Anna Eshoo

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member for yielding time to me. Mr. Chairman, let me just summarize what I have in my prepared statement today. I think the Congress has an historic opportunity today to pass this superb piece of legislation. I think that when we do, that it will be placed right next to the import of the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act in terms of its effect for our great Nation. The Land and Water Conservation Fund has done many great things for our country, but Congress really gave up on its promise. This is a renewal today of what we promised a long time ago. We will have the funds to protect, to preserve, and even the naysayers will be able to take their children and their grandchildren to the open spaces, to the parks, and to the lands that are going to be set aside for the betterment of humankind in our country. I think this is an enormous step that the Congress is taking today. I urge my colleagues to support it. Every part of this bill really speaks to the values that the people that I represent hold. I want to pay special tribute both to the chairman of the full committee and to the individual that we like to call our golden bear with a heart, the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller). We thank them for their superb work. I urge Members to support the legislation.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio, the ranking member, for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the legislation that is here on the floor under suspension, which, to the American people, what that means is that there are so many people that support this that we do not have to worry about its passage. On March 11, 1999, we held a press conference. The gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio) and myself brought about this bill, and I am very proud to be the chief Democratic sponsor of it. On that day, I issued a challenge, our challenge to ourselves and the women around the country, that we would lobby the Congress and all of its Members so that, by Mother's Day of last year, we would have more than a simple majority to pass the bill. I did not realize what a fight we had on our hands. We are here today for a bill that today, as brought to the floor, has three cosponsors. Why did it go from 315 to 3? Because last Friday the bill was gutted, plain and simple. Now, this bill is not about my work. This bill is really not about the work of the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio). This bill is about a need of women to have treatment for breast and cervical cancer. That is why I brought everything that I could to it. The reason the bill was reconstituted with money in it, make no mistake about it, is because of the National Breast Cancer Coalition and its brave and courageous members. They were the ones that put in the telephone calls to the Speaker's office and to the leadership and said, unless you retain money in the bill, the Congress might as well send a greeting card to the families of America who have been victimized by either breast or cervical cancer, and said we are thinking about you on Mother's Day. So I rejoice for them and their courageous advocacy, because, were it not for the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Mr. Speaker, we would not be here today with the reconstituted bill, because it was gutted and thrown by the side of the road last week. This is a need in our Nation. Imagine women being victimized, not once, but twice, first by the breast or cervical cancer and then by a lack of insurance coverage. These are the waitresses, these are the uninsured or the under-insured women of our Nation. So we do noble work for them today by passing this and saying to them that America is a better country, that she can, indeed, step up to and fund and advocate for and recognize where there is a weak link, where something is broken in our society. I want to salute everyone in the House that was a cosponsor of H.R. 1070. That was the legislation that really allowed this to happen today. I want to thank all of my colleagues for having done that. It was a very important bipartisan effort. No major legislation in this House, no meaningful legislation can ever pass the Congress unless it is bipartisan. So as we used to say when we were kids, sticks and stones may break my bones, but no one is going to break the spirit of those that need the most of what they need; and those of us in this House are going to insist that it be done the way it should be done in order to make it happen for them. So God bless the women. Happy Mother's Day. They deserve it. They earned it. I thank the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Senate Bill 2323, the Worker Economic Opportunity Act. I am a proud cosponsor of this legislation that amends the Fair Labor Standards Act and allows hourly employees to take advantage of stock option plans offered by their companies. Mr. Speaker, one of the reasons we call the New Economy the New Economy is because of the new opportunities and new wealth created by the groundkeeping technology industries. And in these technology industries, new opportunities for sharing in the wealth and success of companies are available to everyone. In old business models, many junior employees were paid an hourly wage and if they gained some sonority they might be offered some type of stock purchase plan. In the new model used by technology companies, every employee gets to share in the wealth of it. When employees join the company, they have an opportunity to own a piece of the company. When the company goes public, they can exercise their options and share in the company's success. In my District--which includes Silicon Valley--new companies are born every day. One reason people are attracted to this area and are willing to work at an hourly wage is because they can share in the dream of achieving the success and wealth created by these companies. The Department of Labor took a shortsighted approach when it issued its opinion last year stating that stock option plans are not exempt from the regular rate of pay provisions. I'm pleased that the Labor Department now supports this bill which amends the current law, thereby voiding its earlier opinion. Mr. Speaker, the Federal Reserve estimates that in the last two years approximately 17 percent of U.S. firms have introduced stock option programs. Additionally, another 37 percent have broadened the eligibility in their existing plans. This legislation is about expanding the winner's circle for employees. If the Labor Department's initial view on this issue were allowed to stand, it would have resulted in the exclusion of hourly workers participating in the financial success of the businesses they have had in shaping. There are secretaries and other hourly wage workers in my Congressional District who have become millionaires because of the success of their stock option plans. This wouldn't have happened if their option plan had been calculated into their overtime pay table. This has happened because companies with vision created business plans that included a model where every employee benefits when the company succeeds. We should exercise the same vision and pass this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4055, the IDEA Full Funding Act, which I'm proud to be a co-sponsor of. This bill is a prudent investment in our children that will finally put us on track to fulfill the Federal government's share of special education. It sets a schedule to meet the 40% Federal commitment by FY 2010 by authorizing increases of $2 billion each year to reach the level of funding we should have been providing all along. I'm proud to have supported House Concurrent Resolution 84 last year which urged the Congress and the President to fully fund special education. But we can do more and we should, by passing this important bill. Everyone agrees that a good education is critical to our children's future and their success, yet we are not providing the financial resources to make this possible. It's hard for local school districts to reduce class sizes, build needed schools, or hire new teachers while still providing for special education services, especially when the Federal government doesn't pay its fair share. School districts are struggling with how to provide the best education possible for all children within tightly constrained budgets. California has over 600,000 students who receive special education and related services at a reported cost of $3.4 billion. Without Federal assistance, local school districts are forced to use their general funds to the detriment of other programs. In a speech I gave almost one year ago in support of House Concurrent Resolution 84, I called upon Congress to fulfill its pledge for full funding of IDEA. I'm pleased that the leadership of the House heard my call and that of my colleagues to make good on the Federal government's obligation to the school districts and our children across our country. I thank the House leadership for bringing this important piece of legislation to the floor and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4055.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, we all got here the same way, we campaigned. During the campaigns we waged there were all kinds of political buttons, there were yard signs, there were balloons. Some people had hair combs with their names on, nail files. Of course, there is the traditional bumper sticker. Today what is being brought to the floor of the House in my view is a political bumper sticker. Why do I say that? Because the American people really want us, once that campaign is over, to come here, to be thoughtful, to work with the kind of earnestness that is going to produce sound public policy for our country. So what is on the floor? What are we debating for the American people that are tuned in today? Rather than a thoughtful, comprehensive alternative to our Nation's Tax Code, which is complex, which is confusing, and no one likes, we get a bumper sticker. It is flimsy because it is trying to sell a tax plan that taxes the Internet and derails our Nation's new economy. Yesterday there was a large press conference where the Speaker of the House accepted the report of the Internet Tax Advisory Commission, which recommended that the Internet not be taxed. The Speaker said, we intend to take this report seriously. Today, at this very moment, while we are here on the floor, the very same time, the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means is holding a hearing where another Republican Member of Congress is testifying in favor of a national sales tax plan that will tax the Internet. Representing a good part of Silicon Valley, I want to tell the Members something, my constituents are asking right now, who is on first, who is on third? This is a 59.5 percent sales tax, Federal sales tax, not including State or local taxes, on electronic commerce. We cannot have it both ways. If we are going to pull something out by its roots, we have to plant thoughtful seeds that are going to produce something else for our Nation. Our Nation's economy, this new economy, is the envy of the entire world. If in fact we pile a 59.5 percent Internet tax on electronic commerce in this country, we will not only sink the Internet, sink the golden goose that is producing something for our Nation, but we will absolutely kill it off. So I ask my colleagues to reject this political bumper sticker, this ill-conceived plan. Our Nation deserves better.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening with all of my colleagues that have come to the floor, members of the Armenian Caucus here in the House of Representatives, on the occasion of the anniversary of the 1915 Armenian genocide to remember the 1\1/2\ million human beings, the women, the children, the men who were killed, and the 500,000 Armenians forcibly deported by the Ottoman Empire during an 8-year reign of brutal repression. Armenians were deprived of their homes, their humanity, and ultimately their lives. Yet, America, as the greatest democracy and the land of freedom, has not yet made an official statement regarding the Armenian genocide. Today, there are some in Congress, some in our country that ignore the lessons of the past by refusing to comment on the events surrounding the genocide. They are encouraging new hardships for Armenia by moving to lift sanctions against Azerbaijan caused by their continuing blockade of Armenia. I am very proud, Mr. Speaker, of my heritage. I am part Armenian and part Assyrian. I believe the only Member of Congress both in the House and the Senate to claim these heritages. I came to this understanding, not just when I arrived in the Congress, as so many of us at the knees of our grandparents and the elders in our family, we were told firsthand the stories of the hardship and the suffering. That is how I come to this understanding and this knowledge and why I bring this story and this understanding to the floor of the House and, indeed, to the House of Representatives. I am very proud of this heritage and the contributions which my people have made to this great Nation. They have distinguished themselves in the arts, in law, in academics, in every walk of life in our great Nation, and they keep making important contributions to the life of this Nation. It is inconceivable to me that this Nation would choose in some quarters to keep its head in the sand by not stating in the strongest terms our recognition of the genocide and our objection to what took place. Why do I say this? Because I think it is very important to express very publicly, not only acknowledge what happened, but also understand that when we acknowledge that we are then teaching present and future generations of the events of yesteryear. As we move to educate today's generation about these lessons, we also express to them what we have learned. To deny that a genocide occurred places a black mark on the values that our great Nation stands and fights for. I am proud to be a cosponsor, of course, of responsible legislation that brings the tragedies in Armenia's history out of the shadows and into the light. House Resolution 155, the U.S. Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution, directs the President to provide a complete collection of all United States records related to the Armenian genocide to document and affirm the United States record of protest in recognition of this crime against humanity. House Resolution 398, the U.S. Training on and Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Resolution would affirm the U.S. record on the genocide and would very importantly educate others about the atrocities committed and the lessons we can learn from this tragedy against the people of Armenia. These are but two important steps we in the Congress can immediately take today. I urge my colleagues to support these efforts to pass these bills. In closing, I want to pay tribute to all of my colleagues that come to the floor every year on this. For those of my colleagues that are tuned into C-SPAN, Republicans, Democrats of all backgrounds from different States, communities across our Nation who recognize what took place, and come to the floor in humble tribute to those that gave their lives. But it is up to us that really are entrusted with the life and the well-being of our Nation. Yes, to acknowledge and to pay tribute and to say how important this is. But as we do, understand that we do it for the enlightenment of our young people and to remind ourselves that wherever anything like this raises its head around the globe that we, as Members of the United States Congress, and as citizens of this great Nation, that we will give voice to that. So I pay tribute to all of my colleagues. Those people who are resting in peace, perhaps where they are looking from are smiling and saying thank you to Members of the Congress for recognizing this. It is a sad time, but the recognition is well deserved.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on Judiciary, for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this bill. I am sorry to say that in reviewing it it really adds up to a sound bite, because we are not debating women's health and what can be done. We are not casting a constructive, critical eye at what can be built in terms of a system in this country about this issue of abortion. It is a word that none of us celebrate. We understand that every time an abortion takes place in this country, that it spells failure in some way, shape, or form. But it is a debate today about women's health. Even the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) in his amendment has an exception for rape and incest, an exception, and it deals with an exception to what my colleagues are posing today. This bill, in order to understand what it does, I think my colleagues have to understand first what it does not do. It does not outlaw a single method of late-term abortion that my colleagues keep repeating over and over again known medically as intact dilation and extraction. It does not distinguish between abortions performed before or after viability. It does not include any exceptions for abortions where the life or the health of the mother is at risk. Do my colleagues think that life is tidy for women in this country? Have they ever heard of a pregnancy that has gone wrong? Have they ever looked at or read about the cases where the fetus is growing without any brain tissue? Do they think that mothers just go right down the path of celebrating and saying we are going to abort this pregnancy? That is an insult to women in this country. Have my colleagues ever seen how women's bodies are carved up when it comes to a mastectomy? What is this Congress doing about women's health? Today's debate, Mr. Speaker, because we are pro-choice some of us does not mean that we are pro-abortion. We understand that the life and the health of the mother needs to be taken into consideration. That is what Roe v. Wade says. It is not a celebration of abortion. We do not like it. We know that education, that family planning, that all of these things, and investment in research in women's health to prevent these things are the most important. So I rise in opposition to the bill because the bill does not speak to any of these things. It is a political sound bite, and it is a sad day in the House of Representatives.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 292. On March 18th the people of Taiwan went to the polls for only the second time in their history to elect a national president. The U.S. has been stalwart in its support of democracies throughout the world and it is only fitting for Congress to congratulate Chen Shui-bian and the people of Taiwan for upholding democracy in the elections. In their first transfer of power, the voters have spoken and voiced their support for Mr. Chen. Holding an olive branch on election night, Mr. Chen stated his desire to invigorate negotiations with mainland China. A peaceful resolution that will preserve democracy in Taiwan must be pursued. I urge the Chinese government to reconsider its rejection of Mr. Chen's proposed peace summit. China and Taiwan have a unique opportunity to showcase their economic strength in the region. If negotiations are stifled, the economic future of both countries will remain uncertain but political stability will determine their success in the new economy. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Chen and his party for their historic victory and urge him to continue on the road to peace and ask my colleagues to join me.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, on March 21, 2000, I was unable to be in Washington and, consequently, missed two votes. Had I been present. I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 56 and rollcall No. 57.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished American and proud Californian, Dyanne Ladine, on the occasion of her induction into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame. For more than three decades, Dyanne Ladine has focused her energy and expertise on helping those in our community who have the fewest resources and face the greatest challenges. Her degrees in law, business and religion have made her an effective and resourceful individual. She practiced law for ten years and today is an Assistant Professor of Business at the College of Notre Dame and serves as a part-time staff member for Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson. In 1986, Dyanne Ladine secured a State grant and created ``Project Success'', which focused on the economic and educational needs of the African-American, Latino and Pacific Islander communities. In 1988, when all but five of the participants had found employment, Dyanne Ladine sold her home in Palo Alto and invested the profit in her principles. She moved to East Palo Alto where she created ``Lettuce Work'', a culturally diverse community cooperative which has employed fifteen women over a six-year period. In 1990, Dyanne Ladine co- convened ``EPA CAN DO'', which continues today as a viable and important community organization. She recently organized a two-day event for 100 East Palo Alto Junior High School girls to tour the College of Notre Dame and participate with the student body in sports and discussion. Dyanne Ladine has frequently been recognized for her extraordinary work. She is proudest about being chosen ``Teacher of the Year--1998'' by her students and peers. She continues to work on numerous projects aimed at improving the lives of those around her and she is always a voice of wisdom and reason as well as an untiring, passionate crusader for justice. Dyanne Ladine's life of leadership and community involvement is instructive to us all. Her dedication to the ideals of democracy and public service stands tall and it is fitting that she has been chosen to be inducted into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame. I ask my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to join me in honoring this great and good woman whom I'm privileged to know and call friend. We are indeed a better county, a better country and a better people because of her.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished American and proud Californian, Edythe Miller, on the occasion of her induction into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame. Edythe Miller has held numerous offices in the Redwood City Women's Club, the Golden Gate District of Women's Clubs, and the California Federation of Women's Clubs. She has participated in fund raising activities for the organizations and she has also provided food, clothing, and shelter for the Battered Women's Organization. Edythe Miller has served as President of San Mateo County's American/Italian and Historical Associations and as the past President of the Association of Republican Women. Since she survived ostomy surgery more than 34 years ago, Edythe Miller has given tirelessly of herself to the San Mateo Ostomy Association and has led the organization as President. She has taught ostomy care, speaking in retirement homes and hospitals, training nurses, raising money, appearing on TV and working with the media to educate the public about this disease. Edythe Miller is the loving wife of the now retired Superior Court Judge Robert Miller, and they are the proud parents of four, and grandparents of fourteen. The Miller family was given the ``Family of the Year'' award from San Mateo County. In addition, Edythe Miller has received an award recognizing 50 years of extraordinary service to the General Federation of Women's Clubs. She has been honored many times by the Cancer Society, Stanford Hospital and U.C. San Francisco for her volunteer work with the Ostomy Association. Edythe Miller is widely admired for her endless energy and effective work and serves as a model for both young and old, healthy or ill. Edythe Miller's life of leadership is instructive to us all. Her dedication to the ideals of democracy and community service stands tall. It is fitting that she has been chosen to be inducted into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame, and I ask my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to join me in honoring this great and good woman whom I am proud to call my friend. We are indeed a better county, a better country and a better people because of her.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished American and proud Californian, Rosalie Gann, on the occasion of her induction into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame. Rosalie Gann began her volunteer service at the young age of thirteen as a Recreation Leader. As a Camp Fire Girl she was honored for her leadership in both service and citizenship oriented activities. While attending Mills College she established the Mills Community Outreach Corps, an organization which encourages Mills students to become involved in community action. She has also volunteered at Oakland Children's Hospital where she worked with chronically and terminally ill children. Rosalie Gann has focused her professional life as an employee of Oracle Corporation on social welfare, championing community service through founding Oracle's Corporate Giving and Volunteer Programs. Because of Ms. Gann's leadership, Oracle's Corporate Giving Program has donated millions of dollars to causes that improve the quality of life of those whose communities are beset by problems and challenges. Oracle's Volunteer Program enables employees to donate service hours in the Bay Area and has recently expanded to other Oracle field offices. In 1992, Rosalie Gann was honored as a San Mateo County Outstanding Volunteer for her work with the Center for Domestic Violence. Her vision for social change, her personal volunteer experiences and her professional achievements in corporate community relations serve as a role model for all women and our entire community. Rosalie Gann's life of leadership and community involvement is instructive to us all. Her dedication to the ideals of democracy and community commitment stands tall. It is fitting that she has been chosen to be inducted into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame and I ask my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to join me in honoring a great and good woman. We are indeed a better county, a better country and a better people because of her.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lois Koenig, a dedicated citizen and employee of San Mateo County, CA, who is retiring after more than 20 years of service to her community as Manager in the Human Services Agency. Lois Koenig's distinguished career in public service is exceptional. During her tenure at the Human Services Agency, Lois designed many special projects including Intake Process, GAIN, and the GIS automation system. As Assistant to the Director, Lois was instrumental in bringing together the implementation of SUCCESS, San Mateo County's version of the California welfare reform program, CalWORK's. She also played a key role in developing the Human Services Strategic Plan which identified three outcomes which were used to measure the success of SUCCESS. Lois Koenig has also served as a leader and mentor to other volunteers and has inspired many in her community to volunteer. Her leadership and exemplary work in volunteer services earned her outstanding and deserving recognition from the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. In 1998, she was chosen for the Outstanding Community Service by Women Award in Management and also voted Volunteer of the Year by the Mid-Peninsula YMCA. Lois Koenig's contributions and accomplishments include working with ten major non-profit organizations in the County of San Mateo, Assisting them in raising funds, training their staff in budgeting and financial strategy skills, and helping to raise more than a quarter of a million dollars a year for the citizens of San Mateo County. Lois cochaired the Crystal Springs Trail Day Fundraising Events in 1997 and 1998 and raised funds for the upkeep of trails and the expansion of Sawyer Camp Trail in San Mateo County. She was also a member of the 1994 Tenth Annual San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame Committee. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to an exceptional person who has given much for the betterment of her community and our country.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, on March 8, 2000, I missed five votes because I was delayed in California because of a canceled flight. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 29, ``aye'' on rollcall No. 31, ``aye'' on rollcall No. 32, ``aye'' on rollcall No. 33 and ``aye'' on rollcall No. 34.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Paul Koenig, an outstanding employee of San Mateo County, CA, who is retiring after 22 years of exceptional service to his community, his county and his country. He has served as Director of Environmental Services, Planning Director, Chief Building Official and Executive Director of the San Mateo Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo). Paul Koenig's long and devoted career in public service began in September, 1965, when he joined Broward County, FL, as a Planner in the Research Division. In September 1966, he moved to California to work for the San Diego County Planning Department, where he became the Chief of Planning in 1976. In April 1978, Mr. Koenig relocated to the Bay Area and was hired by San Mateo County as Planning Director. He was soon appointed to other demanding leadership positions, all of which he carried out with equal diligence, commitment and expertise. Paul Koenig's accomplishments in San Mateo County are numerous. His most outstanding accomplishments include the adoption of the first county Local Coastal Program (LCP) that was adopted and certified pursuant to the California Coastal Act of 1976; The Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for San Bruno Mountain, which was the first of its kind in the country to succeed in balancing the interests of private property owners with the need to preserve habitat for endangered species; the Coastside farm labor housing project in Half Moon Bay; the Devil's Slide tunnel project; the establishment of Edgewood County Park and Sawyer Camp Trail; and the establishment of a Joint Powers Authority to operate the County library system. Paul Koenig's distinguished and successful career can be attributed to his professional skills, his work ethic and his personal characteristics. His flexibility and negotiating skills, along with his helpful nature and sense of humor earned him the respect of all those who worked with him. In addition, Mr. Koenig never neglected the day- to-day problems while keeping his focus on achieving larger goals. We are all very grateful to Paul for his long commitment to public service. His vision, knowledge and commitment have helped immeasurably to improve the quality of life for our community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to a wonderful and distinguished man, my friend, and wish him all the best in his retirement.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution. I think it is a very important one. Certainly the Catholic schools of our great Nation have shaped and formed so many fine citizens. I am a product of Catholic schools. I am proud to have paid my taxes for the public schools, and yet educated my children at Catholic schools as well. My daughter and son-in-law today are part of the faculty, high school faculty, in California at a very prestigious Catholic institution. Many of us I think have compared notes with one another talking about how the nuns shaped us, and it is them that we salute today. There are so many who have gone before us that we want to recognize when we recognize Catholic education in the United States. It is really a real tribute to the Framers of the Constitution that we have the separation of church and State, and yet we recognize that we are one Nation under God, and that there is room in this country for private education and religious education. It is my understanding that this is I think the very first time that the House of Representatives is entertaining a resolution honoring Catholic schools. I am grateful for that, and I salute that. As a Member of the House Chaplain Search Committee, I would like to also say that the House and its leadership have the opportunity to recognize and to accept by the leadership for the first time in the history of our Nation a Catholic chaplain. Unfortunately, that has not happened. There are questions surrounding that, but we did miss a bipartisan opportunity and the opportunity to make history. So while we recognize Catholic schools today, I am sorry that we have missed that opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I thank the sponsors of this important resolution.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Mrs. Agnes Venetta Standbridge, who will celebrate her 100th birthday on December 20, 1999. As a young adult, Mrs. Standbridge observed first hand the effects that both World War I and World War II had on family and friends. She saw the world turned upside down as many of her friends, neighbors and family went off to the trenches in Europe and never returned or returned scarred by injury and the nightmares of battle. During World War II, Mrs. Standbridge was a young mother raising her four children in Lemington Spa near Coventry, England. There, she and her husband, Albert Standbridge did their best to protect their children from the sights and sounds of German aircraft bombing factories in the area. During these tumultuous times she developed a quiet courage and inner strength. By the early 1950's she would need that bravery to confront the passing of her beloved husband at a young age. She never remarried and his memory remains with her today. Mrs. Standbridge began another memorable chapter in her life when she moved to Northern California and ultimately settled in Mountain View where she has lived for 38 years. Living in beautiful Silicon Valley, Mrs. Standbridge witnessed the world change again--in a far more positive way. The technological revolution that has occurred over the last few decades has made her world and ours, a more prosperous place than ever before. The events of the 20th Century have had a great impact on Mrs. Standbridge's life and she has been shaped by the relationships of those who hold her dear. Family and friendship flow through her life and have enriched her century of living. She is a great example of resilience and courage. I'm proud to represent Mrs. Standbridge and ask my colleagues to join me in wishing this extraordinary woman a very blessed and a very happy 100th birthday.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 222 with great sorrow for the losses that gave rise to this legislation and the tragedy it decries. On October 27th, a small group of terrorists stormed the Armenian Parliament building murdering the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Parliament, and seven other members of the Armenian government. This bill condemns their assassinations and expresses the sense of the Congress in mourning the tragic loss of the duly elected leadership of Armenia. The loss and bloodshed is tragic but Armenia's government and its people have not and will not allow this event to destabilize the country. Their remarkable spirit continues in Armenia, showing the worldwide community of their dedication to democracy, to the rule of law, and to the importance of peace. After separating from the Soviet Union in 1989, many wondered if the newly established nation would be able to survive. The Republic of Armenia has not only done that, but has also built a democratic nation for its people during unsettled and difficult times. Prime Minister Sargsian has fought for reforms to bring Armenia into the next century with a market economy and strong democratic traditions. This will not end with the tragedy that occurred. The efforts of President Kocharian are to be applauded to bring the recent tragedy to a peaceful resolution as he leads Armenia forward during this arduous time. Let us reaffirm America's strong support for and renew our commitment to Armenia by supporting H. Con. Res. 222 today.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 363, a resolution honoring the late Joe Serna, Jr., Mayor of Sacramento, California, and to express my deep sympathies to his wife, Isabel, and his children, Philip and Lisa. Mayor Serna was the embodiment of the American dream. He rose from his roots as a farmworker in the 1960's to become the first Latino mayor of California's capitol city. He often told how his parents, poor Mexican immigrants who worked the fields, brought him home from the hospital in a cardboard box. Joe Serna eventually left those fields to pursue a life of public service but no matter how high he rose in public office, he never forgot his roots. A loyal member of the United Farm Workers Union, Joe organized one of the state's first food caravans to feed striking grape pickers. Union President Arturo Rodriquez described Joe best when he said: ``He continued in every way he could to fight for the low-income (people), for the farmworkers, for the people that, for whatever reasons, were not being provided the respect and dignity they deserved.'' For over 20 years, Mayor Serna helped lead the great City of Sacramento. He served as a member of the City Council from 1975 to 1992 and was elected Mayor in 1992. It was a Mayor that his many accomplishments proved him a true leader. He may best be remembered for his leadership of a movement to reform the city's public schools. Dissatisfied with the leadership of the school board, he led a movement to recall many of its members and to establish a program of reform that focused on upgrading the schools with a $191 million school bond. His creative leadership did not stop there. Determined to reinvigorate downtown Sacramento, he established the City's Neighborhood Services Department, which consolidates city services to support and enhance programs for healthy, thriving neighborhoods. He also appointed the city's first Council of Economic Advisors to help frame the city's economic agenda and founded the Mayor's Summer Reading Camp, a literacy program for underprivileged students. Joe Serna was, first and foremost, a god and decent man who wanted nothing more than to represent the people of Sacramento to the best of his abilities. His close friend and political advisor, Richie Ross, said of him: ``He was never thought of in Sacramento as anything other than Mayor Joe, everybody's mayor.'' Today, the House of Representatives joins the Serna family and the people of Sacramento in sharing their grief over the loss of Mayor Joe Serna, a distinguished American who will be remembered forever.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great Californian and friend, Katherine A. McMillan, on the occasion of her 75th birthday. The daughter of Irish immigrants Margaret and John Trumble, Katherine McMillan was born on November 17, 1924, in Worcester, MA, the youngest of nine children. Her five brothers are Thomas, William, James, Joseph, Francis, and her three sisters are Margaret, Mary, and Anne. Katherine McMillan matriculated from St. Vincent Academy in Worcester and she went on to serve in the Navy as a nurse. She gave 37 years of nursing at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, CA, spending the majority of her time in the fast pace and demanding Emergency Room where she helped to establish their quality long-term care Extended Care Facility. Upon her retirement from nursing, Katherine McMillan founded the first latchkey day care program in the San Francisco Archdiocese at St. Pius Catholic Church in Redwood City where she provided quality child care for school aged children. The children had the rare opportunity to learn both Katherine McMillan's unique perspective on life gleaned from a lifetime of experience and her distinctive regional vernacular, a legacy from her Irish parents. In 1990, Katherine McMillan was the first woman to be awarded the In Via Award from Serra High School, San Mateo, CA, for her significant contributions to and support of the Serra High School community. This singular honor made her the first and only ``woman'' alumnist from the all-male school. Katherine McMillan continues to spend time volunteering at the Serra High School Library, attending and leading rowdy school functions at the ``Jungle'' and was elected in 1998 by the student body as their Homecoming Queen. Katherine McMillan spends her free time crocheting blankets with a group of dedicated, giving hands at the Redwood City Senior Center for Sheryl Parker's Pre-to-Three Program so all new babies born in San Mateo County have a blanket handmade by dedicated ``volunteer grandmothers.'' She was appointed by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to serve on the San Mateo County Health Plan Board where she works to ensure healthcare services for all those without insurance coverage. Katherine McMillan has three loving, grown children . . . her two daughters Katherine and Mary; and her son, Robert, who is married to Julie and have given her two beautiful grandchildren, Sean McMillan, 6 years old, and Kenny ``B'' McMillian, 4 years old. Katherine McMillan is especially proud of rearing her three children as a single working mother all of whom went on to college and are now productive members of our community. She is exceedingly proud of her two grandsons who carry the legacy of her extraordinary spirit into a third generation of McMillan's. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Katherine McMillan, a great and good woman, for her countless contributions to our community and our country and congratulate her on the attainment of her 75th birthday. We are indeed a better country and a better people because of this woman.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Michigan, the distinguished ranking member of the House Committee on Commerce, for granting me the 2 minutes, especially since we hold opposing views on this. But I sincerely appreciate it. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 1714, and I urge my colleagues to do support its passage. I would like to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bliley), the distinguished chairman of the full committee, for his work on the legislation and for all of my colleagues for their interest in this very important public policy area. As many of my colleagues know, I have a legislative history on the issue of electronic signatures in the Congress, having introduced the first piece of legislation addressing this issue in the last Congress and succeeding in passing it into law. That bill required Federal agencies to make government forms available on-line and accept a person's electronic signature on these forms. In this Congress, I introduced a bill to expand the legality of electronic signatures to the private sector. Today, we are going to discuss a very important amendment to the bill of the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bliley), which I believe improves the bill as it relates to consumer protections. The bill includes technical neutrality, and it grants to States who have not yet adopted legislation in this area this piece of legislation; and if they so wish to come up with more stringent legislation in a given period of time, they then can do so. I believe that the Congress must ensure that no roadblocks exist which would stymie the growth of e-commerce. So I think the Congress must act to bridge the gap between now and the time when every State has passed an updated form of the Uniform State Law Code. The projections for the growth of e-commerce and its effect on our economy are just simply too overwhelming. Business to business e-commerce was nearly five times greater than e-commerce in the consumer market, reaching $43 billion just last year. This bill ensures that our laws do not impede this staggering growth, and with the adoption of the amendment that we are going to discuss, and which I am proud to offer with my colleague, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee), and several other Democrats, the bill takes a major step in guaranteeing that strong consumer protections can coexist with transactions in cyberspace. I think that we can do both, Mr. Chairman, and I am proud to support this bill, H.R. 1714, and urge all of my colleagues to support it.

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee) for yielding me this time. I am very proud to be offering this amendment with him and several of my Democratic colleagues as well as the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Roukema). First, let me just stipulate that there is not any mandate in this amendment that says to the consumers of America that they have to go on-line and use digital signatures. There is not a mandate. This is all about choices, but it does add the protections to the consumer if they so choose to exercise this. This amendment that we bring before my colleagues today I believe cures some of the criticisms, many of the criticisms of the underlying bill. Quite simply, it ensures that consumers who choose to receive electronic records from their banks, their mortgage companies, or their on-line trading brokers will make this decision knowingly. The amendment gives consumers the ability to opt in to receive electronic records and requires that the consent be conspicuous and visually separate from other terms. In other words, consumers must agree to a statement that they will accept the records electronically. This statement cannot be buried in a morass of terms and conditions. It must be clear and separate. Additionally and importantly, this amendment requires that prior to consenting, consumers must be provided with an explanation of how to access and retain electronic records. This is important because if a consumer cannot review, retain, and print an electronic record, that record is not considered valid. I am very proud of this amendment. I believe that it makes the bill totally acceptable. This should not be a partisan issue. We should come together from both sides of the aisle, because it protects consumers and it allows electronic commerce to go forward. I urge support of this amendment.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my California colleague and the chairman of the Democratic delegation of the State of California for yielding. I think for the American people that are tuned in this evening and listening to us after hours, that this is a little different than what they are exposed to during the day in our very heated debates that sometimes generate more heat than cast light. But this is a very worthy program to tune into. This is when I think Members of the House really rise and exhibit the best of what America is about, when we recognize the humanity that is here in this Chamber. So tonight we not only mourn the passing of our colleague, our beautiful colleague, that beautiful human being, George Brown, but it is an evening for remembering him, as well. So I join with not only my California colleagues, and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis), who has so ably chaired the Republican delegation from California, a very dear friend of George Brown's, but the rest of our colleagues in remembering him and what he brought not only to this institution but to the country that we have all come here to serve. All of the States are memorialized here in our Chamber, and we from California are so proud of this son of California, and what he did here. I do not think that there are really any words that do justice to George Brown, because he was a very full figure, not only physically, but he had so many dimensions to him. Every time I look at this desk, I picture him leaning there. No matter how full this Chamber ever was, I knew exactly where to find George Brown, to either ask him how he was, what was happening in the committee, what he thought about a vote, or just in general, how everything was. You would find him leaning right there. I always thought, a penny for your thoughts, George. What do you think as you look out at us? Because he was a very knowing individual. I have the privilege of coming onto the Committee on Science as a freshman, and before I was sworn in we had something in California, and I am trying to remember, was it the California Institute that had put it together, and it was the day after the elections. I went to George Brown because he was there at this, where all of the Californians were gathered, and said, I would like to serve on your committee. And he put that wonderful arm around me, he was like a big California bear with a big heart, and said, I would love to have you on my committee, Anna. And that was my welcome. It is not that easy to get on a committee in the Congress, and what a welcome that was. You could find George Brown. Unlike any other person in this House, if you wanted to find him at his office, you could. When you walked in the door, he was not returning other people's phone calls. Do Members know what he was doing? He was reading the journals, the technical journals, the scientific journals that had been published, that masterful intellect applied to the good of our Nation. In 1961 President John Kennedy challenged America to put a human being on the moon before the end of 1969. That was a huge challenge. We take for granted what happened, and thousands of individuals throughout our country listened to this call and took him up on his seriousness, and what that meant not only for our Nation but what it meant for us as a Nation, as a global leader. Many worked in their own significant way to accomplish that feat. One of them was George Brown. How indebted we are to him as a Nation for his leadership and his courage. Many of us, as I said, take these decisions for granted and these accomplishments for granted once they take place, but it always takes individuals of courage and vision to make them happen. I think George Brown always made sure that we were looking toward the stars. I think that just as we had Americans that walked on the moon that were launched, that he today is walking among the stars and in heaven. He certainly has earned it. We are, indeed, a grateful body, and we are grateful to his constituents for sending him to us. He was a gentle man, he was a refined legislator, he was a proud Californian, he was a compassionate human being, and I thought that when God called him, that he could really answer and say, you didn't call me to be successful, you called me to be faithful. And that he was, to what he believed in and what was best in humanity. He never left anyone behind. I think for that reason, Marta, he walks now not only among the stars but among the saints. Thank you for sharing George Brown with us. God bless you, George. I will always picture you standing there at that bench, and I do not think that there is anyone that could ever come into the Congress to take your place. You will always, always be a Member here and part of our delegation.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished American, a revered Californian, and a dear friend, Leo T. McCarthy, on the occasion of his induction into the San Francisco Law School Hall of Fame. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Leo immigrated with his family to the United States at the age of three. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of San Francisco and his law degree from San Francisco Law School. Admitted to the practice of law in both the Federal and State courts of California on January 15, 1963, Leo McCarthy was also elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1963. In 1968, Leo McCarthy was elected to the California State Legislature where he served with great distinction until 1982. Chosen Speaker of the California State Assembly in 1974, he focused his considerable talents and energy upon creating State policy in areas ranging from education to health. He has given important service as a member of the World Trade Commission, the University of California Board of Regents, and the California State University Board of Trustees where both his passion for excellence and civic spirit were always evident. On January 3, 1983, Leo McCarthy became the Lieutenant Governor of the State of California, a position he retained until his retirement from elective office in 1994. Once again, his commitment to serving both his nation and the people of California was clearly manifested by his dedication to his office. He nurtured businesses from formation to long term growth as the Chair of the California Commission for Economic Development. He focused particular attention upon working to improve the involvement of businesses in international trading and investment, particularly in Pacific Rim markets, an area of lifelong interest. In 1992, while still in office, Leo McCarthy aided over 100 women and minority business investors by publishing an award-winning guide titled, Starting and Succeeding in Business: A Special Publication for Small, Minority-and Women-Owned Businesses. At the same time, he helped California implement the Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) program which helps welfare recipients move into private sector jobs. In 1992, Leo McCarthy sponsored both the Mammography Quality Assurance Act that created new standards governing both mammography facilities and technology, and Senate Joint Resolution 32, which declared that breast cancer was an epidemic in California, requesting that the President and the Congress dedicate greater funds to find the causes of and a cure for the disease. Upon his retirement from public office in 1994, instead of indulging in a well-deserved rest, Leo McCarthy joined the board of the Linear Technology Corporation, a high tech firm which manufactures analog integrated circuits and in 1998, produced $460 million in sales. He also became a board member of two mutual funds, the Parnassus Fund, a socially responsible fund that invests a $400 million investment portfolio in domestic stocks and bonds, and Forward Funds, Inc., which focuses on investing in domestic and foreign equities and bonds with a $230 million investment portfolio. Leo McCarthy is also the Vice Chair on the Board of Open Data Systems, a private firm which creates software aimed at facilitating the accurate recording and processing of building permits and other development documents used by local governments. All of these private sector businesses have subsequently benefited from his active and enthusiastic involvement as a board member. In 1995, Leo McCarthy became President of the Daniel Group, a law partnership which focuses on international trade and market investment. With all these responsibilities, Leo McCarthy has continued his public service. Appointed to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission by the U.S. Senate Democratic Leadership, the Commission has undertaken a two year study of the impact of all forms of legal gambling in the United States at the order of the President and the Congress. Leo McCarthy and his wife Jacqueline have been married for over 40 years. They have four exceptionally talented children, Sharon, a fifth grade teacher, Conna, an attorney, Adam, an import-export businessman, and Niall, an attorney, and they are the proud grandparents of eight. Leo McCarthy's life of leadership is instructive to us all. His dedication to the ideals of both democracy and public service stand tall. I am especially blessed to have him as a mentor, a colleague, and a friend. It is fitting that the San Francisco Law School has chosen to induct him into its Hall of Fame and I ask my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to join me in honoring a great and good man. We are indeed a better country and a better people because of him.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I plan to vote for the Financial Service Modernization Act Conference Report because I think there are some very important things for the American people. The new financial structure that the bill creates will provide consumers greater choice and efficiency. However, I also wish to state my deep concerns with the privacy provisions in the bill. Every American cherishes their personal privacy. Whether in our homes, shopping with our credit cards, or surfing the web, we expect to be able to control who has access to our private lives. A 1978 study by the Center for Social and Legal Research found that 64 percent of Americans were ``very concerned'' about threats to their privacy. By 1998, those concerned had risen to 88 percent. In a recent AARP study, 78% of respondents said they believe that current federal and state laws are not strong enough to protect their privacy from businesses that collect information about consumers. We had an opportunity in the Financial Services Modernization Act to restore confidence to the American people by establishing high standards to protect the privacy of financial records and information. In the Commerce Committee, we unanimously adopted a provision that would have given Americans the right to say no to the sale or transfer of their most personal financial information. Unfortunately, the privacy provisions in this conference Report are very different. The bill allows banks to create huge financial structures that include everything from insurance companies to marketing and travel agencies, among which private customer information can be freely shared. Moreover, the bill allows banks to sell private information to any entity, whether it's a part of the financial structure or not, as long as they enter into a ``joint agreement to perform services or functions on behalf of the bank.'' This includes marketing and the consumer does not have the right to say no. I'm concerned that the privacy provisions in the Financial Services bill threaten to take us down a path where our bank managers know as much about us as our doctors and telemarketers know as much about us as our mortgage companies. The American consumer should have the right to opt out of their private financial information being sold or transferred to outside third parties and affiliates without their knowledge or permission. Thus, I urge the banks and financial services industry to go beyond what is required of them in this legislation and to enact policies that will provide comprehensive and meaningful protection of their customers' private records.