Tom Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Labor's opinion letter that was issued in February was really outrageous. The letter stated that the Fair Labor Standards Act did not allow the value of stock options to be excluded from the calculation of a nonexempt worker's overtime pay. Now, this had not been a problem in 20 years. When I was a corporate executive and we were giving stock options to nonexempt employees, we did it with the idea of they being owners of companies. The effect of this rule and regulation would have been that many workers who are salaried employees would no longer be eligible for stock options, that they were going to be deprived of their piece of the American dream: homeownership, to be able to build equity, and get the kind of income that exempt workers were routinely getting. That was the effect of that decision. Unfortunately, it created a lot of uncertainty within the business community. When this was brought to the attention of the higher-ups, Congress started to act and the administration moved into gear. We appreciate everybody working together now to bring this legislation where it is today. I think the unanimous Senate vote, the fact that the administration is now going to sign legislation that will basically solve the problem that was created when they sent this letter out in February, is an indication that when we work together, we can solve these problems. I want to applaud all concerned. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for S. 2323, the Worker Economic Opportunity Act, a measure that exempts stock options, stock appreciation rights, and employee stock purchase programs from the calculation of overtime pay for certain employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act. As a sponsor of the House companion to this measure, introduced by my colleague, Congressman Cunningham, I cannot emphasize enough how important this legislation is to the continued growth of our nation's New Economy in the 21st Century. Over the past decade, our economy has boomed and the shortage of workers has intensified. Within this context, employers have used innovative ways to improve their workplaces and attract and retain workers. Offering new financial opportunities--such as stock options-- has allowed many companies to draw in good workers and at the same time, give employees an ownership right in the growth potential of a business. According to Fortune magazine, of the 100 best companies to work for, over one-third now offer stock options to all of their employees. And the National Center for Employee Ownership reports that over 80 percent of companies receiving venture capital financing provide options to both non-managerial and key management employees. The Department of Labor's opinion letter, issued in February, brought a great deal of uncertainty for employers and employees. The letter stated the Fair Labor Standards Act did not allow the value of stock options to be excluded from calculation of non-exempt worker's overtime pay, sparking serious concerns among those of us here in the House of Representatives and the other body as to how this ambiguity would affect economic growth. While the increased use of stock options is on the rise in traditional businesses, the high technology industry in particular owes a great deal of its growth to the issuance of stock options. The high technology industry has been a boon to our economy, creating more than 1 million high-paying jobs since 1993. In my home state of Virginia, some 12,100 technology-based firms call Virginia home, employing more than 370,000 workers and contributing more than $19.4 billion in wages. S. 2323 passed the Senate overwhelmingly with a vote of 95-0 last month and received the support of the Secretary of Labor, Alexis Herman. It will assure the protection of worker's stock options and ability to share in the success of a company without harming the computation of fair overtime pay. I want to commend Chairman Goodling, Chairman Ballenger, and Congressman Cunningham, for their leadership on this issue. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill and save stock options for all workers.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H. Con. Res. 295 relating to continuing human rights violations and political oppression in the socialist Republic of Vietnam, 25 years after the fall of South Vietnam to Communist forces. This past weekend, April 30, marked the fall of Saigon, which ended the Vietnam war 25 years ago. There were a series of events held across America, including in my district in Northern Virginia, to commemorate this tragic event in history. Vietnamese Americans from the Washington, DC, metropolitan area gathered this past weekend to honor the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom. In addition, they staged an all- night candlelight vigil, a flag ceremony, and a peaceful demonstration to keep the hope and flame of democracy alive for those still living in the socialist Republic of Vietnam. The Vietnam war took its toll on American families sending fathers, brothers, husbands, and uncles thousands of miles away to the jungles of Vietnam to fight the enemy they could never face. We must never forget that over 58,000 Americans and over 300,000 South Vietnamese soldiers lost their lives defending and protecting fundamental ideals, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and free and open elections. Their noble sacrifices should serve as a reminder that the Vietnam war was fought on the principles and values of democracy. H. Con. Res. 295 is a timely resolution which reiterates America's commitment to political, religious, and economic freedom for the citizens of the socialist Republic of Vietnam. Furthermore, this resolution urges the government to release all political and religious prisoners and prisoners of conscience, to allow their citizens the right to freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of the press and freedom of religious worship, and more importantly to formally commit to a framework and timetable for open and fair elections. Finally, H. Con. Res. 295 recognizes and commends the Vietnamese American community for initiating an international memorial to American and South Vietnamese soldiers who gave their lives for the cause of freedom during the Vietnam war, which will be located in Westminster, California. I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 295 to honor all those who valiantly fought during the Vietnam war and to commemorate the fall of Saigon. I commend the gentleman from California and his staff for their hard work to bring to our attention this important issue.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor those residents of Reston, Virginia who have been awarded the Best of Reston Community Service Award, which is presented annually by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Reston Interfaith to honor businesses and individuals that have gone above the norm in their service to others in the Reston community. Dan Amato and the Hyatt Regency Reston--for their strong work ethic, invaluable customer service and commitment to the community. Both Dan Amato and the staff of the Hyatt Regency Reston have taken enormous strides to host a quality facility in Reston. Throughout their years in the Reston Town Center, they have been more than willing to donate time, resources and money to the many organizations that patronize their hotel. Whether it has been hosting an event for the Reston 2000 Task Force, donating gift certificates for countless charities and community organizations, or supporting the Greater Reston Arts Center's (GRACE) gallery and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, Dan Amato and the Hyatt have made continuous strides to be involved in every aspect of the community. Many charities and organizations have benefited from their generosity. Their services--whether it is as host for a meeting or sponsor of an event--are highlighted by their quality of work and impressive work ethic. Willie Bush--for his desire to help the less fortunate. Willie Bush is a well known figure within the family of Reston's Martin Luther King Christian Church. As Chairman of the Church Outreach Center, he has spent 14 years providing holiday food baskets, serving as a member of Reston Interfaith, the Reston Jaycees and the Church Bible Study/Choir/ Deacon Board, and serving as a member of the ``Works Sunday Project,'' an outreach activity in support of the homeless, abused women and senior citizens. Throughout his long history of providing assistance to others, he has exemplified his Christian living by working for the poor, visiting the sick and feeding the hungry. Whether a member has needed food or clothing, money to pay utility bills or simply support, Willie Bush has given of himself and worked for the betterment of the Reston community. Nancy Burke--for her tireless efforts and support of athletics in the community. Nancy Burke currently serves as a Health and Physical Education, Sports Medicine and Driver's Education teacher at South Lakes High School. As the school's head athletic trainer, she oversees medical assistance to athletes and trains student assistants to administer help. As a teacher, she has gone above the call of duty by working to improve the school's athletic training facility and taking her students on numerous trips to learn about sports medicine. Outside of the classroom, she continues her role by volunteering with the Reston youth football and softball teams and donating her time and efforts to help students with counseling and advice. Nancy Burke has had a positive influence on the lives of the countless students she has known during her years at South Lakes, whether it is through athletics or her role as a teacher and friend. Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE)--for promoting the importance of arts and enriching individual and community life in Reston. For 25 years, GRACE has strived to foster and promote excellence in contemporary visual arts. GRACE has worked directly with the youth of Michael Guthrie--for his inner drive to make Reston the best possible place to live and to raise a family. Michael Guthrie is an active member of the Reston community in every way. Whether as a representative on the Reston 2000 Task Force, a supporter of the American Cancer Society, a coach in the Reston Youth Athlete Association or a member of the Reston Rail Scope of Work, he has given his all to ensure success. Along with his work as office manager of the Long & Foster Wiehle Avenue Office, Michael Guthrie has wasted no time supporting many organizations in Reston. He has volunteered to serve on numerous committees and has always taken a leadership role. From spearheading the public relations campaign for the 2000 Martin Luther King Celebration, to arranging for motivational speakers for students at Langston Hughes Middle School and South Lakes High School, to creating an opportunity for realtors to donate to Reston Interfaith through a deduction on commission checks and many more, Michael has put his heart into support of all walks of life in Reston. His energy and enthusiasm for Reston has not gone unnoticed by his co-workers and fellow citizens, who are often inspired to serve along with him. Michael Guthrie has gone beyond what is expected of any citizen and continues to make a contribution to the community. Joe and Marcia Stowers--for their continued work to improve transportation in Reston. Joe and Marcia Stowers have been involved in almost every land use and transportation projects in Reston. Through their service on the Reston Community Association Planning and Zoning Committee, Reston on Foot, Reston 2000 and more, the Stowers have shared their expertise to benefit every resident and transient, worker, bicyclist, and pedestrian. The Stowers have had a hand in countless transportation issues in Reston, including creating the Reston Transportation Committee, assisting in the formation of LINK, advocating for HOV lanes on the Dulles Toll Road, and more recently, supporting rail to Dulles. The Stowers arrived among the first settlers in Reston in 1965 and have both lived and worked--now at Sydec Inc., a transportation-consulting firm--around the Lake Anne Village Center. After 30 years of community service, they have succeeded in encouraging a new generation to become active in Reston civic affairs and to play roles as emerging community leaders. Vicky Wingert--for her steadfast effort as a community volunteer. Vicky Wingert has gone well beyond her role as Executive Vice President of Reston Association (RA) in working for a better Reston, where her personal contributions go far beyond her job related duties. She uses her talent in firm-making to maximize the visual image of Reston for residents, visitors and employers. She has volunteered her services in the production of The Difference is Reston; Reston Interfaith's 25 Anniversary celebration, a presentation that stressed the importance of its program; and Pals, the Movie, a firm created for PALS, Reston's early learning center, to assist parents in selecting a quality care facility. Vicky also volunteers for countless other programs, including the Reston Festival, Character Counts! Coalition of Reston, the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and more. Throughout her 23 years of community service, her volunteer efforts have been to the advantage of the entire community and have affected thousands. She is a strong advocate for the community and seeks to provide the leadership necessary to further implement the goals on which Reston was founded. She is a wonderful steward and acts from the conviction that Reston, on her watch, will be an extraordinary community. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in honoring the Best of Reston award winners for all of their hard work in making their community a better place to live.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from California (Mr. Horn) yielding me this time. I rise today in support of a piece of legislation I think is very important, H.R. 3582, the Federal Flexibility Act of 2000, legislation which will address an ongoing problem in Federal information technology contracts. I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Horn), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology for his assistance in moving this important legislation forward. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3582 is necessary because Federal contracting officers frequently write into IT contracts minimum personnel requirements that hamper the ability of contractors to find qualified personnel to perform the contract. Oftentimes, this means government contractors cannot hire personnel who they believe can successfully perform the work, but instead they search for just simply qualified resumes. This is a burden on the information and technology industry, it is a burden on the American taxpayer, and it contributes to the chronic worker shortage faced by the technology industry because the Federal Government is the largest purchaser of IT products in the world, spending about $28 billion on goods and services each year. The Fed-Flex Act would require Federal agencies to justify the minimum personnel requirements frequently written into government contracts. Federal agencies have been experiencing something called ``credential creep'' in the way they write contracts. The problem has become so significant that the Virginia Secretary of Technology, Don Upson, found in a report issued by his office this past September, that minimum personnel requirements are the second largest contributor to the IT workforce shortage in my home State of Virginia. This report was titled ``A Study of Virginia's Information Technology Workforce.'' It strongly recommended that both the government and private sector companies objectively evaluate alternative forms of training and focus on investments in training rather than on degrees or resumes. The nationwide shortage of IT workers is estimated at 364,000, and it is estimated at over 24,000 in the Northern Virginia region alone for the information technology worker shortage. Now, what these minimum personnel requirements mean for the government is that a Bill Gates or a Michael Dell cannot perform work with the government on most contracts. Since neither one of them holds a college degree, many Federal agencies would not allow them to perform IT work for the government. When Federal agencies write credential creep into contracts, they hinder the ability of Federal contractors to hire qualified personnel to get the job done, and they increase the total cost of the contract to the government and, therefore, the American taxpayer. In this era of serious labor shortages in nearly every sector of our economy, this practice drives up prices and it limits the flexibility of offers. The government will get better results if it issues performance-based statements of work and leaves it up to the offeror to propose how they will satisfy that requirement. The government should hold the winning offeror accountable for the quality of the cake, not dictate the ingredients that go into the recipe. Another recent workforce study released by the Information Technology Association of America found that U.S. companies anticipate a demand for 1.6 million IT workers in the next year. According to that study, about 50 percent of the applicants for these jobs would not have the skills required to perform the jobs, meaning that up to 850,000 of these slots go unfilled. The private sector knows it has to adapt to address this shortage and invest in the training that will allow them to get the job done. Let us make sure the Federal Government is not the stumbling block to reaching that goal. The Fed-Flex Act requires agencies to realize that key skills are what matters the most to mission accomplishment within the agencies, not how those skills are acquired. Recently, there has been ongoing debate about solving the labor shortage in the United States by lifting the cap on H1-B visas. I am a strong supporter of lifting this visa cap, and I am an original cosponsor of my colleague's, the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), H.R. 3982, the HI-TECH Act, which raises the cap to 200,000 for H1-Bs. But we all know this is a short-term solution. We need to recognize the new types of training employees receive and encourage American businesses to hire employees who have received less traditional methods of training. We also need to encourage our Federal Government to be a leader in solving the workplace shortage and not remain behind the curve as is so often the case. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3582 recognizes the investment that firms make in their employees every day. Many IT firms spend a significant amount of time and dollars training their employees to be up to speed on the latest products and services. The Fed-Flex Act would require agencies to justify the use of such minimum mandatory personnel requirements before imposing such requirements on a particular solicitation for IT services. The Fed-Flex Act would require agencies to justify the use of such minimum mandatory personnel requirements before imposing such requirements in a particular solicitation for IT services. Where the contracting officer determines that the agency's need cannot be met without such requirement, the legislation would not preclude such requirements. Moreover, the legislation would not preclude the agencies from evaluating the advantages that may be associated with a particular employee's experience or education, including participation in an in- house training and certification program. This bill continues the many successes of recent procurement reforms and redirects government to focus on products, not process. Recently, a study released by the American Association of Community Colleges indicated that 20 percent of community college attendees are pursuing degrees to work on technology issues. With the worker shortage we face in the Nation, it is of great concern to me that the Federal Government could prevent these highly motivated young people from pursuing a technology career. Credential creep is a Federal Government- wide problem. We have fallen behind in recruiting IT workers for the Federal workforce and training Federal workers to take part in the information technology revolution. Yet, the government demands a college degree for entry level positions that might be filled by individuals who have received another form of job training that may be superior. I believe that Federal flexibility is important to address the immediate need within the government, but I am also committed to working closely with my friends in the workforce community to look at credential creep problems as well. Mr. Speaker, I would like to point to the many organizations that support H.R. 3582. Fed-Flex is supported by ITAA, American Electronics Association, Contract Services Association, Professional Services Council, and CapNet. I would like to quote from a letter sent over by Harris Miller, the President of ITAA. ``The Federal Contractor Flexibility Act is a home run for practical, efficient, and effective government contracting.'' I would also like to submit a copy of the ITAA letter for the Record. May 2, 2000. Rep. Tom Davis. Dear Congressman Davis: On behalf of the 26,000 direct and affiliate members of the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), I write to urge quick passage of the Federal Contractor Flexibility Act of 2000. We applaud you for sponsoring this common sense bill. This is legislation that recognizes a critical demand for appropriately skilled high tech workers is one of the most vexing problems facing employers today--both in and outside of government. At the same time, it realizes that key skills--and not how they are acquired--are what matters most to mission accomplishment within agencies. A few weeks ago, ITAA released Bridging the Gap: IT Job Skills for a New Millennium, a major national study on the workforce issue. We found that U.S. companies anticipate a demand for 1.6 million IT workers in the next 12 months. Because roughly fifty percent of applicants will not have the skills required to perform these jobs, over 850,000 IT positions will go begging. Our study suggests that in the private sector, this demand pressure has caused hiring managers to revisit the issue of ``what it takes'' to get the job done. At one time, the federal government's preference for contractor staff with certain years of experience and a college degree was understandable. Unfortunately, what made sense five to ten years ago does not make sense in today's environment. Indeed, so much has changed in information technology that today's college graduates or those from community colleges are very prepared to take on immediate responsibilities at federal agencies. Talented people with skills in database design, programming, web development and other technical areas have invaluable skills that the federal agencies need today, not three or more years from now. The agencies that do have specific needs should by all means be able to request certain skills sets and experience, but your legislation will eliminate the situation we find today where old boilerplate language with outmoded requirements is commonly used and reused in thousands of contracts. As you have mentioned your comments, it is more than ironic that some of the foremost leaders of the IT industry, Bill Gates, Michael Dell, and Larry Ellison, would be precluded from most Federal contracts since they did not complete their four year degree! The Federal Contractor Flexibility Act is a homerun for practical, efficient and effective government contracting. We ask that all Members of Congress support its speedy passage into law. Very truly yours, Harris N. Miller, President. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3582 will help ensure that contracts are performance based rather than process driven. I am dismayed to hear that the administration is not ready to support the legislation at this time, and while I applaud OMB and my friend Dee Lee's commitment to performance-based contracting, I believe that the law does not need a clarification on these minimum personnel requirements. Additionally, the letter from OMB concerns me because it recognizes the problem but it does not support the legislative fix that gives it the authority it needs to ensure the problem is corrected. In my conversations with local Chambers of Commerce in Northern Virginia, and national procurement organizations, I have heard many instances where these personnel requirements have hampered companies' ability to work with government. I have also been presented with evidence that these minimum personnel requirements have been used at various government agencies to favor incumbent contractors rather than promoting open competition. I have even heard of an instance where the contract employees who unpack computers at some agencies are required to hold college degrees. Mr. Speaker, I will insert the rest of my comments in the Record at this time. I just want to urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. I want to thank my colleague next door, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran) for his leadership on this issue in cosponsoring this, and my colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner) for helping to bring this to the floor so expeditiously. Mr. Speaker, in the new economy, we are all learning new management techniques and the government can not be last to the table in this effort. Earlier this year, the Department of Labor issued two advisory opinions that threatened to harm the operation of the engine driving our economy, the technology sector. Many of you may be familiar with both the telecommuting and stock options decisions. While we should have those problems solved in the short-term through clarifying Congressional legislation that even the Labor Department has now recognized as necessary, we need to ensure that the government does not continue to impede the development of IT products and services through its own contracting and management processes. Mr. Speaker, I have also received contract examples from the Departments of Defense and Treasury, and the General Services Administration that include minimum personnel requirements. The Defense Department includes these cumbersome requirements for entry-level IT positions that include such basic tasks as data-entry, and they do not give contractors any opportunity to apply for a waiver. The Treasury contract includes these requirements but then says a company may apply for a waiver after contract award although the waiver requires a significant amount of paperwork to get approved. The GSA requirement is on an IDIQ contract that would affect several companies at the same time and drive-up costs of all of the competing bids. Mr. Speaker, again I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. I know it will provide important relief to Virginia and government contractors across the nation. It will also provide a tremendous cost-savings to the government.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I commend the authors of the resolution on both sides, as well as our Federal workforce and, of course, the contractors who worked together on this thing. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 300. I would like to thank my colleagues, Representatives Morella and Horn for introducing this resolution, and commend them for their outstanding leadership on the Y2K issue. Their vigilant oversight made the Administration and agencies recognize the potential disasters associated with the Y2K rollover. As a member of the Government Management Information Technology Subcommittee, I was proud to work with my colleagues on this oversight. This commitment from Congress helped to ensure that our nation did not see an interruption in the delivery of critical goods and services on January 1, 2000. In 1996, Representatives Horn and Morella began the initial hearings on Y2K and discovered that many of our federal operations were significantly behind in addressing the Y2K bug. It was readily apparent that there could be severe consequences if federal agencies and their employees were not able to address the pending Y2K crisis. There were many outside of government that believed the federal workforce would fail. Our federal workforce once again proved those naysayers wrong. Our federal employees rose to meet this challenge and devoted countless hours to tackling the technological complexities of the Y2K problem. American taxpayers saw their return on investment on January 1, 2000. There were no delayed Social Security checks and no federal services were interrupted. This is due in large part to the federal employees who worked weekends and holidays to ensure that the millennium bug came without so much as a whimper. As H. Con. Res. 300 states, the United States has over one-quarter of the world's computer assets and is the most technologically dependent nation in the world. The leadership of our federal workforce continues to ensure that this dependence does not provide a threat to our nation's well-being. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 300 and its swift passage today.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise and pay tribute to the members of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Chapter at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, Virginia. The three hundred forty-one members of the Robinson DECA chapter have launched a dual campaign to not only educate the public about the benefits of Automatic External Defibrillators (AED), but to also increase support in Congress for the lifesaving bill H.R. 2498, the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act. Robinson's DECA Chapter recognized that a group of potential sudden cardiac arrest victims have been ignored by the public: teenagers. These energetic members sought to rectify this situation by initiating a public relations campaign to raise general awareness about the benefits of AED's and to outfit high schools with these valuable devices. In a school as large as Robinson Secondary School, with 5,000 teachers, students, administrators, and community members, the need for an AED is particularly evident. In order to acquire the first student- purchased AED in the country, Robinson DECA held the Heart Start Shopping Night and raised the needed $3,500. In working with the American Heart Association and a professional adult advisor committee, Robinson DECA realized that not every state currently has legislation to provide Good Samaritan protection for operators of the AED. This motivated DECA to work in support of the passage of H.R. 2495, the Cardiac Survival Act. This important piece of legislation, of which I am proud to be a co-sponsor of, would remove some of the barriers concerning the placement of AED's in public places by extending the Good Samaritan protection to AED users. Their lobbying efforts included developing a slogan and logo, researching H.R. 2495 in order to write a research paper, personally lobbying all 435 House of Representative members and staff, staging a rally on the steps of the United States Capitol, holding a press conference, and designating and operating an internet home page. As all members of Congress surely know by now, once Robinson DECA rallies in support of a cause, they will not rest until the job is done. This was evident with their successful work towards the signing of the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act and in their efforts to promote organ and tissue donation among our young people in America. Their current campaign for H.R. 2495 is traveling down that same road to success. Their dedicated, hard work has led to a substantial increase in co-sponsors and wide-spread support for the bill in the House of Representatives. Furthermore, their public educational campaign has enlightened the public about AED's and implementing them to save someone in cardiac arrest. Mr. Speaker, everyday 1,000 Americans suffer from sudden cardiac arrest, usually outside of a hospital setting. Unfortunately, more than 95 percent of the victims die because life-saving equipment is not readily available or arrives too late. Therefore, the work of Robinson's DECA chapter is vitally needed, and I applauded their enthusiasm and dedication in helping others understand the great need for AED's.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I bring to the attention of my colleagues the celebration of Direct Deposit and Direct Payment Week, which will be observed around the country on May 15-19, 2000. This effort is dedicated to educating consumers, businesses, employers, financial institutions and billers of all kinds about the importance of Direct Deposit and Direct Payment as financial management tools. The Direct Deposit and Direct Payment Coalition, composed of the Federal Reserve, the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA)--The Electronic Payments Association, and regional Automated Clearing House Associations, is celebrating this week to promote the benefits of Direct Deposit and Direct Payment to improve the efficiency of the Nation's payments system, to reduce payment risk, and to provide utmost privacy and security to users. Direct Deposit and Direct Payment, electronic payment methods that allow consumers and businesses to be paid and to pay bills automatically, can reduce the Nation's costs considerably. Our Nation's payments system costs more than that of most other industrialized nations. Direct Deposit and Direct Payment are two ``unsung heroes'' of wise financial management. Individuals can save effortlessly by earmarking part of their pay for Direct Payment into their savings or investment account. Saving for the future and managing finances wisely are important responsibilities. In addition, as a less costly and more efficient alternative to paper-based systems, Direct Deposit and Direct Payment benefit nearly every consumer and business. Think of what our lives would be like without Direct Deposit and Direct Payment. Does anyone have time these days to stand in bank lines to deposit paychecks every week or two? With Direct Deposit, an individual's pay is automatically deposited into his/her checking or savings account. With Direct Payment, individuals can pay bills, such as mortgage or cable, directly from their accounts. Direct Payment saves time, and guarantees that payments will be made on time, every time. No more buying stamps, looking for mailboxes or worrying about the payments. Direct Payment can be used to make a large variety of payments, from utility to insurance to brokerage to telephone. Mr. Speaker, I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in supporting Direct Deposit and Direct Payment Week. These secure, efficient and highly confidential payment methods have helped individuals and business save time and manage their finances more efficiently and securely for more than 25 years. And I urge all Americans to recognize the importance of these valuable financial tools.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today introduced a new piece of legislation that will help Federal employees and retirees better afford health care. The bill, which is titled the Federal Employees Health Insurance Premium Conversion Act, greatly expands a program already being utilized by several branches of the federal government. Under this bill, all current legislative branch employees, uniformed service employees, and all military and civilian retirees and their spouses would be able to have their health care premiums paid out of their pre- tax earnings. Mr. Speaker, under this plan, which is already available to judicial branch and postal employees and will soon be available to all executive branch employees, federal workers who have previously struggled to pay their health care premiums will find that task just a little easier every month. Federal Retirees and their families, many of whom are on a fixed income, will also be able to pay their health care premiums without spending their entire months budget. In short, Mr. Speaker, this bill will help federal employees compensate for the discrepancies between their pay and the private sector. It will further help us recognize the contributions made by federal retirees and allow them and their families afford health care. In closing, I would ask all my colleagues to join me in support of this bill, and help get it passed so it can begin helping the people who need it the most as soon as possible.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of those who lost their lives during the Armenian Genocide. The Armenians are an ancient people, having inhabited the highland region between the Black, Caspian, and Mediterranean seas for almost 3,000 years. Armenia was sometimes independent under its national dynasties, autonomous under native princes, or subjected to foreign rulers. The Armenians were among the first groups of people to adopt Christianity and to have developed a distinct national-religious culture. Turkey invaded Armenia in the beginning of the 11th century, AD and conquered the last Armenian kingdom three centuries later. Most of the territories which had formed the medieval Armenian kingdoms were incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. While the Armenians were included in the Ottoman Empire's multi-national and multi-religious state, they suffered discrimination, special taxes, prohibition to bear arms, and other second-class citizenship status. In spite of these restrictions, Armenians lived in relative peace until the late 1800's. When the Ottoman Empire started to strain under the weight of internal corruption and external challenges, the government increased oppression and intolerance against Armenians. The failure of the Ottoman system to prevent the further decline of its empire led to the overthrow of the government by a group of reformists known as the Young Turks. It would be under the Young Turks' rule between 1915 and 1918 that Armenians would be forcibly taken from their homeland and killed. Hundreds of thousands of Armenian men were rounded up and deported to Syria by way of train and forced caravan marches. Armenian women and children were subjected to indescribable cruelties prior to losing their lives as well. While many Armenians survived the conditions of the packed cattle cars, they did not survive the Syrian desert. Killed by bandits or conditions from desert heat and exhaustion, most victims of the forced caravan marches did not even reach the killing centers in Syria. While others perished in the concentration camps in the Syrian desert where disease, starvation, and other health conditions brought about their demise. This genocide, which was preceded by a series of massacres in 1894- 1896 and in 1909 and was followed by another series of massacres in 1920, essentially dispersed Armenians and removed them from their historic homeland. The persecution of the Armenian people has left psychological scars among the survivors and their families. No person should have to endure the trauma and horrors that they have. On May 2, 1995, I had the honor of meeting the former Armenian Ambassador to the United States, Rouben Robert Shugarian, at a Congressional reception commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. Ambassador Shugarian introduced me to several survivors of the 1915 genocide. This experience was a deeply moving and personal reminder of the 1.5 million Armenians who perished during the systematic extermination by the Ottoman Empire. It is important that we not only commemorate the Armenian Genocide, but honor the memory of those who lost their lives during this time. We must never forget this horrific and shameful time in world history so that it will never be repeated again.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to introduce legislation with my good friend and colleague from northern Virginia, Representative Jim Loran, that will facilitate the protection of our nation's critical infrastructure from cyber threats. In the 104th Congress, we called upon the Administration to study our nation's critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and to identify solutions to address these vulnerabilities. The Administration has, through the President and participating agencies, identified a number of steps that must be taken in order to eliminate the potential for significant damage to our critical infrastructure. Foremost among these suggestions is the need to ensure coordination between the public and private sector representatives of critical infrastructure. The bill I am introducing today is the first step in encouraging private sector cooperation and participation with the government to accomplish this objective. The critical infrastructure of the United States is largely owned and operated by the private sector. Critical infrastructures are those systems that are essential to the minimum operations of the economy and government. Our critical infrastructure is comprised of the financial services, telecommunications, information technology, transportation, water systems, emergency services, electric power, gas and oil sectors in private industry as well as our National Defense, and Law Enforcement and International Security sectors within the government. Traditionally, these sectors operated largely independently of one another and coordinated with government to protect themselves against threats posed by traditional warfare. Today, these sectors must learn how to protect themselves against unconventional threats such as terrorist attacks, and cyber attack. These sectors must also recognize the vulnerabilities they may face because of the tremendous technological progress we have made. As we learned when planning for the challenges presented by the Year 2000 rollover, many of our computer systems and networks are now interconnected and communicate with many other systems. With the many advances in information technology, many of our critical infrastructure sectors are linked to one another and face increased vulnerability to cyber threats. Technology interconnectivity increases the risk that problems affecting one system will also affect other connected systems. Computer networks can provide pathways among systems to gain unauthorized access to data and operations from outside locations if they are not carefully monitored and protected. A cyber threat could quickly shutdown any one of our critical infrastructures and potentially cripple several sectors at one time. Nations around the world, including the United States, are currently training their military and intelligence personnel to carry out cyber attacks against other nations to quickly and efficiently cripple a nation's daily operations. cyber attacks have moved beyond the mischievous teenager and are being learned and used by terrorist organizations as the latest weapon in a nation's arsenal. In June 1998 and February 1999, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency testified before Congress that several nations recognize that cyber attacks against civilian computer systems represent the most viable option for leveling the playing field in an armed crisis against the United States. The Director also stated that several terrorist organizations believed information warfare to be a low cost opportunity to support their causes. Both Presidential Decision Directive 63 (PDD- 63) issued in May 1998, and the President's National Plan for Information Systems Protection, Version 1.0 issued in January 2000, call on the legislative branch to build the necessary framework to encourage information sharing to address cyber security threats to our nation's privately held critical infrastructure. Recently, we have learned the inconveniences that may be caused by a cyber attack or unforeseen circumstance. Earlier this year, many of our most popular sites such as Yahoo, eBay and Amazon.com were shutdown for several hours at a time over several days by a team of hackers interested in demonstrating their capability to disrupt service. While we may have found the shutdown of these sites temporarily inconvenient, they potentially cost those companies significant amounts of lost revenue, and it is not too difficult to imagine what would have occurred if the attacks had been focused on our utilities, or emergency services industries. We, as a society, have grown increasingly dependent on our infrastructure providers. I am sure many of you recall when PanAmSat's Galaxy IV satellite's on-board controller lost service. An estimated 80 to 90% of our nation's pagers were inoperable, and hospitals had difficulty reaching doctors on call and emergency workers. It even impeded the ability of consumers to use credit cards to pay for their gas at the pump. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated that the incidence of cyber security threats to both the government and the private sector are only increasing. According to an October 1999 report issued by the General Accounting Office (GAO), the number of reported computer security incidents handled by Carnegie-Mellon University's CERT Coordination Center has increased from 1,334 in 1993 to 4,398 during the first two quarters of 1999. Additionally, the Computer Security Institute reported an increased in attacks for the third year in a row based on responses to their annual survey on computer security. GAO has done a number of reports that give Congress an accurate picture of the risk facing federal agencies; they cannot track such information for the private sector. We must rely on the private sector to share its vulnerabilities with the federal government so that all of our critical infrastructures are protected. Today, I am introducing legislation that gives critical infrastructure industries the assurances they The Cyber Security Information Act of 2000 is closely modeled after the successful Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act by providing a limited FOIA exemption, civil litigation protection for shared information, and an antitrust exemption for information shared within an ISAC. These three protections have been previously cited by the Administration as necessary legislative remedies in Version 1.0 of the National Plan and PDD-63. This legislation will enable the ISACs to move forward without fear from industry so that government and industry may enjoy the mutually cooperative partnership called for in PDD-63. This will also allow us to get a timely and accurate assessment of the vulnerabilities of each sector to cyber attacks and allow for the formulation of proposals to eliminate these vulnerabilities without increasing government regulation, or expanding unfunded federal mandates on the private sector. PDD-63 calls upon the government to put in place a critical infrastructure proposal that will allow for three tasks to be accomplished by 2003: (1) The Federal Government must be able to perform essential national security missions and to ensure the general public health and safety; (2) State and local governments must be able to maintain order and to deliver minimum essential public services; and (3) The private sector must be able to ensure the orderly functioning of the economy and the delivery of essential telecommunications, energy, financial, and transportation services. This legislation will allow the private sector to meet this deadline. We will also ensure the ISACs can move forward to accomplish their missions by developing the necessary technical expertise to establish baseline statistics and patterns within the various infrastructures, become a clearinghouse for information within and among the various sectors, and provide a repository of valuable information that may be used by the private sector. As technology continues to rapidly improve industry efficiency and operations, so will the risks posed by vulnerabilities and threats to our infrastructure. We must create a framework that will allow our protective measures to adapt and be updated quickly. It is my hope that we will be able to move forward quickly with this legislation and that Congress and the Administration can move forward in partnership to provide industry and government with the tools for meeting this challenge. A Congressional Research Service report on the ISAC proposal describes the information sharing model one of the most crucial pieces for success in protecting our critical infrastructure, yet one of the hardest pieces to realize. With the introduction of the Cyber Security Information Act of 2000, we are removing the primary barrier to information sharing between government and industry. This is landmark legislation that will be replicated around the globe by other nations as they too try to address threats to their critical infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, I believe that the Cyber Security Information Act of 2000 will help us address critical infrastructure cyber threats with the same level of success we achieved in addressing the Year 2000 problem. With government and industry cooperation, the seamless delivery of services and the protection or our nation's economy and well-being will continue without interruption just as the delivery of services continued on January 1, 2000.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4067, the Business Checking Modernization Act. This critically needed legislation would lift the sixty-five year prohibition against banks paying interest on business checking accounts. Present law restricts the ability of the banking industry to provide interest-bearing checking accounts for businesses. H.R. 4067 would repeal this Depression-ear ban on such accounts by allowing banks to competitively price their products and services in an open market to business customers. Additionally, this legislation offers an important opportunity for small business owners to establish a more complete relationship with their financial service provider. I applaud Chairman Leach and Representative Metcalf who when crafting this vital piece of legislation recognized that a transition time period is necessary to allow banks to implement these sweeping changes that would alter the long-standing way banks have been conducting their relationships with business customers. Because of the prohibition against paying interest on corporate demand deposits, many banks have structured their relationship with business customers to take this into account by providing additional services, such as handling payroll accounts, or establishing lower loan rates for these customers. A substantial transition period is needed to allow for the conclusion of these existing relationships and provides banks an opportunity to enter into new relationships with their business customers that are priced to reflect the change in law. I strongly support a reasonable transition period to allow banks to adapt to these new banking practices. Should this bill go to conference, I believe that it would be detrimental to the banking industry to agree to any shorter transition period than that provided in H.R. 4067. While I do strongly support the positive changes this bill will bring to the banking industry, I do have one concern that this bill failed to address. Several banks in my district have expressed their alarm that the shift towards a direct interest payment on business checking accounts will impose new burdensome costs on banks because of the interest payments themselves and the cost of establishing these new types of accounts. In 1998, when we passed legislation similar to H.R. 4067, we provided banks with an offset for these expenses. In this previous bill the Federal Reserve would have paid interest on required and excess reserves that depository institutions maintain as balances at Federal Reserve Banks. The Federal Reserve has testified in support of paying interest on these ``sterile reserves'' because it could induce banks to increase their reserve balances. I am encouraged by Chairman Leach's promise to further explore this option by holding a Banking Committee hearing on this issue on May 5, 2000. I believe that the hearing will reveal a strong need by the banking industry to ease the cost-burdens associated with this bill and the Federal Reserve's willingness to collaborate on this matter. It is my hope that the Chairman will support allowing for the payment of interest on sterile reserves, as provided for in related legislation in the Senate, should this bill go to conference. I applaud Chairman Leach and Representative Metcalf for their hard work on this initiative to increase fair competition in the marketplace and economic efficiency in banking practices. It is my hope that we can continue to work towards perfecting this bill at conference in the near future. I urge all my colleagues to vote in support of the Business Checking Modernization Act.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would further engage the gentleman from California. Does either point of order preclude the inclusion of H.R. 2563 with directed scorekeeping language in an appropriations bill? Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier).

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's assurance. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio, Mr. Kasich.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise to engage the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Rules, in a colloquy with respect to the points of order contained in the budget resolution. The first point of order prohibits the inclusion of directed scorekeeping language, and the second prohibits the consideration of advanced appropriations above $23 billion in the fiscal year 2001. My question is: Does either point of order preclude the consideration of H.R. 2563, a bill that provides advanced contract authority for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge? Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier).

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to honor Mr. Joel T. Broyhill. I am proud to be a co-sponsor along with my colleagues from Northern Virginia, Congressmen Frank Wolf and Jom Moran, of H.R. 3699, designating that the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3409 Lee Highway in Merrifield, Virginia, to be known as ``Joel T. Broyhill Postal Building.'' Mr. Broyhill has served a distinguished career in the United States Army and as a Representative from Virginia's 10th Congressional District. Born in Hopewell, Virginia, November 1919, the Honorable Joel Broyhill was first elected to the Eighty-third Congress in 1952 as a Republican and served for 22 years as representative of the 10th Congressional District. He was the first elected representative of the newly created district. He served as a member of the House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service, and a committee nearest to my heart, the Committee on the District of Columbia and the Committee on Ways and Means. Congressman Broyhill, a decorated veteran, served four years in World War II as a Captain in the 106th Infantry Division. At age 25, he fought in the ``Battle of the Bulge'' and was held captive in a German POW camp until he heroically escaped and made his way back to the advancing Allied armies. The Honorable Joel Broyhill has dedicated his life to serving his country in both the military and as a public official. The Almanac of American Politics stated that Congressman Broyhill ``should be credited by voting his conscience.'' His commitment and dedication to public service is deserving of recognition, and it is appropriate that the postal building at 3409 Lee Highway in Merrifield, Virginia. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor such a man as Joel Broyhill. He was ably served his country and community. I know my colleagues join me in honoring and thanking Joel for his many years of dedicated service to the people of Virginia's 10th Congressional District.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to honor Mr. Joseph L. Fisher. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of H.R. 3701, introduced by Representative Frank Wolf and Representative Jim Moran, which designates the United States Post Office facility located at 3118 Washington Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia, to be known as the ``Joseph L. Fisher Post Office Building.'' Mr. Fisher served a distinguished career in both the U.S. Armed Forces and as the first Representative from Virginia's 10th Congressional District. Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, January 11, 1914, the late Congressman Joseph Fisher was first elected as the representative of the 10th Congressional District of Virginia in 1974 as a Democrat and began his service in the Ninety-fourth Congress. He held the seat of Congressman Frank Wolf. He served three terms and was the second Member of Congress to represent the 10th Congressional District. He served the 10th district through a period of tremendous growth and change for Northern Virginia. During his six years in Congress he served as a member of the House Ways and Means and Budget committees and earned a reputation for his diligent work on taxation, energy and budget policy. He also served as chair of seven task forces all on national policy issues. When he first came to Northern Virginia he accepted a position as an economist at the U.S. Department of State before serving his country in World War II in the Pacific theater from 1943 to 1946. After he returned to the area, he was elected to the Arlington County Board in 1963 and became an advocate for regional air, water pollution and transit improvement projects. He also served as a Chairman of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. After his service in Congress, he continued his public service at the state level during Virginia Governor Charles S. Robb's administration as Secretary of Human Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Former Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder once stated, ``Joe proved how well one can serve the people. He did it every day.'' Congressman Fisher dedicated his life to public service and was a committed advocate of the causes in which he believed. It is fitting to recognize his service and commitment by renaming the post office located at 3118 Washington Boulevard, Arlington County, Virginia. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor such a man as Joseph Fisher. He has ably served his country and community. I know my colleagues join me in honoring Joseph for his many years of service to his nation and the people of Virginia's 10th Congressional District.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today to rise and bring to the attention of my colleagues some very special public safety personnel in Fairfax City, in the Eleventh Congressional District of Virginia. Every year the Fairfax Central Chamber of Commerce honors police officers and fire fighters who have shown the highest level of dedication to their noble duties. These individuals who are role models to others in their profession were honored on February 24, 2000 at the 1999 Public Safety Awards Luncheon. The 1999 awards recipients are: Career Fire Fighter of the Year: Technician James B. Jeckell: Technician Jeckell is recognized with this prestigious award for his diligent efforts, exceptional work, and commitment to the Fire Department. Technician Jeckell's attention to detail and quality is exceptional, and as the protective clothing representative, he consistently obtains the best available protective gear presently made to meet the needs of our station personnel. He also handles equipment procurement and necessary repairs needed on the Department's small equipment. Technician Jeckell serves on the Department's training committee, and is consistently methodical, goal oriented, and focused on performing his duties with the highest standards of excellence during emergency incidents. Volunteer Fire Fighter of the Year: Hana F. Brilliant: Fire Fighter Brilliant is recognized for her tremendous commitment to the fire department in volunteering an extensive number of overtime/recall hours. She has covered shift vacancies with little or no notice, and consistently and promptly responds to requests for staffing assistance. During calendar year 1999, she volunteered 582 minimum staffing hours. In addition to her service in operational staffing roles, she is dedicated to training, and attends in-station training on a regular basis. During the pilot Fire Fighter I & II certification class, Fire Fighter Brilliant not only served as an instructor, but was also responsible for arranging volunteer coverage for career on-duty instructors. She continues in this role with our current certification class. Additionally, Fire Fighter Brilliant serves as a contributing member of the Department's Quality Council and the Training Committee. Valor Award: Bruce Suslowitz: Fire Medic Suslowitz is being honored today with an Honorable Mention of Valor for his life-saving actions at the three-alarm fire at 3939 Persimmon Drive on January 7, 2000. As a member of the first-arriving unit on the scene, and after giving the appropriate situation report, Fire Medic Suslowitz approached the building to ensure all tenants were exiting safely. Upon opening the stairway door, Fire Medic Suslowitz heard someone yelling for assistance. Without regard for his own safety, Fire Medic Suslowitz rapidly ascended three floors to find an 80-year-old wheelchair-bound man being assisted by his 17-year-old neighbor. Ultimately, without the assistance of anyone, Fire Medic Suslowitz valiantly rescued the gentleman from the smoke-filled building, who was then treated and taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. Police Officer of the Year: Detective Michael D. Boone: Detective Michael Boone is being honored today for his consistently high level of dedication in the performance of his law enforcement duties. An example of his dedication to upholding the law was demonstrated on a peeping- Tom case involving a sexual offender with prior convictions of burglary, rape, and abduction. Over the course of several months, Detective Boone's initiative and excellent investigative techniques triggered a probation violation hearing. As a result, the judge imposed the entirety of a 10-year sentence in the State Penitentiary on the probation violation. Detective Boone's actions successfully removed a violent sex offender from the community. Life Saving Award: Officer Craig M. Buckley and Officer Martin Nachtman: On July 7, 1999, Officer Nachtman responded to a call in the Fairfax Circle area for an individual panhandling and bothering customers of a business. When he arrived on scene, the individual was not at the building. Upon checking the area for the individual, he was found behind the building. The man, using the belt, had hanged himself from a handrail on the steps to the rear of the building. Officer Buckley then arrived on the scene. The officers immediately lifted the man and removed the belt from around his neck. The individual was nonresponsive and not breathing. At this point the officers began to administer CPR to the subject. Their efforts were successful in restoring the man's breathing. City of Fairfax Fire and Rescue units arrived and continued to care for this individual and transported him to the hospital. He was originally listed in critical condition, but has since improved and is expected to make a full recovery. Several factors stand out in the performance of these officers: the quick response to a seemingly minor call; the diligence in checking for the subject when he was not present at the location; and finally, the teamwork and life-saving action that each of them took. These fine police officers should be commended for the exemplary role they played in saving a man's life. Due to the dedicated efforts of public service providers, like Technician Jim Jeckell, Fire Fighter Hana Brilliant, Fire Medic Bruce Suslowitz, Detective Michael Boone, Officer Martin Nachtman, and Officer Craig Buckley, who place the safety and well-being of others above their own, the city of Fairfax is a better place to live. They have rightfully earned the highest appreciation and respect from myself, the members of the Fairfax Central Chamber of Commerce, and from all the people of our community whose lives they have touched. I know my colleagues will join me in thanking these heroes for a job well done.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, just to respond to the gentleman from Michigan, victims are not hurt by capping punitive damages. They still get all their actual damages. They get economic damages. Punitive damages are to punish defendants who behave in the wrong way, not to reward the victims. This does not touch what the victims can get from actual damages. But I support this legislation. Small businesses are the engine that drives our economy. Small businesses account for 99.7 percent of the nation's employers, employing 53 percent of the private workforce, contributing 47 percent of all sales in this country and responsible for 50 percent of the private gross domestic product. In a recent Gallop survey, one out of every 5 small businesses claimed they do not hire more employees or expand their business or introduce a new product or improve an existing product out of fear of litigation. The facts show that nationwide liability reform is what our small businesses need. For example, there was an increase of 28 percent in civil filings in State courts since 1984, and the median awards in product liability cases increased 227 percent between 1997 and 1998. Small businesses simply cannot afford to stay in business if they spend their time, energy, and resources fighting lawsuits that are without merit. Small businesses are often severely burdened by frivolous lawsuits. Since 1960, the number of such lawsuits have tripled and unwarranted lawsuits have cost them billions of dollars, and in effect cost American consumers that same amount. Many small businesses are being forced to settle lawsuits, rather than bear the expense of litigation. In an effort to counter this growing trend, H.R. 2366 seeks to protect small businesses by reducing their exposure to frivolous litigation. I believe this is much-needed legislation because it includes strategically targeted reforms which have strong bicameral, bipartisan support. This measure comprises several measures that will limit product liability in small businesses. Those businesses are defined as having fewer than 25 employees. This legislation will cap punitive damages at $250,000 or three times compensatory damages, whichever is less, in any civil lawsuit against small business. In order to receive damages, plaintiffs must meet the ``clear and convincing evidence'' standard that the defendant acted with willful misconduct and was flagrantly indifferent to the rights and safety of others. In addition, H.R. 2366 exempts small business defendants from joint and several liability for noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering. Under this legislation, defendants will only be liable for the proportion of the judgment that corresponds to their percentage of the actual fault. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 2366 exempts retailers, renters, and lessors from legal responsibility for products that they receive from manufacturers, but did not alter, and which subsequently malfunctioned or caused damages, which makes perfect sense. I believe the uniform standard for awarding punitive damages outlined in this legislation is a vital and necessary part of tort reform. This is a fair and sensible solution to the high number of frivolous lawsuits clogging up our court today. Given that nearly 60 percent of the American workforce is employed by small business with 25 or fewer full-time employees, I think it is essential that we pass this legislation so our small businesses may become more innovative and competitive in today's global marketplace. I thank the gentleman for introducing this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor those of the Fairfax County Police Department who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve our community. The Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 22nd Annual Valor Awards today, Friday, February 11, 2000. The Chamber will recognize law enforcement and emergency response personnel for their acts of bravery. A Valor Award is the highest honor Fairfax County bestows upon its public safety employees. The Valor Award recipients are selected by a committee that designates honorees for a Lifesaving Award, a Certificate of Valor, or a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medal of Valor. This year, it is expected that 37 agency personnel will be honored for acts of bravery that demonstrated extraordinary ingenuity, judgement or zeal. Mr. Speaker, I would be honored today to read the names of the 22 officers of the Fairfax County Police Department who will receive the 1999 Valor Awards. Receiving the Lifesaving Award: Police Officer First Class John E. Alford, Police Officer First Class Timothy C. Benedict, Second Lieutenant Michael E. Proffitt, Police Officer First Class Michael Twomey, Police Officer First Class Jeffrey L. Gossett, Sergeant Bruce K. Blechl, Police Officer First Class Scott C. Bates, Police Officer First Class Ronald H. Burke, and Police Officer First Class Aniello A. Desantis; Certificate of Valor: Police Officer First Class John R. Chadwick, Police Officer First Class Frank J. Stecco, Public Safety Communicator III Wrentree S. Kelly, Sergeant Mark S. Culin, and Police Officer First Class Christopher M. Kindelan; Bronze Medal of Valor: Auxiliary Police Officer Gary D. Treadway, Police Officer First Class Robert M. Cornell, Police Officer William A. Giger, Master Police Officer James D. Call, Lieutenant Scott C. Durham, Second Lieutenant Jack T. Hardin, and Police Officer First Class Donald E. McAuliffe; Silver Medal of Valor: Master Police Officer Robert Wahl. In 1989, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce established a special fund to award scholarships to the children of Valor Award medal winners who wish to pursue post-secondary education. Support of the Scholarship Fund demonstrates the sincere appreciation of our County's public safety officers. Over the past ten years, more than one hundred generous businesses and individuals have contributed to this worthy fund, and numerous scholarships have been awarded. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I wish to thank all those who serve the Fairfax County Police Department. Since 1979, more than 250 members of the Fairfax County Police Department, Fire and Rescue Department, and the Office of the Sheriff have received Gold, Silver or Bronze Medals of Valor. I recognize the professionalism of the men and women who are honored here today. I applaud the heroic efforts the members of the Fairfax Police Department make on our behalf as we extend our appreciation to these exceptional individuals today. I commend these individuals and their colleagues for their undaunted commitment to the citizenry.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the men and women of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve our community. The Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 22nd Annual Valor Awards today, Friday, February 11, 2000. The Chamber will recognize law enforcement and emergency response personnel for their acts of bravery. A Valor Award is the highest honor Fairfax County bestows upon its public safety employees. The Valor Award recipients are selected by a committee that designates honorees for a Lifesaving Award, a Certificate of Valor, or a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medal of Valor. This year, it is expected that 37 agency personnel will be honored for acts of bravery that demonstrated extraordinary ingenuity, judgment, or zeal. Mr. Speaker, I would be honored today to read the names of the 17 men and women of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department who will receive the 1999 Valor Awards. Receiving the Lifesaving Award: Firefighter Barry J. Rathbone and Lieutenant Paul A. Masiello; Certificate of Valor: Lieutenant Robert E. Wheeler and Firefighter Joseph M. Laun. Bronze Medal of Valor; Technician William M. Best, Captain I Vincent R. McGregor, and Technician Kurt A. Hoffman; Silver Medal of Valor; Dr. Joseph Barbera, Captain Robert C. Dube, Master Technician Michael A. Istvan, Lieutenant Joseph E. Knerr, Technician Evan J. Lewis, Dr. Anthony Macintyre, Technician Glenn A. Mason, Technician Michael J. Stone, Technician Rex E. Strickland, and Master Technician Jack L. Walmer. In 1989, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce established a special fund to award scholarships to the children of Valor Award medal winners who wish to pursue post-secondary education. Support of the Scholarship Fund demonstrates the sincere appreciation of our County's public safety officers. Over the past ten years, more than one hundred generous businesses and individuals have contributed to this worthy fund, and numerous scholarships have been awarded. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I wish to thank all those who serve the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Since 1979, more than 250 members of the Fairfax County Police Department, Fire and Rescue Department and the Office of the Sheriff have received Gold, Silver or Bronze Medals of Valor. I recognize the professionalism of the men and women who are honored here today. I applaud the heroic efforts the members of the Fairfax Fire and Rescue make on our behalf as we extend our appreciation to these exceptional individuals today. I commend these individuals and their colleagues for their undaunted commitment to the citizenry.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor those of the Fairfax County Sheriff's Department who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve our community. The Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 22nd Annual Valor Awards today, Friday, February 11, 2000. The Chamber will recognize law enforcement and emergency response personnel for their acts of bravery. A Valor Award is the highest honor Fairfax County bestows upon its public safety employees. The Valor Award recipients are selected by a committee that designates honorees for a Lifesaving Award, a Certificate of Valor, or a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medal of Valor. This year, it is expected that 37 agency personnel will be honored for acts of bravery that demonstrated extraordinary ingenuity, judgement or zeal. Mr. Speaker, I would be honored today to read the names of the 3 officers of the Fairfax County Sheriff's Department who will receive the 1999 Valor Awards. Receiving the Lifesaving Award: Private First Class David L. Ross and Deputy Sheriff Charles E. Michael, Jr.; Bronze Medal of Valor: Deputy Sheriff Erin L. Cox. In 1989, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce established a special fund to award scholarships to the children of Valor Award medal winners who wish to pursue post-secondary education. Support of the Scholarship Fund demonstrates the sincere appreciation of our County's public safety officers. Over the past ten years, more than one hundred generous businesses and individuals have contributed to this worthy fund, and numerous scholarships have been awarded. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I wish to thank all those who serve the Fairfax County Sheriff's Department. Since 1979, more than 250 members of the Fairfax County Police Department, Fire and Rescue Department, and the Office of the Sheriff have received Gold, Silver or Bronze Medals of Valor. I recognize the professionalism of the men and women who are honored here today. I applaud the heroic efforts the members of the Fairfax Sheriff's Department make on our behalf as we extend our appreciation to these exceptional individuals today. I commend these individuals and their colleagues for their undaunted commitment to the citizenry.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Speaker, on Thursday, January 16, 2000, I joined students, teachers, and school officials at Sleepy Hollow Elementary School as the final student signatures were added to the school's ``Millennium Pledge.'' These students have decided to enter the new millennium as leaders dedicated to making their world more respectful and tolerant. In a campaign spearheaded by Sleep Hollow's student council, I praise the students for committing themselves to this endeavor. These students are taking an admirable and challenging step. The plan is simple, action oriented, and it allows each and every student to assume a leadership position that can truly make a difference in their everyday lives. The pledge kicks off a year-long character education campaign at the school. After student council members added their signatures on January 16th, the pledges were hung outside classrooms to serve as a reminder of their resolution, which reads: With my signature, I recognize that I possess the power to affect the world around me. It is my pledge to use this power to spread kindness and respect, to be accepting and tolerant, and to walk away from negative and aggressive situations. As a future leader of America it is my resolution to enter this new millennium as a nation that values life and respects our rights to live and learn in a safe society. I am the future of America. The future begins today, and it begins with me. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I again would like to commend these fine young students at Sleepy Hollow Elementary for their courage and strength in accepting this challenge from their peers. These students have signed a pledge making ``kindness and respect'' their resolution for the new millennium. This is a pledge I would encourage all people, young and old, to take.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 6, the Marriage Penalty Tax Relief Act of 2000. As an original co-sponsor of this bill, I am pleased to stand here today to urge my colleagues to vote in support of the sanctity of marriage and in turn, divorce this burdensome tax. 66,604 hard-working married couples in my district, the eleventh district of Virginia and over 21 million loving couples across the nation are unfairly penalized by our Tax Code system simply because they chose to make a life time commitment to each other and walk down the aisle. On average, the words, ``I do'' carry the high price tag of $1,400 a year. Is it right to place such an unfair financial burden on the shoulders of two wage earner working families? No, but our current tax system requires that married couples file joint tax returns based on the combined income of the husband and wife. When both the husband and the wife work, the secondary earner is, in effect, taxed at the top rate of the primary earner. As a consequence, a married couple could pay more than they would if each spouse were taxed as a single wage earner. We need the Marriage Penalty Tax Relief Act of 2000 to eliminate this financial deterrent to marriage. H.R. 6 would provides $182.3 billion in tax relief over 10 years, by raising the standard deduction for married couples filing jointly so that it is equal to twice the standard deduction single filers. It also expands the lowest tax bracket (15%) to twice that of the corresponding bracket for single filers. To help low income working families, the plan increases the Earned Income Credit (EIC), making more couple eligible for EIC assistance. I would like to commend Representative Jerry Weller for taking the initiative to introduce this vital tax relief bill. And I applaud my fellow members of the Republican Leadership and the 236 co-sponsors of this bill on both sides of the aisle, for their support for making the tax system fair for married couples a priority. Let's eliminate this penalty and give families financial freedom to make a down payment for their first home, save for a car or their child's college education. I strongly urge all of my colleagues to give married couples the best gift they could possibly receive from Congress for Valentine's Day, freedom from this punishing tax.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 1838, the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act. This legislation is important because it reaffirms our commitment to support democracy and economic stability in Asia. In 1979, Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act which ensured Taiwan's security by providing it with sufficient defensive weapons so it may protect and maintain its own national defense. While the U.S. and Taiwan do not share full diplomatic ties, our unique relationship with Taiwan demonstrates that Taiwan's security should be reinforced and enhanced. The government of Taiwan is a representative democracy and the people of Taiwan will elect a new President next month. Taiwan is a bright example of how a democratic government which allows the free market to operate becomes a region of peace coupled with remarkable economic growth. Taiwan is the world's 15th largest economy and is the United States' 7th largest trading partner, while the United States is Taiwan's largest export market. Given the events which have transpired over the past several years, it is essential that we protect American interests by promoting peace in the Taiwan Straits. H.R. 1838 will augment the process for defense sales to Taiwan by requiring the President to report annually to Congress Taiwan's requests for defense products, detailing why Taiwan needs these items, ad justifying any decision that the United States makes to reject or postpone such arms sales to Taiwan. Furthermore, H.R. 1838 will address the deficiencies in Taiwan's readiness by supporting Taiwan's increased participation at U.S. defense colleges, requiring the enhancement of our military exchanges and joint training, and require the Secretary of Defense to develop a program to enhance operational training and exchanges between the Taiwanese and U.S. militaries on the issues of threat analysis, force planning, and operational methods. Taiwan is and continues to be a strong U.S. ally. For this reason, I believe the priorities outlined in H.R. 1838 are imperative if we are to maintain peace and stability in this region of the world. Given the People's Republic of China's tendency to engage in aggressive rhetoric and brinkmanship, Taiwan's self-defense capability should be improved and strengthened. A secure Taiwan would provide a better foundation and possible progress for cross-Strait dialogue. I believe we must honor our commitments in the Taiwan Strait. The Republic of China is a vibrant nation with an expanding economy, and it is my belief that America should support Taiwan in its endeavors to remain free and democratic.

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, this is the 6th time the D.C. Budget has been on the floor in the last 6 months. Let's hope our collective ``sixth sense'' will carry the day. Way back in July the D.C. Appropriations Act was heralded with virtual unanimity. It was one of the first appropriation bills to hit the floor, and I joined many others on both sides of the aisle in showering Chairman Istook with well-deserved praise. That was two vetoes and three conference reports ago. Ironically, the D.C. Budget became a necessary vehicle for other matters. The D.C. Budget incorporates all appropriations for the District of Columbia. This includes not only federal funds, but all locally generated revenue as well, which accounts for most all of the Budget. This local part of the D.C. Budget was passed in consensus form by the city's elected leaders and the Control Board. When Congress did its constitutional duty and passed the D.C. Budget, not once but twice, I joined others in urging the president to approve it. I compliment the appropriators and conferees for their patience and persistence in continuing to refine the bill following the vetoes. I am particularly pleased by the addition of needed resources to address the environmental necessity of cleaning up the old Lorton Correctional Complex. The resources in this budget will help the Nation's Capital continue its reform efforts. While much progress has been made in the District, there are still enormous problems which must be addressed. The D.C. Subcommittee I chair will hold a hearing on December 14 to gather information on many of these questions. A substantial number of city functions remain in receivership, including foster care and offender supervision. A recent audit and the Annual Report submitted by the Control Board to Congress highlights the crisis we are facing in this area. Our Congressional review can be particularly helpful in working through these concerns. The D.C. Budget funds the local court system. These courts are going through an important process right now that demands our continuing interest. The GAO, at our request, has been supplying very helpful background material. The House passed this month legislation I sponsored with Eleanor Holmes Norton and others to enhance college access opportunities for D.C. students. I commend the president for signing that bill. Just this week it was officially designated as Public Law 106-98. I'm very proud of that. I thank the appropriators for working with me to make the money for that landmark new law subject to the authorizing enactment. There is additional much-needed money in this budget for public education, including charter schools. This budget contains the largest tax cut in the city's history, which is central to our goal of retaining and attracting economic development. There is money in this budget to clean up the Anacostia River, open more drug treatment programs, and study widening of the 14th Street Bridge. We've worked long and hard together to turn this city around. The D.C. Budget before us is another step in helping to keep us moving in the right direction.