Jerry Costello

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1270, the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. The United States' 109 nuclear power plants, located in 34 states including my home state of Illinois, are running out of storage space for spent nuclear fuel. By early 1998, a quarter of our reactor sites will have exhausted their storage capacity. The passage of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act will result in long- awaited changes to our Nation's used fuel management policy. This bill will finally begin to utilize the financial contributions of millions of Americans who have paid over $12 billion into the Nuclear Waste Fund for the specific purpose of creating a national repository for spent fuel. Illinois has the most spent fuel of any other state--4300 metric tons located in seven spent storage facilities throughout the state. Residents of Illinois have paid more than those from any other state into the Nuclear Waste Policy Fund by contributing $1.4 billion. They deserve to have their money used for the purpose it was intended--a permanent and safe national repository. The Nuclear Waste Policy Act allows for such a removal. The bill replaces the mandatory flat fee of one tenth of a cent per kilowatt hour with a discretionary annually adjusted fee. While the bill permits a maximum of 1.5 tenths of a cent per kilowatt hour in peak disposal site construction years, it also requires the annual fee average no more than one tenth of a cent per kilowatt hour between 1999 and 2010. Further, under this bill user fees cannot be diverted to unrelated federal programs. Mr. Speaker, while I support this bill I, like many of my constituents, continue to be concerned about the transportation of nuclear waste. I am pleased this bill directs the Department of Energy to take all steps necessary to ensure that it is able to safely transport spent nuclear fuel to the repository. The Department of Energy also will be required to notify states through which waste will be transported and to provide those states with technical assistance and funding to train public safety officials. I support the Schaefer Manager's amendment which includes important provisions designed to minimize transportation through populated areas. The Manager's amendment also provides for the establishment of preferred rail routes for waste transportation. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill and I am pleased spent nuclear fuel will finally be removed from the temporary storage facilities in my state and into a safe national repository where it belongs.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. ***STRPGFIT*** Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me in supporting legislation which will draw attention to the historic legacy of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and their journey West as the first white Americans to reach the Pacific. It is little known outside of my congressional district that Lewis and Clark began their mission West near Wood River, IL. Lewis, Clark, and their expedition spent the winter of 1803 near what is now home to the communities of Hartford and Wood River, IL, at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. During this winter season final selections of area woodsmen and soldiers were made for the journey to the Pacific. This expedition, my colleagues will recall, came about by an act of Congress. On February 28, 1803, Congress appropriated funds for a small U.S. Army unit to explore the Missouri and Columbia Rivers and inform western Indian tribes that traders would soon come to buy their furs. President Jefferson was increasingly concerned about British furriers and trappers expanding their influence south, through Canada, into American territories. Irving W. Anderson, past president of the Lewis and Clark Heritage Foundation, describes the journey's goals: The explorers were to make a detailed report on western geography, climate, plants and animals, and to study the customs and languages of the Indians. Plans for the expedition were almost complete when the President learned that France offered to sell all of Louisiana Territory to the United States. This transfer, which was completed within a year, doubled the area of the United States. It means that Jefferson's Army expedition could travel all the way to the crest of the Rockies on American soil, no longer needing permission from the former French owners. Mr. Anderson notes that Meriwether Lewis recorded in his journal that Wood River was ``to be considered the point of departure'' for the westward journey. This 28-year-old Army captain, who knew the President well from their previous residences near Charlottesville, VA, spent that winter selecting 45 men to begin the journey West. When they left Camp DuBois on May 14, 1804 and headed West, little did they know what the journey would hold. Their Corps of Discovery reached the Pacific Ocean over a year later, in November 1805, and began their journey back across the mountains, returning to St. Louis on September 23, 1806. It goes without saying that this journey was among the most significant in our Nation's history. The Louisiana Purchase and opening of the West to new exploration and development paved the way for settlement of California, establishment of a greater American union and relocation of millions of Americans westward throughout the 20th century. And while Americans can identify F. Clatsop and other Lewis and Clark historic sites, many do not yet know about the Lewis and Clark Site No. 1, Camp DuBois, near Wood River, IL. That is the intention of this legislation. I want to congratulate the dedicated individuals in my congressional district who have worked for years to build the Lewis and Clark memorial, which now stands at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. In particular, Mr. George Arnold, who is president of the local Lewis and Clark Memorial Society, has dedicated many years of his life to the legacy of Lewis and Clark and the construction of both the memorial and an interpretive center to lay out the rich Illinois history of the Lewis and Clark expedition. My legislation has the strong support of the Illinois congressional delegation, will call attention to this journey and seek to expedite efforts by local, State and Federal officials to build this interpretive enter. The Congress has played an active role in this process; in fiscal year 1991, Congress appropriated $115,000 for land acquisition adjacent to route 3, on the dry side of the flood levee; and in fiscal year 1993, Congress appropriated $88,000 for a National Park Service study to determine who best to build and design the center. Both of these funds were appropriated under the 1972 Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which remains the authorizing legislation for the interpretive center as well. Our next goal is to move forward with the interpretive center. State and local resources are in place to begin this process; it will be a 50-50 cost-share with the Federal Government. It is my strong hope that much of this local support will be in place in the spring of 1998, so that we can ask the National Park Service and the Congress to appropriate sufficient funds to begin construction of the Visitors Center. I want to thank the local, State and Federal officials who are now ready to work with me not only on this commemorative legislation but also on the funding required to make the new center a reality. It will serve as a tribute to the Illinois legacy of these great explorers, and enhance what the Nation understands about the sacrifice and heritage of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's journey to the Pacific.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2607, the District of Columbia Appropriations Act for fiscal year 1998. This bill not only sets dangerous precedents, it is just plain bad policy. The leadership of this body claims to want to expand the role of State and local authority while shrinking the size of the Federal Government. However, this bill is yet another attempt to micromanage the District of Columbia. There are at least 60 extraneous policy riders on this bill, two of which are so egregious they deserve specific criticism. Mr. Speaker, I strongly oppose this bill because of its unfair treatment of school children in our Nation's capitol. The bill we consider today establishes a voucher program which purports to allow poor children in Washington, DC to attend private schools. Under this bill, we will allocate nearly $45 million in Federal funds to pay for the private school education of approximately 3 percent of the District's students--about 2,000 school children. While I in no way would favor denying educational opportunities to children, 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. Here in the District of Columbia, some schools remain closed because of construction problems. It is a great travesty that in the most influential city in the world students cannot go to school because of fire code violations. 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. Another issue that some are trying to claim as a school issue is the waiver of the Davis-Bacon Act. Davis-Bacon for years has guaranteed American workers an honest day's pay for an honest day's work. This law helps promote greater productivity, cost-effective construction and stable economies for America's communities. This should be no exception in the District of Columbia. I have heard from some of my colleagues that eliminating Davis-Bacon will save money on school construction. However, gutting the income of workers will not lower the costs of school construction for taxpayers. In fact, a recent study showed that repeal of Davis-Bacon indicated that square foot construction costs are lower in States with prevailing wage laws compared to those where this law no longer exists. I support the Sabo amendment to strike this provision of the bill. Eliminating Davis-Bacon is unfair to workers in D.C. Mr. Speaker, I cannot, in good conscience, support this bill. it is bad for children, bad for workers and insulting for District residents who continue to be denied fair representation. This bill represents a step backward for the people of D.C. I support the Moran substitute amendment which eliminates the dangerous and extraneous riders to this bill. The Moran amendment enables funding to continue to our Federal city without imposing burdensome new policies on D.C. residents. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. The CHAIRMAN pro tempore [Mr. LaHood]. There being no further amendments, under the rule the Committee rises. Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore [Mr. Pease] having assumed the chair, Mr. LaHood, Chairman pro tempore of the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, reported that that Committee, having had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2607) making appropriations for the government of the District of Columbia and other activities chargeable in whole or in part against the revenues of said District for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1998, and for other purposes, pursuant to House Resolution 264, he reported the bill, as amended pursuant to that rule, back to the House with an amendment adopted by the Committee of the Whole.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I want to bring to my colleagues' attention the Clinton administration's proposed welfare-to-work provisions. The House is currently considering H.R. 2400, the BESTEA legislation, which includes a welfare-to-work component. However, I believe that in order for our welfare reform package--which I supported--to succeed, we must have strong provisions to transition welfare recipients into the workplace. The BESTEA legislation includes $42 million with a cap of 10 projects nationwide. I commend Chairman Shuster and our ranking member, Congressman Oberstar, for recognizing the need for this program. However, I believe we should approve the Clinton administration's proposal for transit welfare-to-work, which calls for $100 million. By the year 2002, States must have moved half of all adult welfare recipients--over 2 million people--off of welfare and into the workforce. This pilot program approach is now written in BESTEA will not be adequate to meet the needs of welfare reform. The Metro East has over 10,000 welfare clients without earned income who need education and training to find meaningful employment, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services. Regional studies have shown that with training, we can reduce our welfare rolls and put people back into the workplace, and transportation plays a key role in making that happen. I support the administration's welfare-to-work provisions and intend to work next spring to increase the amount for this program in the BESTEA legislation. I urge my colleagues to work with me to lift the cap limit on projects and increase the amount authorized to sufficient levels to make welfare reform a success.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, 60 days ago today on July 18, 1997, the people of the St. Louis metropolitan area and the people of southwestern Illinois lost a great leader and I lost a good friend. Francis Touchette passed away on July 18, 1997, at the age of 84 after a long illness. During this period, I have had time to reflect on his legacy of service and on our friendship. Francis Touchette was both a dedicated public servant and a humanitarian. Francis started his career when he was elected to the office of Democratic precinct committeeman when Franklin Roosevelt was elected President of the United States. In addition to serving as a Democratic precinct committeeman for many years, Francis was elected Centreville Township supervisor and was elected to serve as a member of the county board from Centreville Township. On two separate occasions during his career on the county board, his colleagues saw fit to elect Francis to serve as their chairman. In addition to being one of the leading Democrats in southwestern and southern Illinois, Francis was one of the leaders in providing health care and other services to the underprivileged and the poor throughout the region. Francis was the founder of Centreville township Hospital--later renamed Touchette Regional Hospital in Centreville, IL. As Centreville Township supervisor, he recognized that the underprivileged and the poor were not receiving adequate health care services and therefore called upon the people of the township to construct a hospital for people in the Greater Centreville area. He was a charter member of the East Side Health District and founded the Southern Illinois Health Care Foundation. Very few people have touched and improved the lives of so many as Francis Touchette. His service to the people of the St. Louis region and of southwestern Illinois will live on--and his friendship that he extended to me and many others will never be forgotten. My colleagues, I ask you to join me in paying tribute to a great friend and a great leader.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, in June, I voted against the Republican budget reconciliation bill in the House because I had several concerns about how the legislation would negatively impact many American citizens. I was especially concerned about the impact on children, seniors, the poor and hard-working Americans who have difficulty making ends meet each month or who worry about health care for their families. The House-passed bill proposed to cut Medicare by $115 billion and Medicaid by nearly $14 billion over 5 years. I could not in good conscience support such cuts knowing that the burden would fall disproportionately on those least able to afford it. However, I voted for the budget reconciliation conference report because I believe it represents a far more fair and rational plan to balance our Federal budget by the year 2002. While I am not pleased with the level of cuts retained in the agreement for Medicare and Medicaid, I consider this bill a significant improvement. This agreement restructures and preserves the Medicare program. It improves the original plan for Medicare and extends the life of the part A trust fund for at least 10 years. The agreement provides $1.5 billion to ease the impact of increased Medicare premiums on low-income seniors. Negotiators also agreed to eliminate several controversial provisions from the original bill, including increasing the eligibility age from 65 to 67 and a copay for home health care. Medicare benefits are also expanded to include mammography coverage, prostate cancer screening, bone density screening to identify and prevent osteoporosis, and diabetes management care. In addition, the conference agreement expands the types of health plans under Medicare seniors may choose which ensures that seniors have the same health care choices that other Americans do. It protects Medicare's future by allowing the kind of choice and competition that has brought down health care costs in the private sector. Such modernization of Medicare will help ensure its long-term solvency. The agreement is also an improvement for Medicaid. Under the original plan in the House, hospitals in our distinct would have faced serious threats to their ability to operate efficiently. In fact, at least one rural hospital in the 12th District of Illinois indicated it may have been forced to close its doors due to the substantial cuts included in the reconciliation bill. Many of the hospitals in southern Illinois are classified as disproportionate share hospitals [DSH] meaning they receive compensation because a majority of their patients are Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Medicare and Medicaid cuts included in the House version of the budget would have endangered these hospitals. However, the agreement provides that no State will lose more than 3.5 percent of its DSH payments. In subsequent years the reduction will be less than 2 percent. The conference agreement continues Medicaid coverage as an entitlement for disabled children who are losing their Supplemental Income benefits as a result of the stricter definition of disability in the new welfare law. Unlike the House bill which made coverage optional for States, the conference agreement requires States to continue Medicaid coverage for these disabled children. It is a tragedy that 10 million children in this country are without health coverage. One in three children in Illinois goes without any health insurance--the majority of these children are from two-income families. This bill creates a $24 billion program to expand health insurance coverage for children. Under this initiative 5 million more children will have access to health care. The agreement also provides a $500-a-child nonrefundable tax credit for each child under age 17. Single parents with incomes up to $75,000 and couples with incomes up to $110,000 would be eligible for this tax credit. Children and families will also have more educational opportunities under this agreement as students could receive a tax credit worth 100 percent of the first $1,000 of their college tuition costs, and a credit worth 50 percent of the second $1,000 of tuition. In the third and fourth years of college, the student would receive a tax credit worth 20 percent of $5,000 of tuition expenses. Children will also benefit from the reduction in estate taxes included in the tax portion of the reconciliation agreement. I support this provision because it allows small business owners and farmers $1.3 million in tax-free assets to their heirs. This means family farms and family businesses can be passed from generation to generation without heavy tax burdens. For families and retirees, the agreement lowers the top capital gains tax rate from 28 percent to 20 percent, and lowers it further to 18 percent for assets held for 5 years after 2000. This is important as more and more Americans from all income brackets invest their retirement savings in 401(k) plans or other stock market investment plans. In summary, I believe this spending and tax plan will help American families prosper. As a supporter of a Balanced Budget Amendment, I also believe this agreement will put our Nation firmly on the path to a fiscally sound future. A balanced budget by the year 2002 will enable us to focus on protecting and educating our children and ensuring the health and retirement of our Nation's seniors and aging baby boomers. Sound national fiscal policy will also allow our Nation to continue to be competitive in a growing international marketplace. The initiatives included in this agreement will help us reach these goals.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sherwood Kerker's retirement from the St. Louis/Southern Illinois Labor Tribune. The editor of the Labor Tribune has received several awards from the International Labor Communications Association for journalistic excellence, and is acknowledged for 40 years of loyalty in serving the members and families of the trade union movement throughout the Greater St. Louis/Southern Illinois Region. Publisher Edward M. Finkelstein and the staff of the Labor Tribune will honor Sherwood Kerker at a ``We Love You Sherwood'' retirement luncheon to be held in St. Louis, MO, on August 28, 1997. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Sherwood Kerker's unique contributions to labor journalism.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the Republican leadership's tax bill. While I have supported a balanced budget amendment since coming to Congress in 1988, this bill mostly provides tax relief for upper income Americans with little relief for middle-income families. A report issued by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities shows that under this bill, the very wealthiest 1 percent of families would get their incomes boosted by an average of $27,000 a year, while families struggling at the bottom 20 percent of the economic ladder actually end up losing an average of $63 a year. I will be supporting the Democratic alternative because it ensures that over 70 percent of the tax cuts go to families earning less than $100,000 per year. The American people want to see our Federal budget balanced. However, lower- and middle-income families need tax incentives themselves as they struggle to make ends meet financially. The cost of college education for children is of major concern to many lower- and middle-income families. College tuition rates continue to increase at a staggering rate each year. The Democratic bill makes the HOPE scholarship tax credit available for all 4 years of college education, instead of just 2 years under the GOP bill. In the final 2 years, a 20-percent credit for tuition costs would be available. Also, the HOPE scholarship credits would not be reduced by a student's Pell grant and other nontaxable Federal scholarships. Many middle-income families operate small businesses and farms and need estate and gift tax reform. The Democratic substitute raises the exemption among from paying estate taxes from $600,000 to $1 million effective January 1, 1998, instead of the year 2007 in the Republican version. Many of our family farms and family-owned businesses cannot survive from one generation to the next because of the high taxes our current laws bring about. Family-owned businesses are vital to expand our national economy, and this substitute allows for these businesses and farms to thrive. Finaly, the Democratic bill targets the capital gains reductions to middle-income American families. Mr. Speaker, I realize that difficult choice have to be made to take on a challenge as large as reducing the Federal debt once and for all by 2002. However, I cannot support legislation which ignores the financial needs of lower- and middle- income families in order to benefit the wealthy. All time for general debate has expired.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution to disapprove most-favored-nation status for China. Last year, I opposed efforts to grant this privilege to China, and following a trip I made to China earlier this year, I continue to have reservations about extending this status. Since the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, concern in Congress about the United States-China relationship has focused on three areas: China's violations of our trade agreements, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and human rights abuses. During last year's debates on China MFN status, a resolution was passed urging the appropriate House committees to hold hearings and offer recommendations on these areas. While congressional hearings and commissions have met and many reports 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 marked deterioration, not improvement, under recent policies. Looking from the economic perspective, the United States deficit with China has steeply climbed from $3 billion at the time of the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989 to over $50 billion projected for 1997. Less than 2 percent of United States exports are allowed into China, while over 33 percent of China's exports come into the United States. China's high tariffs and nontariff barriers limit access to the Chinese market for most United States goods and services and violate the GATT agreement. We must take action to assure that from the economic standpoint we have a level playing field. Second, I am concerned about Chinese efforts to transfer nuclear, advance missile, chemical, and biological weapons technology to nations like Iran and nonsafeguarded nations like Pakistan. China is the largest nuclear power in the world and the only nation which produces long-range nuclear missiles. The United States spends billions to promote Middle East peace, and Iran is a threat to that peace. 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. The State Department's most recent issue of the Country Reports on Human Rights reveal that Chinese authorities have increased efforts to curtail public protests or criticism of the government. There has been increased persecution of evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholics in China who choose to worship independently of the government-controlled church. In addition, officials there ruthlessly enforce laws limiting families to having one child. It is well-documented that individuals who gave birth to a second child there 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 this Nation such a wonderful place to live. 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. A recent poll by Business Week magazine shows that 67 percent of the American people oppose MFN for China. Let's do what the American people want and deny MFN status for China.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Alfred (Jerry) and Rosa Dickson's 50th wedding anniversary on June 7. Jerry and Rosa met at the St. Aloysius Church carnival in Chicago in 1943. Jerry served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the S.S. Gablian during World War II. His service in the Navy ended in 1946 and Jerry and Rosa were married on June 7, 1947. Jerry is retired after 40 years of service in the food industry in Chicago and Rosa is a homemaker. The couple raised 7 children and have 13 grandchildren. I join with their family today in wishing them a wonderful celebration and many more happy and productive years together.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this budget resolution as the blueprint to the goal we all want to achieve--a balanced federal budget in 2002. For months now, negotiations have been taking place between Congressional leaders and the Administration on how best to reach that goal. I want to state that this budget resolution is not perfect, but a ``perfect'' budget resolution is unattainable. With 435 members of this body, nearly every member would offer their own unique solution for achieving a balanced budget. Therefore, compromise is a necessity; yet, this body did not compromise the goal we all share, which is a balanced budget in five years. I have supported a Balanced Budget Amendment since being elected to Congress in 1988 and have consistently voted for a Constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget. I am pleased that the current budget efforts focus on balancing the budget in 2002. Enacting a balanced budget will ensure that as we begin the 21st Century, we rid our country of its deficit and move in the direction of national growth and prosperity--growth and prosperity which have been impeded over the last part of this century because of our federal debt and the interest payments on it. This package provides some much-needed middle-income tax relief. The package proposes $500 per child tax deductions and additional tax cuts for tuition costs. Education initiatives are a driving force of this agreement. The maximum Pell Grant award is increased in fiscal year 1998 by $300, from $2,700 to $3,000. This is the largest increase in two decades. While the package calls for some Medicare cuts, there are many positive changes in Medicare. There is expanded coverage for such health services as mammography services, diabetes self-management, immunizations and colorectal cancer screening. There are a few areas of concern about the agreement which I wish to address. The first is transportation spending. While I was pleased to hear that this budget resolution would include funding for transportation above the President's proposed level, I still have some very strong concerns that this budget does not allow for adequate resources for our transportation and infrastructure needs. We can ill- afford to continue to neglect our crumbling infrastructure. The current level of assumed spending is insufficient to deal with the increasing needs of our transportation infrastructure. I am supporting both the Kennedy and Schuster-Oberstar substitutes because they address this need by increasing transportation spending by $15 billion and $12 billion respectively over the five year period. The Kennedy substitute offers smaller cuts in Medicare than the agreement. By achieving cuts in the administrative area, the substitute proposes an additional $8.6 billion for preventive care benefits in such areas as Alzheimers Disease and osteoporosis. The Kennedy Substitute also provides improved Medicare protections for low-income seniors. I also support this substitute because it recognizes the President's proposal to invest in renovations and construction in needy school systems throughout the country. This agreement builds on the 1993 Deficit Reduction Act, which has reduced the deficit from $250 billion to $75 billion over the last five years. I support this agreement because I feel it is the last opportunity we have to balance this budget once and for all. I do not want my children and grandchildren to be deprived of opportunity because of the interest payment on our federal debt. This plan is not perfect, but it is the best and only plan we have to make a balanced federal budget a reality. I urge my colleagues to support this budget resolution.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Alfred (Jerry) and Rose Dickson's 50th wedding anniversary on June 7. Jerry and Rose met at the St. Aloysius Church carnival in Chicago in 1943. Jerry served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the S.S. Gablian during World War II. His service in the Navy ended in 1946, and Jerry and Rose were married on June 7, 1947. Jerry is retired after 40 years of service in the food industry in Chicago and Rose is a homemaker. The couple raised 7 children and have 13 grandchildren. I join with their family today in wishing them a wonderful celebration and many more happy and productive years together.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 82d anniversary of the Armenian genocide. On April 24, 1915, the people of Armenia were subjected to long-term, organized deprivation and relocation. Eighty-two years later, we mark this date to remember the beginning of this systematic elimination of Armenian civilians, which lasted for over 7 years. By 1923, 1.5 million Armenians had been massacred and 500,000 more deported. Many Armenian-Americans reside in my congressional district, and each year they mark this date with solemn commemoration. It is a day to reflect on the loss 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 the Armenian-Americans since that awful time. As we continue to strengthen our bonds with the Armenian people, we must continue to be vigilant about remaining a strong friend of Armenian democracy through United States foreign policy. The Clinton administration's recent decision to waive the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act does not bode well for long-term stabilization in this region. 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 commemorate the 82nd Anniversary of the Armenian genocide. On April 24th, 1915, the people of Armenia were subjected to long-term, organized deprivation and relocation. Eighty-two 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. Many Armenian-Americans reside in my congressional district, and each year they mark this date with solemn commemoration. It is a day to reflect on the loss 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 continue to be vigilant about remaining a strong friend of Armenian democracy through U.S. foreign policy. The Clinton Administration's recent decision to waive the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act does not bode well for long-term stabilization in this region. 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. [Armenia This Week, April 18, 1997] Clinton Waives Corridor Act Prohibition on Aid to Turkey For the second consecutive year the Clinton administration waived the prohibition of aid to Turkey for violating the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act. The legislation mandates the suspension of aid to any nation that bars the transshipment of U.S. humanitarian assistance to a third party. However, the president can waive the halt in aid if the national security interests of the United States are deemed to be damaged by such an action. The Clinton administration expressed its rationale for the waiver in a memorandum of justification, saying. ``It is very much in our national security interests not to terminate U.S. assistance programs for Turkey. Such a termination would create significant difficulties in our bilateral relations, affecting a broad range of national security interests. Such a termination would also reduce prospects for the successful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.'' The statement cites the rationale for Ankara to close its border with Armenia, explaining that the action was taken, ``when local Armenian forces seized large areas of Azerbaijan despite UN Security Council resolutions calling for the withdrawal of all occupying forces and the cessation of hostilities.'' It also praised Turkey for opening an air corridor to Armenia in 1995 and for its promise to open the land border ``once Armenia and Azerbaijan agree on a statement of principles for a settlement of the [Karabagh] conflict.'' Congressional and Armenian community reaction to the Clinton waiver decision was quick and critical. Congressman John Porter, a Republican from Illinois issued a sharp rebuttal to the Clinton waiver action. He said, ``It is unconscionable that the president continues to defend Turkey's ongoing four-year blockade of Armenia.'' He noted that a bipartisan decision was made by Congress to enact the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act. He added, ``The United States must not tolerate countries blockading the delivery of humanitarian aid to alleviate hunger and suffering to those who need it.'' Congressman Frank Pallone, Democrat from New Jersey, speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives, noted, ``Maintaining good relations should not entail turning a blind eye to the outrageous actions committed by Turkey.'' In the United States Senate, Rhode Island Democrat Jack Reed criticized the Clinton waiver. He said, ``The administration's decision is troubling. U.S. humanitarian aid should not be held hostage by any country to further its own political ends.'' In Washington, the Armenian Assembly of America and the Armenian National Committee issued statements criticizing the administration action. The Assembly's Executive Director, Ross Vartian, said: ``The president's use of the national security waiver is outrageous. The administration's expressed rationale not only justifies Turkey's blockade, it demonstrates that they have not encouraged Turkey to lift the embargo.'' Vartian also questioned the administration's praise of Turkey's role in the Karabagh conflict negotiations. He said, ``Turkey has discredited itself as a neutral party by supplying arms and military training to Azerbaijan.'' [Sources: State Department text, Armenian Assembly press release 4-16] azeri says armenia has no alternative in karabagh settlement Vafa Gulizade, special adviser to Azerbaijan's president Heidar Aliyev, declared that Armenia has no alternative except to agree to autonomy of Nagorno Karabagh within Azerbaijan. Gulizade denied the OSCE peace process was ``stuck.'' He said, ``The ice has begun to melt and certain changes are evident.'' [Source: Azg 4-16] border tensions remain high as incidents increase in frequency Incidents along the Armenian-Azerbaijan borders have increased in frequency in recent weeks and tensions remain high on the northeastern sector of the border. On April 16 three separate exchanges of fire took place in the area. No casualties were reported. [Source: Noyan Tapan 4-17] azerbaijan violates conventional forces in europe treaty On the heels of a campaign charging that Armenia has received Russian arms illegally, Baku itself was accused by a representative of the International Human Rights Congress (IHRC), Vitaly Danilov, of violating the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty. IHRC operates within the framework of the OSCE. At a press conference in Yerevan, Danilov said that an April 10 analysis by IHRC showed that between 1992 and 1996, Azerbaijan purchased a volume of offensive armaments that exceeded CFE quotes. In contrast, Danilov declared that neither Armenia nor Georgia are in violation of the CFE treaty. He said, ``it is only Azerbaijan that is violating the treaty.'' According to the analysis, IHRC asserts that Baku's allegations of illegal arms deliveries to Armenia ``are motivated by efforts to reinforce Azerbaijan's military superiority over its neighbors.'' The report also suggests that Baku's most recent accusations against Russian arms to Armenia, ``were aimed to impede the OSCE Minsk negotiations on the Karabakh problem that were in progress in Moscow, thus disturbing peace in the region.'' The IHRC report listed, by category, statistics covering arms deliveries to Azerbaijan by the Russian Federation. The document concludes with an appeal to OSCE members to take diplomatic steps to compel Azerbaijan to comply by the CFE treaty. [Source: Noyan Tapan 4-14]

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Student Health Insurance Portability Protection Act of 1997. Last year, 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 preexisting 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 preexisting 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 work force. Do not leave college students out of health care reform.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this resolution calling for the President to submit a new budget using the most recent CBO assumptions. Last month, our President presented a budget that did exactly what both parties have identified as a priority and that is having a balanced Federal budget in 2002. The President's budget proposal makes tough choices but is responsible economic policy. I strongly oppose the efforts of this resolution. The President should not be required to submit two budgets before Congress even comes up with one. Does this resolution's sponsors have a prepared alternative for us to review? Since the President introduced his budget, there have been no concrete alternatives proposed by the Republican leadership. In fact, the Republican leadership has indicated it would be May before a budget resolution is passed. By law, the conference report is supposed to be done by April 15. Even as recently as 1992, with a Democratic Congress and a Republican administration, this body has passed the budget resolution on March 5--well over a month before the required April 15 deadline. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question so that we can move on to the real work before this Congress, and that is getting the budget resolution ready as quickly as possible. The President has done his part; this body must do ours.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I want to ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to St. Joseph Parish in Lebanon, IL, which is celebrating its 135th anniversary this month. For over a century, St. Joseph Parish has provided essential services to its parishioners, local residents, and to communities throughout the diocese through a number of organizations and programs. Locally, St. Joseph Parish works with other parishes to provide substantial financial assistance to Christian Home Care Services, an ecumenical nonprofit organizations. With the help of St. Joseph's, this group focuses on keeping people in their homes as long as possible by providing low-cost, nonmedical care in the form of companionship, transportation, light housekeeping, and meal preparation for the elderly and disabled in the community. St. Joseph Parish seeks to meet the emotional needs of the community as well through its participation in the family care ministry which helps strengthen individuals and families by providing low-cost counseling. The most immediate needs of local residents are not overlooked by St. Joseph Parish, which also contributes to a local food pantry and provides financial resources to transient individuals, and to individuals needing rental assistance. The parish's tradition of giving extends well beyond the local community. Through its local chapter of Saint Vincent dePaul, St. Joseph Parish provides children in the neighboring community of East St. Louis with school supplies during the school year and Christmas gifts during the holiday. St. Joseph's also aids the community by donating clothing, furniture, and household items, and has participated in various flood relief efforts in recent years through these means. St. Joseph's has a rich history of helping others and has become one of the mainstays of this small, close-knit community. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating St. Joseph Parish's parishioners and friends on their 135th anniversary.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I want to ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Wade Brunsmann, who was selected by the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council in the St. Louis Metropolitan Region to receive their Achievement Award in 1996. I have known Wade for many years, through our joint service on the St. Clair County Board. Wade is a dedicated public servant; he is a Navy veteran of World War II, and has served on the county board since 1954, except for an 8-year gap. He is also an outstanding family man, married and the father of four grown children and five grandchildren. He is the retired owner/operator of Brunsmann's Heating and Refrigeration Service. Wade Brunsmann has been a leader in the St. Clair County region. He currently serves as chairman of the County Board's environmental committee, and has served as such for the past 7 years. He has been an aggressive leader on zoning, land use, and landfill issues for all citizens. He also serves as a volunteer with Belleville Area College's Programs and Services for Older Persons, is a member of St. Theresa's Catholic Church and is an active and outstanding member of the Democratic Party. Of course, for all of these contributions and his overall dedication to serving the public, East-West Gateway awarded him with their Achievement Award. I fully agree, and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating him on this fine recognition.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a group of individuals who have been of great service to me during the past 2 years. This group is the Agriculture Advisory Board for the 12th Congressional District of Illinois. The 13 members of the Ag Advisory Board members represent each of the nine counties in the district. The group met several times throughout the 104th Congress. This last Congress will be memorable one for the agricultural community. The recently implemented Farm Bill of 1996 has changed the way producers receive payments from the Federal Government. These payments, set at specified decreasing amounts each year for the next seven years, replaces the former system of deficiency payments, which payed farmers based on market conditions. The legislation also recognizes the need for greater exports of our American-grown commodities. Illinois is a leader in the production of corn, wheat and soybeans. The opportunities for greater exporting will improve the economy in each member's town and throughout the state. I commented each member for giving of his time and insights to help make well-informed decisions. The members of my Agriculture Advisory Committee during the 104th Congress were Mike Campbell of Edwardsville, John Deterding of Modoc, Lawrence Dietz of DeSoto, Edwin Edleman of Anna, Greg Guenther of Belleville, Craig Keller of Collinsville, Marion Kennell of Thompsonville, Vernon Mayer of Culter, Dave Mueller of East Alton, Larry Reinneck of Freeburg, Bill Schulte of Trenton, Jim Taflinger of Cache, and Lyle Wessel of Columbia. I am pleased that these gentlemen will be staying on the Ag Advisory Board during the 105th Congress. The Farm Bill has brought about spending cuts in many farm programs, and each board member's input will be critical to me as I review the various Federal programs in an oversight and appropriations capacity. I look forward to working with each member on agricultural matters during the 105th Congress. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these individuals.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ladies' Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division I, in St. Clair County, IL. They will celebrate their 100th anniversary on Sunday, October 20, 1996. The women of Division I received their charter in East Saint Louis, IL, on October 30, 1896. Originally, the primary purpose of the Ladies' AOH was to assist young immigrant Irish girls coming to the United States in security employment, offering them protection, and moral support. Today, Hibernians are primarily a Catholic action group and service organization. The preamble of the constitution of the Ladies' order states the intent and purpose of the group is to promote the interests and welfare of Americans of Irish descent, to aid the people of Ireland to achieve independence, to promote Catholic action and to assist in mission work. Throughout the years the Ladies' AOH has supported local social work agencies such as the Catholic Urban League, Poor Clare Sisters, the Radio Service, the Bishop's Burse, St. Jude's Hospital, and the Special Olympics. Division I also supports the national organization's Irish essay contest for middle and high school students in order to foster an interest in the history of Ireland among young people. Irish-Americans have long been an integral part of our common history. The contributions that the Ladies' Ancient Order of Hibernians have made their community and their heritage are invaluable to the people of St. Clair County. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing them a wonderful centennial celebration and best wishes for the next 100 years.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the George Khoury Association of Baseball Leagues, Inc., on the occasion of their 60th anniversary celebration. The Khoury League, one of the oldest, most established youth organizations in the United States, paved the way for such organizations as Little League and Pony League. Khoury Leagues exist in many States and foreign countries. The Belleville Khoury League is the oldest and largest Khoury League in the State of Illinois, celebrating over 45 years of contributions to the children of that community. On the occasion of the association's 60th anniversary, Belleville has been chosen as the host league and the city of Belleville has been chosen as the host site of this year's celebration. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Khoury Leagues for the opportunities they continue to offer children, and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing them a successful and happy celebration.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of an increase in the minimum wage. The 90-cent increase that is being considered today by the House of Representatives will begin to address the erosion in American workers' purchasing power. If the minimum wage is not increased, it will fall to its lowest level in 40 years. Mr. Speaker, this is essential legislation that directly impacts millions of American workers. Over 500,000 of these workers are in Illinois. Because the majority of American workers who are paid the minimum wage are over 20 years old, the increase will aid these workers in supporting themselves and their families. As we encourage people to find jobs instead of relying on public welfare, we must work to ensure that the minimum wage is a living wage. Receiving a living wage makes workers more productive for society and more willing to work. As a result of the reduction in turnover, the employer's costs of recruiting and retraining are lower. Raising the minimum wage is expected to immediately lift it 300,000 families out of poverty. My colleagues who charge that a 90-cent increase is nominal and unnecessary probably are not aware that a 90- cent increase in the minimum wage could pay for seven months of groceries, rent or mortgage payments for 4 months, or a full year of health costs. These are real expenses that working people have and that can be addressed by a minimum wage increase. Many of my colleagues also charge that the minimum wage increase will result in lost jobs. However, many economists dispute this claim. In addition, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10 million jobs have been created since the last increase in the minimum wage. These are among the reasons why I strongly support a 90-cent increase in the minimum wage and urge my colleagues to join me in voting for the increase.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference agreement on the Health Coverage Availability and Affordability Act. While this bill is not perfect, I am pleased we have reached a bipartisan compromise on this important legislation. The conferees improved the House-passed bill and I am hopeful this body will now pass this conference report so it may be sent to the President. By passing this bill, we will help millions of Americans relieve their anxiety about maintaining health insurance if they become unemployed or change jobs. This bill makes great strides toward protecting the health insurance converge of workers who face job-lock because of a fear of losing medical benefits. By increasing portability, the Congress is extending coverage to millions of working Americans who might otherwise lose their health care benefits. This bill makes modest, basic changes to our health care system. It increases the portability of health insurance by prohibiting insurance companies and Health Maintenance Organizations [HMO's] from denying health care coverage to workers who move to another company or lose their jobs. Under the legislation, insurers may not exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions for more than 1 year. The bill also raises from 30 percent to 80 percent the share of health insurance costs that the self-employed could deduct for tax purposes. While I believe that health insurance costs for the self- employed should be 100-percent deductible, this provision is an important step in giving small business entrepreneurs and family farmers more economic security. In addition, the legislation establishes a test pool of Medical Savings Accounts where for 4 years up to 750,000 Americans who usually have high-deductible insurance policies could instead contribute to these accounts. These contributions could be used to pay medical expenses, but unused funds could accumulate or remain the property of the contributor. I am pleased we are giving MSA's a test run to see if, in fact, such savings accounts are equitable to everyone in insurance pools. I have strong reservation about jumping to such a large scale program without knowing if MSA's will work. These incremental yet important reforms are the first step in fixing our health care system. We must next work on providing adequate and affordable health care for the uninsured and underinsured. This bill will help reduce the number of uninsured Americans and allow Congress to better target insurance reform in the future.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, today this body will take a large step in making sweeping reform in our welfare system. By passing the welfare reform agreement, we move toward a system that emphasizes work and independence--a new system that represents real change and expanded opportunity. Although this bill is not perfect, it is our best chance in years to enact welfare reform that represents an opportunity to improve the current system. Sadly, our current system hurts the very people it is designed to protect by perpetuating a cycle of dependency. For those stuck on welfare, the system is not working. It is clear that we cannot and should not continue with the status quo. The status quo has fostered an entire culture of poverty. Our current system does little to help poor individuals move from welfare to work. It is clear the best antipoverty program is a job. To that end, this bill encourages work. It requires welfare recipients to work after 2 years and imposes a 5-year lifetime limit on welfare benefits. The bill turns Aid to Families with Dependent Children [AFDC] into a block grant program, allowing States to create their own unique welfare programs to best serve their residents. The bill maintains health care benefits for those currently receiving Medicaid because of their AFDC eligibility and provides $14 billion for child care so parents can go to work without worrying about the health and safety of their children. In addition, this bill preserves the earned income tax credit which has been successful in helping working families. Mr. Speaker, I voted against the Republican welfare reform bill when it was before this House. That bill represented a drastic departure from the actual intent of welfare--to help the most vulnerable in our society in their time of need. The House bill eliminated the safety net of Medicaid and food stamps for many children. It was mean in spirit and should not have passed. The conference agreement that is before us today, however, is much more reasonable. Children will have the guarantee of health care coverage through Medicaid even as their parents transition to work. Further, unlike the House bill, States will not be able to opt out of the Federal Food Stamp Program. The conference agreement is a far better bill than the measure passed by the House. It is a bold, yet compassionate step in helping foster independence. I am pleased the President has indicated he will sign this bill into law. I applaud the President--who has worked on this issue for years, even before it was politically fashionable--for continuing to insist that the bill be improved before signing it into law. While the President and I agree that this bill is by no means perfect, it is a good starting point. We can begin the process of moving toward a system that encourages and rewards work for all able-bodied citizens.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, today this House will consider legislation that represents another attack on services that directly affect the poor and vulnerable members of our society. The Committee- Justice-State appropriations bill for fiscal year 1997 cuts funding for the Legal Services, Corporation by nearly 50 percent. This is the lowest funding level in the history of the program--a program that works to protect the legal rights of citizens who otherwise could not afford legal assistance. The drastic cut in the Legal Services Corporation included in this appropriations bill curtails a much-needed program and threatens the legal rights of every poor or near-poor person in this country. I urge my colleagues not to abandon critical legal recourse for the poor and to support the Mollohan-Fox amendment which will restore $109 million to the LSC to ensure that legal help is available to those who need it the most. The Legal Services Corporation is a good example of a Federal program that is effectively being administered at the local level. The leadership of this House claims to want to expand the role of State and local authority while shrinking the size of the Federal Government. The Legal Services Corporation is a prime example of how local control of a federal program is working. 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. The Legal Services Corporation, begun in 1974 and supported by President Nixon, has had bi-partisan support and has served millions of people since its inception. Today, the LSC provides funds to operate programs in approximately 1,100 communities nationwide. Together, these offices provide services to every county in the Nation. LSC programs provide services to more than a million clients per year, benefitting approximately 5 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 children. Today the Legal Services Corporation also plays an important role in providing legal representation for victims of domestic violence. Legal service programs have been successful in helping victims of domestic violence protect themselves by obtaining orders of protection and granting divorces. Legal service attorneys also work to retain child support from absent parents. By providing quality legal services to the poor, the Legal Services Corporation assures that no woman is condemned to a violent and dangerous marriage because she cannot afford a lawyer. I cannot stand by quietly and watch this body endanger women and children by limiting their access to our legal system. Studies have shown that most poor people do not currently receive proper legal advice when confronted with legal problems. The Legal Services Corporation helps remedy this shameful inequity. Clearly, the Legal Services Corporation needs to be expanded, not scaled down on a path toward elimination as under this bill. Again, I urge my colleagues to oppose cuts in legal services and to support the Mollohan-Fox amendment.