. As the Speaker knows, I have been in the Chair for the past 3 hours and I have had the benefit of listening to discussions on both sides of the aisle. My friend from Missouri, Mr. Volkmer, says what a benefit, and it has been beneficial. Not surprisingly, both sides are subjective, as I am. I am guilty of that. But I want to try to add some balance to this in my brief 5 minutes. One of my friends who sits here to my left now conveniently remembered some of the bad fiscal times under President Reagan. But as was mentioned subsequent to his speech, he conveniently forgot about the fiscal chaos that occurred in the Carter years. Well, this is only natural, I think. I think it is convenient for Democrats to remember the bad for Republicans, and the Republicans to remember the bad for the Democrats. That is only natural, and that is part of the nature of the beast, but I think when we do it so consistently then we are seeking out a balance that we need to retrieve and bring it back into the realm of discussion. When I was last home, Mr. Speaker, a woman came to me, one of my constituents, and she said answer a question for me. She said, as best I remember the last time the Government was shut down, prior to this last time, she said it was in 1991. And I think it was, indeed, in 1991. And she said to me, the spin from the media then was that President Bush shut down the Government. And she said, even I blamed him. But she said, now, virtually no one from the media is pointing an accusatory finger to the President. They are saying Newt Gingrich or the majority Republican Congress has shut it down. I am wondering, and I do not want to sound paranoid, Mr. Speaker, but I am wondering, is it convenient to blame a President when he happens to be a Republican and to exonerate a Congress when it happens to be controlled by the Democrats? I am afraid that is the spin that we are taking. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Many people today have blamed the Congress for veterans not receiving their checks, if they, in fact, do not receive their checks. President Clinton had every opportunity to sign the appropriations bill into law this week and those checks would have been forthcoming. I cannot for the life of me figure why that would be the fault of the Congress. Am I missing something, America? As my friend from Ohio says: Wake up, Congress.

Mr. COBLE. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I am fresh off the Christmas parade circuit back home. I rode in nine Christmas parades. While these parades are not scientific polls, they are accurate barometers of public opinion. The consistent theme I heard from thousands at these Christmas parades was twofold: Do not back down on your effort to balance the budget, and stay out of Bosnia. I spoke with many of these constituents personally, Mr. Speaker. They oppose our presence in Bosnia, not because they are insensitive or uncaring about the problems that plague Bosnia, but rather because they view it as a lose-lose proposition for the United States. The reasons for this conclusion are apparent: No vital national interest in Bosnia; fighting that has endured over the centuries there is not likely to cease with the presence of 20,000 American men and women on the ground; severe, unforgiving inclement weather in a country generously laced with land mines located Lord only knows where. Our Bosnian operation, Mr. Speaker, in my opinion is a recipe for failure at its best, a recipe for disaster at its worst. The arms embargo should have been lifted months ago, but that cannot be corrected at this late date. America cannot continue, Mr. Speaker, to be the world's peacekeeper eternally. American men and women should not be placed in harm's way at this time, and virtually nothing, Mr. Speaker, has been said about the enormous cost to the American taxpayer. It has been estimated at $2 billion. All of us know that is the low end. It will exceed probably $3 to $4 billion, money that we do not have. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I reiterate the message of Christmas parade goers in the Sixth District of North Carolina: Stay out of Bosnia.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, as the year comes to a close, a tradition also comes to a close in Denton, NC. I am, of course, referring to the sad departure of the Denton Record. I join with many other readers in saying we will miss our weekly copy of the Denton Record. For years, Ed and Venus Wallace have kept the people of Denton and the surrounding area informed with news of community interest. The daily comings and goings of the hard-working men and women of Denton and their families were chronicled in the weekly publication of the Denton Record. News both big and small found a place in its pages. If it happened in Denton, you could read about it in the Denton Record. In many ways, the Denton Record was a throwback to a bygone era. The newspaper has been published since 1940, the Wallaces have operated the Denton Record since 1962, and they have owned it since 1984. What made the weekly paper unique was that it cared about the community in which it was published. The citizens of Denton responded in kind and supported the Record for more than half a century. In this era of corporate-owned media giants, it was quite refreshing to have your hometown newspaper published by homegrown people. All of that will come to end with the end of 1995. We will miss reading Venus' ``Squibbles'' column. We will miss Suzy's photos of sporting events and Miss Denton pageants. We will miss Ed's steady hand which has guided the paper through its weekly scramble to write headlines and meet deadlines. Most of all we will miss knowing that if something happened in Denton we could read about in the Denton Record. On behalf of the citizens of the sixth district of North Carolina, we offer our congratulations to the Wallaces for decades of newspaper excellence and best wishes for life after the Denton Record.

Mr. COBLE

Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, if I appear out of breath, I am out of breath. I was in my office and I turned on the television in the office while I was working and saw my good friend, the gentleman from Ohio, whom I know was one of Walter's dearest friends, but my volume was not turned on so I could not hear what the gentleman was saying. I usually listen to the gentleman when he is talking. Subsequently the gentleman from North Carolina, [Mr. Jones], young Walter, came on. My volume was not tuned up as well. Then when I finally did activate the volume, I learned that we were over here honoring the late Walter Jones, and I ran over here. I am still huffing and puffing, Mr. Speaker, but I would be remiss if I did not say a word or two about him. I used to refer to Walter junior, when I would talk to his dad, as ``young Walter.'' ``How is young Walter doing? '' I would ask old Walter from time to time. One time he said to me, he always called me Coble, and he said ``Coble, I wish you would not refer to him as young Walter, because by definition, that makes me old Walter.'' I did not break that habit. I still call him young Walter, even to this day. But Walter Jones probably conducted the most, I guess evenhanded would be an accurate way to describe him, evenhanded, fair, hearings, and his hearings and meetings were always very, very nonpartisan. Oftentimes, Mr. Speaker, people will be critical of certain committees in the House: ``Oh, they are too partisan.'' That in and of itself does not bother me. This is a partisan body. We are supposed to be partisan from time to time. I think some of these committee chairmen, though, could take a lesson from the late Walter Jones. I think sometimes we are overly partisan in expressing our own views and the views of our colleagues. I am very pleased and honored to take part in this, I say to my friend, the gentleman from Maryland, and my friend, the gentleman from Ohio, and of course, my good friend, the gentleman from eastern Carolina, Walter Jones, Jr. The building is in Greenville, NC, home of East Carolina University, where many of us attended Walter Jones' funeral when we laid him to rest that day. The funeral was in Greenville and the interment, I think, was in Farmville, subsequently. But Walter was a good man, beloved by many, beloved by all who knew him.