Jo Ann Emerson

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, November 13, 1999, Mattie Sharkey is being honored by the Sikeston, MO, ``Daughters of Sunset'' at their 15th Annual Recognition Program. I would like to extend my congratulations to Mattie who has shown a life-long commitment to her family, her community and her church. Mattie is the daughter of the late John and Eliza Ross. She was born in Grenada, MS, on December 21, 1900. She grew up on a farm and her education was limited to the 4th grade because she had to work in the fields. She has two sisters and one brother. In 1924, Mattie moved to Swan Lake, MS. There she married Nathaniel Sharkey, and they are the parents of five girls. In 1929, the family moved to Portageville, MO. They purchased a farm located on River Road near Point Pleasant. In 1936, Mattie's husband passed away. Mattie continued to live and work on the River Road farm with her children. The girls attended school and went to high school in New Madrid, MO. After the girls left home, Mattie moved to the town of Portageville, where she was active at Zion Rock Baptist Church. Mattie also has been active in her community as a member of the NAACP and the 4-H Club and as a volunteer at the community center where she worked with girls. Mattie's daughters have made sure that she has had an opportunity to travel. Some of the places she has traveled include Hawaii, Bahamas Island, California, Mexico, Canada, Niagara Falls, New York and Chicago. Mattie currently lives in Sikeston, MO with her daughter, Eliza Strickland. Congratulations Mattie, on your recognition by the ``Daughters of Sunset.'' May you, your loved ones, and the people of Sikeston continue to be blessed with your thoughtful dedication to family and community.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, November 13, 1999, Justin ``Jo Mo'' Robinson is being honored by the Sikeston, MO ``Daughters of Sunset'' at their 15th Annual Recognition Program. I would like to extend my congratulations to Justin who is being recognized on this day as the Outstanding Athlete of The Year. Justin is the son of Frank and Jeanette McCaster. He is the youngest of six children, four boys and two girls. Justin is a senior at Sikeston Senior High School. Justin has played sports for several years, starting with Little League football, baseball and basketball. In his spare time, Justin enjoys fishing and playing pool. His greatest love, though, is football. According to Justin's football coach, Charlie Vickery, Justin's football achievement include senior running back and 1999 football captain. Justin leads the Southeast Missouri area in rushing yards at 1,464, which is currently third in Sikeston history for single season yards. Justine also has 20 touchdowns, which ranks him second in Southeast Missouri, and he is tied for second in single season touchdowns in Sikeston Senior High School Bulldog records. With three games remaining in this year's season, Justin has an excellent chance to break the single season rushing record of 1,771 yards held by Tiger Boyd and the single season touchdown record of 21 also held by Boyd. Justin has chosen as a second team All-Conference Running Back as a junior in 1998. Justin's role model is one of Sikeston, MO's greatest players, James Wilder. After graduating, Justin plans to attend the University of Arkansas to play football and run track. He would like to earn a degree in physical education. One of Justin's greatest ambitions is to play professional football, but he plans to return to Sikeston, MO to share his accomplishments with all those who have supported and loved him. Justin often says that without his mother's love and faith in him, it's hard to say where he might be. Justin offers this advice to his peers, ``Stay in school and be the best you can be, and make sure to always listen to your parents.'' Congratulations, Justin, on your recognition by the ``Daughters of Sunset.'' Your achievements as an athlete and as a faithful son make you a true role model for your friends and peers in Sikeston. Your dedication to being the best that you can be will take you a long way in realizing all of your hopes and dreams for the future.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, November 13, 1999, Minister Arthur E. Cassell is being honored by the Sikeston, MO ``Daughters of Sunset'' at their 15th Annual Recognition Program. I would like to extend my congratulations to Minister Cassell who is being recognized on this day for his community involvement. Minister Cassell is an associate minister at the Opportunity Church of God and Christ in Charleston, MO, and has been employed as a letter carrier at the Sikeston, Missouri Post Office since December 1981. He is married to Lucille (Richardson) Cassell who is president of their diaper company. The Cassells are the parents of four sons. Minister Cassell is a former marine who has been an active worker in the Southeast Missouri area since his discharge. He is the president of the Charleston Branch of the NAACP, chairman of the Weed & Seed Steering Committee in Charleston; has served as an executive board member of Southeast Missouri Legal Services since 1989, and served on the Community Outreach Center board in Sikeston, MO. Minister Cassell also has cosponsored job preparedness classes, youth services, and activities. In his own words, ``Through helping others and trying to meet people's needs, I have found that even more needs to be done.'' Minister Cassell's philosophy is, ``If you're going to do it, go all out.'' Congratulations, Minister Cassell, on your recognition by the ``Daughters of Sunset.'' By ``going all out'' for your family, church and community, you have touched the lives of so many others, and have helped them discover the possibility of brighter futures.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, November 13, 1999, Maude Harris is being honored by the Sikeston, MO ``Daughters of Sunset'' at their 15th Annual Recognition Program. I would like to extend my congratulations to Maude who is being recognized on this day for her involvement in her community. Maude is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bankhead of Wyatt, MO. Maude has six brothers and a sister. Maude attended Charleston Elementary School and graduated from Charleston High School. Maude's educational achievements include a bachelors degree of science from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO as well as a master of arts in home economics-option II (food and nutrition emphasis). Maude published her masters program thesis, ``Nutrition Practices of Rural Elderly Scott County African Americans in the Missouri Bootheel.'' Maude is very active in her church, Cornerstone Baptist, working as church announcer and chairperson of the Church Newsletter. Her community activities include memberships with Daughters of Sunset, Historian, Altrusa International, Inc. of Sikeston--Astra Advisors, Sikeston Community Credit Union-supervisory chairperson, past Girl Scout leader of Troop 158, board member of Regional Arthritis Center at St. Francis Hospital and the Missouri Department of Health-Diabetes Control Project Advisory Committee, Bootheel Healthy Start Consortium Secretary, Southeast Missouri Cancer Control Coalition, past secretary and member of Southeastern Minority Health Alliance, and is the current president of Scott County Interagency Council. Maude is employed with University Outreach and Extension as a nutrition/health specialist. She is married to Reverend Michael K. Harris, Sr., associate minister of Cornerstone Baptist Church. They are the parents of three children, Brenda, Sloan, and Kellar. Congratulations, Maude, on your recognition by the ``Daughters of Sunset.'' Your dedication to family, church and community is truly inspiring. May the people of Sikeston continue to be blessed with your thoughtful contributions.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, November 13, 1999, Keith Gibson is being honored by the Sikeston, MO ``Daughters of Sunset'' at their 15th Annual Recognition Program. I would like to extend my congratulations to Keith who is being recognized on this day for his community involvement. Keith was born in Chicago, IL. He is the son of Samuel and Annette Gibson of Sikeston, MO and Barbara and Gerald Nathan of St. Louis, MO. He is the 1974 graduate of McKinley High School in St. Louis, MO. On Thanksgiving Day in 1986, Keith moved to Sikeston, MO. He is the father of two sons, Keith Jr. and Tevin, and he has been employed with Sikeston Public Schools as a bus driver since February 1990. One day, Keith had an idea to have a simple picnic for his boys and their friends. His idea became so popular that it became an annual event which is now called ``Gibson's Day in the Park.'' In 1994, Keith started with a picnic for 15 to 20 kids. Over the years, as many as 135 kids take part in the ``Gibson Day in the Park''--and Keith expects more kids to participate next year. Keith asks the ``Gibson Day'' participants to bring hot dogs, juice, cookies and/or chips depending on the size of the family. Most large families spend about $5.00 on the event. In the past years, different local businesses have helped by donating items for ``Gibson Day in the Park.'' Keith offers special thanks to Bunny Bread, McDonald's Restaurant, and Sikeston Public Schools for their contributions. The city of Sikeston, MO allows Keith to use their vans, and several parents help out with the activities. Keith says that he loves kids, and that they give him the strength to go on. Keith's plans for the future include starting a day care center and bringing kids camping and to the zoo. People have asked Keith how he does it. He tells them. ``Just look at the kids' faces when they're happy, and you tell me why I do it.'' In fact, Keith often says that he's just a big kid himself. Keith believes that the ``Gibson Day in the Park'' picnic shows kids that we can get along together. The day helps kids develop organization skills and a sense of responsibility. And the fact of knowing that someone out there cares about them other than their parents, makes the kids feel good. Congratulations, Keith, on your recognition by the ``Daughters of Sunset.'' Your dedication to the children of Sikeston, MO is both inspiring and heartwarming. May many more kids have the opportunity to benefit from you, your ``Gibson's Day in the Park,'' and your future hope and plans for their future.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, before I even begin my formal remarks, let me say that the Houghton substitute incorporates all of the good in good work, the excellent benefits, the excellent changes in the health care delivery system that Norwood-Dingell has. It only changes the liability portion. Let me say that again. The entire Norwood-Dingell bill stays intact except for the liability provision. I just thought I ought to say that in response to the remarks of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo). Let me also say, Mr. Chairman, that, since I have been in Congress, I have had to intervene on behalf of many, many of my constituents, one of whom has been denied or was denied health care access when she had to have a hysterectomy. At least three doctors told her she had to have a hysterectomy. This 43-year-old cafeteria worker from New Madrid was denied coverage and denied coverage and denied coverage. Her coverage said she can only have a uterectomy. She said, ``Well, if this is the only thing I can have, I will take this.'' But she had it, and she had pain and suffering, and she was even worse off after she had the uterectomy. She went back to the three doctors, two of whom by the way were part of her health plan, one of whom was an outside doctor. All three doctors said once again, if she did not have a hysterectomy immediately, this woman is going to die. But the plan argued, ``No, she had a uterectomy. She does not need further surgery,'' even though it was obvious she was still suffering and was in great pain. And only after I intervened and I threatened the plan with exposure to the news media did they finally relent and say, okay, go ahead. Well, my colleagues all know that that should not happen. Plans should not be threatened by Members of Congress in order to provide needed services to our constituents. But this has happened on many occasions. And for all the good health plans out there, there are some bad ones. And let me say, as a former lobbyist for a small business and also as a former lobbyist for the insurance industry, that plans should be held liable in a court of law for acting irresponsibly and providing health care to consumers. I say that. But it should be responsible liability. And let me say that after talking with employers in my district as well as a very, very close personal friend of mine who was both a trial attorney and a Taft Hartley Trust Fund attorney that I think the liability language in Norwood-Dingell does not protect labor unions or employers who provide quality health care coverage for their employees. Let me give my colleagues an example. Let us say Joe Smith is denied coverage by his HMO. He is in a life-threatening situation and his doctor recommends experimental surgery; and because the HMO does not cover experimental medical practices, his coverage is denied. Now, the employer at this time inserts himself in the process because Joe is a long-time employee, his life is threatened; and, quite frankly, he wants to give Joe help. So the HMO grants Joe coverage because the employer has said I want Joe covered. Now, another situation comes up with a different employee where the employer says, I am going to stay out of this and let the HMO do its job. So that coverage is denied. However, in this case the employer is liable because he acted out of compassion in the very first case. This same thing happens on a daily basis with Taft Hartley Trustees each and every day. They grant coverage, where maybe they should not have granted coverage, but they did it out of compassion, and under Norwood-Dingell they would expose themselves to liability because of this compassion. Now, Mr. Chairman, I have a couple of questions I would like to address to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton), if I might. It is my understanding that the Houghton substitute has added language now to section 302 of the liability provisions that make sure that companies and unions who do intervene on behalf of their employees are not held liable.

Mrs. EMERSON. I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. EMERSON

Mr. EMERSON. So, then, it is also my understanding that one of the key differences between Norwood-Dingell and the Houghton substitute is that Houghton clarifies that employers and unions cannot be held liable if they did not make the decision to deny medical care.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Mexico for his extraordinarily good work in very, very unordinary circumstances on this bill. As everyone has said, our farmers are facing the worst financial crisis in decades because of low prices, because of weather- related disasters, and unfortunately our current farm law does not provide a safety net for our producers. And so we will lose a lot of them this year, causing the very fabric, the very essence of our rural way of life to be at risk. And so with reluctance I say yes, we must pass this bill today. But I also want to say, as my colleagues have, as an ag conferee, the last 2 weeks have been gut wrenching, they have been heart wrenching, as our rights to write this bill were stolen from us. That makes me angry. I am deeply disappointed that we were not allowed to vote on lifting food and medicine embargoes against six foreign countries. We should have learned the lesson from the Soviet grain embargo that food should not be used as a tool of foreign policy, that our farmers in America are the only losers in this battle. And we could not vote on fixing a problem for our dairy producers even though the vast majority of this body supports that fix. Yes, Mr. Speaker, I am greatly disappointed, but the bill does have many good things in it for America's producers, for our ranchers and our farmers. They need our help today. They need financial assistance today. And so I urge a ``yes'' vote on the bill. I can only say in closing that we will continue the fight to lift embargoes and sanctions, we will continue the fight for our dairy farmers, because that fight, Mr. Speaker, has only just begun.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the continuing crisis in the farm economy and share with this body a copy of a letter I recently received from a constituent in my Congressional Distirct. America's farmers and ranchers are strugglign to deal with some of the lowest commodity prices in decades. Current commodity prices do not even allow farmers to recover their costs of production, much less provide for the needs of their families. When one considers that drought and other damaging weather conditions are also dramatically affecting our crop and livestock production, it is clear that this is nothing short of an emergency situation. And the following letter from a constituent of mine reminds all of us that this situation goes well beyond mere numbers, projections, and statistics. The fact of the matter is that real people are hurting; the livelihoods of real families and real communities are at risk. This letter from Mr. Bill Faris of Hayti, Missouri, the son of a farmer and someone whose family has farmed for generations, highlights the depth of the problems in farm country and explains why all Americans should be gravely concerned about what is happening out on the farm. I hope Members of Congress will keep Mr. Faris' comments in mind as they vote on farm relief measures that will be considered very soon. Bill Faris, Hayti, MO, August 25, 1999. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, The Federal Building, Cape Girardeau, MO. Dear Rep. Emerson, This is a follow up to my earlier letters to you. I had the opportunity to hear you speak at the Rice Field Day on Aug. 18th as I work for the Univ. of MO Delta Center. I was encouraged by what you had to say as you are addressing the central issues facing farmers during this crisis, and it is obvious that you are truly concerned about the plight of our family farmers, and you are taking action to try and help our smaller farmers. I want you to know I appreciate your efforts on behalf of farmers like my Dad. Unfortunately it is too late for my Dad as I am afraid it will be for many farmers this year. Dad and I talked the other day, and he told me that he cannot farm after this year. Dad told me that he lost a little over $50,000 last year due to the low commodity prices and adverse weather conditions and he knows that he will lose more this year then last year. At 72, after a lifetime of doing what he loves the most, farming, Dad knows he has to quit before he loses his home and our farm land. Dad said over the last five years he has used more and more of the money he had put back for his and my Mom's retirement to continue farming, but now he has to quit before he loses it all. Ms. Emerson, it broke my heart to see the pain and frustration on my Dad's face, but it especially broke my heart to see the helplessness in my Dad's eyes, and to know that there was nothing I could do to help ease Dad's pain. The generations of Faris's farming the land end with my Dad. My Dad is a proud man, and he does not cry easily, but I could see the tears in his eyes as he looked over our land with the resignation that he would never farm it again. Ms. Emerson, the really sad part of this story is that it will be repeated over and over again at the end of 1999. I fear that thousands of family farms will cease to exist, just as ours will. I sense a helplessness and a lack of hope in our areas farmers, that I have never seen before. All the farmers laugh with no humor at President Clinton's announcement that many farmers are now eligible for low interest loans. Their standard commit is ``what good is a no interest loan let alone a low interest loan when you are losing money each year.'' Their attitude is that our government seems to want the small farmer to disappear and all we will have left is large corporate farms controlled by a few large conglomerates, and I tend to agree with them. My Dad is not a large farmer; he only farms 500 acres of wheat and soybeans, but his story is sadly going to be repeated over and over again in 1999. Dad is an excellent businessman, and he is one of the most frugal people I know, but low commodity prices have forced him out of farming. On average Dad lost approximately $100 per acre in 1998, and he will lose approximately that much again in 1999. Cotton growers will lose more than that, so you can see what a larger farmer will lose. Our pork producers are facing the same dilemmas as you well know. Congress must act now, Ms. Emerson, or a way of life that is very dear to me will disappear. Give our farmers legislation that gives them a level playing field in the world markets. Farmers do not need rhetoric from Washington; they need help, and they need it now. I hope you get a chance to address this issue at our Field Day on Sept. 2nd, and I hope that you can give our farmers some much needed encouragement. I am from Missouri, and our legislators have to show me that they truly care about the plight of our small family farms. I know that you care because you are doing something, please keep up the good work and please keep telling our farmer's story in Washington. I do not believe many of our legislators realize how serious the problem is, but I know you do. Again thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of our farmers, and I wish you health and happiness--especially in your new marriage. Respectfully yours, Bill Faris.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my admiration and respect for one of the most caring and effective public servants I have ever had the privilege to know, Representative Mary Kasten is lovingly known as the ``grandmother'' of the Missouri House of Representatives, and she has served the folks of Cape Girardeau for the last 16 years. She has decided to step down from this calling in January 2001 after serving the ``people's body'' in Missouri for 18 years. If Mary's only contribution to her fellow man was this representation, she would be deserving of this special tribute. However, Mary Kasten, the farm girl from Matthews and New Madrid County, is and has been much more. In fact, Mary's service in the legislature is only a small snapshot of a life that is truly a panorama of helping others. As a mother to her children, Mark, Mike and Meg, a wife to Mel Kasten, her husband of 50 years, and a teacher reaching out to kids and parents alike, Mary always sought to help brighten the lives of others. In every endeavor Mary honored her personal commitment to God, family, country and her fellow man. Miss Mary, as we know her, honored her Lord by serving as a Sunday school teacher and choir member in the St. Andrews Lutheran Church. As a mom, she was and is the best example I have known of a mom who cares. She volunteered at every level to help her children and be involved in their lives. Later, she served on the Cape Girardeau school board and held various offices for 20 years. She also continued her service to education by serving on the board of regents at Southeast Missouri State University her alma mater. As a wife, Mary and Mel have been inseparable, and except for her times in Jefferson City, Mary and Mel go everywhere together. Their marriage is an inspiration to all of us. For almost everyone who knows Mary, the first thought that comes to mind is her selflessness and her sensitivity and caring for her fellow man. It is that caring that truly makes Mary worthy of tribute. She is indeed the human manifestation of the golden rule of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. But in Mary's case it is no quid pro quo but a genuine love of all humankind. I personally have seen this caring when Mary and Mel took care of mine and Bill's daughter Tori when Katharine was being born. Bill was on the campaign trail 3 or 4 hours from home and Mary and Mel became Tori's surrogate parents, and even put her to bed with them. At every turn, the Kasten's have been a part of the Emerson family, from the birth of Katharine and even in Bill Emerson's death, Mary and Mel opened their home to our entire family and became the nurturing core for the grieving family and our friends. In fact, it is probably this empathy with others that inspired Mary to her greatest public service, and that was the beginning of the Cape Girardeau Community Caring Council. Mary's brainchild of making programs really work for people began in southern Missouri and is now being replicated in the rest of the State and nationwide. In fact, Mary Kasten and caring are indeed words that are synonymous with me and the hundreds who have known and worked with Miss Mary. It is indeed an honor to offer this tribute on the floor of the House of Representatives, because I can think of no one more deserving than Mary Kasten to be recognized in the people's House. If Bill Emerson were alive today, I know he would gladly give Mary this very same tribute to her service to the people. The girl from New Madrid County who served and broke new ground in politics and public service deserves, in my opinion, the same tribute made to bill. Mary Kasten is truly deserving of the favorite Teddy Roosevelt quote ``In the Arena,'' and I quote: It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is not effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. Mary Kasten, our world is a better place because you have served all of us in the arenas of our lives, and for that we truly thank you.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support today of the Child Custody Protection Act. I want to thank my colleague the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) for reintroducing it again this year. This is an important bill, and it is an important bill that all Members should support regardless of whether they are prochoice or whether they are prolife, as I am. I will tell my colleagues from a personal experience about my daughter, Katharine, who just finished her junior year in high school. Quite frankly, I cannot even begin to tell my colleagues how many parental consent forms I had to sign even just this year. The most recent was for a physics field trip. Then there was the soccer form. Probably my worst experience was trying to get permission for my daughter, Katharine, and my older daughter, Tori, to use their inhalers for their exercised-induced asthma, which comes about simply through playing sports. And it was a nightmare. But I will tell my colleagues, it was a nightmare that I accepted, and that was very important. Nobody can doubt that this constant flood of consent forms is bureaucracy at its best. But I do not mind because it is just one more way for me to stay involved with my children and involved in their lives, which is to me the most important responsibility that I have in life. So if we, as parents, are involved in those types of decisions regarding our children at school, how can anyone even question the need for us to be involved in such a potentially life-threatening decision like having an abortion? The need for this type of legislation is particularly clear, particularly in my home State of Missouri, which already has a parental consent law. A recent article in the St. Louis Post Dispatch focused on the problem of teens crossing from Missouri into Illinois to obtain abortions without parental consent. I bring the attention of my colleagues to this blown-up ad that was recently in the Yellow Pages in a phone book in St. Louis. But the article in the Post Dispatch points out that one of the larger abortion clinics in Illinois actually does advertise on Missouri radio stations and it says ``No parental consent required.'' I even went into the home page last night and pulled out a copy of their home page, which does say right here ``Parental consent is not required for a minor to have an abortion at the Hope Clinic.'' This is a predatory market, my colleagues, and it targets vulnerable young girls, and it really emboldens those who would impress these young girls into doing something they might live to regret all of their lives. I am fortunate that my children talk to me, and I realize the need to have support for our young girls. But there is too much pressure from boyfriends and the like to just simply go have an abortion. It is critical, Mr. Speaker, that we have the Child Custody Protection Act. It is common-sense legislation, and it protects parental rights. But, more importantly, it safeguards the well-being of America's young girls. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this passage.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, let me tell you about my district. I represent 26 rural counties in Southern Missouri. These counties are home to some of the most poverty stricken communities in the State. Most of them lack even basic health care services. And many lack decent roads and reliable phone service. Many people in these communities find themselves isolated from their extended family, their friends and their neighbors. When I was starting my family more than 20 years ago, I was lucky to have my mother, my sister and my mother-in-law to help me through my pregnancies. I was lucky to be able to afford health insurance that covered prenatal care. I was lucky to have access to quality health care in Cape Girardeau. But many American women aren't so fortunate. And they fall through the cracks of our health system. Many young mothers-to-be in my rural district are isolated from family and friends--and they live miles away from nurses and doctors. This isolation often prevents them from getting prenatal care and adds to the fears and uncertainties that come along with being a new or expectant mother. Fortunately for some of the young women in rural Missouri, there are people like Sister Rita and Sister Ann looking out for them. Ten years ago, Sister Rita--a parish nurse and midwife serving in Missouri's poor ``Lead Belt'' and Ozark counties--quickly realized that many of the young women there weren't prepared for healthy pregnancies and births or for caring for their infants. So Sister Rita began to network and build relationships in her community. She branched out and worked with the St. Louis University Medical Center and with State and federal health programs. And she established the ``Whole Kids Outreach'' in Ellington, Missouri. Sister Ann is now carrying on the incredible work started by Sister Rita. The Whole Kids Outreach program has grown to include a Resource Mothers Program--a program that educates women about healthy pregnancies and childbirth, promotes access to care, and provides home care visits. The most amazing thing about this program is that it is staffed by experienced moms from the community who are trained as childbirth educators. And these local moms help establish circles of support for expectant and new moms. It's with great admiration that I mention the Whole Kids Outreach program, because despite its modest size, it has been of tremendous help to many mothers and infants in rural Missouri. The young women in rural Missouri are not alone. Women throughout our nation face great challenges in securing healthy pregnancies and healthy children. Consider the following: At the turn of this century more American women died in childbirth than from any other cause except for tuberculosis. At the close of this century, after all of the medical advances made in this country, it's easy to assume that today pregnancy and childbirth are safer for American women and their babies. But this is a false assumption. The recently released CDC report makes it painfully clear that the promise of safe motherhood is eluding too many women. In fact, during the past 15 years alone, total maternal deaths have not declined one bit in our nation. Just think of it. Today, tuberculosis claims about one American life out of 1,000 a year. But 2-3 women out of 10,000 lose their lives each day due to pregnancy-related conditions. And out of 1,000 live births in our country each year, 8 babies die. More infants die each year in the United States than in 24 other developed nations. As a Member of Congress and as a mother of four daughters, this maternal and infant mortality rate is simply unacceptable. We've got to find out why safe motherhood is still out of reach for so many American women. I am very proud to join many of my esteemed colleagues--Nita Lowey, Sue Kelley, Cynthia McKinney, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Carolyn Maloney--in introducing legislation today that will have a significant impact on the progress of maternal and infant health in this country. In addition to introducing the Safe Motherhood Monitoring and Prevention Research Act, we would like to call on the Commerce Subcommittee on Health and Environment to hold oversight hearings on maternal and infant health and urge Congress as a whole to make this issue a national priority. Our bill achieves 3 key goals, all necessary components to true progress in the enhancement of maternal and infant care. First, it expands CDC's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) so that all 50 states will benefit from a public health monitoring system of pregnancy-risk related factors. Although the PRAMS program has received a lot of recognition for positively affecting maternal and infant health outcomes, currently only 18 states are benefiting from the success of PRAMS. Our bill also supports local and state efforts to collect data on mothers who experience serious complications during their pregnancy. Second, out bill authorizes an increase in federal funding for preventive research, so we can identify basic health prevention activities to improve maternal health. This aspect of the bill builds upon the Birth Defects Prevention Act, which my colleague, Senator Kit Bond and I sponsored in the 105th Congress and which was signed into law last April. The third and final component of our bill directs CDC to help states and localities create public education and prevention programs to prevent poor maternal outcomes for American women. In addition, our bill emphasizes the need to expand existing prevention programs and pregnancy risk assessment systems to include those areas of the country where underserved and at-risk populations reside. By looking at the list of original cosponsors of this bill, one is amazed at the very diverse groups of women legislators committed to this important piece of legislation. We're conservative and liberal. We're rural and urban. We're pro-life and pro-choice. And we're from multi-cultural backgrounds. But as a unique coalition of women, we're able to put aside our differences and come together on this common ground--on this precious ground--of the health and well-being of all mothers and infants in our nation. I urge all my colleagues to review the merits of the Safe Motherhood Monitoring and Prevention Research Act of 1999 and cosponsor this important piece of legislation.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, on July 9, 1999, Reverend Walter J. Keisker will celebrate his 100th birthday. As an active member of his community, Reverend Keisker is as well known in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri as many of the founding fathers of the towns of Jackson and Cape Girardeau. Pastor Keisker started his life in 1899 on a farm four miles outside of Hillsboro, Missouri where his father ran a small creamery and, later, raised dairy herd and hogs. To this day, the Reverend remembers the words to ``A Surrey With the Fringe on Top'' because his family actually traveled in one. The Reverend attended high school and junior college at St. Paul College in St. Louis, graduating in 1919. He then continued his education at Concordia Lutheran Seminary from which he graduated in 1923. He lead his first parish at Trinity Church in Flat River, now Park Hills, Missouri where he devoted 15 years of service. In the fall of 1938 Pastor Keisker took on a new parish at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, Missouri. He gave his parish his full attention for the next 30 years. As Pastor Keisker eased into retirement, he continued serving St. Paul Lutheran Church as a pastoral assistant from 1968 until 1984. The Reverend continued to be actively involved in the church until 1993 when he moved to the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Reverend Keisker and the former Mae Fikuart of Farmington, Missouri, married and had two daughters, Ruth Illers of Jackson, Missouri, and Virginia Goodwin of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The Reverend and Mrs. Keisker had seven grandchildren and as of this spring, Pastor Keisker has ten great grandchildren. Mrs. Keisker passed away in 1992. Because he believes that a pastor should be active in their communities as well as over his congregation, Pastor Keisker remains active today. He continues to be a member of the Cape Girardeau Historical Society and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, and he attends Circuit meetings and other events in his community. When asked about his secret for longevity, Pastor Keisker gives the following pieces of advice: ``I think the Lord intended for us to enjoy life, so keep yourself occupied; Don't go out with the owls at night. They don't keep the right kind of company anyway; always be grateful for what you have; Be yourself and don't try to imitate someone you think is doing a good job. Try to do the job yourself, but please don't mimic. These are sage words of advice from a centenarian who has lived a life devoted to God, family, and community, who has seen and reflected on a century of change in our nation and the world, and who has selflessly given of himself to all he has known. I would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to Pastor Keisker for all that he has done and continues to do for our communities. He is truly an inspiration to us all.

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 1 minute. Mr. Chairman, I ask the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) to take a look at the language of the amendment. It does not, in fact, condemn the industry. It simply asks them to admit that it has a responsibility for the power that violence has on television and its impact on children, but also asks them to sit down with us in serious dialogue.

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), a member of the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I think it is interesting to note that Leslie Moonves, the President of CBS television, recently said that while it is not fair to blame the media for the rampage at Columbine, anyone who thinks the media has nothing to do with this is an idiot. I think Mr. Moonves' comment really sums up why we are offering this amendment today. We have heard a lot about gun shows, pawn shops and ammo clips over the months since the violence at Columbine. We have been told that if we tweak the law a little bit here, or add a new provision to make something else illegal, somehow people who recklessly and purposely gun down others in cold blood will not do it. Thirty years ago, we had very few gun laws and surprisingly no high school shooting sprees to report every few days or weeks or months, but 30 years ago we also had stricter discipline in schools. School officials did not worry about lawsuits if they expelled a violent child, and parents exerted more control and discipline over their children. They were not afraid to say no to their kids. Now we have a new gun law every year. We have school officials who are afraid of being sued and we have a Federal law which seems designed to keep violent kids in classrooms, not out of them. We have an industry that in the name of entertainment produces images of violence that are so graphic and at a pace that makes one dizzy. Why is anyone surprised that in these modern days that some students plan mass murders instead of graduation parties? I stand here not just as a Member of Congress, I stand here as a mother who is deeply, deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of my children. I stand here as a neighbor and as a parent of a high school junior who is concerned about the safety and the well-being of my neighbors' kids and my daughter's friends. The tragedy at Columbine High School and the violence close to schools and close to my district in Paducah, Kentucky, and in Jonesboro, Arkansas, should be a real wake-up call for all of us. We have got to work together. We have got to work together to give back families a sense of security and control over their own lives. That is what our amendment to the juvenile justice bill seeks to do. It seeks to generate a serious dialogue in our Nation about the negative images that our children are exposed to when they watch television, when they go to the movies, when they play video games, and when they listen to CDs. This dialogue needs to take place in our homes, in our communities; yes, it also needs to take place in the Halls of Congress. Specifically, our amendment calls on the entertainment industry to recognize the power and the influence it has over our Nation's youth. We ask that the industry does everything in its power to eliminate gratuitous acts of violence in movies, on television, in music lyrics, and in video games. If we invest the time and the energy to have this discussion, I think we can discover ways to address the factors that contribute to youth violence in America. Now, there may be some things that we can do legislatively, but the bottom line is, quite frankly, much of the solution cannot be legislated. Our amendment does not create any new laws. It does not create any new regulations. Our amendment does not fund yet another study on the already well-documented impact that violence as entertainment has on our Nation's youth. I hope that our amendment sends a very clear message to the entertainment industry that Congress and the American people do hold them responsible for the desensitizing images that they market to our children. After all, we would really, really have to be idiots if we think the entertainment industry does not have anything to do with youth violence in America. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, as the mother of four children, and soon to be 8 children actually, I can think of no greater love, no more profound or pure love than that which I have for my children. There is nothing in the world I would not do to protect them to keep them safe. I will do everything in my power to make sure that happens. This debate, as everyone has so eloquently said, really goes to the heart and soul of this country. It is about the kind of place that we make for our kids and for their children. I do not think one of us, not as legislators, not as parents, the gun lobby, the entertainment industry, our community leaders, priests, rabbis, ministers, no one, no one can shirk their responsibility and lay the blame at someone else's doorstep and say it is someone else's fault that our kids are killing kids today. We live in the greatest country in the world and I think we have to all join hands, put aside our political differences and come down and sit at the table and figure out what is wrong in our society today. It is far more important to do this than to play politics. It is far more important than winning elections. Quite frankly, I am embarrassed. I am embarrassed that we, as the greatest law-making body in the world, would try to make political points with an issue that is so important and so fundamental to the well-being of our country, and that is the safety and security of our children. I think we should be ashamed of ourselves. We do not need more studies. We do not need more laws. We need to talk. We need everyone at the table. All we are doing with this amendment is asking the entertainment industry to sit down with us. I will thank my colleagues for their eloquent words, both on my side and their side. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt).

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, I think what the gentleman is saying is very important and a very good idea. I think what I want my colleagues to understand is the purpose of this amendment is really to begin the dialogue on this issue. We do not legislate, we do not make any new laws within the resolution, because it is my personal opinion that this is a huge issue that we must address, and what the gentleman is telling us is definitely an important part of that.

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Salmon).

Mrs. EMERSON

Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 204, I was inadvertently detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ''aye.''