Anna Eshoo

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, last week I received this letter from Judi LeVine's kindergarten class at Arundel School in San Carlos, CA. It is really a plea from her students for Congress to save the environment, especially our rain forests, and our animals, our endangered species. Even 5-year-old children can see the value in conserving our natural resources. Yet Republican leaders in Congress seem unable to grasp the need to preserve our environment for the next generation. The parents may send us to the Congress; they are the ones that cast the votes. But the children are the ones that we need to remember as we shape their future. It is their future that we are shaping, and we should never lose sight of that. Because the opinion of the American people has weighed in and has forced the GOP leaders to abandon some of their destructive attacks on endangered species and wilderness areas, we must never let our guard down against similar assaults. So to all the kids at the school, I have gotten the message. I hope the rest of the Congress has.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the California Working Group, whose TV producers are being honored by the 110 affiliated local unions of the Central Labor Council of San Mateo County, AFL-CIO, and their 65,000 members and families for their production of ``We Do the Work.'' California Working Group has for 6 years produced ``We Do the Work,'' the only national public television series that addresses contemporary life and issues faced by working people. The weekly series has been broadcast on more than 130 PBS stations across the country, with programs highlighting Americans' concerns about unemployment, child labor, job wages, job migration, health and safety issues, and job training, as well as programming which examines the labor culture, media coverage of work issues, and leadership within the labor movement. The staff and board of directors of California Working Group have succeeded in their mission by producing programs that bring positive images of working people to television. The distinguished producers and members on the staff are Patrice O'Neill, Rhian Miller, Linda Peckham, Kyung Sun Moon, Debra Chaplan, Valerie Lapin, Craig Berggold, and Steve Diputado and the board of directors are Rome Aloise, Mary Anne Barnett, Danny Beagle, Barbara Byrd, Art Carter, Dave Elsila, John Garcia, Kathy Garmezy, Jeff Greendorfer, Conn Hallinan, Ben Hudnall, Bob Kalaski, Karen Keiser, Shelley Kessler, Ed Logue, Ken Lohre, Jack McNally, Kerry Newkirk, Gladys Perry, Art Pulaski, Erica Rau, Charlie Reiter, Alicia Ribeiro, Steve Roberti, Dan Scharlin, Steve Shriver, Carole Sickler, Dave Sickler, and Michael Straeter. Together they have successfully provided a forum for ordinary Americans to speak their minds and share their stories with the public at large. California Working Group productions have been awarded Golden and Silver Apple Awards from the National Educational and Film & Video Festival, silver and gold plaques from the Chicago International Film Festival, and the Sidney Hillman Award. Mr. Speaker, the California Working Group is an exemplary nonprofit organizations that has contributed great depth and diversity to our community and the labor movement. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the California Working Group, its staff and board of directors whose dedication and commitment to quality programming has given a voice to working Americans.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marcy Vacura Schultz, a dedicated community leader from California's 14th Congressional District who is being honored by the 110 affiliated local unions of the Central Labor Council of San Mateo County, AFL-CIO, and their 65,000 members and families with the prestigious Unity Award. Marcy Vacura Schultz is the business manager of the Building and Construction Trades Council of San Mateo County. She is the first woman to be elected to such a position in the United States. As a former flight attendant, she led 2,500 coworkers in a strike against a major airline in 1983. Based on her belief that female-dominated unions should be treated equally with male-dominated unions, she successfully lobbied the California Joint Legislature to pass a resolution in support of flight attendants and convinced then-Congresswoman Barbara Boxer to launch a national boycott of conscience against the airline. She worked with 12 cities and the board of supervisors to pass resolutions in support of protecting the existing California prevailing wage laws. She is currently working to assist the economic growth and development of the city of East Palo Alto. Marcy Vacura Schultz has distinguished herself in San Mateo County in the labor movement. Since joining the Building Trades Council as assistant manager in 1987, she has worked with the Private Industry Council, the Advisory Council on Women, the County Economic Development Advisory Council and has been inducted into San Mateo County's Women's Hall of Fame. She was a founding member of the START program, a project designed to train women in nontraditional jobs, and currently serves on the board of directors of Shelter Network of San Mateo County, the County Expo Advisory Board, the Housing Task Force, and the County Leadership Council on the United Way. Mr. Speaker, Marcy Vacura Schultz is an outstanding citizen of California's 14th Congressional District. I salute her for the commitment she brings to, and the contributions she has made to our community and the labor movement. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Ms. Schultz as she is awarded the prestigious Unity Award.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ambassador John F. ``Jack'' Henning, a distinguished leader who is being honored by the 110 affiliated local unions of the Central Labor Council of San Mateo County, AFL-CIO, and their 65,000 members and families. John F. Henning has dedicated his life to fight for racial and economic equality for all working women and men in California, the Nation, and internationally. He began his successful career in the labor movement in1938 while working with the Association of Catholic Unionists in San Francisco. He continued his fight for working people of the Nation while serving in the highest offices of government as the State Labor Federation's research director, director of the State's industrial relations department, Under Secretary of Labor in both the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, and U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand. John F. Henning has been one of the most eloquent spokespersons in our time for the rights of working people. John F. Henning's leadership has produced some of the great milestones in labor's history, from the passage of landmark proworker legislation in California, to gaining labor rights for farm workers, to fighting for affirmative action as a regent of the University of California, to leading the successful fight to have the university divest in apartheid South Africa. Mr. Speaker, John F. Henning is an exceptional man who has graced the stage of our Nation's labor movement. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and saluting him for his leadership, his commitment and his dedication to the workers of our Nation.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Representative Pallone, Representative Porter, and all my colleagues participating in raising awareness on this, the 81st anniversary of the Armenian genocide and the 1.5 million Armenians who were systematically exterminated by Ottoman troops. The slaughter began on April 24, 1915, when hundreds of Armenian leaders were arrested and executed in Istanbul and other areas. By the time they were finished, Ottoman troops had executed 1.5 million Armenians including innocent women and children. Tragically, the voices of these innocent victims fell upon deaf ears because the international community refused to confront the perpetrators of these atrocities. As the only Member of Congress of Armenian descent, I know full well how the Ottoman Empire decimated a people--my people--and wrote one of the darkest chapters in human history. I'm committed to ensure that the suffering is not diminished, and not be denied by the perpetrators of this disgraceful policy. By recalling the atrocities of the Armenian Genocide we remind the world that a great tragedy was inflicted upon the Armenian people, that the murder of Armenians was a catastrophe for the entire family of nations, and that unchecked aggression leads to atrocity. By mourning the losses of our past, we renew our determination to forge a future in which the Armenian people can live in peace, prosperity, and freedom. Despite the history of suffering at the hands of others, Armenians have remained a strong people, committed to family and united by an enduring faith. The Armenian people have risen from the ashes of the Armenian Genocide to form a new country from the remains of the Soviet Union * * * a new country which flourishes in the face of severe winters, ongoing military conflict in Nagorno-Karabagh, and the absence of strong international assistance. Today's Armenia is a living tribute to the indelible courage and perseverance of the Armenian people and the assurance that what took place 81 years ago will not be repeated. As we remember the tragic history of the Armenian people, it's essential also for us to discuss the future of Armenia and the role which the United States can play in establishing peace in the Caucuses. In my view, true peace in the Caucuses will only be achieved when the political and economic isolation of Armenia ceases and regional leaders recognize the inherent rights of Armenia--including its land and its history. Congress can continue to play an important part in this process. The Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act, which became law for fiscal year 1996 as part of the Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, is essential because it exerts the appropriate pressure on countries which block U.S. foreign assistance to the region. This measure must be made permanent law as soon as possible, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to do so. In my view, it's not enough for third party nations to allow commercial flights into aid-recipient countries--land convoys must be allowed through in order to move necessary amounts of American food, medicine, and clothing. In addition, we must maintain the Freedom of Support Act of 1992. We should reinstate Section 907, which would prevent United States foreign assistance going to Azerbaijan until they lift their blockade of Nagorno--Karabagh, The Freedom of Support Act must be upheld until the isolation of Armenia ends and its territorial rights are adhered to. Mr. Speaker, if the tragedy of the Armenian genocide has taught us anything, it is sitting back is tantamount to helping Armenia's oppressors. As Members of Congress, we have the responsibility of ensuring that an enhanced U.S. role in the affairs of the Caucuses follows a course sensitive to the region's history and culture. This includes a heightened sensitivity to Armenia, who's history and culture are often denied or misunderstood. We must do all we can to prevent this tragic history from repeating itself and help advance a proactive foreign policy to bring lasting peace to the region. I thank my colleagues who have joined us here today to commemorate the Armenian Genocide. Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by saying my remarks also are in memory of someone that was a great leader in the Armenian community, a relative of mine, Aram Bayramian, who was, I think, the essence of what his forefathers were and continue to be, a great American, a great patriot, a man of great faith in family, someone that served this Nation and was devoted not only to the Armenian community but the entire community.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Chairman, earlier this month, I held eight townhall meetings throughout my district to celebrate Earth Day and listen to what people think about how this Congress is handling the environment. Time and time again, I heard people say that they strongly favor measures to preserve our natural heritage and oppose efforts by Republican leaders to gut important conservation laws, like the National Wildlife Refuge Act that we're now considering. This bill will open up national wilderness areas to hunting and fishing, as well as make it more difficult to establish new refuges. This underscores why other environmental legislation we passed earlier this week was a mere figleaf to hide what the majority in the House do not want the American people to see--its unrelenting assault on our clean air, clean water, clean drinking water, and wilderness areas. No wonder Bob Herbert wrote in last Friday's New York Times that when you free associate about Republican leaders on the environment, ``life- affirming'' is the last term that comes to mind. Mr. Speaker, this week, while people in my district and throughout the Nation are stressing the importance of protecting the environment, Republican leaders are once again rejecting the American value of conservation. I urge my colleagues to vote no on the National Wildlife Refugee Act. Mr. Chairman, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, on April 3, 1996 the United States lost a leader. Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown inspired us all with his ability to bring together people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures to find and achieve a goal for the common good. He inspired us by his commitment to finding opportunities for U.S. businesses overseas, recognizing that our country's trade deficit is harmful to our domestic economy and the jobs Americans want and need. Because of his leadership, many California technology firms have increased their sales to foreign countries, which has increased employment and a rebounding California economy. According to the Joint Venture's Index of Silicon Valley, 46,000 jobs have been added to our region since 1992. The semiconductor industry, which has endured years of job loss due to a trade deficit with Japan, showed a gain of 4,300 jobs between 1994 and 1995. Business confidence of Santa Clara County companies reached an all-time high of 73 percent in 1995. Secretary Brown advocated effectively for economic and employment improvements in Silicon Valley, and this is just part of his legacy. Members of Congress, the administration, business leaders, and citizens must work to preserve this legacy of proactive work on behalf of the people of our country. America will miss his leadership. I will miss his friendship of almost two decades. Secretary Brown gave his life while serving his country. God rest his good soul.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule. I had hoped to have an amendment made in order which would raise the lifetime benefit cap on health insurance from $1 million to $10 million. My amendment would have benefited the 1,500 Americans a year who exceed the current cap, and some 10,000 Americans between now and the year 2000. It would save Medicaid $7 billion over 5 years, and the cost is small. The American Academy of Actuaries estimates a 1-percent to 2- percent increase in premiums. Mr. Speaker, a medical catastrophe could befall any one of us here in this Chamber and in this body, any one of our children, our parents, our loved ones, at any time. Many times I say to myself, ``There but for the grace of God go I.'' Not being able to have sufficient health insurance coverage severely compounds the catastrophe. A point that needs to be made is the plight of the distinguished actor Christopher Reeve, who is well known to all of us. In honor of his courage, I introduced legislation upon which the amendment was based, named the Christopher Reeve Health Insurance Reform Act. Mr. Speaker, every day we see inflation adjustments for other needed services: for consumer products, for education. In some of these cases, the adjustment reflects the reality of current costs. In others, they offer protection to the American people. My amendment would have done both. I am disappointed not for myself, but for the people of this Nation that my amendment was not allowed under this rule.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Access to Emergency Services Act. This legislation would require the FCC to establish a framework which would prohibit the blocking of 911 calls placed by cellular and wireless users. Why is this legislation necessary? In many markets, cellular phone users have been put in jeopardy because they are unable to access emergency 911 help when they were not subscribed to the local cellular company. Fortunately, cellular companies in California no longer block emergency 911 calls. However, this change in policy did not happen soon enough for a California woman who, in December 1994, was shot and robbed because her calls to 911 on her cellular phone were blocked by the local cellular company. The irony is, of course, that many cellular customers purchase cellular phones for just these emergency situations. Would they have become customers if they realized they might not be able to reach 911 when necessary? The FCC is currently conducting a rulemaking on wireless 911 services. I hope the FCC will do the right thing, and address this issue in its rulemaking. I am introducing this legislation because this issue is too important to cellular users to leave to chance. We must ensure that no one is victimized because he or she was unable to reach 911 on their cellular phone. These cellular licenses were given to cellular companies in order to develop a new service for the American people. As a member of the Commerce Committee, I take very seriously my responsibility to ensure that the public's airwaves are put to good public use. At the very least, cellular users deserve access to local 911 emergency services. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the rule and H.R. 125 which would repeal the assault weapons ban. There is absolutely no good reason for Congress to repeal this ban. It is needed, it works, and the American people support it. More than one-third of all police killed with guns from January 1994 to September 1995 were slain by illegal assault weapons. Although these assault weapons account for only 1 percent of privately owned firearms in the United States, they are 8 times more likely to be used in crime than other guns. That is why police chiefs in my district, James Goulart of Belmont, CA; Lucy Carlton of Los Altos; Dennis Wick of Half Moon Bay; and Cliff Gerst of the San Carlos police department oppose this legislation. Poll after poll demonstrates broad support for the assault weapons ban by the American people. Talk about a beltway mentality. You are not paying attention to the American people. This is a march to folly. Barbara Tuckman was right. Oppose the rule, oppose the legislation.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 68 on the previous question to House Resolution 384, I was unavoidably detained because of a flight being late. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' personal explanation

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, today I'm introducing the Online Parental Control Act of 1996 to fix a major flaw in the telecommunications reform bill. My proposal strengthens the control parents have over their children's access to online materials and better protects the first amendment rights of computer users. First, it replaces the controversial indecency standard with a constitutional harmful to minors standard. Second, it provides additional incentives for the development of better parental control technologies, as well as the use of labeling or segregating systems which would allow parents to restrict access to online materials. I support efforts to address this issue in court. But I also believe a protracted legal battle will potentially leave children exposed to harmful material and place the free speech rights of computer users in jeopardy for an extended period of time. Congress needs to offer both sides of this controversy a reasonable opportunity to resolve it. The Online Parental Control Act, I believe, is the sensible opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this effort to protect both children and free speech by cosponsoring this legislation.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to condemn the recent terrorist bombings carried out against innocent Israelis. At least 57 people have been murdered in the past few weeks in Israel during a wave of suicide bombings carried out by Hamas. I am pleased to support H. Con. Res. 149 which calls upon Chairman Arafat, the Palestinian Authority, and the Palestinian Council to apprehend and punish the terrorists who planned these bloody attacks, and to prevent such acts in the future. It also calls for the elimination of the terrorist structures of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front of the Liberation of Palestine. In addition, the measure recognizes the role the United States must play by expressing our intent to reconsider United States assistance to the Palestinian Authority in light of steps that must be taken by the authority against terrorist infrastructures and operations. Mr. Speaker, these attacks were the work of cowards and common criminals. Now, it's up to both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice and redouble their efforts to guarantee Israel's security. Just as important, they must not let the terrorists achieve their political objective of derailing the Middle East peace process. The victims will truly have died in vain if terrorism succeeds in renewing the hideous cycle of violence that has plagued Israel since it became a state.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, today the House will consider legislation to extend the debt ceiling, allowing the U.S. Government to avoid default on its financial obligations. Unfortunately, the bill before us extends borrowing authority only through March 29. Further, I understand attempts may be made to attach controversial proposals to subsequent debt ceiling extensions. I urge my colleagues to exercise restraint and pass a clean, long-term debt ceiling extension bill. Mr. Speaker, it's time to quit playing games with the full faith and credit of the United States. We are playing with the funds of every citizen who invests in U.S. securities markets. In fact, one out of every three Americans invests in the U.S. securities markets, either directly or through mutual funds. In 1995, investors bought nearly $120 billion worth of funds that invest primarily in U.S. stock. Funds that invest primarily in American stocks had over $1.07 trillion in assets at year-end 1995. This is not an arcane technical issue affecting only a few major investors--it affects every citizen of the United States. The word of the U.S. Government is respected around the world and by every market--now, our credit-worthiness is at stake. I urge my colleagues to support an extension of the debt ceiling without controversial provisions that could endanger its enactment.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, today I introduced a bill in the House of Representatives, H.R. 3030, and it is entitled the Christopher Reeve Health Insurance Reform Act. I think that that name, rather than the number 3030, is a name that Americans know and respect. Christopher Reeve is an accomplished actor, someone that has appeared both on stage and screen in our Nation and, I believe, now is playing one of the great roles of his life as he advocates for the reforms that are necessary to our health system. And so I am very pleased that he would lend his name to this piece of legislation that seeks to reform a very, very important part of our health insurance system in our country. What this bill would do would be to lift the lifetime cap limit that exists in health insurance policies today. People that own life insurance policies may not be, and most are not, aware of the fine print that exists within that policy. Back in the 1970's, a $1 million cap was placed on the usage or the ceiling for health insurance policies. One million dollars in 1970 was a lot of money. Today $1 million, when a catastrophic incident happens in an individual's life, as it did and came into Christopher Reeves' life, $1 million will be used up very, very quickly. So I think it is important that that standard lifetime cap on individual health insurance policies be raised. That is what this bill accomplishes. Specifically, the legislation would prohibit insurers from placing limits on health insurance policies of less than $10 million, so those that insure themselves, their policy would have a ceiling of not $1 million, but $10 million. I think this is an important and necessary reform measure that needs to be accomplished. Last year, Madam Speaker, in our great Nation, 1,500 individuals exhausted their lifetime caps under their health insurance plans. Price Waterhouse estimates that between 1995 and the year 2000, an additional 10,000 Americans will reach their lifetime caps because they require continual medical care. This legislation will protect frequent users of health insurance from being stranded, because a $10 million limit better reflects today's medical inflation. The $1 million cap, as I said, was adopted in the early 1970's. That reflected very much the times. But that has never been adjusted with inflationary figures, and we know if there is anything that has inflated, that is the cost of health care. Lifting the lifetime caps. Madam Speaker, would also save the Federal Government money. Price Waterhouse estimates that removing lifetime caps would save the Medicaid Program $7 billion over 5 years. The American Academy of Actuaries estimates that lifting the lifetime caps will cause only a slight increase in premiums, about 1 percent to 2 percent, for employers. I think we can all agree that the $1 million lifetime cap is something that has outlived itself. That is to say that it does not fit with the times. This bill, H.R. 3030, will accomplish that. Let me close, Madam Speaker, by paying tribute to Christopher Reeves. As I said earlier, he is a recognized name by Americans because of how he distinguished himself on stage and screen. He has been a great advocate for the arts and the humanities, and now, today, he is moving into a new role, and that is being an advocate for the necessary, important reforms that we can bring to the health care system. His eloquent voice, I hope, will be matched by the eloquent act of this Congress. That is what I urge my colleagues to support and to cosponsor, so we can correct this in the law, and recognize that Americans will be helped, and that with that, we help move America forward. I salute Christopher Reeves for his courage, and I hope Members of Congress will try to match what he has exhibited by supporting this legislation, and indeed, making it the law.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. I think as people are tuned in and hopefully listening and finding this, our conversation, enlightening, the reason why we point out, excuse the expression, the ying and yang of this, is that what has taken place in the Senate around this bipartisan bill and the promise to keep it clean is to keep it uncomplicated. With the ingredients that are already there, they are winning ingredients. We know that a souffle only rises once, and so we want to capture that opportunity. For that set of ingredients that has been agreed to and I think will breed the success that we are looking for, these two major, important health care reforms for the people of America, that we duplicate that recipe and those ingredients in the House. If in fact other ingredients are thrown into this so that the souffle does not rise, then I do not think it is difficult to predict. We will lumber toward the end of the 104th Congress, I think, with egg on the face, most frankly, because the American people are exhausted with the partisanship that comes around these life issues and what secures their family. They do not want to hear these kind of debates. They want us to stand next to them, pay attention to what they are saying, and at least incrementally come out with the two things that this very sensible bipartisan bill represents. So thanks again to my colleague. I think you are exactly what people sent you here to do, that you are sensible, that you are caring, and that we want to be effective and produce for the American people. After all, this is the House of the people, this Chamber that we are standing in. Some of the greatest Americans have come and gone from this floor, have addressed the Nation from that podium, and I think that we are their political descendents and we would do well to remind ourselves of the greatness of individuals of the past. The reason that they were great was because they were good. Why were they good? Because they were effective. Why were they effective? It is because they produced things for the American people, and they are long in the American people's memory for what they accomplished on their behalf. I think that we can do the same thing, and I would call on the Speaker and anyone else that is thinking of, excuse the expression, mucking up the bill or placing on it those things that will make it cave in, instead of shepherding it across the finish line and producing a great touchdown for America. Thank you.

Ms. ESHOO. Would the gentleman yield for just a moment?

Ms. ESHOO. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Pallone]. Mr. Speaker, I would like to return the compliment with a multiplier, because the gentleman has been at the forefront in support of the changes that need to be made for the American people on health care. He has been an eloquent voice in the committee that we both serve on, the Committee on Commerce, when it has come to Medicare and the protection of the elderly in our Nation. He has spoken not only eloquently but very sensibly. Sometimes I think the most uncommon of the senses is common sense. He does not lack that. I am delighted to join with my colleague today during this special order to talk about this bill on health insurance. I ran for Congress in 1992, and one of the issues that motivated me the most, because it was something that I concentrated on and gave 10 years of legislative time and sweat and sometimes some tears, but it was all worth it, when I served in local government, was on the issue of health care. I recognized back in 1982 that, if there was an issue that was driving our economy that needed to be reshaped and reformed, it was health care. I guess I was not only right then, I was dead right. That was back in 1982, and we went on to make some wonderful reforms and changes in the county where I served on the board of supervisors. Then running for Congress, of course, it was what we talked about and promised. I think it is about time that we keep, at least, some of our promises to the American people. Even though there was not sweeping health care reform legislation in the 103d Congress, some cheered that. But the American people have been left without solutions that they need to bring to their day-to-day lives. So this legislation, which is bipartisan, which was shaped in the Senate by both the Republican and Democratic Senator, has now attracted support, important support from both sides of the aisle. It is not all things to all people. It is not a Christmas tree with many decorations on it. But quite simply it strikes at the heart of two issues that we can address in the 104th Congress. First is portability. Portability, what does that mean? It means that where you work and you are insured with a policy, that if you move to another job or if you lose your job, you can continue that health care coverage. How? By individuals being willing to pay for it. So this is not a government program, as important as some of them are to those in other circumstances in our society, this is a piece of legislation that acknowledges and will give to people what they want, and that is portability. Some say that they experience job lock. They will not leave their jobs for another because they do not want to leave this benefit behind. Certainly on the threshold of the 21st century, the Congress of the United States would be forward looking and say, We are more than willing to catch up with what is going on in society and allow our citizens to take with them the benefit that they already enjoy and that they themselves are willing to pay for. So I think that is not only a very important principle to set down, but it really is responding to what people want. If the Congress itself wants to distinguish itself to the American people, I think we better be about their business and to respond to what they talk to us about every day. I am a Californian, and I do not stay in Washington on the weekend. As soon as the bells go off, I race off to Dulles Airport to fly home to be with my constituents. This issue of portability has been spoken to and about tens of thousands of times just in my congressional district alone. This is not a Democratic issue, it is not a Republican issue. This is the people's issue. So this legislation which we are so proud to support contains this provisions. The other provision is something that people have spoken, I think, to every single Member of Congress about in our respective congressional districts. That is those that have a preexisting condition are redlined by the insurance companies. Now, let us back up for a minute and understand why we all buy insurance to begin with. I know that I buy and pay for my automobile insurance in the eventuality that something happens and I am involved in an automobile accident, that I am covered. I do not do that so that, when the accident happens, the insurance company drops me. We buy it to be covered at the time that we need the coverage. So there are tens of millions of Americans today that on the basis of a preexisting condition, which is part of health care, everyone's body is not perfect. Every human body does not remain perfect from birth until God calls us. So we need to make these provisions for the people in our country. I think that it is one of the real unfairnesses of the insurance industry. So we need to make these provisions. There is a great deal that is written today, everything that we pick up, from the New York Times to all of the weekly magazine publications, about the anxiety that is underlying the American public today. Mr. Speaker, I think that we can take a quantum leap on their behalf if in fact we speak to those things that help to make a family secure. I do not think any one of us in cosponsoring this bill is making the promise that it cures everything, that it takes care of everything. It does not. But, again, it does strike to the heart of two very major, important provisions that need to be made by law by this Congress. I think that there will be a grateful Nation that will acknowledge the work of the people in the 104th Congress if in fact we produce this for them. Now, for those that are listening in, they are probably thinking, This sounds so simple. It sounds so sensible. What could ever stand in the way of this? There are always interests that weigh in, certainly the health insurers in the country. I think it is time that the Congress look at the interests of the American people. Certainly we can listen to what people's concerns are, about what they like or dislike about a bill. But then we must move on. We are here for the people of America. The Speaker sits in the chair with the American flag behind him. Over that it says, ``In God we trust.'' I would like to think that the American people will say at the end of this process and this bill that we know the President will sign, not as a Christmas tree, not diluted to be less than what it is now, but that the American people will say, ``in the Congress we trust,'' because they responded to what we need, to what the families need, to what individuals need, to add to the security that they really deserve. So I would like to again salute my colleague, Mr. Pallone, for the leadership that he has provided with the health care task force that has certainly been in operation on the Democratic side of the aisle to help bring forward the sensible reforms, not a Rube Goldberg plan that no one can understand. No one can charge that this is Big Government on any individual's back. This is for the people. They are willing to pay for these provisions, but the law must change in order for them to enjoy them. So ``thank you'' to you, Mr. Pallone, for your leadership. It is ongoing. You are tenacious. I think that you were absolutely terrific. I look forward to gathering round the desk of the President on a bipartisan basis when he signs this bill into law, hopefully this year, and that we can conclude the 104th Congress in keeping the promise that we made to the American people that we would indeed try to lift them up and that there will be sensible health care reform, and I think that this bill, H.R. 2893, is it. Thank you for sharing some of this special order time. I think that this is special, and I think that it is in order.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Vivian L. Kral, a dedicated community leader who is being honored as an inductee into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame. Vivian L. Kral was recently named president-elect of California Women Lawyers, the largest Women's Bar Association in the world. Vivian L. Kral is an invaluable women's rights activist and the first woman in San Mateo County to have earned the honor of presiding over the California Women Lawyers. She has also received the California Women Lawyers President's Award for passion and commitment for her work in promoting the advancement of women in the legal profession and society. In addition to her work as a practicing attorney, Vivian L. Kral lectures on legal ethics and family law and teaches oral advocacy at the Hastings College of Oral Advocacy. She is also the vice president of the Planned Parenthood Association of San Mateo County, president of the San Mateo County's National Women's Political Caucus, and a member of the County Bar Association Board of Directors. Mr. Speaker, Vivian L. Kral is an outstanding citizen and I salute her for her contributions and commitment to serving our community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Vivian L. Kral and congratulate her on being inducted into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sharon Bryce Hofstedt, a dedicated community leader who is being honored as an inductee into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame. Sharon Bryce Hofstedt, a registered nurse for 25 years, is a tireless advocate on behalf of women, children, and families in San Mateo County. She chairs the Community Outreach Committee of the Board of Directors for Stanford University Hospital and has been instrumental in developing programs that encourage people to volunteer with the hospital. As a board member and current president of the board of directors for Women's Recovery Association, she has helped expand its services to include the innovative Perinatal Residential Program. Sharon Bryce Hofstedt is also actively involved with Samaritan House and the County Winter Shelter Task Force. In 1991, Sharon Bryce Hofstedt was honored by the Junior League of Palo Alto as an Outstanding Volunteer Advocate. Mr. Speaker, Sharon Bryce Hofstedt is an outstanding citizen and I salute her for her contributions and commitment to serving our community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sharon Bryce Hofstedt and congratulate her on being inducted into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Maria Lucidi, a dedicated community leader who is being honored as an inductee into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame. For the past 40 years, Maria Lucidi has worked to improve our education system as a teacher, a department chair, a coach of forensics and debate, a coordinator of our schools' Gifted and Talented Program, and head of many committees at the school, district, and county levels. With her remarkable vision and leadership skills, Maria Lucidi started San Mateo High School District's literary-art magazine and originated the speaker's bureau. She has excelled as an educator, having received a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship in 1992 and the San Mateo County Teacher of the Year Award in 1980. Maria Lucidi is also actively involved in the Red Cross and the Cystic Fibrosis Associations. Mr. Speaker, Maria Lucidi is an outstanding citizen and I salute her for her contributions and commitment to our students and our public education system. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Maria Lucidi and congratulate her on being inducted into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jacqueline Cooke, a dedicated community leader who is being honored as an inductee into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame as a Young Woman of Excellence. Jacqueline Cooke has been an active participant in student government, athletics, and music from her first day at Burlingame High School. She has developed outstanding leadership skills and maintained a consistent honor roll academic standing. Jacqueline Cooke is one of two seniors representing Burlingame High School in a community coalition dedicated to linking students with senior citizens. She has also played an important role in developing ``Freshman Gathering,'' a program designed to help ninth graders make the transition from middle school to high school. Jacqueline Cooke is currently student body president and was recently voted the Senior Who Contributed the Most. Her volunteer activities range from fundraising for AIDS research to collecting teddy bears for needy children. Mr. Speaker, Jacqueline Cooke is an outstanding citizen and I salute her for her contributions and commitment to serving our community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jacqueline Cooke and congratulate her on being inducted into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame as a Young Woman of Excellence.

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Florence Rhoads, a dedicated community leader who is being honored as an inductee into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame. Florence Rhoads has more than two decades of community service to her credit, including more than 12 years on the San Mateo City Council, with three terms as mayor. As a dedicated local elected official, she served on the public safety committee of the League of California Cities and the Association of Bay Area Government's executive board. With her strong leadership skills, Florence Rhoads chaired the San Mateo County Council of Mayors, the County Criminal Justice Council, and the San Mateo Parks and Recreation Commission. Her community activism also goes beyond her work in local government. She is actively involved with community groups such as the American Association of University Women, the West San Mateo Homeowners' Association, the League of Women Voters, and the San Mateo Arboretum Society. Mr. Speaker, Florence Rhoads is an outstanding citizen and I salute her for her countless contributions and commitment to serving our community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Florence Rhoads and congratulate her on being inducted into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Gioconda Egan, a dedicated community leader who is being honored as an inductee into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame. Gioconda Egan, herself profoundly deaf, founded the San Mateo County Branch of Deaf Counseling Advocacy Referral Agency in 1978 and served as its executive director until 1982. She is a trained paralegal and has encouraged the courts and community colleges in San Mateo County to offer sign language services. She was instrumental in developing the Disability Services Program for the San Mateo County government and effectively operated the program from 1985 to 1991. She also helped establish a class specifically designed for the hearing impaired at a local college. Gioconda Egan is a founding member and active participant in the San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities. Mr. Speaker, Gioconda Egan is an outstanding citizen and I salute her for her contributions and commitment to serving our community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Gioconda Egan and congratulate her on being inducted into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame.

Ms. ESHOO

Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Peggy Stern Propp, a dedicated community leader who is being honored as an inductee into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame. Seven years ago, Peggy Stern Propp left a successful marketing career to start Community Impact, a remarkable nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing volunteerism. With her vision and passion, she collaborates with other Bay Area nonprofits to create innovative one- day projects for volunteers, and advertises these opportunities through a newsletter. Through Community Impact, volunteers have donated over 62,000 hours of community service to agencies and individuals in need. With her infectious enthusiasm, Peggy Stern Propp is continually finding new ways for individuals and groups to build stronger communities through volunteer service. Mr. Speaker, Peggy Stern Propp is an outstanding citizen and I salute her for her contributions and commitment to serving our community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Peggy Stern Propp and congratulate her on being inducted into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame.