Jerry Costello

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield to me?

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local Union Number 433. Local 433 is celebrating their 110th anniversary. On May 11, 1889, 12 carpenters were granted a charter by the United Brotherhood, forming Local 433. This small group of 12 has grown significantly in membership, to its present total of 435 members. The impact of Local 433 is highly visible in the Belleville community, as Local 433 has been instrumental in the construction of Belleville Area College, the St. Clair County Courthouse, and Scott Air Force Base, among others. Local 433 is currently working on the expansion of the MetroLink light rail system. From its inception to today, the men and women of Local 433 have made invaluable contributions to the community, through their contributions to charity and civic events. One of Local 433's greatest achievements is its apprenticeship program. This four year program gives young carpenters the chance to learn from the community's established carpenters. There are currently 44 apprentices in this program, which was established over thirty years ago. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Local Union Number 433 as they celebrate their 110th anniversary.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to vote in favor of legislation to put the Congress' voice where it should be--at the forefront of the national policy which guides our armed forces in the face of conflict. Under the Constitution, the Congress has the power to declare war and commit our troops to battle. As a Member of Congress who is opposed to putting American ground troops in Kosovo, I believe the Congress should have the opportunity to debate whether it is in our national security interests and vote to give the President the ability to put troops on the ground in Yugoslavia. I do not believe it is right for the President to act unilaterally to put our young men and women in uniform into ground battle in Kosovo without the explicit authority of the U.S. Congress. President Bush acted correctly in seeking the authority of Congress to commit ground troops before we acted to expel Iraq from Kuwait in 1991. While the President is working with our NATO allies to persuade the Serbs to end their brutal actions in Kosovo through air attacks and diplomatic initiatives, I believe he has an obligation to first seek the authority of the nation's legislative body before sending tens and possibly hundreds of thousands of our armed forces personnel to battle. Many of my colleagues favor sending ground troops into Kosovo; others join me in opposing the use of ground troops. Either way, I believe there should be a full debate on the issue and a vote on giving the President the authority to commit our nation to what is the equivalent of a declaration of war on Yugoslavia, albeit under the aegis of NATO. I urge my colleagues to join in supporting legislation that restores the voice of the Congress in the debate on Kosovo.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and commemorate the Armenian genocide of 1915 through 1923. Each year, we pause from our legislative schedule to pay tribute to those killed in the terrible Armenian Genocide, which began in 1915 under the Ottoman Empire. We take time to remember those who were forcibly removed from their homeland and relocated, killed or imprisoned solely for their Armenian heritage. One reason we do this is to draw importance to the event so it never happens again. Unfortunately, we are in the midst of another ethnic cleansing in the Balkans. One and one half million people perished during the Armenian genocide. Virtually the entire Armenian population was eliminated from the Ottoman Empire in the eight years of the Armenian Genocide. This terrible point in history marked the first genocide of the 20th Century. It is a sad and shameful period in history. We must remember it, and work toward preventing such terrible atrocities in the future. In my district in Southwestern Illinois, there is a significant population of Armenian-Americans. I would like to pay special tribute to those survivors who eventually made their way to the 12th District. These survivors suffered terrible atrocities and upheaval. They have never forgotten their ordeal, and through them we hear their history. These survivors are an important link to a past that we cannot ignore. Many in the Armenian community in my district attend St. Gregory's Armenian Apostolic Church in Granite City, Illinois. St. Gregory's has a strong tradition of preserving Armenian heritage and remembering the atrocities of the Genocide of 1915-1923. I would like to mention that I am a cosponsor of Rep. Radanovich and Bonior's resolution which affirms the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide. This important resolution calls on the President to collect and house all relevant U.S. records on the Armenian Genocide and provide them to the House International Relations Committee, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Armenian Genocide Museum in Yerevan, Armenia. The legacy of the genocide must be remembered. Each year, my colleagues and I take to this floor to pay tribute to the victims of a terrible crime against humanity. This is just one way in which the Congress can continue to pay recognition to those who were killed during this terrible episode in Armenia's history. It is my sincere hope that we and future generations will never forget these atrocities.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Lee Eckert, a dedicated community leader from Millstadt, Illinois, in my congressional district. Mr. Eckert has served the Village of Millstadt for 40 years as their Trustee. He and his wife, Lucille, live in Millstadt, where they raised their four children, Trudy, Lana, Kelly, and Toby. Lee Eckert is retiring this month after a distinguished career of public service. During his tenure as chair of the Public Works Committee and Village Board, his tireless efforts can be recognized in many projects completed under his direction. Mr. Eckert skillfully guided the development of the Industrial Park and new sewer treatment plan for the Village of Millstadt. He also was instrumental in coordinating the building plans for the new government facility, which houses the Village Hall, Library, Mayor's Office, and until recently, the Millstadt Police Department. What is most notable about Lee Eckert is his willingness to meet any challenge presented to him. I commend Mr. Eckert for his integrity, compassion, and commitment to the Village of Millstadt, so evident to anyone who has had the opportunity to know him. I want to join the community in thanking Mr. Eckert for his dedication and invaluable service for the past 40 years. I am confident that his future years of retirement will be as productive and fulfilling as his past. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lee Eckert for the example he has set for us all.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition of the rule to H. Con. Res. 68 which blocks a vote on Representative Clement's amendment to increase funding for veterans health care. The Republican Leadership's FY 2000 Budget fails miserably to protect our Nation's veterans. While their budget resolution provides a $900 million increase in budget authority for veterans, this is a ONE time addition. Over the next 5 years, the Majority's budget resolution cuts discretionary spending for veterans by $300 million. Over 10 years, veterans funding will be cut by $3 billion below this year's funding levels. The Republican leadership should be ashamed to submit a budget which slashes funding for the men and women who fought for our freedom. This Republican-led Congress has flat-lined the veterans budget for the last 4 years. As our veterans continue aging, they face more medical emergencies. Unless funding for veterans' health care is significantly increased services will be cut and health care will be denied. Mr. Chairman, how can you propose several new health care initiatives without providing the necessary funds to support them? The message you send to our veterans when the promises made to them are broken is that the sacrifices they made for our country are meaningless. Representative Clement's amendment would have increased the Veterans Affairs budget by $1 billion over the Republican increase of $900 million. This amendment was supported by the Veterans of Foreign War, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the American Legion. Give our nation's veterans what they deserve. I urge my colleagues to oppose the rule and the Republican budget.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4. This legislation would state unequivocally our position as a nation is to develop and deploy a missile defense system. In fact, the Pentagon has for years already been working on such a defense barrier. I oppose this legislation precisely because its passage will impede progress on proliferation and nuclear arms control, all for the sake of a feel-good but impractical change in our national defense policy. In January, the Clinton administration announced it would increase to $10 billion the funds necessary to develop a national missile defense, through the budget year 2005. I share the concern of administration officials who report that ``rogue nations'' like Iraq, North Korea or Libya may have technology which would allow them to deliver fatal warheads atop long-range missiles. However, that is exactly what the Pentagon's increase would address--how to prevent these missiles from landing on American soil. Their research program, similar in philosophy to the Patriot Missile we saw used during the Gulf War, is one I support. However, if the Congress passes this legislation, its policy effects will be far-reaching. Progress in nuclear non-proliferation and arms reduction with Russia will be jeopardized, as their leaders have stated this policy change will abrogate the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. It makes no sense to me to send a dangerous signal to both our allies and treaty partners when in fact we are already underway in exploring the feasibility of a national missile defense system. The administration next spring will rule on whether the deployment of such a system is in our national interest, and therefore this legislation is premature in that regard as well. I intend to vote ``no'' on H.R. 4.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support and as a cosponsor of H.R. 975, the Bipartisan Steel Recovery Act. The United States has built a steel industry that has one of the highest productivity levels and lowest costs in the world. Unfortunately, our commitment to new technology and increased labor productivity is of little worth in a global marketplace that favors illegal trade. Our domestic markets are being flooded with cheap imports from Asia, Russia and Brazil who continue to defy international trade policies in order to prop up their own markets. We can ill afford to be the world's dumping ground for unfairly-traded steel. While I am concerned by the financial disasters in Asia, Russia and elsewhere, these countries should not be allowed to export their problems here. We must find other means to help our trading partners deal with their economic challenges; allowing unfairly-traded steel to flood our markets creates an imbalance that helps no one. As a member of the Congressional Steel Caucus, I have worked diligently with my colleagues to urge the Administration to take a strong stand against illegally-dumped steel. The proposed agreement with Russia to reduce Russian imports of steel products by almost 70 percent is a good first step. However, it must be followed by continued pressure on other nations to reduce their dumping of illegally- subsidized steel. I am pleased the Administration has responded to those of us in Congress who continue to make steel a high-profile issue. The U.S. must continue to be vigilant in providing relief to our steel industry and its workers, after they have suffered from an unfair flood of foreign imports. However, let me be clear about this: the Administration's efforts to date are not enough. We must do more and we must do more immediately. In my own district in Southwestern Illinois, steelworkers and their families and communities have stood up strongly for steel. Workers at Laclede Steel in Alton and National Steel in Granite City have faced difficult times since the surge in steel imports flooded our markets. Laclede is facing bankruptcy and efforts are underway just to keep the plant open. Orders have been down and prices have fallen at both plants. Unfortunately, these steel companies, like others across the nation, have been unable to avoid layoffs. Mr. Speaker, I represent approximately 4,000 USWA union members in my district. I cannot in good conscience report to them that we have done enough here. Today, I have high hopes that I will be able to return to my district and announce that we in Washington are also standing up for steel. The Bipartisan Steel Recovery Act will stop foreign corporations from breaking our trade laws. It will save American jobs and save U.S. steel companies from bankruptcy. Passage of H.R. 975 will also ensure our national security. It is American-made steel that goes into Navy ships, aircraft, tanks, trucks and weaponry used by our military. We cannot afford to allow our steel industry to disappear and to then become reliant upon foreign countries for our steel needs. U.S. steel companies and steelworkers are the best in the world. American steel mills are the most productive, the most efficient, the most innovative and the cleanest in the world. Given a level playing field, there is no foreign company that can compete with them. Foreign steel is being subsidized by foreign governments. Closed foreign markets mean that foreign overproductions surges into our market-- against our trade laws. The U.S. steel industry, steel workers and their families, and American consumers of steel products and its derivatives deserve a fair market for U.S. steel. Foreign dumped steel not only has immediate negative consequences on the steel industry, over time the impact on the U.S. economy in terms of lost production, high-wage jobs, and investment is irretrievable. I hope this Congress and the Administration will take immediate action to end illegal foreign imports of steel. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 975.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to consideration of this resolution authorizing the use of U.S. ground troops in Kosovo. I do not support putting American ground troops, even as part of a NATO force, in the middle of a civil war in central Europe. But I object to this resolution on other grounds, as well. This very debate may hamstring our negotiators as they seek a peaceful resolution of the Kosovo conflict with the Serbian government and ethnic Albanians. It makes no sense to me that the Congress is debating a resolution on use of force before our negotiators have even concluded their attempts to resolve the Kosovo situation peacefully. I hope we do not damage their efforts by even taking this resolution under consideration. I am not opposed to NATO forces being involved in enforcing an agreement. Our air forces have effectively been used to enforce the United Nations resolutions involving Iraq, for example. However, I do not believe it is in our best interests--or in the interest of the European Community--for Americans to be part of a ground force in Kosovo. That is why I will cast my vote against this resolution today.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Student Health Insurance Portability Protection Act of 1999. In 1996 we made great strides in passing the Kennedy-Kassebaum Health Insurance Portability Protection Act. However, 14.3 million college students covered by health insurance plans sponsored by their college or university are not covered under last year's health provisions. It is essential for college students to fall under these provisions. My bill requires college-sponsored health plans to be portable and exclude long pre-existing condition waiting periods. College-sponsored plans will be considered as group plans and allow students to go from college-sponsored plans to work-sponsored plans without loss of coverage due to a pre-existing condition. Students will also be eligible for another school's health plan when transferring from university to university. This bill takes an important step in ensuring health care coverage for our country's college students at no extra cost to the taxpayer. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and ensuring health care for our Nation's college students. Give them the health care they need to enter the workforce. Do not leave college students out of health care reform.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 99, the short-term extension of the Federal Aviation Administration. It is critical that we move forward with this bill quickly to ensure that the airport improvement program will continue to receive funding and grants to airports will be honored. In this, the Year of Aviation, we have much to consider and much to accomplish to make our skies even safer and air traffic more efficient and accessible. This short-term reauthorization will give this House and the Senate adequate time to more fully consider longer-term aviation authorization and competition issues. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I am pleased that the authorization of the War Risk Insurance program is one of the first pieces of legislation this Congress will consider. The War Risk Insurance Program is crucial to our aviation transportation system. Just like aircraft insurance is essential to any typical commercial domestic or international carrier, aircraft is also a necessity for flights to high-risk areas. Unfortunately, the private insurance market will often not insure flights to high-risk areas such as to countries at war. As such, in the interest of national security, it is critical the government provide insurance for carriers that must fly to unstable areas. Since 1975, there have been 5,000 flights covered by the program. During Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm commercial airlines were needed to ferry troops and equipment to the Middle East. The war risk insurance fund has grown to over $70 million. We must ensure the solvency of this program in times of conflict. I am pleased we are taking swift and appropriate action to authorize this program before it expires on March 31. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 98.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the public service of my very good friend, Congressman Glenn Poshard. Glenn and I were elected to Congress during the same year, 1988, and worked together as a team to represent the 22nd and 21st Districts of Illinois until those districts changed in 1992. Since then, Glenn has represented the 19th District and I have represented the 12th District, which covers a large amount of territory formerly in Glenn's old congressional seat. I can tell you that there is no one in Southern Illinois who is held in higher esteem than Glenn Poshard. During his race for Governor in 1998, Glenn ran a race that made all of his colleagues in the Illinois Delegation proud. However, I can tell you that the constituents in my district who know and love Glenn Poshard were also very proud of his congressional service and his race for Governor. Glenn has always been a unique representative. He made the decision early in his congressional career to refuse money from political action committees, a commitment he made as well in his race for Governor. He imposed on himself a term-limit of five terms in Congress, which he fulfills by leaving at the end of this session of Congress. He has carried himself with a quiet dignity, working hard for the people of his district while promoting those policies he thought best for the entire nation. His sources of inspiration have been those individuals who overcame difficult circumstances to excel in life, including his parents, and notable public figures like Lech Walesa and Nelson Mandela. Glenn was born poor in Southeastern Illinois and rose to achieve a PhD and go on to one of the highest honors an individual can attain in the United States--to serve his fellow men and women in the Congress. Glenn Poshard will leave this Congress with a distinguished record: fighting for a balanced federal budget; increasing the pay, working conditions and health care for working men and women; protecting the Constitution and improving the economy of rural America. But he will also leave here with enormous affection and gratitude of his colleagues, and the thanks and devotion of his constituents, who may be seeing the end of his days in the Congress but surely not the end of his public service. I join my colleagues in saluting the honored service of my good friend, Glenn Poshard.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the articles of impeachment. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the articles of impeachment filed against the President of the United States. While I strongly oppose the articles of impeachment, I favor a motion to send the resolution back to the Judiciary Committee with instructions to the committee to report a resolution censuring the President of the United States for his reprehensible and inexcusable conduct. Mr. Speaker, this is a sad day in the history of our country. For only the second time in the Nation's history, the U.S. House of Representatives is moving forward with articles of impeachment against the President of the United States. Our Founding Fathers wisely concluded that the standards to impeach a sitting President should be very high. Most constitutional scholars and historians have clearly stated that impeachment was not intended as punishment, but to protect the Republic. These same scholars agree that Presidents should only be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors, conduct by a President so dangerous and reprehensible that it poses injury to the Republic. Mr. Speaker, I have carefully reviewed the four articles of impeachment passed out of the Judiciary Committee on a party-line vote. I have reviewed many documents, listened to the testimony and statements made by Members of Congress, historians, and constitutional scholars. I have followed much of the hearing conducted by the Judiciary Committee, and I have concluded that the President's conduct does not rise to the level of an impeachable offense as intended by our Founding Fathers. Even if one assumes that the President of the United States is guilty of all or any of the activities described in the articles of impeachment, his conduct--while reprehensible and inexcusable and perhaps in violation of the law--they did not and do not threaten our Nation or cause injury to the Republic. If it can be proven that the President committed perjury before the grand jury, then the President is subject to criminal prosecution the day he leaves office in 24 months. Mr. Speaker, the action that we take today concerning this President will have a lasting effect not only on William Jefferson Clinton but more importantly on the institution of the Presidency. If the House of Representatives impeaches the President of the United States on all or any one of the articles of impeachment being considered today, I believe that we significantly lower the standards for impeachment for our future Presidents, and further politicize a solemn process. The Judiciary Committee heard from over 400 historians and over 200 constitutional scholars on the issue of impeachment. Mr. Speaker, If the evidence to impeach this President on the articles filed by the Judiciary Committee were clear and convincing, we would not have historians and constitutional scholars deeply divided on this issue. The fact that most of the constitutional scholars do not believe that the President's conduct rises to an impeachable offense should tell us to move forward with censure and to dismiss the impeachment proceedings. Mr. Speaker, I agree with former President Gerald Ford and the former majority leader, Senator Bob Dole, that the Congress should censure the President of the United States for his conduct and move on with the business of the country. It has been 130 years since the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Andrew Johnson. Today, it is clear that the Republican majority in this House intends to ignore the constitutional scholars, historians and the majority of the American people as they proceed to vote to impeach President William Clinton. If they, in fact, do impeach this President, they will set in motion a process which will result in articles of impeachment being filed by the political enemies of future Presidents. Finally, Mr. Speaker, the way in which the Republican leadership has handled this entire matter has been grossly unfair and regrettably partisan. Many Members of the House believe, as I believe, that the President's conduct--while reprehensible and inexcusable--does not rise to the level of impeachment and therefore the House should censure the President. However, the Republican leadership refuses to let members offer a Resolution to censure and rebuke the President. That, Mr. Speaker, is unfortunate and it is wrong. I urge my colleagues, for the sake of the institution of the Presidency and for what I believe is in the best interest of this country, to reject the articles of impeachment and to censure the President of the United States for his reprehensible and inexcusable conduct.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of carrying out the military mission in the Persian Gulf. I commend the U.S. troops and I commend the President for carrying out his responsibility as Commander in Chief. The decision to strike strategic defense locations in Iraq was not made by the United Nations. It was not made by the President. The decision to take military action was made by Saddam Hussein himself. On November 15, Hussein was given final warning by the United Nations and the United States that there would be no more discussion if he stood in the way of U.N. inspectors. When he in fact did so, as detailed in the U.N. inspector's report submitted on December 15, we had no choice but to carry out the military mission in order to eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. Those Republicans in Congress who criticize the President by saying he is attempting to delay the impeachment vote are the same Members of Congress who would have accused the President of delaying the vote of the Judiciary Committee had this action been necessary last week. And these are the same Members who would have said the President was trying to delay an impeachment trial if this military mission was ordered 30 days from now. The bottom line is that we must not allow Saddam Hussein the ability to manufacture and possess weapons of mass destruction. If we do, I have no doubt he will use them on his neighbors and ultimately on the United States. I strongly support the President's actions and I support our U.S. troops in the gulf.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand up for steel. Our steel industry is being decimated and the Republican leaders in Congress have once again resorted to partisan tactics that hurt American workers. I am a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 328. This resolution was cosponsored by 120 of my colleagues--both Democrat and Republican. This resolution calls on the Administration to take all necessary measures to respond to the surge of unfairly traded steel imports resulting from financial crises overseas. When one of my democratic colleagues attempted to bring the matter up for debate in this House last week, he was rebuked, essentially along party lines. Instead, today the Republican leadership brings to the floor of this House a sham steel resolution. The Republican resolution makes substantial changes to water-down H. Con. Res. 328. This weakened resolution does not adequately address the seriousness and urgency of the steel crisis, nor the prospect of losing hundreds of thousands of American jobs. The U.S. steel industry is suffering because the Russian and Asian financial crises have led those countries to illegally dump their steel on our market. Unfortunately, the trade laws that would protect American workers from unfair and illegal practices are being ignored. Foreign steel is pouring into our country where it is being sold below the cost of production. U.S. steel prices have fallen 20 percent in the last three months and will dive even further in the future if we do not act now. The U.S. steel industry has been forced to layoff workers and move to shorter work weeks. The industry has seen significant cuts in production and orders have been lost. In my district, steel companies have been forced to send workers home and are operating on four-day weeks. We can ill-afford to be the world's dumping ground for unfairly- traded steel. While I am saddened by the financial disasters in Asia, Russia, and elsewhere, these countries should not be allowed to export their problems here. We must find other means to help our trading partners deal with their economic challenges. Allowing unfairly-traded steel to flood our markets helps no one. I am disappointed and ashamed that the Republican leadership in this body has turned the steel crisis into a partisan game. The resolution we consider today is a poor attempt to lull American workers into thinking that Republicans are concerned about their plight. We should reject this resolution. We must take a real stand for U.S. steel and U.S. steelworkers. This resolution does not fit the bill. Let's send it back and bring a strong resolution--like H. Con. Res. 328--to the floor of this House. I urge my colleagues to defeat this resolution.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Nancy J. Schilling, a dedicated civil servant in Evansville, Illinois, in my Congressional district. Nancy serves as the city clerk for the village of Evansville and as the Randolph County Civil Defense Director. While her husband, Danny and two children, Roxie and Ryan have always known what a great wife and mother they have, Evansville has been equally blessed in benefiting from Nancy's dedication to her community. During the flood of 1993, the citizens of Evansville realized just how fortunate they were to have Nancy Schilling as the city clerk. At a time when Evansville was under great strain facing the damage from the flood, she became the organizing force in rebuilding the community. Nancy coordinated efforts with the National Guard, Army Guard, and Coast Guard to assist in a rapid response flood relief plan. She was also instrumental in securing state and federal grant money to provide critical additional support for southern Illinois. What is most notable about Nancy Schilling is her willingness to meet any challenge presented to her with a friendly smile and determined spirit. Evansville recently recognized her as their Citizen of the Year. I commend Nancy for this well-deserved tribute, honoring her integrity, compassion, and outstanding commitment to Evansville. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Nancy Schilling for the fine example she has set for us all.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, the House today undertakes one of the most serious deliberations facing this Congress--whether to proceed with a process to impeach President Clinton. The report issued to this Congress by Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr--and the thousands of pages of additional documents containing related information--have provided Members of Congress with an opportunity to review the actions taken by the President and make an initial judgment. There is information in the Starr Report that is very disturbing. I am greatly disappointed in the President's behavior and his affair with Monica Lewinsky. He has misled the American people by at first denying the affair and then admitting his transgressions. He has misled his family and the people who work for him by having them defend his denials. He has brought tremendous shame on the Presidency and the White House. As disappointed as I am with President Clinton, I am also disappointed and disturbed by the conduct of the Independent Counsel, Kenneth Starr. I believe his investigation has produced leaks to the media which under our grand jury secrecy laws are illegal. I believe his investigators have intimidated witnesses and used questionable tactics to obtain information. Finally, his report is replete with salacious and unnecessary information that have disgusted the American people. I believe much of his investigation has been aimed only at embarrassing and weakening the President. The question facing this Congress is whether the President's affairs with Monica Lewinsky merits his impeachment. The Independent Counsel has spent almost five years and $50 million investigating the President. He has included what he believes to be the most serious allegations in his report; I have read this report: I have read the rebuttal of the White House and I have examined other relevant information sent to Congress by Kenneth Starr. I have come to the judgment that the House should proceed with an impeachment inquiry but within a specific, limited amount of time. The Judiciary Committee has before it the product of the Independent Counsel. The Members of the Committee can finish their work and come to a judgment by the end of this year. If it means the Members of the House have to come back after Election Day to vote on a resolution of impeachment, then that is our duty. I intend to vote for such a motion today on the House floor, and against the Hyde Resolution offered by the Republican Majority. The Republicans have crafted a resolution which includes no time limits, no boundaries, no scope. If their resolution is passed, we are looking at months and perhaps years of further investigation. In their partisan attempt to embarrass the President and make this an election issue, they have refused to allow an alternative to their resolution and permit only two hours of debate. It is an insult to our democratic process. Mr. Speaker, this investigation will become more partisan and political as time goes on. There is much at stake as we consider this inquiry. We are facing a global fiscal crisis, a potential conflict in Central Europe involving Serbia and Albania, and continued problems here at home. The world is anticipating the leadership only America can provide. Are we prepared to squander the political prowess and leadership of the United States of America to further investigate the President's extramarital affair? Will millions of American continue to live in poverty and without health insurance as Congress wastes millions on more Lewinsky hearings? Mr. Speaker, it is time to bring this investigation to a close. The American people want us to weigh the evidence presented in the Starr Report, allow the Judiciary Committee to go ahead and make a judgment by the end of the year, and recommend a decision to the full House. The House should then vote and get this matter behind us, so we can turn as a nation to address those other issues which are calling out for our focused leadership. That is why I intend to vote to reject the open- ended Republican resolution, and for the motion to set specific time limits and scope so we as a nation can bring this matter to an end.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to rise today to join my colleagues in paying special tribute to my good friend and colleague from Illinois, Mr. Sid Yates. During my tenure in Congress, Mr. Yates has been an inspiration and a friend. He welcomed me here on my first day in Congress after my special election in 1988 and I am glad to call him a friend. Sid Yates has represented the 9th Congressional District and the State of Illinois well. He has dedicated himself to representing the citizens of the Great State of Illinois. He has been a great representative for our state and as an fellow Illinoisan, I salute Mr. Yates for his dedication and good work. He is a true statesman. Mr. Yates' distinguished career began as an attorney in Chicago. He was first elected to this House in 1948. As a member of this body, Mr. Yates has been a quiet yet strong voice. Mr. Yates has risen through the ranks to hold positions on the Appropriations Committee. I have worked closely with Mr. Yates in his capacity as the Ranking Member on the Interior Subcommittee to develop an interpretive center at the first campsite of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. This project is very exciting, especially since we will be celebrating the bicentennial of Lewis and Clark's historic journey to explore the American West in 2003-4. Mr. Yates has worked diligently to help establish this important center. If this project comes to fruition, it will be in part due to Mr. Yates. I appreciate his interest and hard work on the issue. Mr. Yates has used his influence on the Appropriations Committee to create new national parks, wilderness, seashores, lakeshores and wild and scenic rivers. He has been a great champion for the arts and humanities. During years of attacks on the National Endowment of the Arts, Mr. Yates has been its chief defender. I believe we as a nation owe a debt of gratitude of Mr. Yates for his perseverance on preserving the integrity and, in fact, the institutions themselves that promote artistic expression and our cultural heritage for future generations. Sid Yates has served this institution well and he will be missed. I wish Mr. Yates and his family well in the years to come.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Anthony (Tony) Moceri. The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 363 in Belleville, Illinois is naming their new hall for Tony Moceri. Tony Moceri is a great union member. He earned his union card in San Francisco and was initiated into Lodge 363 in 1942. Tony was a dedicated, hardworking member until his retirement in 1984. Mr. Moceri was elected Lodge Assistant Business Agent in 1963 and moved to Business Manager in 1966--a position he held for nearly twenty years. Under Mr. Moceri's leadership, an apprenticeship program was developed. This program, initiated by Mr. Moceri in 1974, has proven extremely successful. Mr. Moceri was on the State Boiler Board and the Building Trades Committee. He also had the honor and distinction of serving on Senator Percy's Labor Task Force Committee. Tony Moceri has been married to his wife, Vera, for 44 years. I would like for my colleagues to give special recognition in honor of Local 363 naming their new facility for Tony Moceri.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to HR 4579, the ``Taxpayer Relief Act''. The tax cut bill approved by the House Ways and Means Committee violates budget rules that bar the use of the expected budget surplus to fund tax cuts. It is irresponsible fiscal policy by the Republican leadership to propose using 10 percent of the Social Security Trust Fund for tax cuts. Mr. Speaker, it is unconscionable to provide a tax cut from the proposed surplus of which 98 percent is generated by payroll taxes from Social Security. A surplus that would not even be there without the Social Security Trust Fund! In fact, if it wasn't for Social Security, the federal budget would have an estimated deficit of $137 billion over the next 5 years. I have cosponsored and I support legislation to eliminate the marriage tax penalty, provide 100 percent deductibility for self- employed insurance, and provide education and child care tax credits. However, this legislation is not the way to cut taxes. I want cuts to be made in a fair and equitable manner that will not adversely affect the Social Security Trust Fund. I urge my colleagues to vote against this legislation and instead support the Democratic Substitute which includes all of the tax cuts contained in the Republican bill without using the Social Security surplus.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4578, the ``Save Social Security Act''. The title of this legislation gives the impression that it will actually save Social Security when, in fact, the Republican leadership has called this legislation up for a vote to take away 10% of any budget surplus from Social Security. The passage of this bill is a slap in the face to the millions of Americans who have paid into Social Security their entire working lives. This legislation is another attempt by the Republican-led Congress to undermine our safety-net programs. It is not fair to spend the projected surplus on tax cuts when Social Security is in need of shoring up for the upcoming baby-boom generation. Of the projected surplus of $1.6 Trillion, 98% is generated by payroll taxes for Social Security. If it wasn't for Social Security, the federal budget would have an estimated deficit of $137 Billion over the next five years. Mr. Speaker, I believe we should solve the long-term Social Security Trust Fund solvency problems before we pay for tax cuts out of a surplus funded by Social Security. I support tax cuts for marriage penalty relief, self-employed health insurance deduction, education and child care tax credits, however, I believe it must be paid for through responsible fiscal planning. I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation and ensure Social Security benefits for generations to come.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, today, the Republican leadership is up to their old tricks again. Their plan to consider fast track trade authority not trivializes this important debate. The Republican leadership is playing a game with electoral politics--creating political havoc prior to the mid-term elections. We should be focusing on passing the appropriations bills and addressing health care legislation and education issues and true Social Security reform. We should put this bill away until we are ready to include binding provisions and enforcement mechanisms to protect worker rights, food safety and the environment. I oppose this fast track legislation. When we considered granting the President fast track trade authority last year, I was opposed to that plan. Today, I have the same reservations. Presumably, one of the main reasons for fast track authority is to expand the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NAFTA has cost hundreds of thousands of American jobs and failed to improve environmental conditions along the U.S.--Mexican border. I did not support NAFTA then, and I will not support expanding it now. NAFTA resulted in a loss of almost 17,000 jobs in Illinois and 420,000 jobs nationwide. U.S. workers who found new employment after their jobs moved to Mexico took an average pay cut of $4,400. Unfortunately, this proposal will result in more disastrous impacts on U.S. workers. Workers will have reduced bargaining power under this agreement as employers use threats of moving jobs to lower wage-paying nations in order to lower worker contract demands. This fact track legislation provides absolutely no protection for American workers. Further, this proposal fails to address necessary environmental standards. Since the passage of NAFTA, the degradation of the environment along our border with Mexico has escalated. By not requiring other nations to increase their environmental standards, we are putting American products, which are subject to stronger environmental rules, at a disadvantage in the competitive marketplace. I am also concerned about food safety. Food-borne illness is on the rise around the world in part because of the ``globalization'' of the food supply. Imported food is over three times more likely to be contaminated with illegal pesticide residues than food grown in the U.S. Stronger pro-consumer language in any fast track legislation would correct this oversight, however, the provisions of this fast track bill would greatly restrict the United States' ability to protect the public from unsafe food. I am not convinced that this bill provides adequate consumer protections that we, as consumers, expect and should demand. I also believe that trade agreements should be subject to moral and ethical standards. There are 1.3 billion people around the world living on less than $1 a day. This fast track legislation does not include provisions to reduce child labor or decrease poverty and inequity throughout the developing world. U.S. trade policies and negotiations should seek to change this unfortunate reality. This is not the right fast track legislation; it is irresponsible to bring this bill up now. We put our credibility with our trading partners at risk because this fast track bill does not have the support of the majority of this Congress. Trade policy and its domestic and international consequences is too important to be used as a political football. The bottom line is that this bill fails to address human rights, food safety, environmental regulations, or protect American workers. I cannot support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to vote no on fast track.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Anthony (Tony) Moceri. The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 363 in Belleville, Illinois is naming their new hall for Tony Moceri. Tony Moceri was a great union member. He got his union card in San Francisco and was initiated into Lodge 363 in 1942. He was a dedicated, hardworking member until his retirement in 1984. Mr. Moceri was elected Lodge Assistant Business Agent in 1963 and moved to Business Manager in 1966--a position he held for nearly twenty years. Under Mr. Moceri's leadership, an apprenticeship program was developed. This program, initiated by Mr. Moceri in 1974, has proven extremely successful. Mr. Moceri was on the State Boiler Board and the Building Trades Committee. He also had the honor and distinction of serving on Senator Percy's Labor Task Force Committee. Tony Moceri was married to his wife, Vera, for 44 years. I would like for my colleagues to give special recognition in honor of Local 363 naming their new facility for Tony Moceri.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Nancy J. Schilling, a dedicated civil servant in Evansville, Illinois, in my Congressional district. Nancy serves as the City Clerk for the Village of Evansville and as the Randolph County Civil Defense Director. While her husband, Danny and two children, Roxie and Ryan have always known what a great wife and mother they have, Evansville has been equally blessed in benefiting from Nancy's dedication to her community. During the flood of 1993, the citizens of Evansville realized just how fortunate they were to have Nancy Schilling as their City Clerk. At a time when Evansville was under great strain facing the damage from the flood, she became the organizing force in re-building the community. Nancy coordinated efforts with the National Guard, Army Guard and Coast Guard to assist in a rapid response flood relief plan. She was also instrumental in securing state and federal grant money to provide critical additional support for Southern Illinois. What is most notable about Nancy Schilling is her willingness to meet any challenge presented to her with a friendly smile and determined spirit. Nancy Schilling recently recognized her as their Citizen of the Year. I commend Nancy for this well deserved tribute, honoring her integrity, compassion and outstanding commitment to Evansville. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Nancy Schilling for the fine example she has set for us all.