Jerry Costello

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 4727, the Dam Safety and Security Act of 2002, reauthorizes and amends the National Dam Safety Program. The program's goal is to reduce the risk to life and property by establishing an effective dam safety maintenance program that utilizes the resources and expertise of the Federal and non-Federal communities to achieve the reduction of dam safety hazards. One of the primary purposes of the National Dam Safety Program Act is to provide financial assistance to the States for strengthening their dam safety program. Since the passage of the National Dam Safety Program Act in 1996, the program has improved the Nation's dam safety. Dam inspections have increased by 25 percent. There have been advances in the state-of-the- art practice and user documentation; State training programs have been enhanced; research in the area of improving dam safety has increased; and an information technology plan will be developed that will establish an information resource system to centralize national dam safety information. Additionally, in light of our Nation's need to protect our infrastructure from possible terrorist attacks, the National Dam Safety Review Board has established the Dam Safety Security Task Force to facilitate dialogue and offer technical support on security-related policy and guidance. H.R. 4727, the Dam Safety and Security Act of 2002, seeks to build upon these achievements made over the past several years and enhance them. In addition to reauthorizing the National Dam Safety Program for 3 additional years, the bill enhances the program by requiring the development of dam safety training materials and courses for State and local officials, by providing for assistance for dam safety programs, and by allowing for the appointment of State dam safety officials to the Interagency Board, in addition to making other conforming amendments. Mr. Chairman, this is a good bipartisan bill. Dam safety is important to our Nation, and coming from an area of the country where during certain times of the year flooding can reach a critical point, I am pleased that we are taking the time to reauthorize and enhance this important program. Finally, I want to commend the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the chairman, for his leadership; and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), ranking member, on this legislation, as well as the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), chairman of the subcommittee, for their work, and in particular the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster), my friend and colleague on the committee, who authored this legislation, for his leadership on this bill. Mr. Chairman, I urge passage of this legislation. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson).

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I first with to thank Chairman LaTourette for lending his support and providing leadership for this bill. Also Chairman Young and Ranking Member Oberstar, trustees of the Kennedy Center, have worked to establish broad bi-partisan support for the bill. This bill will authorize the Department of Transportation, the Government of the District of Columbia, and the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center to enter into agreements to conduct environmental planning, provide designs, and execute plans to improve pedestrian, vehicular, and bicycle access to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The Kennedy Center is currently isolated from the surrounding city and its physical setting is inconsistent with its mission. A report authorized by TEA-21 identified a number of conditions that impede access to the Presidential memorial. There is no access from the east for pedestrian, vehicles, or bicycles, the pedestrian link to the Metro is too far away and poorly signed, pedestrian and bicycle traffic from the south must cross hazardous roadways, very poor vehicular connections exist between the freeway and the Rock Creek Parkway, and a complicated series of ramps and exits exist to the south of the Center. The study recommends a series of improvements to remedy the access problem. The centerpiece of these improvements is a proposed plaza, which will be atop a deck over the Potomac Freeway. This deck would provide a new public space and stately approach to the Center from the east. E St. and 25th St. would connect to the plaza, thus reestablishing the local street grid. To the north of the Center new connections would be built between Rock Creek and the Potomac Freeway in the vicinity of K St. Overall, hazardous and congested traffic conditions would be relieved. The Board of Trustees of the Center has committed to raising private funds to construct the building to be constructed on the plaza. Currently the plan calls for two buildings for the plaza. One building would be used as rehearsal space, classrooms, and for administrative offices. It is expected the second structure could house and display musical artifacts currently stored at the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian. I support H.R. 5012 and again extend my thanks to the Committee leadership for their encouragement and support.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill that provides for the external regulation of nuclear safety and occupational safety and health at the Department of Energy civilian laboratories. This bill, which draws from the work of my friends and colleagues Congressman Tim Roemer, Congressman Ken Calvert and former Congressman Tom Bliley, would push the Department of Energy to take a step that virtually everyone agrees is overdue: get the Department of Energy out of the business of regulating itself in the areas of nuclear and worker safety. Discussion of external regulation at the labs is an old idea. It received an official boost in 1993 when then Secretary of Energy Hazel O'Leary announced that she would seek to implement external regulation of worker safety. Then, in 1994, legislation was introduced forcing DOE to stop self regulating their nuclear facilities. DOE responded to these legislative initiatives by launching advisory groups to lay out a path to external regulation. In 1996, DOE embraced a ten-year plan to implement external regulation. For many outside of the Department, this ten-year plan appeared too cautious. However, to those in the Department, it appeared too ambitious. In 1997, then Secretary Pena decided to take a step away from that commitment and run a 2-year pilot program to determine the costs and benefits of external regulation. With the end of that pilot program, Secretary Pena's successor, Secretary Richardson, decided that external regulation would be unworkable. Curiously, the two participating regulatory agencies involved in the pilot came to a very different conclusion. Both the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concluded the pilot to have been successful. I was the ranking member on the Energy Subcommittee of the Science Committee when the pilot was completed and we had an elaborate hearing on this issue. I came away convinced that while there were some questions about implementation, the overwhelming evidence was that external regulation would provide more safety to workers and communities near labs while allowing the labs themselves to focus more on the science and technology. It is for this reason that laboratory managers also favor external regulation. They believe that external regulation would free up overhead costs involved in self-regulation and allow them to redirect resources towards doing more science. From the labs' perspectives DOE is an inconstant regulator with changes in standards, reporting requirements, and interventions. The NRC and OSHA are both professional regulatory bodies that provide a clearer regulatory regime with significant cost savings to those subject to their regulatory guidance. Recently, the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee here in the House has taken a leading role in pushing the Department towards external regulation. Yet, the Department continues to resist external regulation. Just yesterday, the Energy Subcommittee of Science held a hearing in which the Director of the Office of Science said they are moving towards another study of external regulation. They are planning an elaborate study involving OSHA and NRC with preliminary results due next year. After nine years of studying this issue, we already know that external regulation is the right answer; yet, DOE insists that another study is needed. There is a consensus everywhere outside of DOE that the labs should be subject to external regulation. GAO holds that position. The Labs hold that position. The potential regulators hold that position. I believe the workers, the communities near the labs and the taxpayers all deserve to see this happen sooner rather than later. As a Member of the Science Committee--an authorizing Committee of jurisdiction--this bill is intended as another signal to DOE that foot-dragging and endless studies will not satisfy this Congress.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment offered by myself, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer). This amendment will retain the independence of the Federal Emergency Management Agency rather than incorporate it within the Department of Homeland Security. In the past 20-plus years, FEMA has become one of the best government agencies with responsibility for responding to, planning for, recovering from, and mitigating against disasters. FEMA currently coordinates the response activities of more than 25 Federal agencies and numerous nongovernmental groups with more than 2,500 full-time employees and over 5,000 standby disaster reservists. The traditional role of FEMA includes advising on building codes and floodplain management; teaching people how to get through a disaster, helping equip local and State emergency preparedness; coordinating the Federal response to a disaster; and the list goes on and on, Mr. Chairman. These core responsibilities are unrelated to homeland security, but are of the utmost importance to our Nation. Our amendment today will guarantee that FEMA will continue to focus on these tasks to prepare our Nation for disasters. Under our amendment, FEMA will remain independent and will not be absorbed into a large bureaucracy, a bureaucracy with no experience addressing these issues. Without the continuation of FEMA's independent coordinating role, we cannot ensure that the government will be able to effectively respond to and recover from disasters. Mr. Chairman, FEMA has responded, as the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), has indicated, to over 1,000 federally declared disasters and emergency declarations. They have done the job very well. I believe that they need to maintain their independence in order for us to continue with this agency that has been very effective. The agency will be more effective, both in its homeland security role and its national preparedness role, as an independent agency. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this amendment.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As a co- sponsor of this monumental legislation in 1990, I know how significant this legislation is to people with disabilities in my district and throughout the United States. Before the ADA was enacted in 1990, most people with disabilities were shut out of mainstream American life because of the arbitrary, unjust, and outmoded societal attitudes and practices. When President Bush signed the ADA, the world's first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities, into law in front of 3000 people on the White House lawn on July 26, 1990, the event represented an historical benchmark and a milestone in America's commitment to full and equal opportunity for all of its citizens. The emphatic directive presented in the legislation is that 43 million Americans with disabilities are full-fledged citizens and as such are entitled to legal protections that ensure them equal opportunity and access to the mainstream of American life. The ADA recognizes that the surest way to America's continued vitality and strength is through the contributions of all its citizens. The achievements and accomplishments of individuals with disabilities are a milestone for this country as a whole and it is important to support the goals and ideas of the ADA. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in honoring the 12th anniversary of the ADA and in strong support for strong protections of the rights of those with disabilities.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Colonel James A. Marker upon his retirement from the United States Air Force. Colonel Marker, who has served in active duty for 43 years, is the longest serving member of the Air Force currently on active duty. When he first enlisted on June 1, 1959, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the President of the United States. He served as an enlisted airman for 14 years before being commissioned as an officer in October of 1973. Colonel James A. Marker, Jr. is the Inspector General, 375th Airlift Wing, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. As Inspector General, he supports the wing commander through oversight of the wing fraud, waste, abuse, and complaints program, processing complaints from the military and civilian work force, their families, the general public, elected state and federal officials, and higher headquarters personnel. He performs complaint analyses to determine the appropriate investigation method or referral agency, appoints and trains investigation officers, conducts investigations, reviews evidence, coordinates legal and appointing authority review of completed reports of investigation, and notifies complainants of investigation findings. Colonel Marker is a graduate of Jefferson Union High School, Richmond, Ohio in 1958. The Colonel earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology in 1973 from the College of Great Falls, Mont. and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1983 from Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, Mo. Colonel Marker entered the Air Force as an airman basic and performed various duties as an enlisted security policeman. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in October 1973 through the Bootstrap Commissioning Program and remained in the security police career field. If the Air Force published a list of air force terminology, the word ``lifer'' would surely be in it. Next to it, possibly, would be a picture of Col. James Marker. And he'd be smiling. Being called a lifer no longer offends him. On the contrary, he sees the term lifer as a badge of honor, a proud testimony of his long, devoted service. However, his career almost didn't get off the ground. Marker had three relatives who fought in World War II and inspired the 18-year-old to join the Air Force. But the teen from Steubenville, Ohio, wasn't thinking of a lifelong commitment when he signed up in Pittsburgh. He wanted to be a photographer. But the Air Force needed cops, air policemen back then. He soon married Bev, and they both decided he'd re-up. He's has been doing that ever since. The couple raised five children and lived in too many places to count--three tours were in Alaska. He is ending up here at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. After 14 years, Marker, then a technical sergeant, decided to become an officer. Col. Marker stayed because he loves the people, his job and the service he's given his country. That he's a true patriot is apparent when he talks about that service. ``If it were up to me,'' Marker has said, ``I'd stay in the Air Force until the day I die.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Colonel James A. Marker and to congratulate him for his retirement after 43 years of active duty service in the Air Force.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3479, the National Aviation Capacity Act. This legislation was introduced by my good friend, Mr. Lipinski, and I would like to thank him for his hard work. I am pleased to join him as a cosponsor of this legislation. O'Hare is a tremendously important airport in not only to Chicago and the Midwest, but also our entire national aviation system. It recently reclaimed the title of the world's busiest airport and is the only airport to serve as a hub for two major airlines. O'Hare serves 190,000 travelers and operates 2,700 flights daily, employs 50,000 people and generates $37 billion ion annual economic activity. However, O'Hare needs to be redesigned to meet today's demands. It is laid out with seven runways, six of which interest at least one other runway. The modernization plan would add one new runway. The seven existing runways will be reconfigured to include a southern runway for a total of eight runways, of which six would be parallel. These improvements would have a significant impact on reducing delays and cancellations: bad weather delays would decrease by 95 percent and overall delays would decrease by 79 percent. On December 5, 2001, Mayor Daley and Governor Ryan reached a historic agreement to expand and improve O'Hare airport. The agreement would modernize O'Hare, create western access to the airport, provide additional funds for soundproofing home and schools near O'Hare, move forward with the construction of a third Chicago airport at the Peotone site and keep Meigs Field open until at least 2006, and likely until 2026. H.R. 3479 would simply codify the deal so that a future governor does not rescind the agreement. Illinois is in a unique situation because the governor does have veto power. If this legislation is not enacted, it is possible that a future governor could undo all the hard work that the current governor and mayor of Chicago have done to reach this agreement. There is some concern that this legislation sets a precedent by involving the federal government or creating a short-cut around environmental laws. Again, O'Hare is an exceptional situation which requires this limited federal action. Other cities and airport authorities do not have a governor with veto authority over this issue. The city of Chicago does not want the federal government to take over the modernization of O'Hare but the language is included in case the State delays the State Implementation Plan (SIP) of the Clean Air Act to slow down the project. The language granting priority consideration for a Letter of Intent from the FAA for Peotone is no different than language that can be found in any Transportation Appropriations bill. Regarding environmental concerns, the bill says that implementation shall be subject to federal laws with respect to environmental protection and analysis, and that the environmental reviews will go forward in an expedited way. There is no attempt to go around existing state or federal environmental laws, and this legislation has the support of many environmental groups. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will allow the much-needed expansion of O'Hare to move forward. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of two bills, H.R. 3988, the American Legion Amendment Act, and H.R. 3838, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Charter Amendment Act. Both of these measures seek to broaden membership to their respective organizations. H.R. 3838, the American Legion Amendment Act, revises American Legion eligibility requirements by providing that individuals who are currently serving honorably in the armed forces are eligible for membership in the American Legion, H.R. 3838, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Charter Amendment Act, amends the charter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) to allow members of the armed services who have received special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger to be a member of the VFW. The bill also clarifies that the VFW would be considered ``charitable'' in order to qualify the organization's member activities for tax purposes. Mr. Speaker, these measures send a strong message to our Nation's veterans. I am pleased that the House is taking action on these measures and will continue to strive to meet the needs of our veterans of today and tomorrow. As a father of a Gulf War veteran, I am proud that he will have the opportunity to join a major veterans organization, as well as the thousands of other deserving military service members who served in dangerous military campaigns such as Somalia, Kosovo and more recently, the war on terrorism in Afghanistan. I, along with my colleagues in Congress, are committed to serving America's veterans and their families with dignity and compassion. For these reasons, I strongly support these two measures.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3479, the National Aviation Capacity Act. This legislation was introduced by my good friend, Mr. Lipinski, and I would like to thank him for his hard work. I am pleased to join him as a cosponsor of this legislation. O'Hare is a tremendously important airport in not only to Chicago and the Midwest, but also our entire national aviation system. It recently reclaimed the title of the world's busiest airport and is the only airport to serve as a hub for two major airlines. O'Hare serves 190,000 travelers and operates 2,700 flights daily, employs 50,000 people and generates $37 billion in annual economic activity. However, O'Hare needs to be redesigned to meet today's demands. It is laid out with seven runways, six of which intersect at least one other runway. The modernization plan would add one new runway. The seven existing runways will be reconfigured to include a southern runway for a total of eight runways, of which six would be parallel. These improvements would have a significant impact on reducing delays and cancellations: bad weather delays would decrease by 95 percent and overall delays would decrease by 79 percent. On December 5, 2001, Mayor Daley and Governor Ryan reached a historic agreement to expand and improve O'Hare airport. The agreement would modernize O'Hare, create western access to the airport, provide additional funds for soundproofing home and schools near O'Hare, move forward with the construction of a third Chicago airport at the Peotone site and keep Meigs Field open until at least 2006, and likely until 2026., H.R. 3479 would simply codify the deal so that a future governor does not rescind the agreement. Illinois is in a unique situation because the governor does have veto power. If this legislation is not enacted, it is possible that a future governor could undo all the hard work that the current governor and mayor of Chicago have done to reach this agreement. There is some concern that this legislation sets a precedent by involving the federal government or creating a short-cut around environmental laws. Again, O'Hare is an exceptional situation which requires this limited federal action. Other cities and airport authorities do not have a governor with veto authority over this issue. The city of Chicago does not want the federal government to take over the modernization of O'Hare but the language is included in case the State delays the State Implementation Plan (SIP) of the Clean Air Act to slow down the project. The language granting priority consideration for a Letter of Intent from the FAA for Peotone is no different than language that can be found in any Transportation Appropriations bill. Regarding environmental concerns, the bill says that implementation shall be subject to federal laws with respect to environmental protection and analysis, and that the environmental reviews will go forward in an expedited way. There is no attempt to go around existing state or federal environmental laws, and this legislation has the support of many environmental groups. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will allow the much-needed expansion of O'Hare to move forward. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 4635, the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act and the manager's amendment to this bill. This legislation is the bipartisan product of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and I thank my colleagues, especially Chairman Young, Ranking Member Oberstar, Subcommittee Chairman Mica and Ranking Member Lipinski for their hard work on this issue. Following the attacks of September 11th, there was an immediate and obvious need to increase aviation security. Congress passed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which took significant steps to improve our Nation's aviation security. One of these steps was to authorize the Transportation Security Administration to determine whether airline pilots should be armed in the cockpit. This legislation moves forward with plans to allow commercial, passenger pilots to be armed while flying. The bill establishes a 2-year pilot program which will arm up to 2 percent of our Nation's pilots after they have completed a training program providing firearms proficiency equal to that of what a federal air marshal achieves. It also increases and mandates self-defense and defense training for the flight attendants, who most likely would be the first individuals to recognize a threat in the cabin. We all hope that we will never have a repeat of the events of September 11th. However, we must give our pilots an opportunity to defend themselves, the passengers and the plane, if another situation like this were to occur. Mr. Chairman, I support this compromise legislation. It is good legislation, and I 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 100th anniversary of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 309. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is as old as the commercial use of electricity itself. It is the oldest, as well as the largest, electrical union in the world. IBEW Local 309 will mark 100 years of pride for its members who have been leaders in producing the most highly trained and skilled workers in the country. Various histories of labor record no attempts to organize electrical workers during the experimental days of electricity. In 1844 the first telegraph wires were strung between Washington and Baltimore carrying that famous message of Samuel Morse, ``What hath God wrought?'' This was the first electrical accomplishment of commercial importance. It changed the whole aspect of electricity, which most people believed to be an interesting but dangerous experiment. In 1848 the first telegraph station was built in Chicago. By 1861 a web of telegraph lines crisscrossed the United States, and in 1866 the transatlantic cable was laid. Linemen to string the wires became a necessity, and young men flocked eagerly to enter this new and exciting profession. With Edison's invention of the first successful incandescent lamp in 1879, the general public became aware of the possibilities of electricity. The electric power and light industry was established with the construction of the Pearl Street Generating Station in New York in 1882. Where once only a few intrepid linemen handled electricity for a thrill, many now appeared on the scene, and wiremen, too, seeking a life's work. As public demand for electricity increased, the number of electrical workers increased accordingly. The surge toward unionism was born out of their desperate needs and deplorable safety conditions. Beginning in 1870 many small, weak unions organized, and then disappeared. However, by 1880 enough telegraph linemen had organized to form their own local assembly and affiliate with the Knights of Labor. A few more locals soon organized, and a district council was formed. In 1833 this council called a general strike against the telegraph companies. The strike failed and broke up the first unknown attempt to organize electrical workers. The urge to unite was strong, however; and another attempt was made in 1884, this time with a secret organization known as the United Order of Linemen. Headquarters for this union was in Denver, and the group attained considerable success in the western part of the United States. The nucleus of the Brotherhood formed in 1890. An exposition was held in St. Louis that year featuring ``a glorious display of electrical wonders.'' Wiremen and linemen from all over the United States flocked to Missouri's queen city to wire the buildings and erect the exhibits which were the ``spectaculars'' of their era. The men got together at the end of each long workday and talked about the toil and conditions for workers in the electrical industry. The story was the same everywhere. The work was hard; the hours long; the pay small. It was common for a lineman to risk his life on the high lines 12 hours a day in any kind of weather, seven days a week, for the meager sum of 15 to 20 cents an hour. Two dollars and 50 cents a day was considered an excellent wage for wiremen, and many men were forced to accept work for $8.00 a week. There was no apprenticeship training, and safety standards were nonexistent. In some areas the death rate for linemen was one out of every two hired, and nationally the death rate for electrical workers was twice that of the national average for all other industries. A union was the logical answer; so this small group, meeting in St. Louis, sought help from the American Federation of Labor (AFL). An organizer named Charles Cassel was assigned to help them and chartered the group as the Electrical Wiremen and Linemen's Union, No. 5221, of the AFL. A St. Louis lineman, Henry Miller, was elected president of that union. To him and the other workers at that St. Louis exposition, it was apparent their small union was only a starting point. Isolated locals could accomplish little as bargaining agencies. Only a national organization of electrical workers with jurisdiction covering the entire industry could win better treatment from the corporate empires engaged in telephone, telegraph, electric power, electrical contracting and electrical-equipment manufacturing. The founders of the union met in a small room above Stolley's Dance Hall in a poor section of St. Louis. The name adopted for the organization was National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The delegates to that First Convention worked night and day for seven days drafting the first Constitution, general laws, ritual and emblem the well-known first grasping lightning bolts. Today the IBEW remains strong with approximately 750,000 members. The IBEW is united through more than 1,100 local unions established over the length and breadth of the United States and Canada. It is one of the largest unions in the world, and their wages and working conditions are second to none in any comparable field. IBEW members enjoy better health and welfare coverage, improved pensions, longer vacations and more holidays, as well as a shorter workweek. They stand where they are today because strong, intelligent and loyal men and women created, protected and preserved the union. They cared about what happened to them and to their children. They remained loyal to the organization that gave them protection and strength. Each era writes its own history. The IBEW's union heritage, vibrant and strong, has been passed on to people today. As IBEW International President Barry said during the opening of the 35th International Convention: We in the IBEW want a world where a man can go to a safe workplace, earn a fair wage and use his skills to do a good day's work. We want a world where a woman can develop her talents to the fullest and have a wealth of opportunity before her . . . where workers can retire with dignity, with the security of knowing their healthcare is affordable and available . . . where children are treated like the precious treasure they are--nurtured, educated and loved so they can carry the torch into the future, . . . and where workers can organize and bargain collectively to achieve all these things in fairness and in justice. For 100 years, Local 309 has helped build and shape the metro-east as well as the surrounding counties of Southern Illinois with its expertise and craftsmanship. Local 309 is prepared to continue being a leader in the Electrical industry with advancements in training, organizing, market recovery and service to its members. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Centennial of IBEW Local 309 and to congratulate their membership on the occasion of this anniversary and to wish the 1100 members and their families the very best for the future.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who made a significant difference to many in the St. Louis region, Mr. John Francis ``Jack'' Buck. Jack Buck was the voice of the Cardinals. He started calling games in 1954, and was the voice that I, along with millions of others throughout the Midwest, identify as St. Louis Baseball. We grew up listening to him and are deeply saddened by his death. In addition to calling Cardinals games for almost 50 years, he also gained fame for his work on the CBS, NBC and ABC television networks and as the voice of the NFL on the CBS radio network. He called everything from pro bowling to Super Bowls and the World Series. Buck was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame's broadcaster's wing in 1987, received the Pete Rozelle Award by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996, and received a lifetime achievement Emmy in 2000. He was a member of both the Broadcasters and the Radio Hall of Fame. His sports-casting abilities were surpassed only by his community involvement. He happily gave his time to a variety of non-profit causes through the St. Louis area and was campaign chairman of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He was commended by the city of St. Louis for his service, and received the distinguished University of Missouri's Journalism Award for his outstanding achievements in broadcasting and citizenship. Mr. Speaker, Jack Buck truly was an icon to the people of St. Louis. It is fitting that we pass this resolution honoring this great man. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4954 and in support of the Democratic substitute. It is imperative that we provide senior citizens with quality, affordable, and reliable health care. H.R. 4954 does not accomplish these important goals. I am committed to strengthening and improving Medicare. As the nationwide health insurance program for the elderly, Medicare has provided important protections for millions of Americans over its 37- year history. However, the program continues to face increasing problems. Like so many Americans, I am concerned that the program's structure has failed to keep pace with the changes in the health care system as a whole. When Medicare was created, prescription drug use was limited, with most beneficiaries being treated in hospitals. Today, advances in pharmaceutical research allow doctors to treat seniors on an outpatient basis. Unfortunately, Medicare has not keep up with this change. As a result, Congress has been actively working to craft a prescription drug benefit for Medicare that is affordable and reliable. Yet, under the Republican bill, the government would pay subsidies to insurance companies to induce them to offer drug coverage. These ``drug only'' insurance plans do not currently exist, and may never exist, and therefore do not offer a guaranteed benefit to our seniors. Beneficiaries would be forced to choose between HMOs and risky private drug-only insurance plans. Further, this legislation merely provides suggestions for standard coverage; private insurers have the freedom to alter premiums which can be much higher, varying from county to county, and year to year. Seniors would not know what to expect from their drug benefit from year to year or how much it would cost. In addition, H.R. 4954 provides inadequate coverage to Medicare beneficiaries. It would cover less than a quarter of beneficiaries' estimated drug costs over the next 10 years. Nearly half of all seniors spend over $2,000 annually. This bill would not pay for drug costs between $2,000 and $3,700. Further, this legislation would do nothing to assist low-income beneficiaries. Low- income beneficiaries may have to pay $2 to $5 co-pays and 100 percent of the costs in the coverage gap. In contrast, the Democratic substitute, had we been able to offer it, offers seniors a real Medicare prescription drug benefit for with relief from the high cost of prescription drug prices. This legislation would lower the costs of drugs for all seniors, would offer an affordable, guaranteed Medicare drug benefit, would ensure seniors coverage of the drugs their doctors prescribe, and would not force seniors into HMOs or private insurance. Beneficiaries would pay a $25 premium per month, a $100 deductible per year, and would receive full coverage after paying $2,000 in out of pocket expenses. In addition, this substitute would help low-income beneficiaries with premium and co-insurance payments. Finally, it would guarantee Medicare beneficiaries the choices that matter: choice of prescription drug, choice of pharmacy, and choice of doctor and hospital. I support the provider payment adjustments made to hospitals, physicians, and rural communities represented in both H.R. 4954 and the Democratic substitute; however, I cannot in good faith support H.R. 4954 with its unacceptable prescription drug plan. Mr. Speaker, I am committed to providing a comprehensive benefit that is affordable and dependable for all beneficiaries with no gaps or gimmicks in its coverage. What Congress offers to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities should be no less generous than what Members of Congress and other Federal employees receive. For these reasons, I oppose H.R. 4954. I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Nancy Beck Young for receiving the D.B. Hardeman Prize from the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation. The Hardeman Prize is awarded every year by the LBJ Foundation for outstanding works in the areas of biography, history, journalism and political science. Dr. Young is a history professor at McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois. In addition to her research, she teaches American political and women's history. She won the Hardeman Prize, a national competition, for her book Wright Patman: Populism, Liberalism, and the American Dream. This book chronicles the life of Wright Patman, who served for 47 years in the House of Representatives, representing northeast Texas. The book eloquently describes Patman's diligent work on behalf of World War I veterans and the business community. Dr. Young received this honor for writing the best book published on a congressional topic in 2000. This shows her commitment to expanding the scope of knowledge about Congress, her literary craftsmanship, and her creative and thorough approach to research. She has also proven to be a valuable asset to McKendree College, and this award demonstrates the contribution small colleges and universities can make to the research and education community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the work of Dr. Nancy Beck Young and congratulate her upon the receipt of the D.B. Hardeman Prize and to wish her and her family the very best for the future.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4858. The number of doctors practicing in rural America continues to decline. Congress needs to find ways to meet the medical needs of all rural Americans. This important legislation brings us one step closer to improving access to medical care in rural America by expanding a state program to recruit physicians. The need for this legislation became crucial after the Federal program used to bring doctors to rural areas was brought to a halt in February 2002. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would no longer process J-1 Visa applications for foreign doctors wishing to practice in underserved areas. This left the state operated program as the only option for recruiting much-needed doctors to work in medically underserved areas. However, this program expired on May 31, 2002. H.R. 4558 reauthorizes the state program for two years and expands the program from 20 to 30 doctors per state, in order to accommodate the increased demands. This year alone, three psychiatrists applying for the J-1 visa program in Illinois left my state to apply in other states because Illinois could not provide any additional J-1 Visa waivers. This legislation would have allowed these psychiatrists to remain in Illinois where their service is greatly needed. Since 1994, the J-1 Visa waiver program has brought 338 physicians to Illinois, many of which currently serve in my district. I am committed to ensuring that, to the maximum extent possible, physicians are available to provide service to medically underserved areas. J-1 Visa participants can and will help meet these needs once the program is reauthorized. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons I support this legislation and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1979 in its current form unless the Oberstar amendment is adopted. H.R. 1979 would allow 26 airports to be reimbursed, about $30 million for air traffic control towers already constructed. These projects date back to as far as 1996 and are projects that airports agreed to fund with no expectation of being reimbursed by the Federal Government. The agreement between the Federal Government and the airports was that if the airports funded the construction of the towers that the Federal Government would provide the air traffic control services. If this legislation passes in its current form, it will remove $30 million from the airport improvement program fund, a fund which is already strained. The AIP funds should be used to improve safety and security for our airports and not for reimbursing airports for towers which have been previously constructed. Mr. Chairman, this legislation sets a bad precedent and will open the door for airport authorities to seek reimbursements for projects which are the responsibility of the local airports. I urge Members to support the Oberstar amendment. If the Oberstar amendment passes, I will support the legislation. If it fails, I urge Members to strongly oppose and vote against H.R. 1979.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Executive Order issued by President Bush that stated that air traffic control is no longer an inherently governmental function. I am deeply concerned that this is the first step in an unwise attempt to privatize our nation's air traffic control system. As we are considering consolidating federal agencies into the Department of Homeland Security, I believe it is unadvisable to make changes to successful federal organizations. Our nation has the best air traffic control system in the world. The professionalism of our air traffic controllers allowed for the rapid and safe clearing of American airspace after the events of the 11th. It seems to me that given the recent terrorist attacks and on-going threats to homeland security, it is imperative that we maintain our current system of air traffic controllers, who have done such a good job of keeping our air space safe. Three nations that have privatized their air traffic control operations have been disappointed with the results. Great Britain's experiment with privatization has left the air traffic control system facing bankruptcy and frequent performance setbacks. Canada is also facing revenue shortages in its air traffic control system as well as a potential strike by the employees because of working conditions. In Australia, air traffic controllers walked out of airports earlier this year to protest stalled pay talks and have continuing concerns about on-the-job stress and fatigue. Clearly, these are not systems that the United States should be striving to replicate. Privatizing air traffic control is a bad idea. Our government should not be looking to place profits over safety. I urge my colleagues to join me in expressing opposition to the President's executive order stripping the inherently governmental designation from our air traffic control system. Our nation's air traffic control system is strong and safe; privatization will only make it weak.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Whiteside School District in Belleville, Illinois which is one of 16 schools in the United States to serve as a 2002 National Service-Learning Leader School. This honor demonstrates the school's strong commitment to service-learning in its curriculum. Whiteside has undertaken many projects which demonstrate its exceptional efforts in service. Students at the school have created a garden area, an outdoor science lab and a pond, including a fountain and fish. Also, sixth-grade students at the school have converted a courtyard into an outdoor classroom and put new landscaping in the area. The children have restored the Whiteside Cemetery, which had been abandoned and vandalized. In addition, they have done genealogical research on the people who are buried in the cemetery and have published an extensive Whiteside family history. They are taking photographs of other Civil War gravesites in St. Clair County, and they are in the process of putting together a web site that will include the genealogical information and other Civil War information. The students have assembled a CD-ROM that will be sent to the Library of Congress. The teachers and administrators at Whiteside have been a great asset for these children, as they have combined service and education in a way that is fun and creative. There are 412 students in 5th through 8th grade at the school, and they have all been involved with service- learning projects. The children have not only found a new enthusiasm for their education, but they have performed valuable work for the community as well. Whiteside continues to make a significant contribution to Southwestern Illinois and the entire nation, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in expressing appreciation to the Whiteside School District for its dedication to service.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 150th Anniversary of the Village of Maeystown, Illinois. The Village of Maeystown, Illinois is located just eight miles south of Waterloo in Monroe County, Illinois and is celebrating its 150th Anniversary as a Village this year. The town, founded in 1852, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 for significance in architecture and engineering. Since that time the small community of approximately 150 residents has become a popular site for visitors to the area. Its historic distinction, as well as a progressive organization called the Maeystown Preservation Society, has brought new life to the once-dying community. The village has a periodic newspaper called the Maeystown Volksblatt. Maeystown has its own water system and is governed by a village board and mayor. Maeystown has a growing business community, including The Corner George Bed and Breakfast, Corner George Inn Sweet Shoppe, Eschy's Village Inn, Maeystown General Store, Raccoon Hollow Handcrafts, KW Outdoor Wear, T. Walster of Maeystown (custom doors and windows). The Maeystown Nature Walk is operated year round for donations. Although Maeystown's population continues to be small, people from throughout the area support Maeystown's many activities. These events include: Fastnacht, a German pancake and sausage dinner Tuesday before Ash Wednesday; Fruhlingfest, a spring craft festival, first Sunday in May; Oktoberfest, an art and crafts fair, second Sunday in October and a German Christmas, on the first Sunday in December. (The following is taken from ``The Significance of the Village of Maeystown, Illinois'' by Gloria Bundy.) ``The picturesque village of Maeystown, nestled in the hills and among the spring-fed streams in one small spot of Southern Illinois was founded in 1852 by Jacob Maeys, who was born in Oggersheim, Bavaria, in 1828. Although the village was founded in 1852 and settled entirely by German immigrants of the Forty-Eighter movement, its historical significance begins in 1782, at the time of the Moore settlement at La Belle Fontaine, at what is now Waterloo, Illinois. Captain James Moore, a native of Maryland, was a soldier under George Rogers Clark and was with him at Kaskaskia when he captured the Illinois Country for Governor Patrick Henry, making it a county of Virginia. Having seen the advantages of the Illinois Country, he returned with his family and four other pioneers and their families and spent the winter of 1781 in Kaskaskia. In 1782, Moore and his party moved northward on the Kaskaskia Trail and settled at a place the French called La Belle Fontaine because of the beautiful spring there. This was the first permanent American settlement made in the Illinois Territory. Other pioneers subsequently followed, stopping briefly at the Moore settlement until they staked claims for themselves elsewhere. One such young pioneer was James McRoberts, a Revolutionary War Soldier, who joined the Moore party and then staked a claim of 100 acres (Survey 704; Claim 316), which he received for an improvement right. He left his claim, went to Tennessee, where he married Mary Fletcher-Harris and came back to Monroe County in 1797, receiving, another 100 acres, presently owned by Mr. and Mrs. Halbert Mueller (Survey 703; Claim 315), from the government as a militia donation. This claim was about one mile north of the first one. It was on the second claim that he built his dwelling out of cedar logs. Here his ten children were born. Samuel, the eldest, ``was the first native-born Illinoisan elevated to the United States Senate.'' Following the elder McRobert's death in 1844, his Survey 704; Claim 316, now known as the McRoberts' Meadow, was sold and re-sold in rapid succession. It was a hilly, wooded tract of land, not suitable for cultivation. It contained three streams and a large spring, with limestone deposits protruding out of the hillsides and along the creek banks. In 1848, Jacob Maeys purchased the Meadow from James 0. Hall because of the large spring upon it. Young Maeys intended to use the waterpower from the spring to run a sawmill. Here he built his log house to which he brought his bride, Barbara Fischer, also a native of Germany. Purchasing these 100 acres was very timely, as it was just when the Forty-Eighters were coming up the Mississippi River from the port of New Orleans, stopping briefly at St. Louis and then spreading by the thousands into the surrounding areas of Missouri and Illinois.'' The people of Maeystown are extremely proud of their German heritage and love to talk of the history of the stone structures that dot the community. The German ancestry of the town originally existed because of the craftspeople that came to settle in the area. There was a cobbler, a shoemaker, blacksmith, tailor and an undertaker. The stone structures that dot the community were built by the German immigrants along the bluffs in a manner similar to Bavarian Stone houses in their native Germany. About 60 significant buildings still exist; including Maey's log house, the original church, the mill and the various limestone buildings. Maeystown today continues as a vibrant, historic community hosting thousands of visitors each year to walk among its historic areas and enjoy the hospitality of its people. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 150th Anniversary of the Village of Maeystown, Illinois and to congratulate all of their past, present and future residents with the historic achievement.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the retirement of the Reverend Robert Souders of St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Belleville, Illinois. Reverend Robert Souders, Senior Pastor, came to serve the congregation of St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Belleville, Illinois in August, 1965, completing almost 37 years at his retirement in June of 2002. Reverend Souders began his 46 years of service as a pastor of Zion, Marlow and Liberty Methodist Churches (1955-1956); Browns Chapel and McHenry United Methodist Churches (1956-1958); Ransom and Blackstone (1958-1961); Steeleville and Percy (1961-1965); and then St. Matthew United Methodist Church. Reverend Souders is a graduate of McKendree College and received his seminary degree from Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminar. He was ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church in 1961. St. Matthew UMC has grown physically and spiritually under the leadership of Reverend Souders. For many years the church has had one of the finest youth ministries in the area. The bus and senior citizen's ministry has been exemplary and many churches have sought ideas and information from Reverend Souders to enhance their own programs. The music ministry continues to be one of the most well known in southern Illinois. Since his actual coming, many souls have been won. He began in 1965 with 99 members with the represent church exceeding 1300 members. Reverend Souders has been a leaders in the evangelism work of the United Methodist Church and in June 1990, was a recipient of the prestigious ``Harry Denman Evangelism Award''. The New Life Club began in 1972 as an outreach to senior adults in the area. They have traveled many miles from Southern Illinois to Canada, Nova Scotia and Europe. The St. Matthew Day Care was formally established on August 27, 1972 and continues to provide a needed ministry in the community to provide a place of safety where children are cared for and grow in body, mind and spirit. A Thrift Shop was established in 1976 and continues to serve the needs of many through the generous donations of the congregation. In October 1978 and in March 1979, two apartment complexes, each with 17 units, were opened for senior citizens. The Mission Society for the United Methodist Church was established in 1984 with Reverend Souders as one of the organizers. Over 125 fully funded missionaries now serve on the mission field in various parts of the world. Reverend Souders has served on the Belleville Memorial Hospital Board of Directors since December 20, 1983. During this time, he also served on the following committees; Buildings and Grounds, Hospital Human Resources, Planning and Convalescent Home Care. Reverend Souders and his wife, Beverly will be married 47 years on December 17, 2002. They have three children; Michelle, Gregory and Shauna. Michelle and Jerry Haynes live in Tennessee with their four children; Joshua, Courtney, Jonathan and Tucker. Greg and Brenda Souders reside in Belleville, Illinois with their three daughters; Cara, Kimberly and Jessica. Shauna and Tony call Arizona home with their sons, Nicholas and Jared and daughters Renae, Lauren and Neaville. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the service of Reverend Robert Souders to the community and to congratulate him upon the occasion of his retirement and to wish him and his family the very best for the future.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Alton Exchange Club. Exchange is known to millions as America's service club. From their earliest days, the Exchange Club has been usefully serving the Alton area and improving the quality of life for the Alton community. The diverse array of Exchange-sponsored programs and projects has made a considerable impact on both the Alton area and America as a whole, thus enhancing the lives of countless men, women and children across the country. In a very real sense, Exchange exists for the simple purpose of serving others. The Exchange Club philosophy of service addresses Americanism, Community Service and Youth and Child Abuse Prevention as national programs. America's young people are its most precious natural resource. That is why for many years, Exchange has sponsored an impressive selection of activities designed to benefit and encourage area youth. In Alton, the Exchange Club promotes the Basketball Player of the Year program. In addition to developing youth activities and programs, promoting pride in country, respect for the flag and appreciation of our freedoms are primary purposes of Exchange's Americanism programs. The Alton Exchange provides flags for children during parades and other patriotic activities for young people in the community. The club promotes patriotism by donating 8,000 to 10,000 flags annually for children and bystanders in the annual Memorial Day parade. The Exchange Club is also responsible for the installation and placement of the Freedom Shrines many of us see in our public places. The Shrine is an impressive, permanently mounted collection of 28 of the most important and historic American documents including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and the Gettysburg Address. These remarkable documents serve as windows to the world of America's proud past. They show our nation's youth the strength and courage of their forefathers by allowing them to read, with their own eyes, the immortal words of inspired Americans who so decisively changed the course of history. Alton's Club installed a Freedom Shrine at Gordon Moore Park in Alton. The Alton Exchange also follows the tradition of providing community service through many crime prevention programs. The club provides assistance to the Alton police department by providing bulletproof vests and supporting other crime prevention and awareness programs. In fact, through their fundraising efforts, the Alton Exchange Club purchased the first body armor for the Alton Police Department. The following year, again through fundraising efforts, the club purchased Defibrillator equipment for the Alton Fire Department. The Exchange Club of Alton has also raised funds and donated them to the Child Abuse Prevention Project of Alton. In furtherance of it's goals to provide community service, the club has provided much needed manual labor in support of the Women's Oasis Center Building and actively works with and supports the Boys and Girls Club of Alton and hosts a special annual event for the children. Finally, the club also periodically recognizes an outstanding community member or volunteer who otherwise may have been overlooked through their ``Book of Golden Deeds'' award. The Alton Exchange Club is truly a part of the fabric of the Alton community. Exchange, America's Service Club, is a group of men and women working together to make our communities a better place to live through programs of service. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the service of the Exchange Club of Alton and to congratulate all of their past and present members on the occasion of their 75th Anniversary.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 4664, the Investing in America's Future Act. Past investment in fundamental scientific research has fueled growth of our economy, trained our technological workforce, and provided the research needed for national and homeland security. It is time to ensure our future prosperity and security by recognizing the important work performed by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the only agency devoted to supporting basic science research in science, math, and engineering across all fields and science and math education at all levels. This legislation will double the NSF's budget over the next five years. Increasing funding for the NSF demonstrates the recognition of the lasting benefits that basic research provides to our economic and national security. The increase would also be used to expand core science programs to fund highly ranked grant proposals, pursue new initiatives like nanotechnology and biocomplexity, and fully fund K-12 education programs that have been authorized by the House of Representatives. In addition, the bill provides greater transparency to the process through which major research and facilities construction projects are evaluated, prioritized, and selected for funding by requiring the Director to develop a list of proposed projects, ranking the relative priority of each for funding. This will allow Congress and NSF to expand its investments in cutting-edge research initiatives and to preserve its core research and education programs. Mr. Chairman, I strongly believe that investing in basic science, math, and engineering research is essential to the future economic prosperity and global competitiveness of our country and an important investment for the future. For these reasons, I support this legislation and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment offered by Mr. LaTourette and myself that seeks to strike $175 million from the Office of Justice Programs--Justice Assistance and provide those funds to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Unfortunately, the Supplemental Appropriations bill provides $175 million for the Office of Justice Programs within the Department of Justice and that inhibits FEMA's ability to consolidate terrorism preparedness programs and properly administer the First Responder Grant Program. As we all know, in the past several years in response to various terrorist attacks, the United States has increased its efforts to address preparedness. Nationwide, training programs and response teams were created to assist emergency responders prepare for future terrorist attacks and natural disasters. Although all of the efforts were well intentioned, by 2001, more than 40 different federal agencies were offering over 90 training programs and over 100 response teams were created, which resulted in overlap and duplication of services and resources. For the past seven years, our Committee has held numerous hearings that have come to the same conclusion as many independent groups, including GAO, the Rand and Gilmore Commission; we must consolidate our terrorism preparedness programs to avoid duplication and overlap to programs. By doing this, we will be better utilize the nation's financial resources. The Administration came to the same conclusion and proposed centralizing ``first responder'' preparedness responsibilities within the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Office of National Preparedness, and the development of a ``First Responder Grant Program. At our hearing on the First Responders program in April 2002, FEMA provided detailed testimony outlining the Office of National Preparedness. The Department of Justice even voiced their support for the new office and stated on the record that Justice, ``is doing everything possible to make this transition smooth, seamless, and effective.'' Currently, this bill does not provide FEMA any of the Administration's requested $175 million for first responder grants necessary for effective preparedness in the event of a terrorist attack using a weapon of mass destruction. Not providing FEMA the money they've requested diminishes efforts to coordinate and properly train first responders. In addition, not providing FEMA the amount requested by the Administration in the Supplemental Appropriations bill hampers FEMA's ability to effectively implement the Administration's FY 2003 budget request for first responders. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to restore funding for FEMA's First Responder Grant Program. By supporting this amendment you support our efforts to better coordinate federal programs that will help our emergency responders prepare to aid our nation in the event of a terrorist attack.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4737 and in support of the Democratic substitute. It is imperative that we provide families with the necessary ingredients to produce self- sufficiency and job stability. The Democratic substitute accomplishes this important goal. I supported welfare reform under the Clinton Administration and these reforms have been effective in cutting our welfare rolls in half. In my home state of Illinois, the number of welfare recipients has been reduced by 74 percent over the past five years. However, H.R. 4737 will undo the successful strategies states now employ to move Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) recipients to jobs. While H.R. 4737 is well intended, I am concerned that we will undermine the law's stated goal of ending dependence on government assistance if we do not have adequate resources available for safe and affordable childcare, transportation, and healthcare. The legislation provides no help to states in implementing the new work requirements, which I support, and does nothing to extend childcare to the estimated 15 million children who are currently eligible for such assistance, but lack coverage because states do not have the necessary resources. The Democratic substitute maintains state flexibility, focuses on real work, and helps families escape poverty and achieve permanent employment. It increases childcare funding by $11 billion over 5 years so that the tough work requirements can be met without harming the children of those receiving benefits. This substitute does not impose massive new mandates on states and work requirements on impoverished mothers without the assistance necessary to make welfare reform work. Mr. Speaker, although I support responsible welfare reform, the Republican proposal is not sufficient. I do not want to see the federal government take a step backward in our effort to reduce the welfare rolls. For these reasons, I oppose H.R. 4737 and support the Democratic substitute.