Jerry Costello

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, this House has under consideration the issue of how best to deal with the report submitted by Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr. Mr. Starr has spent almost four years investigating the president and more recently, the allegations surrounding President Clinton and his admitted extramarital relationship with Monica Lewinsky. I have been extremely disappointed with the President's behavior. I do not believe it is appropriate conduct for the President of the United States. However, the issues contained in the Starr Report also deal with issues of alleged legal impropriety. Those are the issues which should be our focus as we consider our duty under the Constitution. I will vote today to release portions of the Starr Report to the public. I regret that the Republican majority of this House is opposed to giving the President an opportunity to read the allegations contained in the report before we make them public, because I believe that is unfair. We gave House Speaker Newt Gingrich that opportunity when allegations against him were being considered by the Congress. However, I believe it is important the public have access to certain information in the Starr Report. I remain reluctant to make every detail--secret grand jury information, classified national security documents, or unconfirmed information which may unnecessarily involve innocent individuals--available for everyone in the world to read. On this matter, the House Judiciary Committee will be responsible for further action and recommendations to Congress. Before I make any further judgment, I want to read the Starr Report. Then, I want to hear the President's response to the allegations made in the report. At that time, I will consider the evidence presented to me as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives and take any action I believe appropriate.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Local Union 101 of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry in Belleville, Illinois on the 100th anniversary of its charter. Local 101 has been serving the needs of the plumbing and pipe-fitting industry for 100 years. It is made up of plumbers, pipe-fitters, steam- fitters, service-fitters and gas-fitters. These men and women work hard, and they have made a significant difference in the community. In part due to the dedication of the members of Local 101, the Belleville community has one of the highest standards of living in the Metro-East. Local 101 has helped complete the two hospitals in Belleville, the area high school and many other building and infrastructure projects in the community. All projects were completed with the highest quality craftsmanship. Mr. Speaker, Southwestern Illinois is growing rapidly. MidAmerica Airport, MetroLink Light Rail and other economic development projects give the region even more potential for growth and prosperity. Local 101 will continue to play a significant role in the development of the region. Local 101 was one of the first unions in the area. When Local 101 was chartered on August 17, 1898 it had 23 members. Today it numbers over 200. Local 101 has been instrumental in securing pay equity for its members, health insurance, a 40-hour work week, its own pension plan and a continuous training program. 100 years ago these innovations were unheard of. Today, because of the work of unions such as Local 101, the hardworking men and women in the plumbing and pipe-fitting industry are afforded safe workplaces, equitable pay and worker protections. Mr. Speaker, I commend Local 101 on its fine history of quality workmanship and its laudable record of promoting workers rights. I congratulate Local 101 on its first 100 years and wish Local 101 and its members well in the years to come.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.Res. 507. This resolution grants unprecedented powers to the House Education and Workforce Committee to take depositions behind closed doors, without a Member of Congress present. Prior to this Republican-led Congress, the power for Committee staff to take depositions in closed-door sessions was granted on only two occasions--to the Judiciary Committee for impeachment proceedings and to the nonpartisan Ethics Committee. Today, however, the Republican leaders of this House want to continue their witch hunt regarding the Teamsters presidential election. The Republican leaders want to use their partisan advantage to stomp on the civil liberties of union-associated individuals. By giving the power to Republican staff members of the Education and Workforce Committee to take depositions behind closed doors, this resolution prevents Democrats from having any role in this investigation. Shamefully, the public is shut out completely. The Republican leaders in this House claim that this resolution is need because the Teamsters Union has been uncooperative. The Teamsters have complied with Committee requests and have already produced more than 50,000 documents for the Committee to review. Further, the Teamsters have not refused a request to testify before the Committee. Why must depositions be taken behind closed doors by Republican staff? What do the Republicans have to hide? This resolution represents a back-handed attempt to circumvent an open process of investigation. This entire investigation has been duplicative and wasteful. After more than 18 months, more than a million taxpayer dollars have been spent on this investigation--with little to show for the effort. How much longer must we continue this partisan charade? Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against this resolution.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 25th Anniversary concert season of the Masterworks Chorale in Belleville, Illinois and its founder and director, Dr. A. Dennis Sparger. Masterworks Chorale began under the sponsorship of Belleville Area College as the BAC Community Chorus. In 1982, the chorus left the college and officially incorporated under the name Masterworks Chorale, Inc. The 65 members of the adult chorus must audition for their place in the group. The chorus has been awarded the first place gold medallion at the Great American Choral Festival competition, made the European Tour twice, sung with the St. Louis Symphony under the direction of Leonard Slatkin, and has been a major force in the arts in our community. Dr. Sparger recently retired from the music faculty at Belleville Area College, where he served for 32 years. Under his baton, the Chorale has performed more than fifty major choral-orchestral works in the past 25 years. In addition to founding the Chorale, Dr. Sparger also founded the Masterworks Children's Chorus and was their director until 1990. In 1986, he was appointed music director and conductor of the Bach Society of St. Louis. A native of Chicago, Dr. Sparger began musical studies at the age of eight and began conducting at sixteen. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Eastern Illinois University. In 1981, he was awarded a Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in conducting from the University of Illinois, where he studied under Harold Decker. According to Dr. Sparger, Harold Decker is responsible for teaching about 75 doctoral candidates during his career. These students have taken position at major universities and with symphonies around the nation. Dr. Sparger is the only one who chose to make his career at a community college. All of this makes Dr. Sparger's selection for the Harold A. Decker Choral Award, presented to him by the American Choral Directors Association of Illinois earlier this year, even more meaningful. Masterworks Chorale is a member of the Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis and a member of Chorus America, the association of professional vocal ensembles. This special 25th anniversary concert is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dennis Sparger and Masterworks Chorale for 25 years of wonderful music.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the two Capitol Police Officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. Officer Jacob (J.J.) Chestnut and Officer John Gibson died protecting the freedoms of our nation. For that we owe them a debt of gratitude. The tragedy that transpired last Friday has shaken this nation. We will continue to mourn the loss of these two fine officers. Officers Gibson and Chestnut died heroes. Because of them no visitors to this institution lost their lives. Because of Officers Chestnut and Gibson this Capitol Building remains open and safe. Officers Gibson and Chestnut gave the ultimate sacrifice. They remind us that our freedom can come at a personal cost. Let us be clear, they did not die in vain. Officers Gibson and Chestnut will forever be remembered for bravely defending the Capitol. As a former law enforcement officer, I am especially saddened when a fellow officer's life is taken in an act of violence. I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families of Officers Jake (J.J.) Chestnut and John Gibson. Officer Gibson and Officer Chestnut will be missed.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Dingell Patients' Bill of Rights. The Republican plan tries to give the appearance of reform without actually doing so. The Republican plan does not limit HMOs' and insurance companies' use of improper financial incentives to limit needed care, does not give access to specialists, does not allow women to choose their obstetrician or gynecologist as a primary care doctor and what is most important, the Republican bill provides no effective mechanism to hold HMOs accountable when a patient is killed or injured. The American people have waited long enough to be granted the ability to sue HMO's when a patient or family member is injured or killed due to the negligence of their health plan. They deserve the right to take legal action. HMO's should not be exempted from legal liability. Most industries in the U.S. today have responsibility to provide safe products and safe work places and can be subjected to legal recourse if they intentionally harm an individual. HMO's are no different; we must pass legislation to make them responsible for their actions! The Republicans use of scare tactics claiming that the Democratic bill will escalate the cost of managed care plans is bogus. Last week, the Republicans' own Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released an analysis of the Patients' Bill of Rights discrediting Republican claims. The CBO estimates that the Democratic proposal costs only $2 more a month for patients with managed care plans. The CBO also estimates that the Democratic provision allowing patients to sue their health plans will increase premiums by just 1.2%. That is a small price to pay to make sure HMO's understand they will face legal liability. The Democratic bill has been endorsed by the American Medical Association, American Nurses Association, American Cancer Society, and the American Trial Lawyers Association. It's time we hold health plans accountable for their actions and give the American public back their right to quality health care. I strongly urge my colleagues to support the Ganske-Dingell substitute.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution to disapprove so-called normal trade status to China. In the past I opposed efforts to grant this privilege to China, and following a trip I made to China last year, I continue to have reservations about extending this status. Since the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, concern in Congress about the U.S.-China relationship has focused on three areas: China's violations of our trade agreements, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and human rights abuses. While congressional hearings and commissions have met and many reports have been issued, in each of these areas where Chinese violations have occurred, it is clear that our national policies of constructive engagement have failed. In fact, there has been deterioration, not improvement, under recent policies. Looking from the economic perspective, the U.S. deficit with China has climbed exponentially to $50 billion last year. China's high tariffs and non-tariff barriers limit access to the Chinese market for most U.S. goods and services and violate the GATT agreement. China's communist rulers also refuse to enforce laws to prevent the piracy of intellectual property and patents. We must take action to assure that from an economic standpoint we have a level playing field. Secondly, I am concerned about Chinese efforts to transfer nuclear, advance missile, chemical and biological weapons technology to nations like Iran and non-safeguarded nations like Pakistan. China is the largest nuclear power in the world and the only nation which produces long-range nuclear missiles. We cannot continue to ignore China's transfer of dangerous technology to that region. Such activity threatens to destabilize not only our nation but other regions of the world. Most importantly, human rights issues continue to concern me. As recently as last week, the Chinese government arrested a group of Chinese citizens for attempting to form an opposition political party. Chinese officials ruthlessly enforce laws limiting families to having one child. It is well-documented that individuals in China who gave birth to a second child experienced loss of job or government benefits, fines and in some cases forced sterilization. The freedoms we often take for granted in America are what makes our citizens the envy of the world. As a national policy, I do not support offering economic incentives to a nation which discourages and disallows the freedom for individuals to express themselves. Our nation has a responsibility to use its leverage to act on behalf of fairness and must insist on a reciprocal relationship with China. It is my strong desire that once and for all these three issues can be addressed so that both countries can have a satisfactory trade relationship. However, this will not happen by once again overlooking the serious problems that are occurring in China. Please do not reward China for their abuses of power; vote to deny ``normal trade status'' to China.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Spratt substitute. Mr. Chairman, every year since I began serving in this body, I have sponsored a Constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget. This year's balanced budget reflects that hard work which allowed us to achieve that goal. I am proud of the way Members of Congress and the Administration worked together last year to responsibly improve the efficiency of government programs and cut taxes. It is these values that should govern our future budgets. Unfortunately, the budget document before us today does not adhere to these principles. This resolution includes $101 billion in unspecified cuts. It repudiates last year's bipartisan agreement, and conjures memories of 1995, when the same House leadership shut the government down twice with an equally illogical budget proposal. This budget threatens the solvency of Social Security, and makes deep cuts to non- discretionary domestic spending. The American people deserve better than this, Mr. Speaker. This budget is not a blueprint to govern. This budget does not adequately protect the surplus. Earlier this year, the President stated that the surplus should be used to guarantee the future of Social Security. There is no doubt that the Social Security Trust Fund has long-range financing problems. Insolvency of the Disability Insurance portion of Social Security is projected to occur in 2015, with the retirement survivors account reaching insolvency in 2031. That is why the budget surplus should be reserved until a bipartisan Social Security Commission, the President and Congress can address the long term requirements of the system. This resolution, however, already falls short of funding current programs and it depends too much on unspecified future cuts to offset proposed tax cuts. This irresponsibility will siphon off the surplus before it can be used to protect Social Security. The resolution also cuts another $45 billion from discretionary spending over five years--well beyond the tight limits imposed by the Balanced Budget Agreement. We have heard many people today claim that this is just a 1% across the board cut, which seems very minor. The truth is far more disturbing. In this proposal, three-fifths of the budget is exempt from any cuts. That means all of these cuts will come from 40% of the total federal budget, which hardly qualifies as an ``across the board cut.'' Under this plan, non-defense discretionary programs will suffer a 19% loss in purchasing power by 2003. While this document does not contain cuts to specific programs. Republicans have made some of their cuts known in an earlier budget document. The Economic Development Administration, Legal Services Corporation, AmeriCorps, and the Airport Improvement Program are all targets for cuts under this resolution. The Economic Development Administration has offered assistance to many disadvantaged communities in my congressional district. Working with the Southwestern Illinois Development Agency, the EDA has helped communities attract employers and create jobs in areas where unemployment is well above the national and state average, areas that have been affected by the closing of coal mines and the migration of industrial plants which employed thousands of people. This is not a program that benefits bureaucrats, it helps real people find jobs and improve their communities. The Legal Services Corporation is another good example of a federal program that is effectively being administered at the local level. The creators of the LSC recognized that decisions about how legal services should be allocated are best made not by officials in Washington, but at a local level, by the people who understand the problems that face their communities. Today, the LSC provides funds to operate programs in approximately 1,100 communities nationwide, providing services to more than a million clients per year, benefitting approximately five million individuals, the majority of them children living in poverty. Family law makes up one-third of all of the cases handled by LSC programs each year. In 1995, legal services programs handled over 9,300 cases involving abused and neglected women and children. AmeriCorps is another valuable program enabling estimated 50,000 students to earn funds for college while performing community service in tasks ranging from assisting teachers to working on environmental clean-up. There are two highly successful AmeriCorps sites in my congressional district. The program in Belleville, Illinois places 34 participants in the disadvantaged Abraham Lincoln and Franklin neighborhoods to clean up damage from the flood of 1993, and offer conflict management training. The 24 participants in the AmeriCorps program in East St. Louis have developed a successful tutoring program in schools where resources are scarce. The Airport Improvement Program is another critical federal initiative that is jeopardized by this budget. With airline passenger traffic expected to continue to grow, we need to ensure that airports across the country are equipped to handle future capacity. MidAmerica Airport in my district was recently opened to address the congestion program in the St. Louis and MetroEast community. This airport was completed in part through the Airport Improvement Program. Without the development of MidAmerica Airport, the region would face considerable capacity limits in the near future. The AIP is a critical component of safe and efficient air travel. In addition to these severe cuts, the assumptions addressing transportation spending in this resolution are nothing short of fantasy. On May 22, the House and Senate overwhelmingly passed a six- year transportation bill including funding for highways, highway safety, and mass transit. The budget resolution before us today falls short of paying for this legislation by over $20 billion! Mr. Speaker, it is completely ludicrous that this budget does not include funding to pay for this legislation which has already passed overwhelmingly in Congress. Congress realized this funding is vital because our infrastructure is crumbling around us. In my home state of Illinois, for example, a quarter of all the bridges are structurally deficient. Forty-three percent of roads in Illinois are in poor or mediocre condition. Driving on these roads costs Illinois motorist $1 billion a year in extra vehicle operating costs. That is $144 per driver. These statistics are shameful. As we enter the next millennium, we cannot allow our nation's infrastructure to languish in the past. In my district in Southwestern Illinois projects funded in TEA21 are critical to meet the transportation needs of many communities. For example, the MetroLink light rail system provides a vital transportation link for commuters and travelers in the St. Louis- MetroEast area. MetroLink, whose ridership has surpassed all expectations, has had an enormous impact on the environment, transportation efficiency and economic development in my district and the entire St. Louis metropolitan region. This budget also fails to identify ways we may improve the use of our resources. In his budget for this year, the President included funding to modernize and improve our public schools. I strongly believe this program should be included in the House budget resolution. It provides incentives to communities to invest in local school facilities through the use of leveraged bonds. The program targets the 100 poorest school districts in the nation, while providing money for the state's to use on poor districts within their jurisdiction. Often we dedicate our resources to the disadvantaged schools in large urban areas, overlooking the many needy schools in rural areas. My congressional district in Southern Illinois has many schools which would benefit from this program. Many of the schools in my area are dilapidated and over 50 years old. When the school buildings are warm, safe, and comfortable, children are free to concentrate on learning. That is something that will benefit us all. This resolution does not save the surplus, it does not adequately protect Social Security, it does not allow vital programs to continue, it does not pay for programs already passed into law, and it does not recognize ways in which government can improve its service to people. I cannot support a resolution that violates the Balanced Budget Agreement and threatens the solvency of Social Security. That is why I will support the Spratt Amendment to save Social Security and honor the Balanced Budget Agreement, and why I cannot support the Kasich budget plan.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Istook Amendment. I believe prayer, reflection and spiritual observation are important individual liberties--liberties that are already protected by the First Amendment. Our First Amendment freedoms are the basis of our democratic institution. It is precisely because of these constitutionally protected freedoms that our country has flourished. At a time when most Americans want the government to leave them alone, the Istook Amendment injects the federal government into an argument where it is not needed--to regulate prayer in our nation's classrooms. The Religious Freedom Amendment would authorize government- sponsored prayer; I think this sets a very dangerous precedent. The government should not be in the business of approving or disapproving specific prayers in public places--including schools. The government instead should be working to keep our constitutionally-protected right to freedom of religion. Today, America's school children can and do pray in their own schools, during recess, at breaks and before and after they go to school. The lesson to pray is one taught by their parents at home, not by their public school teacher. The Istook Amendment is a threat to preserving our freedom to worship as we see fit and without government interference. Will schools and the government begin to decide which prayers and which religions are ``good'' for our children? In my opinion, this opens the flood gates for community division based on religious beliefs. If a school has a class of Catholic, Muslim, Baptist and Jewish students, what time do each of them pray? Are some students excused so that an organized section of school time can be set aside for a specific religion's prayer? These children now pray as they are allowed under the First Amendment. Nothing more is necessary. I can think of few issues other than school prayer which create such a debate on this House floor and across the Nation. I would like to point out again we already have voluntary prayer in schools. Quiet moments or periods of reflection, before school meetings and after-school religious clubs have been protected by our courts and by Congress. Thousands of students across the country are exercising their right to express and debate their religious views at school. I am also concerned that this amendment could mandate the use of public funds to support private schools. We have many problems in our education system. We will have many more if we allow limited tax dollars to be diverted to nonpublic education. Rather than siphoning money away from public education, we should focus on fixing the problems so that all school children will benefit. It is bad public policy to abandon our federal commitment to public education. What will happen to students left behind in public schools when their resources are given away? Mr. Speaker, America's children have all of the protection they need without further government oversight of school prayer. I urge my colleagues to vote no on the Istook Amendment.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I want to pass along information to my colleagues today bout our nation's defense and a critical issue facing our military forces. The issue concerns much-needed technology for the F-15E Eagle aircraft. The need for this technology is almost always pitted against the realities of the budget and other domestic needs which compete with our military readiness and maintenance expenses. The F-15E has received the support of the Congress in developing and testing low band self-protection. In the FY97 budget deliberations, Congress chose to develop and test the ALQ-135 Band 1.5, to help the Air Force continue to try and protect the F-15E. We must now move forward to ask the Defense Department to consider the need to procure the ALQ-135 Band 1.5. Procuring this new technology, which is made in my home state of Illinois, would give greater protection to our men and women in the Air Force. During Desert Shield/Storm, 48 F-15E's were equipped with the ALQ-135 Band 3, or high band. It performed so well during Desert Storm that no a single F-15E was lost to enemy threats, against which the Band 3 provides protection. Unfortunately, there is not the same level of protection with the low band threats. Band 1.5 was not available and as a result, at least one F-15E valued at $50 million was lost. We cannot afford to allow this situation to persist; our airmen and women need the most up-to-date technology possible. Accelerating funding for the ALQ-135 Band 1.5 will allow much earlier installation and protection of the F-15E, and will provide essential protection to our aircrews. The F-15E can accept this technology; everything is ready to plug the black boxes into the aircraft and provide this protection. One reason to accelerate the funding will be to keep the ALQ-135 Band 1.5 production line open, and avoiding $100 million in cost, savings thousands of jobs with only a $25 million investment. I urge my colleagues to give consideration to the need to accelerate funding for the F-15E's ALQ-135 Band 1.5 technology. It will provide needed capability to our airmen and allow hardworking citizens to continue working on the current production line.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great teacher, Mr. Ronald Snyder, on his retirement from St. John's Lutheran School in Red Bud, Illinois. Over the last 43 years, Mr. Snyder has shared his many talents with the community. Mr. Snyder joined the St. John's staff in 1955 and has taught both the seventh and eighth grade classes. In his early years he also served the school as Principal, Choir Director and Youth Director. For over a decade, Mr. Snyder has been taking the eighth graders, who he teaches all subjects to, on a trip to the Nation's Capital. Mr. Snyder has helped the students experience this once in a lifetime trip through many hours of hard work and fundraising efforts. Mr. Snyder was raised in Columbus, Indiana. From there he went to teacher training school at Concordia Lutheran College in River Forest, Illinois where he majored in Elementary Education. Right out of college he was called to teach at St. John's Lutheran School. Over the years, he has taught 786 students and has served with sixty-two other teachers. As the eighth grade teacher for the majority of his dedicated service to St. Johns he has influenced many young lives. Mr. Snyder who lives in Red Bud, Illinois with his wife Eunice, will retire at the end of this school year. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Ronald Snyder on his retirement after many devoted years of service to the children of St. Johns and the entire community.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 50th Anniversary of American Legion Post #1172 in Evansville, Illinois. On Memorial Day, the Post will hold a special program in honor of this milestone. While celebrating its 50th anniversary, Post #1172 will also be honoring several members for fifty years of continuous membership. Members recognized at the ceremony will be: John H. Bauer, Herbert Diercks, Clarence Jany, Edgar Kisro, Ralph Moll, Michael R. Otten, Glen U. Simpson, and Charles Suhre. John H. Bauer and Edgar Kisro both have the additional distinction of being charter members of Post #1172. It is fitting that the Post hold this celebration on Memorial Day. Memorial Day is traditionally a special day for the members of the American Legion, and for our nation. It is a day for people across the nation gather to honor brave men and women who gave their lives so that we may live in freedom. Members of Post #1172 are proud of that service. Today, we honor their sacrifice on our behalf as well as joining them in celebrating this special anniversary. Southern Illinois has a strong tradition of honoring the soldiers who have defended our honor and our nation. At its earliest inception Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day. Major General John A. Logan, of Illinois, declared the first national Decoration Day in 1868 to honor the war dead. A stone in a cemetery in Carbondale, Illinois states that the first Decoration Day ceremony took place there in 1866. General Logan ordered soldiers' graves to be decorated with these words: ``We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.'' General Logan's words are as true today as they were 130 years ago. As Southern Illinois continues this fine tradition of observing Memorial Day, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring American Legion Post #1172 and all of our nation's veterans.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to S. 1502, the District of Columbia Student Opportunity Scholarship Act. The passage of this bill will not correct the problems we have in our education system. Taking money from our public school system will only further hurt our school children. This legislation is another attempt by the Republican-led Congress to undermine the integrity of our public school system. S. 1502 diverts limited tax dollars to nonpublic education. We already spend too little on our children's future. I cannot in good conscience support a bill that will further erode millions of children's opportunities for a quality education. Madam Speaker, there are approximately 46 million children in our nation's public schools. By the year 2006, a projected 3 million more students will be enrolled in public schools. In sharp contrast, only 11 percent of children attend private schools. It is bad public policy to abandon our federal commitment to public education. What will happen to students left behind in public schools when their resources are given away? Is this really the best use of federal dollars? Instead of siphoning money into private and parochial schools, I believe we should focus on fixing the problems in our public schools so that all school children will benefit. We should rebuild our educational foundation to make our public schools a safe haven for learning. It is shameful that today we debate ways to put more children in private schools rather than working on improving our public schools. A free public school education for all Americans is one of the basic tenets of our nation. We must not abandon this principle. Studies have indicated that the controversial Cleveland voucher program produces no academic gains for voucher students compared to their peers in public schools in any academic subject--reading, math, social studies or science. Moreover, serious accountability problems have been found in many areas including verifying the voucher recipients' income level, residence or eligibility. An independent audit discovered $1.9 million worth of misspent Ohio tax dollars. We don't want these same problems in the District of Columbia and we don't want them in our states. I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I want to join my colleagues today in honoring our colleague, Congressman Steve Schiff of New Mexico. Steve was a friend to me and many others in this chamber. His down- to-earth manner and conscientious approach to Congressional service were welcome attributes to this body. He fought his illness courageously, never allowing it to interfere with his friendships or his devotion to the issues he cared about. I had the privilege of traveling to the Middle East with Steve Schiff during the Persian Gulf crisis of 1991. We shared stories and common perceptions about how difficult it will be to achieve a lasting peace in such a complex and varied region. He was a thoughtful, intelligent companion and I am sure his constituents will miss his service as much as I will miss his friendship. At a time when the public is looking for leadership and understanding from its elected officials, Steve Schiff was a model. He conducted himself with a quiet grace, even when his illness took a fatal turn. I know my colleagues will join me in marking his contributions to this House, his civility and his friendship. We will miss his service very much.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the new Illinois state champions on the Sparta High School Math Team. This victory marks the sixth consecutive time students from Sparta High School have won the state title in the small school division of the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics state competition. The students serve as highly successful ambassadors for their school and the community of Sparta. Sparta High School students have won the state title in twelve of the past 18 years of competition. This Sparta team won this year's competition with a total score of 754 points. Team members compete in twelve different areas of team and individual competition. Events include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, Eight Person Team, Calculator Team, Two Person, Relay, and an Oral Competition focusing on mathematics in medicine. Coach and Sparta teacher Eric Hoflich encourages team members to take on some of the teaching responsibilities as another way for them to learn. Older students help younger ones, and the element of competition encourages students to improve their performance compared to other teams and to their own previous performance. The Town of Sparta has proclaimed this week ``Sparta High School State Champion Math Team Week`` in honor of the team's first place finish. Team members sharing in this victory are: T.J. Joiner, Vanessa Salarda, Jeff Russell, Jonathan King, Curt Holland, Brittany Godwin, Betsey Berry, Josh Holder, Jared Cox, Trevor Coop, Brad Ashley, Jimmy Conn, Patrick Zweigart, Brett Matzenbacher, Ryan Pigford, Rachel Shaw, J.R. Blind, Jennifer Ebers, Matt King, Angela Hess, Ryan Pillers, Reid Holland, Kendra Holder, Nathan Pigford, Nikki Joiner, Jamie Sparks, Erik Perks, Brett Lessley, Rachel Dickey, Sahra Kloth, Rachel Stephens, Cory Husemann, Erica Salarda, Erin Tolliver, Elizabeth King, Brandy Hagene, Kendra McConachie, Laurie Juenger, and Alicia Barrowes. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these talented and accomplished students.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Edward Fulton, a dedicated teacher in O'Fallon, Illinois in my Congressional district. Mr. Fulton serves as the band director and music instructor at Marie Schaefer Junior High School. He and his wife, Karen, live in O'Fallon, where they raised their daughters. For twenty-seven years Mr. Fulton has been a dedicated teacher, helping hundreds of students appreciate music, learn their scales, and have confidence in themselves. Over the past two decades, Mr. Fulton has earned many honors. At the beginning of his teaching career, his skill with children was already apparent which is why the O'Fallon Jaycees named him ``Outstanding Young Educator.'' Over the years, he has been named as an outstanding community leader, and an outstanding educator in his county and the southern portion of Illinois. He served as an officer on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Music Educators Association and has served as a conductor and judge for numerous band and music festivals. It is apparent that Mr. Fulton is active in his community. What is most obvious about Mr. Fulton is his love of teaching and his commitment to his students. As O'Fallon prepares to name a junior high school after Mr. Fulton, I want to join the community in thanking Mr. Fulton for his dedication and for sharing his gifts with the many children who filled his classroom. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Edward Fulton for the example he has set for us all.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. April 24th, 1915, is solemnly recalled by the people of Armenia and Armenian-Americans as the beginning of a long-term, organized deprivation and relocation of a people from their homeland. Eighty-three years later, we mark this date to remember the beginning of this systematic elimination of Armenian civilians, which lasted for over seven years. By 1923, 1.5 million Armenians had been massacred and 500,000 more deported. Thousands of Armenian-Americans reside in my congressional district, and each year they mark this date to commemorate this anniversary and remember those who were lost. April 24th, 1915, marked a day when thousands of Armenian intellectual, religious and political leaders were arrested in Constantinople and deported or murdered. Today, we reflect on the massive destruction of property, freedom and dignity of those Armenians who were deported or killed under the Ottoman empire. We honor their memory and vow that such deprivation will never happen again. Mr. Speaker, we also mark this date to celebrate the contributions of millions of Armenians and Armenian-Americans since that awful time. As we continue to strengthen our bonds with the Armenian people, we must be vigilant about remaining a strong friend of Armenian democracy through U.S. foreign policy. It is important for those of us in the Congress to continue to speak out in favor of Armenian human rights and free trade. I urge my colleagues to join me in commemorating this solemn anniversary.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great teacher, Miss Erna Elder, on her retirement from St. Mark's Lutheran School in Steeleville, Illinois. She has shared her many talents with her community for the past 42 years. Miss Elder joined the St. Mark's staff in the fall of 1957 and taught both the first and second grade classes. For twenty-four of the past forty-two years she also served as the school's secretary during the summer months. In 1979, Miss Elder also served as the Secretary- Treasurer of the Southern Illinois District Teacher's Conference. During the 1986 school term she served as the acting Principal. Miss Elder served St. Mark's in many other capacities over the years, such as Walther League Counselor, basketball scorekeeper and several committees benefiting the St. Mark's community. She has also had the pleasure of watching St. Mark's grow from having just five class room teachers for grades 1-8 to eleven teachers for Pre-Kindergarten through grade 8. Miss Elder is an alumnus of St. Mark's having attended grades 4-8. She is a graduate of Sparta High School. From there she went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where she majored in Elementary Education. In 1992, Miss Elder received the honor of being named to Who's Who Among America's Teachers. Over the years, Miss Elder has taught 846 students. As the first grade teacher for the majority of her 42 years of dedicated service to St. Marks she has influenced many young lives. I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating Miss Erna Elder on her retirement after many devoted years of service to the children of St. Marks and the entire community.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2400, the Building Efficient Surface Transportation and Equity Act. This bill reauthorizes highway, mass transit and highway safety programs for six years. By passing this legislation we will be renewing our commitment to investing in America's infrastructure. Our infrastructure is crumbling around us. In my home State of Illinois, for example, a quarter of all the bridges are structurally deficient. Forty-three percent of road in Illinois are in poor or mediocre condition. Driving on these roads costs Illinois motorists $1 billion a year in extra vehicle operating costs. That is $144 per driver. These statistics are shameful. As we enter the next millennium, we cannot allow our nation's infrastructure to languish in the past. We have ignored these problems for too long. As a Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which crafted this bill, I know this bill is a solid piece of legislation. H.R. 2400 will enable us to bring our transportation needs into the 21st Century. Under this bill, highways and transit systems will operate more efficiently. People and goods will travel more safely because of the highway safety programs and initiatives under this bill. I will promote a cleaner environment and decrease the red tape associated with environmental regulations. I realize that many have criticized the high priority projects included in this bill. They call these projects ``pork.'' However, I would like to clarify that these projects are included only after consulting with local elected officials, local highway departments and state departments of transportation about the transportation needs of communities. Republicans espouse the need to give control back to the localities. That is exactly what these high priority projects are all about. The local governments know what their transportation priorities and needs are. By including funding for local projects in H.R. 2400 we are allowing local and regional officials to decide on and meet their own transportation needs. Further, the authorization for high priority projects is only 5 percent of the total funding in the bill. No programs in the bill are compromised at the expense of including high priority projects. In my district in Southwestern Illinois these projects are critical to meet the transportation needs of many communities. For example, the MetroLink light rail system provides a vital transportation link for commuters and travelers in the St. Louis-MetroEast area. Under this bill, MetroLink will be expanded from East St. Louis to Belleville Area College and then to MidAmerica Airport. When this extension is complete, the region's two airports, St. Louis-Lambert International in St. Louis, MO and MidAmerica Airport in St. Clair County, Illinois will be linked by one light rail line. MetroLink, whose ridership has surpassed all expectations, has had an enormous impact on the environment, transportation efficiency and economic development in my district and the entire St. Louis metropolitan region. It is precisely projects like these that are so important in this bill. These projects are vital to communities. Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill. We must pass this bill so critical infrastructure funding can get to our states. This bill is not about pork! It is about improving our transportation policies so that Americans and our goods can travel efficiently and safely throughout our nation. Let's pass this bill today so we can get it to the President before funding expires on May 1. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of H.R. 2400.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3579. This House has a responsibility to help those affected by the terrible El Nino-driven rains and midslides in the West, ice storms in the Northeast, tornadoes, floods and other natural disasters. We have a very real responsibility to our troops in Bosnia and the Persian Gulf. However, we cannot abandon our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. I am appalled that Republican leaders plan to offset disaster and emergency assistance with cuts in programs that will hurt the elderly, children and low-income Americans. I am disappointed I am being forced to vote against funding for disaster assistance. However, we cannot kowtow to another Republican maneuver to rob from the poor to protect the interests of the rich. The spending cuts that Republicans have demanded are targeted on the most vulnerable in our society. These cuts will force more than 800,00 low- income Americans from their homes, including more than 100,000 older Americans. I cannot support such drastic cuts to our Section 8 low- income housing program. I will not be a party to evicting almost a million Americans from their homes. These offsets--which drastically cut or eliminate important safety- net programs--are being offered up by the same Republican leaders who want more tax cuts for the rich. We should be closing corporate loopholes rather than closing off opportunities and programs that provide a lifeline for the poor and vulnerable in our society. If we would end just some corporate subsidies we could ensure that our military troops overseas and those impacted by natural disasters here at home will receive the assistance they need. They deserve no less. I urge my colleagues to reject this bill. We should send this bill back to the Committee to find offsets that do not compromise the health, safety and well-being of the most vulnerable in our society.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the town of Columbia, Illinois which will be celebrating Space Shuttle Columbia Day. The celebration will commemorate the launch of the namesake shuttle at Kennedy Space Center on April 16, 1998. The Space Shuttle Columbia is commonly referred to as OV-102, for Orbiter Vehicle-102. The Shuttle has completed 24 successful flights and has traveled nearly 100 million miles. The crew of seven for the April 16 launch will carry the payload Neurolab and the astronauts will study the human nervous system in space. The mission will fly at an orbital inclination of 39 degrees, passing over Southern Illinois and its namesake City of Columbia. As it flies over Columbia, the city will be displaying the Avenue of Flags and a commemorative space hologram postmark and envelope will be issued at the Columbia, IL Post Office 62236. A proclamation has also been issued by the City of Columbia, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the USS Columbia (SSN 771) and the Commander and Crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia Mission STS-90. The original proclamation will be stowed onboard the Space Shuttle Columbia during its mission. The citizens of Columbia have signed oversized copies of the proclamation that will be sent as a show of support to the Shuttle Columbia crew. Eight community leaders including Mayor Lester Schneider, Ron Raeber, Curt Kopp, Roman Altgilbera, Franklin Kohler, Scott Simpson, Don Stumpf and Don Stumpf, Sr. will witness the launch as the Space Shuttle Columbia embarks on its 25th mission. Columbia is the oldest orbiter in the Shuttle fleet and is named after the sloop captained by Robert Gray. On May 11, 1792, Gray and his crew maneuvered the Columbia past the dangerous sandbar at the mouth of a river extending more than 1,000 miles. The river was later named after the ship. Gray also led Columbia and its crew on the first American circumnavigation of the globe. Other sailing ships have further enhanced the honor of the name Columbia, including the first US Navy ship to circle the globe. The City of Columbia also has a rich connection to the Navy and has a namesake submarine, the USS Columbia. The community was very involved in the namesake program and has participated in both launching and commissioning ceremonies. I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the City of Columbia's Space Shuttle Columbia Day and celebrating its namesake's historic 25th launch.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great basketball coach and a great man. Harry Statham, the athletic director of McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois, is the NAIA's winningest active basketball coach. On Saturday, January 10, 1998, the McKendree Bearcats defeated Barat College. That game marked the 700th win of Coach Statham's long and successful career at the college. Statham began his coaching career while he was still an undergraduate as the boys basketball coach at O'Fallon Junior High. After graduating from McKendree College in 1960, he enrolled at the University of Illinois at Champaign. While earning a master of science degree in physical education at U of I, Statham served as a graduate assistant for the men's basketball and track teams. He coached at two high schools in Southern Illinois before returning to McKendree College in 1968 as the athletic director and men's basketball head coach. Coach Statham has lead the Bearcats to 27 post-season appearances, including five trips to the NAIA National Championships. Last season the Bearcats finished in the NAIA's ``Elite Eight,'' the best tournament finish in the school's history. In 1988 the Bearcats established an NAIA record for most points scored by two teams when they prevailed over Huron College 124-107. This record of 231 total points scored still stands today. McKendree also holds the record for successful free throws in one game when they shot 39 of 39 in 1979. In the 1986-87 season, McKendree led the nation in scoring with a 105- point per game average. Forty-one of the men who have played under Coach Statham have received post-season honors, including four All-American athletes. Two of Coach Statham's players have been drafted into the professional ranks. Dale Haverman was drafted by the Seattle Sonics in 1977 and Paul Funkhouser was drafted by the Chicago Bulls and the Carolina Cougars of the American Basketball Association in 1970. Coach Statham, who lives in Belleville, Illinois with his wife, Rose, was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1987. He has been named the NAIA-IBCA Coach of the Year six times and the NAIA District 20 Coach of the Year six times. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that this month Coach Statham will be inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Coach Harry Statham for an impressive career.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Black History Month with my esteemed colleagues today. Black History Month marks a time in which we may all formally revisit the vast contributions and achievements of African-Americans to our country's rich history. Indeed, the legacy of the founder of Black History Month, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, is that of a poor man, who triumphed over adversity to earn a doctorate from Harvard and devote his life to teaching and recording the history of African-American life. I would like to use this occasion to highlight two figures from my district in Illinois, whose personal talents and accomplishments have been matched by their dedication to aiding their communities. Katherine Dunham was born in the beginning of the 20th century. She quickly established herself as a woman of enormous integrity and passion, for the humanities and social causes, which held such salience for her. She enjoyed a prominent place in the performing arts world as a choreographer combining Caribbean dances, traditional ballet, and African-American rhythms to create a dance known as the Dunham technique. Dunham's reputation as an accomplished dancer earned her engagements to dance in over 55 countries. Dunham was unsatisfied, though, simply with the respect she had gained as a performer; Throughout the later part of her life, Dunham became engrossed in finding avenues to help others. In the arts field, she developed a school called the Performing Arts Training Center in East St. Louis. This school offered African Americans the opportunity to become involved in the arts and learn about African cultural history. Recently, in the early 1990's, Dunham has also become a strong advocate for the welfare of the Haitian people. Another public figure from my district has also challenged herself to find ways to act on her principles and leave a legacy of aid to her community. Jackie Joyner-Kersee, is an Olympic Champion who continues to make history with her remarkable athletic achievements. Nevertheless, it is her current work that has fueled her pride that she is actively giving back to communities across America. In 1989, Joyner-Kersee founded the JJK Foundation which provides grants for leadership training for individuals in urban cities. One of her chief goals is to eventually provide a Youth Center to her home town community of East St. Louis, Illinois. She says she hopes to show that while: There is discrimination. I know there is racism. There are things we don't have control over. But we do have control over our dreams and goals. I hope we will all take time this month and throughout the year to recognize the many diverse contributions of African-Americans to our Nation's history. In so many ways, the qualities that all Americans hold dear such as strength, perseverance, ambition and integrity are evident in the lives of those African-Americans, and illustrate W.E.B. Dubois' belief that ``The guiding of thought: and the deft coordination of deed is at once the path of honor and humanity.''

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, while I have a great respect for Ronald Reagan and what he was able to accomplish during his tenure in the White House, I strongly disagree with the proposal to rename Washington National Airport the Ronald Reagan National Airport. Over the years, this body has named many buildings and public facilities for past presidents, including the new Ronald Reagan Trade Center in Washington, DC. However, to my knowledge we have never renamed a building, let alone an airport. To replace the name given to Washington National Airport--clearly named after the first president and founding father of our country, George Washington--with another president sets a terrible precedent. There is overwhelming local opposition to renaming Washington National Airport. To do so is contradictory to the Republican philosophy that the Federal Government should stay out of local matters. The Airport Authority, which was granted control of Washington's two airports in 1986, does not support this name change. Representative Jim Moran, who represents the district in which Washington National is located, opposes the redesignation as do many of his constituents in the airport's community. Further, the County of Arlington and the Greater Washington Board of Trade both oppose changing the name. This attempt to rename Washington National Airport does not serve Ronald Reagan well. I cannot support this bill and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting against it.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that President Clinton and Speaker Gingrich have decided not to ask for a vote on fast track trade authority in 1997. I strongly opposed fast track authority. Fast track paves the way for trade agreements which would continue a disturbing trend in America: we used to make products in this country and export these superior goods abroad; but now, American companies use foreign labor in foreign countries to make the products they sell here. This legislation fails to address human rights, food safety, environmental regulations, or protect American workers. This, Mr. Speaker, is the worst kind of public policy. Presumably, one of the main reasons for fast track authority is to expand the North American Free Trade Agreement {NAFTA}. After 3 years, NAFTA has cost hundreds of thousands of American jobs and failed to improve environmental conditions along the Mexican border. I did not support NAFTA then, and I will not support expanding it now. In light of recent cases of contaminated strawberries, raspberries, and beef, consumers are growing more concerned with the safety of the food we eat. 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 United States. Stronger proconsumer language in any fast track legislation would correct this oversight, however, the provisions of the proposed fast track authority would have greatly restricted the United States' ability to protect the public from unsafe food. I 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. The proposed fast track legislation did 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 reality. This proposal also failed 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. Labor rights have been a primary U.S. trade negotiating objectives since the 1988 Omnibus Trade Act. Unfortunately, this proposal provided absolutely no protection for American workers. NAFTA resulted in a loss of almost 17,000 jobs in Illinois and 420,000 jobs nationwide. Workers 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. Unlike fast track authority that has existed in the past, this fast track proposal actually limited the labor provisions a trade agreement can address. There is no doubt about it: this proposal would have hurt American workers.