Jerry Costello

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church is Madison, Illinois. Long before the year 1900, the seeds of the Orthodox faith were firmly planted in the City of Madison, Illinois by Carpatho-Russian and Galacian immigrants. The first missionary priest, Fr. Stepanov, was sent to Madison in 1899. He heard his first confessions at the home of the Sawchucks at 1017 Madison Avenue. In 1902, permission was granted by the Archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Church in America to start the process of collecting funds to construct an Orthodox Church on Ewing Avenue in Madison. First a wooden structure was constructed, remaining on this site until 1964 when a new church building was built. This first church building was blessed by Fr. John Kochuroff, pastor of the Chicago Parish and builder of the present cathedral in Chicago, Illinois. Fr. Kochuroff had later returned to his homeland and in the beginning of the Russian Revolution was martyred in that conflict. The parish has it's own cemetery, eleven acres in size, located at Highway 157 and Interstate 270 and is commonly known as Sunset Hill. The cemetery was purchased in 1924 and dedicated on Memorial Day, 1925. The parish was ministered by missionary priests in it's early years, and beginning in 1905, permanent priests were assigned. The church choir was organized in 1920 and continues to this day. In 1962, additional property was acquired and a new building program was commenced. In 1964, ground was broken to begin construction. In 1965, the new church was consecrated and the church was dedicated. In 1972, the Church held a ``mortgage burning ceremony'' and a ground breaking was held for a new rectory building. In 1973, the new rectory was completed and in 1988 the Rectory Mortgage was also retired and a Mortgage burning luncheon was held in October of that year. The church and rectory continue today to fulfill the spiritual lives of orthodox Christians of Russian, Greek, Serbian and other eastern European heritage. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the communities and parishioners on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the Military Construction Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2001 and the Emergency Supplemental bill. I supported the Military Construction Appropriation's bill when it came to the House floor for a vote last month and would have supported the bill again had the Republican leadership followed traditional procedures and allowed the two bills to be considered separately. Mr. Speaker, I am opposed to giving the Colombian Government use of our military, supplies and additional cash reserves rather than using these funds for a number of important domestic programs. At a time when the Leadership of this Congress is proposing to eliminate funding for the Summer Youth Program, which allow tens of thousands of kids job opportunities in our home communities, this Congress is providing $1.3 billion to the Colombian Government for anti-drug efforts. A better solution would be to give additional funds to local law enforcement officials to fight drugs in our communities and to our border patrol to stop drugs from coming into our country. I urge my colleagues to oppose this misuse of allocations included in the Emergency Supplemental bill. Vote no on final passage.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4680. It is outrageous that the Republican leadership blocked all attempts for free and open debate. A vote on the Democratic substitute was ruled out of order. The leadership has stifled consideration of any plan other than their own. It is obvious they are catering to the insurance companies. The ones who stand to gain the most from this legislation are not the seniors that the Republicans would lead you to believe but the multi-million dollar drug companies that only stand to get wealthier as a result of this legislation. The Republican leadership's prescription drug plan fails miserably to help our nation's seniors. The leadership should be ashamed to submit a plan that forces seniors to shop around for benefits when there is no guarantee that the insurance companies will continue to provide the benefit a year or two down the road, especially when the fees for such a plan can be raised to exorbitant rates. A better solution is President Clinton's plan which provides guaranteed benefits through Medicare, allows seniors to keep their current prescription drug plan if they choose and provides 100 percent of prescription expenses for low-income seniors. I support the President's plan because the plan provides affordable, voluntary and reliable prescription coverage for all seniors. Give our nation's seniors what they deserve, prescription drug coverage without all the strings. I urge my colleagues to oppose the Republican prescription drug plan.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I regret having to oppose this amendment offered by my good friend colleague from Illinois. While I appreciate what the gentleman is trying to do, I cannot support a reduction of $15 million dollars in the National Weather Service budget. This bill does not provide sufficient funding for many valuable programs, and it fails to provide any funding for many others. The funding level provided in the bill for NOAA, which administers the National Weather Service is already $500 million below the Administration's request and the gentleman's amendment would essentially level fund the weather service at last year's level. That is simply unacceptable. Every American in this country relies upon the weather service--at times to provide information that is vital to save lives and property. Weather Service programs cost each taxpayer a few dollars per year--a modest price to pay for the protection of life and property. We have entered hurricane season. The gentleman's amendment would cut funding from the operations budget of the Hurricane Center in Miami and from other critical weather prediction centers around the country. Base operations at the 121 weather forecast offices around the country also would be impaired by this cut. This is simply too high a price to pay. As the gentleman knows, the Administration included $15 million for The PRIME Technical Assistance Grants in its budget request. I am certain there are many Members who share the gentleman's desire to see this program funded, however it should not be funded by cutting funds from corps programs of the National Weather Service.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, today I'd like my colleagues to join me in honoring the history of one of the oldest communities in my congressional district. The City of O'Fallon, Illinois was named in honor of Colonel John O'Fallon. He was a soldier, a businessman, a real estate owner and a public minded citizen. His father, James O'Fallon was a physician who came to this country shortly before the Revolutionary War and served as a surgeon in George Washington's Army. After the war, he went to Louisville, Kentucky where he met and married Frances Clark, a sister of George Rogers Clark and William Clark, army officers, who became famous in the development of the Mississippi Valley. John's father died when he was a child and he was reared and educated by his mother and uncles. With his army background, he became a soldier. He fought in the War of 1812 where he rose to the rank of Captain. After the war ended, O'Fallon became assistant Indian Agent to his Uncle William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Later he became a contractor, buying and selling Army supplies. He invested his money and became involved with the expanding railroad industry across the nation. He promoted the Missouri Pacific railroad, as well as the Wabash and the B&O railroads. His involvement with railroads and the purchase of lands lead him to become the namesake of both O'Fallon, Illinois and O'Fallon, Missouri. His purchase of lands in an area north of St. Louis also lead to the development of the community of O'Fallon Park. He gave generously to St. Louis University and Washington University. He also formed an institute which became the forerunner of today's St. Louis High Schools and the City's public library. O'Fallon, Illinois was formed around the depot and a water tank for the B&O railroad. A newly replicated depot stands near the site of the beginnings of this community. O'Fallon was incorporated as a village in 1874 and in 1905 became a town. O'Fallon's early growth was due to the large coal mining industry in the region. O'Fallon was also home to major businesses like Willard Stove, Tiedeman Milling and the Independent Engineering Company. O'Fallon also had abundant agricultural land which supported large farming operations. Today, O'Fallon is a community of 20,000 people. It continues to grow because of it's proximity to Scott Air Force Base and St. Louis. It sits astride 1-64 and boasts three interchange exits where large commercial and retail developments are clustered. O'Fallon also is home to the O'Fallon Township High School, which is recognized as one of the top high schools in the region. The high school is also home to the Marching Panthers Band, which has won several national awards and is a regular participant in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City. The City of O'Fallon continues the growth and development envisioned by Captain O'Fallon. The rail line he developed, continues to run through the community delivering vital commerce and supplies to areas to the west. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the community and the people of the City of O'Fallon.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to passage of the PNTR bill before the House of Representatives today. Passage of this legislation would recognize China as a permanent trading partner as opposed to reviewing our trade relationship with China on an annual basis. The key word in this debate is permanent. Why would the United States want to move from an annual review process to recognizing China as a permanent trading partner? China continues to make the world a more dangerous place by its cooperation with rogue states and China's ongoing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Normally, individuals and countries are rewarded because of their improvements or achievements. In this case, we would be recognizing a country that has violated every single trade agreement that they have signed with the United States. While proponents of this legislation may be correct in asserting that corporate America and our economy might benefit from this agreement, what message are we sending to the Chinese government, Chinese workers and the rest of the world. Permanent recognition of China would tell the Chinese government and the rest of the world that when it comes to corporate profits and the almighty dollar the United States will throw in the towel on the very issues that the American people and our country have stood for from the beginning. This is of course not to mention the tens of thousands of jobs that will be lost in the United States as a result of this agreement. The Chinese government continues to sit by idly while workers are paid 25 cents an hour, forced to work 12 to 14 hour days and are forced to work 7 days a week. If a person is as bold as Zhang Jingfheng and attempts to organize employees into a union, they in fact can be jailed and sent to prison. Mr. Jingfheng in fact was sentenced to a 13-year prison term--and he is not alone. In addition to a deplorable record on human rights, the Chinese people have limited freedom to assemble, limited freedom to express and practice their religious beliefs and there is limited freedom of the press. I do not believe that United States firms are creating new markets in China--or new opportunities for Chinese workers. Instead, I believe they are creating new maquiladoras where products will be made for slave wages in horrible working conditions that will be sold to our consumers here in the United States for huge profits. This is not the time to throw in the towel and grant permanent trading status to China. We should hold firm and review our trading relationship with China on an annual basis. Mr. Speaker, for the above reasons, I strongly oppose PNTR and ask my colleagues to join me in voting ``no.''

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Law Enforcement Week and to honor the men and women who serve our Nation as Law Enforcement Officers. America's law enforcement officers are one of our most valuable resources. Almost one million individuals nationwide perform an incredibly important task as they put their lives in danger on a daily basis to protect and serve the people. As a former police officer, and the father to a former police officer, I know the inherent risk involved in the profession and salute these men and women for their efforts. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that since 1993, the 12th District of Illinois has received funding for 272 new law enforcement officers under the COPS grant funding program. These additional officers have worked to increase the safety and well being of my constituents. I urge my colleagues to join me in honor of Law Enforcement Week and our courageous law enforcement officers. These men and women deserve this praise and recognition.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 4205, the Defense Authorization for FY 2001. I would like to thank the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee for including language I requested to be included to convey the Charles Melvin Price Support Center to the Tri- City Port District located in my congressional district in Southwestern Illinois. The passage of this language will reduce the financial burden on the Army by entering into an interim lease with the Port District. It is in the best interest of the military and the local community. By downsizing the military to convey this property we are setting a good example of peacetime benefits which will also aid in lessening future costs to the Army. I am pleased an agreement was reached to keep the military housing in the area protected. I am confident the Port District will be a good landlord as long as the military has a presence. I am hopeful an interim lease can be entered into expeditiously. While there are several small areas that will need to be worked out in conference, I strongly encourage the passage of this legislation. However, Mr. Chairman, I was disappointed to learn this morning that Congressman Sanford will be offering an amendment jeopardizing such conveyances. This is an amendment opposed by the committee. Not only will passage of such an amendment continue to cost the military more money on land they wish to excess, it goes against Congress' best efforts to convey such land to local governmental agencies. Many times these land conveyances offer better resources from local governments than the military may be interested in providing. In many cases the Armed Services Committee has conveyed excess property to local law enforcement agencies--property that is desperately needed in many areas. Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose the Sanford amendment and support final passage of the Defense Authorization bill.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 492, sense of the House in support of America's teachers. America's teachers are one of our most valuable resources. Since coming to Congress I have worked hard to improve our schools by helping teachers in my district express their concerns and support legislation to promote the noble profession they have chosen. In fact, my wife, Georgia, is a principal at Central Junior High School in Belleville, IL. I am proud of her accomplishments with the hundreds of students she comes in contact with every day as well as all of the teachers in the 12th District of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as a parent and grandparent of school-age children I cannot think of a career more important than that of our Nation's teachers. Every day teachers are faced with numerous crises including nurturing children from broken homes, children facing the growing threat of youth violence in our schools, and school buildings that do not meet safety standards. I applaud the countless generations of teachers for living up to the day to day challenge of preparing our children for the outside world. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in strong support of this resolution. Our teachers deserve this praise and recognition.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3439, the Radio Broadcast Preservation Act of 2000, of which I am a co- sponsor. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased that this legislation would assure that the necessary steps are taken as the Federal Communications Commission begins licensing Low Power FM Radio stations. Low Power FM licenses are an opportunity for churches, schools, and other community groups to begin broadcasting their information to local listeners. While these licenses would open up the broadcasting industry to individuals and groups previously excluded, they should not be given out at the expense of existing stations and their listeners. The experimental program this bill establishes would study nine test markets to determine the impact of Low Power FM on radio broadcasters and radio listeners. I believe that testing the market is an important method of implementing and improving the Low Power FM program. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 3439 promotes a more responsible method for the FCC to license Low Power FM and adopts the necessary safeguards for the radio broadcasters and listeners in my district. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation which will protect radio broadcasters and listeners from excessive static interference and which will promote the responsible licensing of Low Power FM.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 15th anniversary of the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation. In the early 1980's, a group of community residents became concerned about the lack of healthcare services in southern Illinois. At that time, there were very few physicians in the area. Residents of the region suffered from a lack of adequate healthcare services. Infant mortality rates and rates of other health related concerns were on the rise. Most physicians in the region expressed their reluctance to participate in federal programs to assist the poor. Several communities in the area were also federally designated as under served and a health care professional shortage was also recognized. In 1983, this concerned group of citizens formed an not-for-profit organization to promote health care concerns. The original charter members of the corporation included Harvey Jones Jr., Francis Touchette, Bob Bergman, Callie Mobley, Don Sminchak, Virginia ``Betty'' Knuckles, Kathleen Touchette, Dr. Mays Maxwell and Rev. Father Jerry Wirth. I was also proud to also be part of that original committee. The Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation opened it's first center in one side of the public health department building at 6000 Bond Avenue in Centreville, Illinois on January 7, 1985. With assistance of an initial Federal grant, the center began it's operations in the Centreville facility, providing health care services to the surrounding communities in the area. The foundation's services expanded in the 90's with facilities opening in East St. Louis, Washington Park and Brooklyn, Illinois. In 1913, the foundation partnered with Touchette Regional Hospital in Centreville and with the East Side Health District to expand it's reach further into the area. I was happy to assist the center procure various grants to improve services to reduce infant mortality rates in the area and in 1997 the foundation opened a facility in Alton, Illinois. School based clinics also operate in East St. Louis and Cahokia, Illinois. In recognition for it's work to reduce the amount of low-birth weight babies, the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation and Touchette Regional Hospital was one of the first winners of the ``Models that Work'' program, as sponsored by the National Committee For Quality Healthcare. Other awards and recognition for the system include the American Hospital Association and the Baxter Allegiance Foundation. The Baxter Award recognized the system's work with the various foundation communities. The foundation was also a finalist in the Premier Cares Award sponsored by Premier Healthcare. Just last year, the foundation further expanded it's services by opening a second site in Madison County in Bethalto, Illinois. Private grants have also been awarded to the Southern Illinois Foundation from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to allow them to address Medicaid Managed Care issues and provide funds for planning and study for healthcare issues. Locally, the foundation has also been presented the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award from the Kimmel Leadership Center. Dr. Bob Klutts is the chief executive officer and has been the executive with the foundation since 1988. Operations in all of the Foundation Health center sites are now well established. The foundation system has grown from an initial 8,678 patient visits in 1988 to currently over 85,000 patient visits. In addition to the clinic sites they operate in several communities, they also operate three Quick Care sites with one site devoted to the needs of mother and child care and also a site directed to the needs of adults. It is one of the strongest Healthcare networks operating in Illinois today. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the anniversary and service of the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be here today to move one step closer to enactment of the Gas Hydrates Research and Development Act. I am happy that we have reached an agreement that everyone can support. I would like to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the chairman of the full committee, and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall), the ranking member, along with the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), the chairman of the subcommittee, for all of their hard work on this bill. I would also like to commend my good friend and colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. Doyle) for his leadership and his hard work on this bill. Mr. Speaker, gas hydrates have the potential to provide a significant natural gas resource to this country if they can be safely and economically extracted from the ocean floor, where they are found. This legislation establishes an interagency research and development program to examine many issues associated with the extraction of gas hydrates, including the possible economic, environmental, and energy benefits. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Wisconsin has accurately described the bill. We support it. It was passed by a bipartisan effort. We support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, we find ourselves in an unhappy situation today with respect to fuel oil, gasoline, and diesel prices. We learned from our last experience with high energy prices in the 1970's the importance of energy supplies to our citizens and our economy. This bill is a weak attempt to address our current and long-term energy needs. We need sustained funding for long-term and medium-term programs that improve the efficiency of energy use and that diversify our energy supplies. We have let low energy prices that we have enjoyed in the past few years be the justification for cuts in energy efficiency and energy research and development programs. The administration has consistently requested larger sums for these accounts than have been appropriated. For example, the Weatherization Assistance Program, which was cut by 50 percent in 1995, helps to make housing more energy efficient. The program now weatherizes an average of 70,000 dwellings a year at a current appropriation of $135 million. If we had level funded the Weatherization Assistance Program from 1996 through this year, DOE would have weatherized 248,000 more homes than we were able to under the existing appropriations. Compare this to the funds we need to spend under the Low Income Heating Assistance Program which serves over 4 million households at a cost of more than $1 billion. By making homes and buildings more efficient, we can serve more of our needy constituents with the limited LIHEAP funds that we have and ultimately we would be able to reduce the funds that we must pay under LIHEAP. One of our best defenses against high energy prices is to decrease our energy demand through the use of energy efficient products both by industry and by consumers. Some of our past investments in these areas have helped us to weather this current high energy price storm, but obviously we must do more. High energy prices take a toll on household budgets directly through home and transportation energy use and indirectly as consumer prices for goods rise in response to energy prices. Decreasing the proportion of these budgets that are devoted to energy purchases saves money for households and for businesses everyday and is our best insurance against future price increases.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 50th anniversary of the Belle-Scott Committee of Belleville and Scott Air Force Base, IL. The Belle-Scott Committee evolved from the ``Belleville Plan'' which was created in 1950 by then Belleville mayor, H.V. Calhoun, Maj. Gen. Robert Harper, commander of the Air Training Command at Scott Air Force Base and Col. George W. Pardy, Scott's commanding officer. The ``Belleville Plan'' was announced at the First ``G.I. Pal Dinner'' which was held on November 29, 1950, at the U.S.O. Canteen in Belleville, IL. This committee, which has been in continuous existence since that time, offers a direct means by which the two communities, military and civilian, work together to promote matters of mutual interest. Military and civilian representatives meet on a monthly basis to discuss cooperative social, recreational and cultural efforts between Scott Air Force Base and the city of Belleville, IL. The group works toward more cooperative active participation in religious and educational programs and also fosters a closer working relationships between both Belleville and Scott's governmental operations. The Belle-Scott Committee arose from the need to address community and base relationships in the late 40's and early 50's. Media reports at that time, which indicated that local military personnel were treated as second class citizens, paying higher prices than normal and unable to secure appropriate housing opportunities were reasons that the Belle-Scott Committee came into existence. Since then, the Belle-Scott Committee has received national recognition. It was featured on the CBS Radio Network's ``The People's Act'' series in March 1952, and at least 10 nationally circulated magazines have published special features to list their achievements. In addition, newspapers throughout the country have also published articles dealing with the work of the committee. Several other air force bases and their host communities are using ``Belle-Scott'' as a guide in developing their efforts. The committee's research leads them to believe that they are the oldest military/community cooperation committee in continuous existence at any U.S. military installation. This year will be the 50th anniversary of the first ``G.I. Pal Dinner'' now known as the ``Belle-Scott Enlisted Dinner.'' The event brings more than 150 civilians, 50 officers from Scott Air Force Base and more than 100 enlisted guests. While the reasons for the formation of this committee had initially to do with civilian-military cooperation, it is the solving of these problems by persons both from the Base and from the city and the 50 years of continuous good relationships fostered by the Belle-Scott Committee that we now look to with pride. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the service of the Belle-Scott Committee and for the assistance it provides in fostering the support of our civic and military personnel.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the AIR- 21 Conference Report which reauthorizes funding for the Federal Aviation Administration. As a conferee on this bill, I am pleased that we were able to come together in a bipartisan fashion to provide the funding the FAA needs to provide America with a first class aviation infrastructure for the 21st century. First, I want to thank Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member Oberstar for their leadership and persistence in making certain that all aviation tax revenue and interest be spent each year on aviation programs. The Conference Agreement authorizes $40 billion in funding for the next three fiscal years--a 26 percent increase in FY01 alone. This funding provides increases for all aspects of the FAA, to modernize its systems and deal more effectively with our expanding air transportation industry. This legislation serves to increase competition and aid small communities. The provisions to lift all slot restrictions at O'Hare, La Guardia and Kennedy, and increase the number of slots at National Airport can only help new airlines provide service and underserved communities receive service. I worked hard to ensure that rural communities in the Midwest stood to benefit from these new provisions. By improving capacity at large and small airports, the bill ensures more equitable competition in an industry where individual air carriers have market dominance over many communities. And by promoting access, the bill increases service which currently have little or no markets at all. The bill also provides funding for small and general aviation airports through an annual entitlement. This provision will guarantee that small and general aviation airports will receive an annual federal investment to continue to implement safety improvements and projects to increase efficiency. Finally, AIR-21 should provide money to allow the FAA to make administrative changes without harming ongoing effective programs like the Air Traffic Control Contract Program. I recently urged the FAA Administrator to reject proposals by some bureaucrats to cut this program which is so vital to many small communities, and I hope now with passage of AIR-21, she will do so. Mr. Speaker, again I want to thank Chairman Shuster, Mr. Oberstar, Chairman Duncan, and Mr. Lipinski for their leadership in bringing this bill to the floor today. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation in order to bring our aviation system into the 21st century.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 40th anniversary of Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post 8677 in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Started on March 5, 1960, Post 8677 continues to lead efforts to support veterans and their needs in their community. While VFW Post 8677 celebrates its 40th anniversary, the VFW organization itself celebrates the 100th anniversary of its existence. In 1898, several veterans of the Spanish-American War gathered together to form the basis of the VFW. Since then, the VFW organization has proven to be a driving force for veterans and their issues. The VFW is considered to be one of the most powerful and influential force in the halls of Congress. Their efforts resulted in the creation of the House Veterans' Committee, the WW I bonus, the Veterans Day holiday, various GI bills, creation of the cabinet position of Veterans' Affairs and support on many veteran's health issues, such as Agent Orange and Persian Gulf related illness. The VFW is 2 million members strong and represents a great cross section of our society. They work to promote citizenship and provide information about our national flag. They are actively involved in disaster relief efforts raising over a million dollars in assistance. They are a leading force in the creation of a WW II memorial and support ongoing efforts of our troops abroad by providing our troops with phone cards, gift packages and coordinating USO shows. I cannot mention the VFW and not speak of the ``Buddy Poppy'' program. Since 1922, the poppy program has raised millions of dollars annually to support national and local veteran's service programs. As a means of rehabilitation, the poppies themselves are assembled by patients in VA and State veterans homes. VFW Post 8677 in Fairview Heights has been a leader in the local community by providing leadership on veterans issues in my congressional district. They, along with the other posts in the area, create a firm footing for veteran's assistance, advocacy and service. Post 8677 works with Pontiac and William Holiday schools for Red Ribbon Drug Awareness Day. They sponsor Khoury teams and Boy and Girl Scout troops. The post holds flag raising ceremonies on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Flag Day. Each month, members of the Post volunteer their time and the necessary items to veterans at the John Cochran VA Hospital and finally, every year both the Post and its auxiliary place flags on the grave sites of 3000 veterans at the Lakeview Memorial Cemetery. Let us reflect with pride on our country and remember with gratitude the contributions of the many loyal and courageous veterans who have given so much of themselves both at home and around the world to protect our freedom. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 40 years of service of the VFW Post 8677 and to salute the members of the Post and Auxiliary both past and present for their service to the people of southwestern Illinois.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th anniversary of an organization that I am proud to be a member of, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 481 in Belleville, Illinois. The beginnings for the Elks organization is credited to Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian. Born in London, Vivian arrived in New York in 1867. Vivian, an actor, met with a group of other theatrical entertainers to create a loose organization called the Jolly Corks. When one of the members died in 1867, leaving both his wife and his children destitute, the Jolly Corks decided, that in addition to good fellowship, they needed a more enduring organization to serve those in need. On February 16, 1868, they established the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks and elected Vivian to head it. As word of it's social activities and benefit performances increased and spread to other cities, other Elk's ``lodges'' were formed. The legacy of Charles Vivian continues to this day. In addition to aiding members in distress, the Elks raise money for children with disabilities, college scholarships, youth projects and recreational programs for patients in veterans hospitals. In 1907, the Elks held the first flag day observance. This tradition, started by the Elks, was later declared a national holiday by President Harry S. Truman. During World War I, the Elks funded and equipped field hospitals in France. Their loans to 40,000 returning veterans for college, rehabilitation and education was the precursor to the original GI bill. The Elks were used during WWII to recruit construction workers for the military and they also contributed books to the Merchant Marines. During the Korean War, the Elks gave more than a half million pints of blood to help the wounded and in Vietnam, the Elks provided funds for the recreational needs of the military. When Desert Storm took place, the Elks undertook letter-writing campaigns to help keep up soldiers morale. Today, there are more than 1.3 million members of the Elks in 2200 local lodges found in all 50 states. Many members of Congress have been Elks. Former Speakers, Tom Foley, Tip O'Neill, Carl Albert, John McCormick and Sam Rayburn all belonged to the Elks. Hale Boggs of Louisiana was also an Elk. Presidents Harding, FDR, Truman, Kennedy and Ford were all Elks lodge members. Local Elks lodges provide recreational and support facilities for the entire family and are the focal point for many community service projects. Lodge 481 members in Belleville log in thousands of hours in volunteer service to charitable, educational and patriotic causes in our community. Chartered in 1899, Lodge 481 continues to be an asset to the community. This lodge sponsors baseball, softball, football and soccer leagues in the area. They organize blood drives, help local scouts and provide their facilities free of charge to local fund raising efforts. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100 years of service of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 481 and salute members of the lodge both past and present.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Illinois Parent Teachers Association (PTA). The Illinois PTA was founded May 30, 1900 and is part of the largest child advocacy organization in the United States. PTA is a not-for- profit association of parents, educators, students, and other citizens active in their schools and their communities. PTA is a leader in reminding our Nation of its obligations to children. In the United States, PTA has over 6.5 million members working in 26,000 local chapters in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in Department of Defense schools in the Pacific and in Europe. The mission of the PTA is three-fold: to support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community and before government bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children. Second, they assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children, and third, to encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools. PTA's objectives include promoting the welfare of children and youth in the home, school, place of worship, and in the community. PTA strives to raise the standards of home life and secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children. PTA also brings a closer relationship to the home, school, and work to develop cooperative efforts between parents and teachers. During the past 100 years, whenever children's issues are jeopardized, the PTA has responded promptly, taking a leadership role in identifying solutions and advocating change. PTA knows the benefits of parent involvement. This is why parent involvement is central to all PTA programs. The Illinois PTA is involved in developing before and after school programs, block grants, charter schools, class size reduction, health services, nutritional issues, professional development, reading programs, tobacco and violence prevention. The Illinois PTA has been at the forefront of children first and that is why they are hosting the national PTA convention this year. PTA's within my congressional district are involved with many activities that support the needs of children and youth. From before and after school programs to after prom parties, PTA has provided a leadership role in our local educational support system. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100 years of service of the Illinois PTA organization.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a good friend, good husband, father, grandfather and a great public servant Mr. Wade Brunsman. Born in St. Louis and raised in Clinton County, Wade is the father of 4 children and 5 grandchildren. Wade, a Navy machinist, served as a chief of engine rooms aboard a minesweeper in World War II. He received his engineering degree from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland and opened a heating and refrigeration service in 1957. Elected to the St. Clair County Board in 1952, Wade has served on many committees and subcommittees. He served as the Chairman of St. Clair Board's Environment Committee working on many issues including storm water management, land use, zoning, landfill and environmental issues for the benefit of all citizens in our region. He also served as a member of the St. Clair County Board's Finance Committee which oversees the disbursement of monies for the County's day-to- day operations and its long range planning, as well as compiling the County's annual budget. Wade was also instrumental in assisting the County in guiding the development of MidAmerica airport and the St. Clair County extension of MetroLink. Wade also has acted as the County Board's Vice-Chairman since 1991. He served on the St. Clair County Planning Commission since it was formed in 1989. In his tradition of fine public service, Wade was also named officeholder of the year in 1986 by the Belleville Democratic Committee. As a true public servant, he also finds the time to volunteer his services to senior citizens throughout the area. In 1973, as Chairman of the St. Clair County Board, I appointed Wade to the Advisory Board for the Programs and Services for Older Persons program sponsored by Southwestern Illinois Community College. In recognition of his efforts, the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council awarded Wade a lifetime achievement for outstanding public service in 1996. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the service of Mr. Wade Brunsman and wish he, his wife Barbara, his daughter Barbara Ann and the rest of his family, the very best in the future.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of Mr. Hoeffel's amendment to conduct a study to examine the accessibility to information technology for the elderly and persons with disabilities. This amendment will make certain that our seniors and individuals with disabilities are not left out of current technological advances that ensure easy access to our family and friends. Seniors and the disabled also stand to gain the most from medical information listed on the Internet. Information on nursing homes, health insurance and prescription drugs can easily be obtained within minutes. As a cosponsor of this legislation, I am pleased to support this bill that will significantly increase our commitment to long-term research, information technology and networking. Not only will this bill help our universities in providing information technology research, it will also encourage further technological advances in elementary and secondary education, and move the nation forward in bringing technology into millions of American homes that do not have it today. While this bill will greatly help our nation's researchers and students, adoption of this amendment will make certain that our nation's senior citizens and persons with disabilities are included in the benefits of accessible information technology. I encourage my colleagues to support passage of this amendment and final passage of this important legislation.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of a former colleague, the Honorable William N. Baltz, D-Millstadt, who represented the 22nd Congressional District of Illinois from March 4, 1913 to March 3, 1915. The Baltz family came originally from Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany. Early records indicate that most members of their family were engaged in agricultural pursuits. One was a blacksmith, while another served as the Mayor of Gross Bierbrau. Johann II and his wife Maria along with their seven children departed Bremen, Germany on June 3, 1834 and arrived in Baltimore on August 25. One son disappeared in Philadelphia on their trek westward. Johann and his family traveled by wagon and boat down the Ohio River valley to St. Louis and in December of that year they settled in Sugar Loaf Township, just west of Millstadt, Illinois, where that home still stands. Five children were born there and their legacy continues today. The descendants of Maria and Johann are numerous. The Baltz family served as farmers, teachers, storekeepers, postmaster, lawyers, bankers, physicians, millers, dentists, engineers, scientists, writers, church, school and also civic leaders. Among the most prominent of these descendants was William Nicolas Baltz, a farmer and staunch democrat. He was born in Millstadt, Illinois on February 5, 1860 and attended the public schools in Millstadt. In addition to farming, he engaged in milling and banking, helping to establish the First National Bank of Millstadt. He served as the President of the Millstadt Board of Education from 1892-1917 and also served on the St. Clair County Board of Supervisors from 1897 to 1913. He was the County Board's Presiding Officer from 1908 to 1911. William was elected to the 64th United States Congress on March 4, 1913 and represented the Illinois 22nd Congressional district in Woodrow Wilson's first administration up to March 3, 1915. Referred to as ``Honest Bill'' by his constituents, Congressman Baltz played as the catcher for the annual House vs. Senate baseball game, I might add, without a glove. In the 1914 game, William hit a three bagger off the wall of Griffith stadium in Washington and that year the Democrats beat the Republicans. William's father, Phillip, was also an appointee of President Andrew Johnson serving as the Postmaster of Millstadt. William and a brother G.F. (Gus) married two Diesel sisters, Katherine and Otillia. Gus, also a lover of baseball, graduated from ISNU in 1900 and captained that year's baseball team as a center fielder. William and his brothers, Richard G. and Fred L., also founded the Millstadt Milling Company in 1893. It was purchased by Golden Dipt Corporation in 1957. The brothers organized the First National Bank of Millstadt in 1903 and it's chief operating officials are still in the Baltz family. William was unsuccessful in his re-election efforts to the Congress and soon thereafter served along with his brother Fred as the Mayors of Millstadt. William resumed his agricultural and business pursuits for the rest of his life until he passed away on August 22, 1943. He lies at Mount Evergreen Cemetery in Millstadt, Illinois. As the century ended and the new millennium begins, the work of William N. Baltz and the entire Baltz family stands as a testament to the courage and determination of our immigrant past. Their selfless efforts at continuing to support the community both in the last century and this century reminds us of our nation's heritage and the symbol of what makes America the greatest nation on Earth. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the service and memory of U.S. Congressman William N. Baltz.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3419, which incorporates H.R. 2679, the Motor Carrier Safety Act. I am specially pleased to see that this bill includes provisions for Foreign Motor Carrier penalties and disqualifications. Mexican-domiciled trucks are operating improperly in the United States and violate U.S. statutes by either not obtaining operating authority or operating beyond the scope of their authority. About 98% of these trucks are limited to operating within the commercial zones along the four southern border states, but Mexican trucks have been found as far away as Washington, New York and my home state of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, in FY98, there were almost 24,000 safety inspections performed on drivers and/or vehicles of Mexico domiciled trucks. Forty one percent of these trucks failed to meet U.S. safety requirements, and were placed out of service for safety violations. Clearly, it is imperative that we keep these unsafe trucks off our highways. Current law provides for only a $500 fine for those trucks operating where they are not suppose to. This bill will increase penalties for those trucks that operate without authority, raising the fines to a $10,000 fine and six month suspension maximum for the first offense and a $25,000 fine and possibly permanent suspension for subsequent offenses, a measure I strongly support. I believe that this will minimize the number of unsafe trucks on our highways, ensuring safer roads for everybody. By moving the Office of Motor Carriers from the Federal Highway Administration, it is my hope that the Office will have the power to enforce compliance to this legislation. I urge my colleague to join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3194, the Omnibus Appropriations Bill of 1999. This bill is a travesty, a massive symbol of the failure of this Congress to accomplish its most basic goal--passage of the 13 appropriations bills by September 30, the end of the fiscal year--on time and in order. Instead, we have lumped together numerous pieces of legislation, as well as five appropriations bills, and slapped them together like a giant Thanksgiving turkey to present to the American people. The process by which we come to this vote on this House. This bill-- over a foot high, hundreds of pages thick and in its final form with only a few copies available to all 435 members--was filed at 3:00 a.m. this morning. Members of this Chamber have not had the opportunity to read or even review this legislation. No one knows what kind of special-interest boondoggles lie in the text of this bill, and no one will know for days to come. The majority in this House even voted to suspend the rules that govern the budget process by forbidding the Congressional Budget Office to `score' this bill, which would let members know just how much all of these provisions will cost the taxpayers. According to the last CBO estimate of this bill, the majority would pass a bill that breaks their promise to leave untouched the Social Security Trust Fund. CBO recently said this bill would use $15 to $17 billion of the Trust Fund--and who knows just how much this Congress will raid from the Trust Fund once this bill in its final form is enacted. Finally, it exceeds all of the budget caps put into place in 1997 to balance the federal budget, stretching credibility and the imagination by declaring things like the Head Start program--begun in 1964--as an `emergency,' along with the census, operations of the Pentagon and other basic functions of government. If we intend to `bust the budget caps' and declare them obsolete now that we have a budget surplus, we should do so in an honest way and be straight with the American people. There are some good provisions in this legislation, along with the bad provisions. It provides the President with his priorities of 100,000 new teachers and tools to create smaller teacher/student classrooms; 50,000 more police on America's streets; and a much-needed pay raise for military personnel. However, there is no reason why this Congress could not have passed these initiatives in a deliberative manner with full debate in this House, instead of in this format. Instead, the majority has cobbled together a massive Thanksgiving turkey of a bill, to present to the American people in one whole form to avoid the scrutiny that would mean the death of some of the more controversial provisions in this legislation. These are the same leaders that told the American people that if they were in charge they would pass a budget on time, with 13 appropriations bills passed separately, without spending any of the Social Security Trust Fund. Their failure to keep their word has resulted in this bill, which I urge my colleagues to oppose.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the Financial Services Modernization Act. This bill was brokered by the Republican leadership, in a partnership with the large financial services lobbyists, to the benefit of enormous corporations at the ultimate expense of the American consumer. This bill will expedite the creation of mega-bucks malls--the one- stop shopping of the financial world. This will hurt consumers because as financial services providers consolidate, competition will decline and consolidate decision-making and services among fewer service providers. Should one of these enormous institutions suffer a financial decline, we could see calls for a bailout that will recall the savings and loan debacle of the 1980's, with taxpayers footing the bill. I am also concerned of the effects that the Community Reinvestment Act provision may have on certain banks in my district. By reviewing small banks which provide service in underserved communities only once every 4 or 5 years, there is no guarantee that these banks will maintain their lending standards to these communities. A two-year review enforced this. Underserved communities need to be ensured of financial assistance, and this bill does not provide that guarantee. Most frightening, however, is the effect the privacy provisions will have. Under this bill, financial institutions have access to and distribute our personal information, including our bank and brokerage account or insurance record information, to all the institution's divisions and affiliates, without the customer's permission. In addition, banks will share our consumer information with third parties unless the consumer explicitly tells the financial institution not to. The walls protecting our financial privacy and other personal information are slowly being eroded. While the Financial Services Modernization Act may modernize the financial world, it does so at the expense of the consumers. I cannot support this legislation.