Jerry Costello

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.J. Res. 84, to disapprove the President's steel tariffs. Our domestic steel industry is currently in a crisis situation. The fundamental cause of this crisis is massive foreign overcapacity, which has caused the United States to become a dumping ground for world excess steel products. As a result of this, since 1997, 33 steel companies have filed for bankruptcy, affecting over 62,000 American steel workers. Almost 90 percent of the capacity reduction occurred in 2001. Our domestic steel industry is vital to our national security. American Armed Forces depend on American steel for their planes, tanks and ships. A dependence on foreign steel could be catastrophic for our national defense. Last year, I joined my colleagues on the Congressional Steel Caucus in urging the President to implement a Section 201 investigation by the International Trade Commission to determine if our domestic markets had been harmed by illegal dumping. In the fall, I testified before the ITC to express my concerns regarding the steel crisis. The ITC ruled unanimously that the steel industry had indeed been harmed. In March of this year, the President announced his intention to impose tariff safeguards of up to 30 percent on major steel products. While the President could have imposed tariffs of up to 40 percent, I am hopeful that the 30 percent tariff will be sufficient to give the industry a chance at recovery, and am pleased that the President did decide to take action. His actions sent a strong message that we will no longer tolerate the unfair trade practices which have harmed the steel industry. Madam Speaker, voting no on this resolution is paramount to the U.S. domestic steel industry, and I urge my colleagues to join me with a no vote.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Robert Wetzel as a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award was established in 1969 to acknowledge Eagle Scouts who have distinguished themselves in business and in service to their community and country, Robert Wetzel is one of 1467 people who are in the same class as President Gerald Ford, astronaut Neil Armstrong and film Director Steven Spielberg. Eagle Scouts are eligible to receive the award 25 years after their first receipt of the Eagle Scout Award. Forty-nine years ago, Bob earned his Eagle Scout award as a Boy Scout with Troop 27 in Edwardsville, Illinois. Bob attributes his upbringing to his active role in the community and to our nation. In fact, both of Bob's parents volunteered many hours with the Boy Scouts. Among the many service organizations to which Bob belongs are: the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois, the Regional Commerce and Growth Association, the Eden United Church of Christ and the advisory Council for the Boy Scouts Trails West Council. Bob is the first recipient of this award from the Trails West Council. Trails West serves Madison, Jersey, Greene, Calhoun, Macoupin and Bond counties in Illinois. The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award has been given to governors, senators, military Flag Officers, university presidents, chief executive officers of Fortune 500 companies and nationally known educators, physicians and attorneys. We can now count among its illustrious membership, Mr. Bob Wetzel. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the service of Robert Wetzel to the community and to the United States and congratulate him upon the receipt of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award and to wish him and his family the very best for the future.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 87, the Yucca Mountain Repository Site Approval Act. Currently, 45,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel is stored in 131 sites in 39 states. Most of these storage sites are temporary and near large population centers and water supplies. There is a risk that leaks and damages from current storage facilities could impact up to 161 million Americans. Scientists agree that it is unsafe to permanently store nuclear waste on the shores of the Great Lakes, the Long Island Sound, the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, or any other body of water. The Yucca Mountain site will minimize these risks. I believe that creating a permanent repository for spent nuclear fuel is the right thing to do, and that is why I will vote yes today. The vote today is another step in what has been a 20-year process. Supporting this resolution allows the Department of Energy to file an application for a license at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). It is up to the NRC to determine that the site will adequately protect public health and safety, and to make a decision to grant an operating license for the facility. The licensing process will take many years, will require many additional scientific studies, and will continue to provide for public input at every step along the way. Transportation plans will continue to be updated during this process and the earliest shipments would not start for Yucca Mountain until 2010. I understand that the transportation of spent nuclear fuel is a concern, and we must address this issue thoroughly. There is no question we will need to ensure that there is a well-trained and certified workforce to handle and transport waste. For decades now, spent nuclear waste has been shipped in small quantities with no obvious harm to the public. If it becomes apparent that the waste cannot be transported safety and effectively, I would support revising the status of the Yucca Mountain repository. Mr. Speaker, by voting yes today we are taking a prudent step for the future of this country. For all of these reasons, I support H.J. Res. 87.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I strongly support Senate bill S. 378, a bill to designate the job corps center located at 3348 South Kedzie Ave. in Chicago as the Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center. I am honored and pleased to introduce the House companion bill, H.R. 2015, to honor the distinguished Senator from Illinois, Senator Paul Simon. Paul Simon was born in 1928 in Eugene Oregon. He attended the University of Oregon and Dana College in Blair, Nebraska. As a 19 year old teenager he became the Nation's youngest editor-publisher when he accepted a local Lion's Club challenge to save the Troy Tribune in Troy, Illinois. Needless to say he met and exceeded the challenge and proceeded to establish a chain of 13 newspapers in southern and central Illinois. In 1954 he was elected to the Illinois House, and in 1962 he was elected to the Illinois Senate. During his state legislative career he earned a reputation for political integrity and courage. In 1968 Simon was elected lieutenant governor, and was the first person in state history to hold that post with the governor of another party. In 1974 Simon was elected to the House for Representatives and served for 10 years. His legislative skills were put to use on issue areas including education, disability policy, and foreign affairs. He played a crucial role in establishing the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In 1984 he upset three-term incumbent Senator Charles Percy to win election to the U.S. Senate. Senator Simon was a prodigious worker, known for exception constituent service. His evenhanded, balanced approach to topics and controversial issues earned him friends on both sides of the aisle. His colleagues appreciated his personal warmth and sense of humor. Paul Simon currently teaches political science and journalism at Southern Illinois University--Carbondale campus and heads up the public policy institute that he founded. It is truly fitting and proper we honor the outstanding public career of Senator Simon with this designation. I support S. 378 and urge my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the conference report for the farm bill. Overall, I think this is a good bill and I thank the conferees for their hard work. This bill makes significant improvements to our current farm policy, which has not worked as promised to help American farmers. This bill will restore counter-cyclical payments to provide support to farmers when market prices for a commodity drop below a target price, restoring the safety net that was cut with the 1996 Freedom to Farm Act. In addition, the bill reauthorizes the existing programs that provides fixed annual payments and marketing loans to commodity producers and continues the planting flexibility that came out of the Freedom to Farm Act. The bill also provides a significant increase in funding for conservation programs. such as the Conservation Reserve Program and the Wetlands Reserve Program. These programs are very important to the farmers in the Congressional District I represent, and I am glad to see that there will be adequate funding for the expansion of these key programs. I am also pleased that the conference report includes $405 million for energy-related programs, including the Commodity Credit Corporation bio-energy program. This program pays producers who purchase commodities for the purpose of producing biodiesel and fuel-grade ethanol. Illinois is the largest producer of ethanol, and the continuation of this program is good news for our farmers. Mr. Speaker, overall I believe that this is good legislation, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill to help America's farmers.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 347 authorizes use of the Capitol Grounds for the 21st annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service--a most solemn and respectful service. As a former law enforcement official, this ceremony has a special meaning to me, and I strongly support this resolution that honors the police officers, 230 brave men and women, who gave their lives in the daily work of protecting our families and us. On average, one officer is killed in this country every other day, approximately 23,000 are injured every year, and thousands are assaulted going about their daily routines. During last year very devoted, heroic officers from the ranks of State, local and Federal service were killed in the line of duty--219 men, and 11 women were killed. The average age of those killed was 38 years, and they had an average of 11.7 years in service. In my State of Illinois 7 brave police officers dies in the line of duty during 2001--At this time I would like to read their names into the Record: Myron Deckard--Vermillion County, Illinois Stanley Talbor--Illinois State Police Brian T. Strause--Chicago Kevin Rice, Sr.--Rockford Eric D. Lee--Chicago Donan J. Faulkner, Jr.--Peoria Hector A. Silva--Chicago Mr. Speaker, the ceremony to be held on May 15 is the 21st anniversary of this memorial service. I support the resolution and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this tribute to our fallen Peace Officers.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the victims of one of history's most terrible tragedies, the Armenian Genocide. April 24, 1915 is remembered and earnestly commemorated each year by the Armenian community as the day in which 300 Armenian leaders, intellectuals, and professionals were rounded up in Constantinople, deported, and killed. From 1915 through 1923, Armenians that lived under Ottoman rule were systematically deprived of their property, freedom, and dignity. In addition, one and a half million Armenians had been massacred and 500,000 more had been deported. The Armenian community saw its culture devastated and its people dispersed. In my district, there is a significant population of Armenian survivors and their families that showed heroic courage and will to survive in the face of horrendous obstacles and adversities. These survivors are an important window into the past and an invaluable part of our society. It is through their unforgettable tragedy that we are able to share in their history and strong heritage. Mr. Speaker, it is difficult to fathom a greater evil than the massacre and willful destruction of a people. Denying the genocide that took place when there are recorded accounts of barbarity and ethnic violence is an injustice. This was a tragic event in human history, but by paying tribute to the Armenian community we ensure the lessons of the Armenian genocide are properly understood and acknowledged. I am pleased my colleagues and I have this opportunity in order to ensure this legacy is remembered.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in support of Israel and its right to defend itself and its people from terrorism. The struggle between the Israelis and the Palestinians is one of the most longstanding and explosive of all the world's conflicts. It has its roots in the historic claim to the land which lies between the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. Both peoples have suffered greatly as they struggle to coexist and maintain their cultural and political identities. However, the continued suicide attacks over the past six months have triggered the worst crisis in the Middle East since the outbreak of the Palestinian intifada 18 months ago. The terror and violence must be stopped. The Chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat, has not consistently opposed or confronted terrorists or renounced terror. The situation in which he finds himself today is largely of his own making. Given his inability to stop terrorist attacks, the Israeli government feels it must defend itself against the terrorist networks that are killing its innocent citizens. Israel is our most dependable and only democratic ally in the Middle East, and it is important that the United States steadfastly stand by Israel at this critical juncture to fight terror. The United States and Israel have suffered terrible losses and stand shoulder to shoulder in the war on terrorism. For these reasons, I support Israel and urge my colleagues to join me.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3480, the Upper Mississippi River Basin Protection Act. I'd like to thank Mr. Kind, my colleague on the Upper Mississippi River Task Force for all his hard work on this legislation. The Upper Mississippi River Basin has a significant problem with sediment, which has a variety of harmful effects. Sediment is directly linked to soil erosion, which is harmful to the family farmer. It creates a need for over $100 million each year in dredging of the main shipping channel of the Mississippi River. Sediment fills wetlands and impacts recreation and tourism on the Mississippi. While the problems of sedimentation are documented, there is inadequate scientific data on the amounts and sources of sediment and nutrients flowing into the River basin because local, state and federal efforts are not coordinated. This legislation develops a coordinated public-private approach to reducing nutrient and sediment losses in the Upper Mississippi River basin. The bill establishes a water quality monitoring network and an integrated computer-modeling program using information gathered from existing federal, state and local programs. This data will provide the baseline numbers needed to make scientifically sound and cost-effective decisions. Mr. Speaker, this is good legislation which will help alleviate the problems of sedimentation and nutrient loss that are common in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that this much-needed bill has been scheduled for consideration in an effort to pass it before the benefits lapse. I would like to thank Chairman Don Young, Ranking Democratic Member Oberstar and the Subcommittee Chairman Steven LaTourette for speeding this bill through our Committee. I would also like to commend Mr. Nadler for his diligence on this issue and his longstanding commitment to the victims of the tragedy on September 11th and in particular to the people of New York. Mr. Speaker, although I support this legislation, I do wish that we were able to pass the original bill that passed the other body in December and through the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in February. It was important to pass the legislation before the benefits lapse and I am hopeful that this bill will be enacted soon. I support H.R. 3986, which extends unemployment assistance under the Stafford Act. This bill extends the period that victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11th would be eligible for unemployment benefits to 39 weeks. Currently, the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefit period begins with the week following the disaster incident or date thereafter that individual became unemployed and can extend up to 26 weeks after the date of declaration or until the individual becomes re-employed. The Department of Labor has been delegated the authority to administer the program, for which FEMA is responsible. In fact, the Stafford Act originally provided for 52 weeks of benefits--this legislation would simply restore unemployment benefits to that level. The expansion of these benefits would help the more than 2,200 workers who lost their jobs as a direct result of the attacks on September 11th but don't qualify for regular unemployment assistance. Many of these individuals are in low wage jobs and are among the neediest of assistance, especially given our current economy. They need this extension to help them move forward again after experiencing the worst terrorist event in our nation's history. Mr. Speaker, this is good legislation, and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 70th Anniversary of Local 318, International Union of Operating Engineers in Marion, Illinois. Local 318 has 1125 members, which represents most of southernmost Illinois. Ron Herring, who is currently the Business Manager for 318, oversees the operations of the union. For Ron, being an operating engineer is more than just a job; it is a way of life. Ron's father, who is now retired, has been a member of the union for 53 years. Back in 1932, during the Great Depression, a construction company came to Saline County, Illinois to do drainage work on the Saline River. They hired local people, some of them out of work coal miners. Working conditions were bad. Two workers on the job, brothers Ted and Prentiss Carathurs of Indiana, encouraged local men hired for the job to apply for an Operating Engineers Charter. It took seven names to apply, and since there were only 5 local men, the five split the fee in order to include the Carathurs brothers name to make the seven names needed for the application. Soon, others joined in and on June 1, 1932, Laborer's International Representative William ``Whitey'' Stuhr came to Harrisburg, Illinois and presented the Union's charter. Local 318 was born. Local 318's first Business Manager was Arley Sheldon, the founder. He was the Local's Business Manager from June 1, 1932 to October 12, 1948. After Arley's term, 318 has had six Business Managers; Stanley Medley 1948-1965; Wardell Riggs 1965-1980; L. Dale Choate 1980-1987; Lester D. Allen 1987-1989; Bradley 0. Williams 1990-1993; Anthony Ron Herring 1993-present. Over the years, 318 has seen plenty of changes especially in equipment. From the days of mules pulling scrapers to the use of modern computerized systems in dozers, cranes and trucks. They have come from the days of Bloody Williamson County when the UMWA was battling for workers' rights from 1949 through 1959 when this country was almost 85% union. 318 met in local kitchens, halls and rooms throughout southern Illinois. They participate in hundreds of projects across the southern portion of the state. Local 318's service area has been 100% union and continues to be under 318's leadership. From the first project in the 30's on the Saline River, flood aid assistance in Harrisburg in 1937, construction of the Illinois Ordnance plant, the ``Big Inch'' pipeline project, the Joppa Power Plant, construction of Interstates 57, 24, and 64, the Dog Island Dam project and cleanup work at Crab Orchard, Local 318 has continued to provide quality work. Founded in 1896, the International Union of Operating Engineers today has 400,000 members nationwide in some 170 local unions. It is the 12th largest union in the AFL-CIO. Further, nearly 100 apprenticeships and training programs ensure that union members are highly trained and highly skilled. The union offers employment and training opportunities to all. Local 318, like other Building Trades, are involved in many community activities and educational programs for children. 318 has a program that begins introducing students, even at the grade school level, to the trade in hopes that they develop another dedicated operator prepared to assist southern Illinois. It was the first labor union in Illinois to take this step. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 70th Anniversary of Local 318 of the International Union of Operating Engineers and wish their members and their families the very best for the future.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1963, legislation I introduced to authorize the study to include the path taken by George Rogers Clark into our National Trails System. George Rogers Clark was born in 1752, the second oldest of 10 children and the older brother of William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame. During the Revolutionary War in 1778, Clark led his troops from Redstone, Pennsylvania, to Kaskaskia, Illinois, which is in the Congressional District I am privileged to represent. They surprised Kaskaskia on the night of July 4, 1778, and occupied the fort and town without a single shot being fired. Clark offered the French settlers in Kaskaskia the privileges of American citizenship and won the support of the French in the region. He also won the neutrality of the Native Americans. This support was key as Clark led his troops on the final leg of their journey as they moved to overtake the British in Vincennes, Indiana. Banking on the element of surprise, Clark led his troops across what is now known as the State of Illinois, from Kaskaskia to Vincennes. The journey would normally take between 5 and 6 days, but because of the freezing flood waters, the journey took 18 days. At times in icy water up to their shoulders, it was Clark's determined leadership that led his men through this incredible midwinter journey. Once arriving in Vincennes on February 23, 1779, Clark and his men forced the British to surrender just 2 days later on February 25, 1779. As a result of Clark's outstanding military achievements, the British ceded a vast area of land to the United States, which is now Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and a portion of Minnesota. His actions were paramount in the establishment of the upper Midwest. The designation of the George Rogers Clark Trail would pay homage to an American hero who is seldom recognized for his contributions in American history. The designation would also promote tourism in three of Illinois' State historic sites and draw visitors to retrace Clark's historic path. Tourism is a growing and very important industry in southern Illinois, and establishing a national trail would be highly beneficial to the region. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this legislation and urge my colleagues to join me in authorizing a study to designate the route of George Rogers Clark during the Revolutionary War for potential addition to the National Trails System, and I thank the chairman of the committee and the ranking member for bringing this legislation to the floor today.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to comment on the status of the domestic steel industry. Our domestic steel industry is currently in a crisis situation. The fundamental cause of this crisis is massive foreign overcapacity, which has caused the United States to become the dumping ground for world excess steel products. As a result of this, since 1997, 31 steel companies have filed for bankruptcy, affecting over 62,000 American steel workers. In my home state of Illinois, four steel companies have filed for bankruptcy, including Laclede Steel, which is in the Congressional District I represent. Approximately 5,000 steel workers have lost their jobs in Illinois alone. Yesterday, I was honored to speak at a steel rally in my district. Hundreds of people attended, many of whom have lost their jobs as a result of the illegal dumping of foreign steel. We came together to support the American steel industry--an industry that has been essential to the development of this great nation. This is not just a trade issue--it is a national security issue. Laclede Steel in Alton produced the steel that built the World Trade Center and we must never become dependent on foreign steel to produce our tanks and battleships and protect the men and women of our armed forces. We need the Administration to implement tariffs to prevent foreign steel from entering our country. We need to level the playing field. Tariffs at less than 40 percent are not relief. Last year, I joined my colleagues on the Congressional Steel Caucus in urging the President to implement a Section 201 investigation by the International Trade Commission to determine if our domestic markets had been harmed by illegal dumping. In the fall, I testified before the ITC to express my concerns regarding the steel crisis. The ITC ruled unanimously that the steel industry had indeed been harmed. While the ITC's decision was welcome, it didn't guarantee relief for the domestic steel industry. The ITC recommended the highest tariff rate of up to 40 percent for four years on all subject steel categories; however, it is up to the President to determine what type of remedy should be afforded to the industry. It is imperative that the President imposes the highest possible tariffs, rather than quotas, which will not be as helpful to the industry. Without strong, decisive and quick action from the President, thousands more steel workers are at a very real risk of losing their jobs, at an economic time when our nation can least afford it. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in asking the President to help our domestic steel industry by implementing tariffs on foreign steel. Anything less would be a disservice to the hardworking men and women who are counting on the President to stand up for them.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to comment on the status of the domestic steel industry. Our domestic steel industry is currently in a crisis situation. The fundamental cause of this crisis is massive foreign overcapacity, which has caused the United States to become the dumping ground for world excess steel products. As a result of this, since 1997, 31 steel companies have filed for bankruptcy, affecting over 62,000 American steel workers. In my home State of Illinois, four steel companies have filed for bankruptcy, including Laclede Steel, which is in the congressional district I represent. Approximately 5,000 steel workers have lost their jobs in Illinois alone. Last year, I joined my colleagues on the Congressional Steel Caucus in urging the President to implement a section 201 investigation by the International Trade Commission to determine if our domestic markets had been harmed by illegal dumping. In the fall, I testified before the ITC to express my concerns regarding the steel crisis. The ITC ruled unanimously that the steel industry had indeed been harmed. While the ITC's decision was welcome, it didn't guarantee relief for the domestic steel industry. The ITC recommended the highest tariff rate of up to 40 percent for 4 years on all subject steel categories; however, it is up to the President to determine what type of remedy should be afforded to the industry. It is imperative that the President imposes the highest possible tariffs, rather than quotas, which will not be as helpful to the industry. Without strong, decisive and quick action from the President, thousands more steel workers are at a very real risk of losing their jobs, at an economic time when our nation can least afford it. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in asking the President to help our domestic steel industry by implementing tariffs on foreign steel. Anything less would be a disservice to the hardworking men and women who are counting on the President to stand up for them.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2356, the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act. Concerns over the corrupting influence of money on politics have long been an issue of national debate, centered on the enduring issues of high campaign costs and reliance on interest groups for needed campaign funds. I believe rising election costs have led to uncontrolled spending, with too much time spent raising funds and the appearance that elections and public policy are bought and sold. Debate has also focused on the role of interest groups in campaign funding, especially through political action committees. I believe one way to fix our campaign finance system is through more regulation with spending limits. I have been pushing campaign finance reform since coming to Congress and introduced my own legislation H.R. 462, the Campaign Finance System Reform Act, during the 105th Congress. This legislation set voluntary spending limits at $600,000 per election cycle, banned public financing of campaigns through the use of matching funds, and required that 100 percent of funds raised must come from the congressional district in which the candidate is running. In July 2001, the House Republican leadership initially scheduled a debate on campaign finance reform. However, the rule crafted was unfair because it broke the Shays-Meehan bill into 14 separate parts to be voted on individually. Following the defeat of this rule, the Republican leadership announced it would not bring the bill back to the floor for consideration. A discharge petition was circulated, forcing the bill back to the House floor for debate. The Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act is the only legislation before the House which effectively deals with the dual problems of soft money and sham issue advertisements. This bill would ban the massive use of soft money contributions to political parties, thus closing the soft money loophole and restoring public confidence in our system. These donations totaled nearly $500 million in the last election. Much of this money was used to fund negative commercials, called issue ads, that evade spending limits that apply to each candidate's official campaign. Some opponents say this bill will inhibit voter participation. However, this bill seeks to increase voter turnout by allowing state parties to collect limited amounts of soft money to be used for voter participation and get-out-the-vote activities. Under the bill, state and local parties would have sufficient funds for get-out-the vote activities, but could not divert this soft money into sham issue ads. The Ney-Wynn substitute is an honest but not sufficient attempt at reform and is at this point solely a way for the Republican leadership to kill the Shays-Meehan and McCain-Feingold reform bills. This substitute does nothing to curb wealthy special interests on the political process by allowing unlimited soft money contributions to state and local parties creating a huge loophole that undermines reform. Furthermore, Ney-Wynn does nothing to halt issue ads. Mr. Chairman, I have pushed for a fair vote on this important issue and have put forth legislation which will truly reform the system. I acknowledge this legislation is not perfect. However, this legislation is an opportunity to enact reforms that are critical at this time. For these reasons, I support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Reverend Donald Pierce Weeks. He has been an outstanding member of the clergy, working tirelessly for the people of his community and our nation. Reverend Weeks served in East St. Louis, Illinois at the Holy Angels Shelter for Women and Children from 1981 to 1988, by giving advice and sharing personal experiences. In October 1986, St. Clair County dedicated this month to him in recognition of his work. He also traveled to Cairo, Illinois to teach individuals how to read and write, so they could pass voter tests administered years ago. After his service in Illinois, he was sent to work at Saint Patrick's Abbey in Oakland, California. While there, he was elected the Benedictine Monk in 1999 and has served in this position ever since. His dedication to fairness and justice is demonstrated daily by continually helping men and women recover from their alcohol and drug addictions. In addition, Reverend Weeks selflessly serves his community be feeding and counseling homeless men, women and children suffering from AIDS and other communicable diseases. his graciousness and unfailing courtesy have set a high standard for all of us to follow. Mr. Speaker, Reverend Weeks has achieved impressive levels of achievement and accomplishment. He is an extraordinary individual, and I know my colleagues join me in expressing our appreciation for his dedication to service and our very best wishes as he continues his work.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 32 years of service of Ted Eilerman to Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center in Granite City, Illinois. Ted Eilerman's accomplishments are considerable. He has served for more than 32 years as an administrator at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, including 17 years as President and CEO. He has also served on the boards of Union Planters Bank, the Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Foundation, Junior Achievement and FOCUS St. Louis. He is past president of the Granite City Optimist Club, past Chairman of the Southern Illinois Industrial Association and Tri-City Civic Alliance and the Tri-Cities Area United Way Campaign. He is also the past president of the Leadership Council of Southern Illinois and is past chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Illinois State Hospital Association. Ted's awards include the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award in 1970; the Illinois Hospital Association's Outstanding Public Service Award in 1979 (this award was given out only 5 times in the Association's history); the Department of Health Care Administration's Honorary Membership Award-St. Louis University in 1986; the De La Roche Award from the Board of Directors at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in 1991; and most recently the Chamber of Commerce of Southwestern Madison County's Citizen of the Year in 2001. Last year, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center treated more than 27,000 people in the hospital's Emergency Room. The hospital is a 193-bed full-service medical center and provides medical care for the entire metro-east area. Ted Eilerman's leadership has been outstanding. His vision, commitment and tenacity have made him a local, regional and statewide health care advocate. His commitment to providing quality health care to all people, regardless of their ability to pay, leaves a legacy of caring in Granite City, Illinois and all surrounding communities. Ted will continue to serve as a consultant to the hospital, which is now under the management of Community Health Systems. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 32 years of service of Ted Eilerman to St. Elizabeth's Medical Center and wish both he and his family the very best for the future.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Democratic Caucus' Homeland Security bill, the United States Security Act (USA Act). This legislation is a collaborative effort crafted by my democratic colleagues on the Homeland Security Task Force. I was honored to have served as the vice chair of the Transportation Security task force with my friend, Bob Borski, who chaired the task force. The USA Act addresses funding needs to improve our homeland security in the following areas: public health, transportation, physical and informational infrastructure, law enforcement and the military. As the attacks of the 11th clearly and unfortunately demonstrated, our nation is vulnerable to attack. This bill goes a long way to minimize those vulnerabilities. In the past five years--and prior to the 11th--there have been international events which highlighted potential weaknesses in our transportation systems. In Tokyo, Japan, individuals caused harm by releasing sarin gas in the subway system. The USGS Cole was attacked in a seaport that, although in Yemen, was considered safe. While these attacks occurred overseas, they could have taken place here in the States. With the passage of the Aviation Security Act earlier this year, significant improvements to aviation security were mandated. However, other modes of transportation could still be susceptible to attack. This legislation authorizes funds to secure bridges, tunnels, dams, seaports, rail, and public transit. Specifically, the bill provides $3.6 billion to strengthen bridge and tunnel structures, improve inspection facilities and the inspection of Hazmat materials on highways, supply the traveling public with real- time information about availability roads and bridges if terrorist attacks were to occur again, and improve security for locks and dams. It also provides $992 million to enhance security at our seaports by increasing coast guard personnel, establishing a sea marshal program, requiring transponders for foreign vessels in U.S. waters, and screening ship cargo by x-ray. To improve security on transit systems, $3.2 billion is authorized. Funds would be used to hire additional security personnel, improve communications and refine mass transit evacuation plans. With the appropriation of funds, the security of these transportation systems will markedly improve. The USA Act also authorizes funds to strengthen communities responses to emergency incidents. This is done by increasing the number of firefighters, providing grants to communities and first responders and improving technology so that important information can be more readily shared between local, state and federal governments. Our nation's first responders are an integral component in response to a terrorist attack, and we must ensure that they are well prepared. In addition, the bill also takes major steps towards improving the preparedness of the military to effectively fight terrorism and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We have the best military in the world; however, the war on terrorism is unlike any we've ever fought, and enhancement of current training is important. Mr. Speaker, I believe that we have produced a good bill. This legislation addresses many real needs in enhancing the security of the United States. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of the legislation.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3295. The 2000 Presidential election was a source of great controversy and diminishing confidence in our electoral system. Voters have a broad range of concerns resulting from the 2000 election, including outdated voting machines and procedures, potentially confusing ballots, allegations of ballot tampering and biased reporting, disenfranchisement, and the use of unethical practices to garner votes. Above all, the 2000 election made clear to all Americans that the election process in many parts of this country must be reformed. I believe this legislation is a good start at correcting the flaws in our electoral system. This legislation authorizes $400 million to buyout the punch card voting machines that caused so many problems during the 2000 Presidential election. In addition, H.R. 3295 authorizes another $2.25 billion over the next 3 years to aid states in acquiring new voting equipment and improving their electoral systems with help and monitoring from a new, bipartisan Federal Election Assistance Commission. Furthermore, I support this bill because it establishes minimum standards for state election systems, enforced by the Department of Justice and the Federal Election Assistance Commission, that would require states to have a voter registration system linked to local jurisdictions in the state, adopt uniform standards defining what constitutes a vote on the different types of voting equipment, ensure that absent uniformed and overseas voters have their votes counted, and give voters the opportunities to correct errors before they leave the polling place. Finally, H.R. 3295 creates a small grant program which trains college and high school students to work at the polls on election day, thereby filling a crucial shortage of election personnel and encouraging participation among young people in the electoral process. Mr. Speaker, I acknowledge this legislation could do more to help minorities and disabled Americans, many of whom were disenfranchised during the 2000 election. I expect changes to be made to this legislation during consideration in the Senate, and will support stronger provisions as a final version is crafted. However, this legislation moves the process forward and that is critical at this time. For these reasons, I support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 280. The suicide attacks over the past weekend have triggered the worst crisis in the Middle East since the outbreak of the Palestinian intifada 14 months ago. These attacks killed 26 Israelis and wounded at least 175. On a proportional basis, this is the equivalent of 1,200 American deaths and 8,000 wounded. The violence needs to stop. Israel is our most dependable and only democratic ally in the Middle East, and it is important that the United States stand steadfastly by Israel at this critical juncture to fight terror. The United States is currently engaged militarily in Afghanistan in an effort to root out Osama bin Laden's terrorist network, which has been protected by the Taliban. In a very real sense, the Palestinian Authority is performing a similar role for Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Yasser Arafat must take all necessary measures to end the ongoing terror campaign. Mr. Arafat must now demonstrate by actions, not words, that he stands for peace. Mr. Speaker, this legislation sends a strong message that the United States will stand by Israel to defeat terrorism. It is not about taking sides. Too many lives have senselessly been lost on both sides. However, Israel has a right to defend itself from terrorist attacks, just as the United States does. I hope that Mr. Arafat and the Palestinian leadership will immediately arrest, prosecute and jail those responsible for these acts while eliminating the infrastructure that produced them. Any hope for the peace process depends upon it. I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the trade policy of the United States. We are scheduled to vote in the House of Representatives this week on approving Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), what used to be called ``Fast Track'' Authority. I will vote against it, as I did in 1998. I will do so for several reasons, but primarily because the United States has signed few effective trade pacts in recent memory. Since the early 1980s the United States has become the greatest debtor nation in the world, and that trade deficit continues to grow, with devastating impacts for the working men and women of this country. While corporate CEOs continue to earn record-breaking salaries, their employees face reduced wages and benefits or worse-- they are laid off while their jobs are moved abroad. We continue to export good, high-paying American manufacturing jobs to places like Mexico and China, where workers are paid little and enjoy few protections from abuse. I agree that we need to create export markets for our goods, especially our agricultural products. To that end, I have voted to end the trade embargo against Cuba. However, this must be done on terms that are fair to the United States. The list of unfair reciprocal trade agreements we currently have with other countries boggles the mind. Our products are taxed at extremely high rates in those countries, while their products enter our markets virtually tax-free. The supporters of TPA will tell you that the President needs this authority to negotiate trade pacts, such as the next round of world trade talks that has been put in motion by the recently concluded conference in Doha, Qatar. But TPA is not necessary to negotiate trade pacts. In fact, TPA expired in 1994, and we have reached several bad agreements since then, notably terms to allow China to enter the World Trade Organization, a deal I also did not support. The only thing TPA guarantees is that Congress is shut out of the negotiating process, left to ratify whatever agreement the President negotiates. And when the time comes to vote, Congress is told that while this might not be the best deal, it is the only one on the table and that we cannot waste the years it took to reach it by it voting down. It is a vicious cycle that imprisons American workers, and I will not vote to revive it. The North American Free Trade Agreement is a good example of this process. Eight years ago, the passage of NAFTA brought many promises: 200,000 new jobs annually in the United States; higher wages for Mexican workers; an increased trade surplus with Mexico and a cleaner environment and improved health in the boarder regions. In fact, the opposite has happened--none of these promises have materialized. Supporters of NAFTA promised great things for America's trade surplus with Mexico and Canada. These, too, have failed to materialize. While gross exports to NAFTA countries have increase dramatically--147 percent to Mexico and 66 percent to Canada--imports from these countries have increased more dramatically. U.S. imports have increased 248 percent from Mexico and 79 percent from Canada. The trade deficit with Mexico and Canada was nine billion dollars in 1993; by 2000, it had ballooned to $60 billion. NAFTA was supposed to reduce these numbers. Instead, the trade deficit has increased. Instead of creating 1.6 million jobs over eight years, NAFTA has eliminated 766,000 jobs. In my home state of Illinois, over 37,000 people have lost their jobs as a result of NAFTA. These were the good paying manufacturing jobs I referenced above. Most of these jobs have been relocated to Mexico, where the labor and environmental standards are lower than in America. Even if American jobs were not relocated to Mexico and elsewhere, many companies have leveled this threat at their employees. Workers are told if they do not agree to the company's terms, their jobs will go to Mexico. As a result, workers settle for contracts with lower wages and fewer benefits in collective bargaining. This occurred recently with the Tower Automotive plant in my congressional district. A recent newspaper article described it this way, ``Earlier this month, Tower Automotive has said in order to save money, it was subcontracting the Lincoln Aviator program to Metalsa, a company in Monterey, Mexico.'' Fortunately, Tower Automotive decided to stay in the U.S., but the threat to move remains as an option for Tower and other businesses. Since the enactment of NAFTA, wages for industrial workers in the United States have decreased. These workers comprise 73% of our nation's industrial workforce and account for most of our middle- and low-wage workers. When manufacturing jobs leave the country, displaced workers who can find work generally receive pay that is 13% less than they received in their previous job. These jobs are primarily in the service industry, where wages pay only 77% of those in the manufacturing sector. The jobs lost as a result of NAFTA were good paying jobs held by individuals who most likely do not have a college education. These workers have a harder time finding re-employment and need these jobs the most. The trade deficit is not only a problem of the rich getting richer and the poor poorer--it is a national security issue. Our nation is currently at war. In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, the U.S. military is engaged in military actions against the Taliban and Osama Bin Laden. Young Americans are putting their lives on the line every day to defend the values of this great nation. Does it make sense that while American troops are in harm's way, the U.S. is rapidly losing its ability to produce steel due to the flood of illegally imported steel? If the current trend continues, we will not have a steel industry in the U.S., leaving our national defense vulnerable. In September, I testified before the International Trade Commission regarding the Section 201 investigation into U.S. steel imports. I represent the 12th Congressional District of Illinois, which includes Alton, Granite City, and other areas with great steel traditions. Sadly, Alton is no longer a steel town. Laclede Steel announced in July that it will shut its doors permanently, ending an 86-year history in Alton and throwing 550 employees out of work. The impact on the local economy has been severe. Of course, Laclede is not alone. Since 1997, 26 domestic mills have filed for bankruptcy. This trend must not be allowed to continue. The hardworking men and women of the United States and their families cannot bear the price of misguided foreign industrial policies any longer. However, the U.S. representatives at the Doha conference did not see it that way. Even after the House of Representatives passed a resolution requesting that the president preserve the ability of the U.S. to rigorously enforce its trade laws, particularly anti-dumping laws, the American representatives at Doha permitted the anti-dumping regulations to be re-examined. If allowed to happen, this will further damage American steel producers. So where does U.S. trade policy stand on the week of the vote to grant the president TPA? A record of unfair trade agreements that ignore worker rights and environmental protections, hundreds of thousands of good, high paying manufacturing jobs continuing to leave the country, and vital American interest left close to extinction. Not a pleasant picture. Mr. Speaker, given this bleak backdrop, I will not vote for TPA. It will minimize the role that Congress plays in trade agreements at a time when congressional oversight is needed most. The Bush administration has demonstrated by its action in Doha that it does not have the best interests of American workers in mind. Congress must work to ensure that more damage is not done. I urge my colleagues to join me in fighting for the American worker by opposing Trade Promotion Authority.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the amendment offered by my good friend Congressman Visclosky. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's steel industry is in a crisis situation. Since 1997, 26 companies have filed for bankruptcy. Since January first of this year, 13 companies have filed for bankruptcy, and 11 have ceased operations, including Laclede Steel, which is located in the congressional district I represent. Steel is the basic component used in the construction of every military vehicle, ship, weaponry system, and small firearm used by the U.S. military. Steel is used to build our bridges and our railroad tracks. Both the electric power and oil and gas industries are dependent on steel. America needs a strong steel industry. Earlier this year, I testified before the International Trade Commission and asked them to find that the domestic steel industry has been severely injured by the surge of foreign imports into American markets. Under section 201 of the trade laws, the International Trade Commission found that steel industry had been damaged by foreign imports. The section 201 process will give our steel companies time to restructure and reorganize in response to the effects of the recent import surge. Currently, there are nearly 2 million Americans who are directly or indirectly employed by the steel industry, or receive pensions and healthcare from current and former steel companies. Because of the current crisis situation in the industry, the $1 billion that the steel companies spend annually on retiree health care is a significant impediment to the mergers and acquisitions that will need to occur for the steel industry to right itself. This amendment would create a Steel Industry Legacy Relief Program to provide assistance to steel producers in meeting retiree health care costs. The program would be established in and administered by the Department of Labor. The establishment of the Steel Industry Legacy Relief Program will go a long way in supporting our domestic steel industry in a time that we need it most. The steel industry is vital to our national defense, and especially now, we cannot afford to become dependent on foreign steel. I strongly support the establishment of this program in order to save the steel industry in this great Nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. COSTELLO. I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I do not intend to object, and I ask the chairman of the subcommittee for an explanation of the bill.