Bob Filner

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I say to the gentleman from California (Mr. Fazio), those of us in southern California love you, too. When anybody ever thinks, as a Democrat certainly, of even the thought of running for Congress, everybody says, ``You've got to talk to Vic,'' because he knows the strategy, he knows the tactics, he knows the politics, he knows the fund-raising. We all have to learn from his wisdom. And we all went to Vic. But he became our mentor and our friend when we got here not just because of all the politics and the fund-raising and the strategy and the tactics that he is so great at but because that we understood his-- your, Vic--your commitment to the working people, the families of California and this Nation. You really care about their jobs and their salaries, their health care, the education of their kids, the environment that they live in, the housing opportunities that they have, and it is because of your integrity and your commitment to the real issues that surround American families that we relied on you. Yes, you are a great politician, but you are a great human being, you are a great friend. We are going to miss you. Thank you from all of us, especially in California.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. I thank the authors of H.R. 4558, the Noncitizen Benefit Clarification Act, for their efforts that brought us this legislation today. When we passed the welfare reform bill in 1996, at that time I cautioned my colleagues that we were reaching too far, that we were hurting people who genuinely needed assistance, and we would have to right the bill's wrong at some point. I am glad that today we will rein in the overreaching arm of this so- called reform, correct the overbite of this legislation and bring comfort and aid to those unjustly affected. Among its several corrections, this bill includes one that will immediately impact and assist residents in my congressional district in San Diego, California. When Congress approved that 1996 legislation, thousands of resident immigrants who had been receiving SSI benefits had their benefit eligibility rescinded. The bill overreached and mistakenly categorized these people as nonqualified aliens ineligible to receive SSI benefits. As I said at the time and as the Social Security Administration has since verified, the benefits of thousands of qualified recipients were swept away by the extreme nature of the 1996 legislation. While Congress has sought to correct the situation and to help those individuals with short-term benefit extensions, today we will make that eligibility permanent. This legislation is about guaranteeing humane treatment to people who need assistance and to protect them from the unintended effects of so- called welfare reform. I hope we will remember this serious error when next we try to reform a program that provides critical assistance to our citizens and residents. I urge my colleagues to support this vital legislation.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, and colleagues, I rise today to recognize Bill Tweet, the Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Iron Workers Local 229, as he is honored by the San Diego County Building & Construction Trades Council at the September 19, 1998 John S. Lyons Memorial Banquet as the 1998 Labor Leader of the Year. Bill is a native San Diegan and was educated in local schools. Following his education at San Diego City College, he served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. He began his career as an Ironworker in November 1967 and graduated from the Iron Workers Apprenticeship Program in 1971. During his tenure, Bill has worked on many of the San Diego County highway bridges on Interstates 5, 8, 805 and S.R. 163 and has contributed his talent to the erection of major high rise projects in downtown San Diego. Bill first became active in Ironworkers Local 229 when he was elected Vice President of the Local in 1982, a position he held until begin elected to the Executive Board and the District Council of Iron Workers. He served in that position for two terms before his election to the office of Business Representative. In 1994, Bill was elected to his current position of Business Manager/Financial Secretary Treasurer of Ironworkers Local 229 and was re-elected in 1997. In addition to his duties at Local 229, Bill also serves as Delegate to the District Council, Trustee of the District Council, State of California and vicinity, and Trustee of the California Field Ironworkers Trust Funds. Organized labor at large in San Diego has benefited from Bill's tenure as Delegate of the Imperial County Building and Construction Trades Council, as a Member of the Executive Board of the San Diego- Imperial Counties Labor Council and currently as President of the San Diego County Building and Construction Trades Council. The local community has also benefited from Bill's endless efforts. He dedicates his energies to the youth in his community by serving as a ``T-ball'' coach and serves on the Clairemont Town Council. He has donated his time and trade skills to the community by organizing members of local 229 to join him in volunteering their skills to erect new score boards at the University of San Diego and Mission Bay High School, constructing a new building for the Boys and Girls Clubs of National City and by building the walkway at the San Diego Children's Museum. Bill Tweet exemplifies the high values, standards and principles of a real community leader. It is very appropriate that his many efforts on behalf of his local community and of working men and women throughout San Diego County are recognized by this award. My congratulations go to Bill Tweet for these significant contributions. I admire his dedication and commitment and believe him to be highly deserving of the San Diego County Building and Construction Trades Council's 1998 Labor Leader of the New Year Award.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to recognize Donald Ross Brooks as he is honored by the San Diego County Building and Construction Trades Council at the September 19, 1998 John S. Lyons Memorial Banquet for his contributions on behalf of working men and women and his community. Donald Ross Brooks is a native of Nebraska and came to San Diego from Kansas. At nineteen years of age, he joined the Navy hoping to see the world and was stationed at San Diego's North Island Naval Base. Following his three and one half years in the Navy, Donald worked as a police officer for the City of Coronado. In 1958, he joined the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 36 and worked as a truck driver for twenty years. In 1981, then- Teamsters Secretary-Treasurer Arkie Spoon appointed Brooks to the position of Business Representative for his local. During his ten year tenure in this position, he worked diligently to represent the interests of the construction drivers and warehousemen. He offered encouragement and advice to the Business Representatives of the various Building Trades Unions and served as mentor to his fellow Union brothers and sisters. While raising his family of four boys, Donald also volunteered his time, energy and skills to the Cowles Mountain Little League. He shared his patience, knowledge and team-spirit with Little League players as he helped to build Little League Fields, served as league president, acted as player's agent and coached teams. Donald exemplifies the high values, standards, and principles of the work of the late John S. Lyons in community service. I join in adding my sincere thanks to him for his many contributions that have earned him the San Diego County Building and Construction Trades Council's 1998 Retired Labor Leader of the Year Award.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to honor Mr. Orlando Coons who passed away on September 7, 1998. Mr. Coons was born in Clark County, Ohio on November 1, 1915 to Grace and Blaine Coons. He moved to Los Angeles at an early age, where he attended and later graduated from Jefferson High School. While at Jefferson High School, Orlando ran track, played football, and taught himself gymnastics. After graduating from high school, Orlando joined the Civilian Conservation Corps which eventually brought him to San Diego where he met and married Nellie Margaret Cheaves. In 1936, Orlando enrolled into San Diego State College, and majored in Engineering. He eventually transferred to the University of California at Berkeley where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering. Orlando Coon's lifelong occupation was as an Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineer for the Federal government at the North Island Naval Station in San Diego for 37 years. While at San Diego State College, Orlando competed in track and field and gymnastics. He was very successful as a gymnast, earning honors including the California College Athletic Association Championship in 1939 when he won an astounding six individual events. Orlando was the CCAA ``All-Around'' gymnastic champion in 1939 and 1940. In four gymnastic meets, Orlando Coons amassed the amazing total of ten firsts, two seconds, and two thirds, all attained against top competition. As a reward for his performance, San Diego State College Dean C.E. Peterson appointed Orlando Coons as the Head Coach of the Gymnastics Team, making him the first African-American coach at San Diego State College. His team went on to win hundreds of awards. He won a 6th place medal at the United States Gymnastic Championships which automatically made him a member of the prestigious United States Gymnastic Team--thus becoming the first African-American ever on the United States team. Orlando Coons was invited to participate in the Pan American Games and was later appointed as an alternate on the United States Olympic Team. For over a decade, Orlando Coons was considered the best gymnast on the West Coast. He was honored by the National YMCA for more than 50 years of community service as a gymnastics coach. Orlando provided a tremendous amount of love and caring, discipline and love to his family and community. Orlando and wife Nellie had four children, and all received college and university degrees in higher education. He will be truly missed by family, friends and a grateful community.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to recognize John Fee as he is honored by the San Diego County Building & Construction Trades Council at the September 19, 1998 John S. Lyons Memorial Banquet for his contributions to the labor movement, his community and to the nation. John Fee, a Chicago native, has been an active and involved member of his community since early in his life. In high school, he participated in the football and cross country athletic programs, and, at age seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Fee's twenty year career in the Navy involved operation and maintenance of Naval nuclear power plants and service on nuclear submarines, cruisers and aircraft carriers. It was during his service in the Navy that he earned an undergraduate degree in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration. John is an avid traveller and has visited every continent. He planted a U.S. flag during a visit to the North Pole and assisted the Russian Government with building a nuclear power plant. Following his retirement from the Navy in 1984, John went to work at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) in San Diego County and currently serves as its Maintenance Manager. John is responsible for maintenance of the dual reactor plants and supporting systems, and in this capacity, has developed a close relationship with members of the San Diego Building and Construction Trades by relying on them for their skills and expertise. John has been instrumental in improving the safe working conditions at the SONGS site and has kept the interest of the building trades membership balanced with the multitude of challenges as the electric utility industry goes through the process of deregulation. John Fee exemplifies the high values, standards and principles of the work of the late John S. Lyons in community service and it truly deserving of the San Diego County Building and Construction Trades Council's 1998 Johns Fellowship Award.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to remember a hero and leader of our community--Ernesto ``Ernie'' Azhocar, who died one year ago on August 18, 1997 at the age of 73. On this first anniversary of his death, we remember the many good things that Ernie did for our community, and the special ways that he touched each of lives. Ernie was an important leader in our community, a champion of youth and education. he served as a Sweetwater Union High School district official for 13 years, as a liaison for Assemblyman Wadie P. Deddeh for 18 years, chaired the National City Lincoln Acreas Community Action Council, and was a charter member and Board Chair for the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee (MAAC). He also served on the National City Service Commission and was the Chairman of the National City Youth Athletic Association. He was recognized in our community as both a leader and a champion of causes that are important to us. As a result of his civic activities, he was honored with the PTA National Lifetime Award, and was awarded ``The Key to the City'' by National City. Also because of Ernie's extensive work with the MAAC Project, The Sweetwater Union High School District Board of Trustees named the administration center at the new National City Adult Education Center in his honor. Ernie was born in Los Angeles in 1924, and attended local schools through high school. He then attended Military Academy in Tijuana, Mexico. In 1949, he married Maria Consuelo Aguilera, and then moved to National City. Ernie served with the United States Army in Normandy and Belgium, and also served in the National Guard and National City Police Reserve. Ernie lives his life by his personal philosophy that ``charity begins at home.'' He was a family man, community leader, and good friend to many of us. President and CEO of the MAAC project Roger Cazares said, ``Mr. Azhocar's professional and volunteer pursuits always promoted community service, youth and education.'' He dedicated his life to helping others and making our community a better place to live. His was a wonderful life. Although we have all missed him greatly in this one year, we have all had his legacy of service, love and community to carry us through, and we always will. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children and to the larger community who was touched by his presence. We all remember and miss him.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Chairman, we start business in this House every day by pledging allegiance to a nation with liberty and justice for all. Without qualification, without pre-requisite, without restriction, ``all'' means no one is excluded, and everyone is included--and that means gay and lesbian Americans too. Despite this good intention, however, our reality too often falls short of the ideal, and laws prohibiting discrimination in employment do not offer the same protections to lesbian and gay Americans in forty states. In Executive Order 13087, the Clinton Administration took an important and justified step to correct this inequity in the federal workforce. The Executive Order ensures liberty and justice for lesbian and gay federal employees by amending a Nixon Administration Executive Order to also prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. By defeating the Hefley Amendment, we will affirm for lesbian and gay employees of the federal government the same liberty and justice enjoyed by their co-workers: the justice of equality; the justice of protection from discrimination; and the liberty to love and live without fear of job-loss or punishment. A bi-partisan majority of our colleagues in this House already have policies prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation--gay or straight. We know this protection is good enough for our offices and staffs, and I hope a majority will determine it's good enough for federal employees as well. Mr. Chairman, the economy is humming along; America is at peace; and the Communist threat is gone. We don't have an evil enemy lurking in the dark and plotting our nation's downfall--and we don't need to create one. Let's resist the temptation to demonize segments of our own society again by resurrecting the politics of fear and division. Let's not make our gay and lesbian children the new nemesis. Mr. Chairman, I am not gay, but people I know, love, trust and respect are gay. Today, I stand here today for them and for all lesbian and gay federal employees, and I will vote against the Hefley Amendment. This debate is not about quotas, nor affirmative action, nor secret agendas. It's just about liberty and justice for all. I urge my colleagues to defeat the Hefley Amendment.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I have introduced the Veterans' Life Insurance Opportunity Act of 1998 (H.R. 4115) to increase the accessibility of the Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) program to men and women of our Armed Forces following their separation from active duty. Active duty service members, unless they decline coverage, automatically participate in the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program. This coverage expires following their discharge from the Armed Forces. Under current law, veterans have only four months to convert directly from SGLI to the VGLI program. Then they have an additional 12 months to apply for VGLI if they can provide medical proof of insurability. Following this brief time period, veterans have no other opportunities to enroll in VGLI. How many veterans, who are in transition from military to civilian life, busy relocating themselves and their families, finding housing, returning to school, and working hard to enter and advance themselves in the civilian workforce, are also thinking of life insurance needs? Many are young and have not yet thought of their future beyond the military. The deadlines for conversion are missed because of the many more immediate issues that newly-separated veterans are facing. Then, a couple of years go by, and the veteran realizes the importance of life insurance. By that time, it is too late! My bill, the Veterans' Life Insurance Opportunity Act, provides a reasonable and more realistic level of flexibility for our veterans who want coverage under the VA life insurance program. It would allow two years following their date of discharge to convert from SGLI to VGLI. Additionally, a second opportunity to make the conversion would be provided five years after their date of discharge from military service. Who, in our country, deserves and needs life insurance more than anyone else? This may be a hard question to answer, and indeed, our answers may vary. But high on the list, I believe, must be our veterans. I urge my colleagues to expand insurance opportunities for veterans. Please support and co-sponsor H.R. 4115.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today also to herald the final passage of H.R. 1151, the Credit Union Membership Access Act. Our vote today for H.R. 1151 is a vote of confidence in the 71 million Americans who are member-owners of more than 11,000 credit unions throughout the Nation. I do not often differ with the gentleman from Massachusetts, but I represent a fairly low income district in Southern California, 75 percent of which are people of color. My district supports the credit unions. They are working in our neighborhoods and supporting our neighborhoods. I want to praise the grassroots efforts of millions of credit union members for rising to the defense of their credit unions and fighting the battle until it was won. This bill is needed to protect them, and it provides guidance on how they can expand. We are guaranteeing credit union members, every day workers in our Nation, the ability to choose low-cost higher returns and greater convenience. With final passage, we will be giving credit union members, everyday Americans who believe in democracy, the victory they so richly deserve. Marla, this one's for you.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, I rise before you today to praise Vi Nguyen from my district who recently completed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds (UGSP). The NIH 10-week summer research program is open only to scholars who have either a 3.5 grade point average or are in the top 5 percent of their class. To be eligible, candidates must also be committed to pursuing a career in biomedical research. The UGSP was set up for students who might not traditionally have research training opportunities. It was designed to improve access to undergraduate education that leads to careers in biomedical research, and to nurture scholarship recipients' interest in the NIH for their research training after graduation. Vi is only one of 24 scholars selected in a nationwide competition for this prestigious program, and her journey to NIH this summer has been a long one. Her parents immigrated from Vietnam to San Diego, where she graduated from Bonita Vista High School. Her interest in science lead her to Harvard University where she is studying the history and philosophy of science--much like I did years ago. She plans to apply to medical school and various international fellowships toward her eventual goal of a research and clinical career in pediatrics. With scholars like Vi Nguyen as the future of our biomedical research community, I am confident that the children of tomorrow will have a much better chance at healthier lives.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, I rise before you today to praise Geanncarlo Lugo from my district who recently completed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds (UGSP). The NIH 10-week summer research program is open only to scholars who have either a 3.5 grade point average or are in the top 5 percent of their class. To be eligible, candidates must also be committed to pursuing a career in biomedical research. The UGSP was set up for students who might not traditionally have research training opportunities. It was designed to improve access to undergraduate education that leads to careers in biomedical research, and to nurture scholarship recipients' interest in the NIH for their research training after graduation. Geanncarlo is only one of 24 scholars selected in a nationwide competition for this prestigious program, and his journey to NIH this summer has been a long one. He put himself through Southwestern College and then San Diego State University (SDSU), even working on immunological research at the Scripps Research Institute while attending school. He graduated from SDSU with his bachelor's degree in molecular and cellular biology and plans to pursue his doctorate in immunology at the University of California at Berkeley, where he has been accepted. But first, he will spend a year at NIH, continuing his immunological studies and repaying his debt to the federal government for his participation in the program. With scholars like Geanncarlo Lugo as the future of our biomedical research community, I am confident that many of our immunological mysteries will be solved.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, as ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on Benefits, I strongly support H.R. 4110, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 1998, a bill which will significantly improve and enhance several of the most important programs we provide for our Nation's veterans. Title I of this measure will provide an increase in compensation and other benefits effective December 1, 1998. By approving these provisions, we are fulfilling our first and primary responsibility, to care for those who are disabled while serving in our military, and to care for their survivors. Title II of H.R. 4110 improves veterans' education programs, and in doing so we are fulfilling our commitment to the millions of young Americans who have, at least in part, volunteered to serve in our armed forces because of the opportunity to earn money for college through service to our country. Title III will provide for uninterrupted service by judges of the Court of Veterans' Appeals when a judge whose term is expiring is nominated for a subsequent term. It will also provide for the early retirement of judges presently sitting on the court in order to avoid the potential for all the judges' terms expiring within a very short period of time. These provisions, Mr. Speaker, will carry out our commitment to ensuring veterans' access to justice. Title IV includes a section which will expand and enhance the State Cemetery Grant program. In approving this provision, we are fulfilling our responsibility to honor America's veterans even at the end of their lives. I regret that because of its cost, we had to eliminate a provision approved by the subcommittee which would have enabled veteran students to receive more GI Bill money up front, that is, at the beginning of a semester when they particularly need it. I hope that enacting this or similar legislation will be a high priority for our committee during the 106th Congress. Additionally, I would like to stress the importance of sections 206 and 207 of the bill which require the VA and the military services to provide additional information regarding Montgomery GI Bill benefits to active duty service members. I have received reports from college and VA officials that some young veterans who have taken early-outs from their military duty specifically in order to enter college were informed when they arrived at school and applied for their VA education benefits that because they took an early-out, they had not fulfilled the minimum active duty requirements and consequently had lost their eligibility for Montgomery GI Bill benefits. I have been told also that in spite of earlier legislative initiatives, too many veterans still do not understand the benefit payment procedures and other characteristics of our GI bill. As long ago as 1988, the Commission on Veterans' Education Policy noted that, and I quote, ``more effective use of GI Bill benefits would result if individuals seeking to use their benefits were advised of the intricacies of the program and of their rights and responsibilities at the outset of their training.'' In response to the Commission's recommendations, Congress enacted legislation requiring the VA to provide a brochure that would clearly and fully explain veterans' education programs to individuals first applying for VA education benefits. The VA went on to develop an excellent pamphlet which has been helpful to thousands of veteran students. But additional years of experience with the GI Bill have shown that information regarding a program must be provided to the GI Bill participants while they are still on active duty and before they begin using their VA education benefits. I feel certain that the additional requirements under sections 206 and 207 will provide service members the GI Bill information they need when they need it. Mr. Speaker, in closing I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn), the chairman of the subcommittee, for his leadership on this and all other issues before our subcommittee, and for his commitment to the long-standing bipartisan spirit of this committee. I believe America's veterans have benefited from our close cooperation. Of course I also want to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), the chairman of the full committee, and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), the ranking member, for their support of this important measure. H.R. 4110 is an excellent bill, Mr. Speaker. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding this time to me, and I rise today to speak about two bills, H.R. 3980, the Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Care and Research Act of 1998, the measure that is before us today, and H.R. 4036, the Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Act of 1998 that I hope will be before us at a later date. I certainly appreciate the work of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs' Subcommittee on Health as well as our full committee on this issue. I think we have heard the eloquent statement of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns), the chairman, that he is attempting to get at the root of our problems with the Persian Gulf War illness. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Gutierrez), his ranking member, and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), chairman of the full committee, and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), the ranking member, have spent countless hours in crafting this legislation, and as the gentleman from Florida said, I think this will address many of the concerns of our Persian Gulf War veterans. I will be voting for this bill. But I think the statement that the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns) so eloquently gave and the compassion which he feels for our veterans should logically lead to a bill which would go a little further, and let me make my concerns clear about that by spending a few minutes on a bill that was later introduced, H.R. 4036, introduced by the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays), who was chairman of the Subcommittee on Human Resources for the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of our House. That is a bill which also enjoys bipartisan support in Congress, widespread support in both the Gulf War veterans' community and the veterans' community at large. The Shays bill does three things more than the bill before us: Number 1, it assumes that our fighting men and women were indeed exposed to toxins found in the Gulf War, including chemical warfare agents, experimental drugs and depleted uranium. Thus this legislation provides researchers with a blueprint of where to begin. It creates a definitive toxic exposure list, one that can be added to with new information. Given dramatic failures at the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans' Affairs to begin, even begin, research on oil well fire pollution, depleted uranium or combinations of exposures creating this sort of list is a clear step in the right direction, and passage of such a bill has strong precedent. The Agent Orange Act of 1991, for example, contained a listing of herbicide toxic exposures. If we never actually list the toxins, as H.R. 4036 does, then the suspected causes are left open for endless future debate with little possibility of action or treatment for our veterans. Secondly, what I find most disturbing about the bill before us is that the Veterans Administration and the Department of Defense remain basically in charge of the medical research, research the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of this House has found, and I quote, irreparably flawed, hobbled by institutional inertia, plagued by arrogant incuriosity and a pervasive myopia. In my view, these agencies, condemned by their own stonewalling and lack of forthrightness to the American people, have forfeited the right to direct this research effort. H.R. 4036, the bill that I hope will come before us, would establish an independent research body to investigate toxic exposures and true, true independent oversight of government research. With this kind of expanded research scientists would have a better chance of discovering treatment programs that Gulf War veterans desperately need, contrasted with most of the research done by the VA and DOD up to this point. The General Accounting Office, as already pointed out by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns), characterized those efforts as lacking focus and putting little or no emphasis on developing treatment programs. It is time for a radical change in the structure by which we carry out this research. Thirdly, under H.R. 4036, when scientists find an association between the exposure and illness, the ill Gulf War veteran becomes classified as service connected; that is, eligible for not only health care but compensation and other benefits. This is a health crisis, Mr. Speaker, not a political football to be decided by the public relations and turf-conscious referees in those departments. This issue should be in the hands of scientists. As I said earlier, I will vote in favor of H.R. 3980. The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns) has made an excellent case for how it will make improvements in our treatment of Persian Gulf War veterans. But I do not believe that this should be the final vote on this issue. It gets us closer to the goal, but it does not score the goal. Why I ask, Mr. Speaker, after 7 years should Gulf War veterans settle for anything less than a full accountability and full responsibility from their government? H.R. 4036 goes all the way and addresses the core problems at issue. Congress can do no less than to support those who have allowed this great Nation to remain free and prosperous. All Gulf War veterans want to know is how they got sick, how they are going to get better and how this country is going to prevent future comrades from getting the same sickness. This is the essence of the written as well as the unwritten contracts between those who lay their lives on the line for our people. Our Persian Gulf War veterans gave their best, they deserve the best from their country: the best in research, the best in treatments. We should be doing nothing less.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mr. FILNER. I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas. (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis) for reminding other Members of his party that they are again conveniently forgetting their own sacred mantras of local control and no Washington interference to meet their own extreme partisan ends. Do they not get it, Mr. Chairman? They cannot have it both ways: honor and even sanctify local control when it suits them, but then disregard it when it conflicts with their own partisan agenda. I am very concerned that this Congress is attempting to micromanage the affairs of the American public.

Mr. FILNER. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. FILNER. I thank the gentleman. In any terms, Mr. Chairman, this is a very harmful precedent to set. Members should mark my words that each and every one of our communities, as the gentleman from Ohio stated, becomes instantly vulnerable to the very same congressional meddling if we pass this amendment. As a former city councilman and deputy mayor of the city of San Diego, I recall that my city's working with the Federal Government was a two-way relationship. The city met the reasonable requirements and guidelines of Federal grants and programs, and the Federal Government did not meddle in our city's internal affairs and policies. It was a mutually respectful arrangement that this Congress should continue to honor. Mr. Chairman, the city of San Francisco has the right to conduct its business as it sees fit. Whether it is domestic partnership benefits or term limits or parking restrictions, if the people of San Francisco do not agree with the policies of their government, it is their prerogative to address these issues at the ballot box. It is not the prerogative of this Congress. I strongly urge my colleagues to be consistent in their demand to honor local control. Let the people of San Francisco and every city in America govern themselves.

Mr. FILNER. I yield to the gentlewoman from California.

Mr. FILNER. Deputy mayor.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, on July 16 and July 17 last week I had to be in my Congressional District on official business and missed rollcall votes 288 through 296. Had I been present I would have voted in the following way: Number 288, aye; number 289, no; number 290, aye; number 291, no; number 292, no; number 293, no; number 294, aye; number 295, aye; and number 296, no.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, this morning, I had the honor and privilege to speak to the National Treasury Employees Union and other national law enforcement groups. I outlined the successes that Customs employees have had in our War on Drugs and spoke of my opposition to H.R. 3809, which would undermine that success. In my own district, Robert Hood, a Customs inspector, is considered one of the ``Best of the West'' in Operation Brass Ring, a concerted effort to increase drug seizures among all agencies policing the border. From February through June of this year, Robert lead the San Diego region in drug interdiction, seizing more than 8,745 pounds of marijuana and 11 pounds of methamphetamine. Robert Hood is joined by other heroes--in the San Diego Customs area, the valiant men and women policing the border have been responsible for nearly tripling the amount of cocaine and methamphetamine seized, while the number of seizures of marijuana have nearly doubled. In just the past six months, Customs personnel have made an incredible impact on the amount of drugs getting to our streets and into our children's pockets! That is why the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the Border Patrol Council, among others, join me in opposing H.R. 3809 and asking those who support it, ``What could you be thinking?'' The bill undermines the partnership that has flourished between Customs personnel and their managers in the successful drug interdiction efforts. it would restrict employees' rights to have significant input on safety issues--and it would cut their pay. How does cutting Custom's employees' pay for working their regular night shifts help to bolster our War on Drugs? I simply don't understand it. I support the provisions in H.R. 3809 that boost 1999 funding for Customs, and I urge the Senate and the President to also support an increase in Customs funding, while rejecting the provisions that cut Customs personnel negotiating rights and their hazard pay for essential nighttime shifts. H.R. 3809 gives us tools to fight the War on Drugs, but puts those who will use the tools in straightjackets. We will lose the War on Drugs and waste taxpayers' money if we spend money on expensive, cutting-edge equipment at the same time we undermine employee morale and labor standards. Listen to the partners in the War on Drugs--police officers know they cannot win the war if Customs efforts to keep drugs from entering the country are thwarted. I support the frontline soldiers in the War on Drugs--our Customs personnel--and urge support only for legislation that enhances, rather than detracts, from their good work.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I hope the gentleman from Illinois will allow me to pay my tribute to him by speaking in support of something that he has fought for his whole career and, that is, full funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. We must allow the Endowment to continue its exercise of national leadership towards our goal of making the Nation's artistic resources available to all. A civilized society as the gentleman from Illinois has taught us for many years must include art and cultural enrichment, and I believe it is one of the responsibilities of government to support that aspect of our civilization. We simply cannot rely exclusively on the good will of a few private individuals to fund the arts. It is impractical and unreasonable to expect a single city or an individual State to support the national availability of important cultural resources. It is the duty of all of us. The NEA can act to sustain and increase funding for the arts by providing incentive funding to other government levels. I see it in my own city of San Diego. I see it around the country. NEA helps to build alliances between the arts and related interests such as community revitalization, downtown development and historical preservation. That is what is occurring in San Diego. It is occurring all over this Nation. The collaboration of NEA with other agencies to contribute to national goals is paramount. Ultimately, Mr. Chairman, as the gentleman from Illinois has taught us again, we are judged by the heritage we leave our children. I hope we leave them more than soap operas and talk shows, attack submarines and assault rifles, gangs and drugs. By supporting the NEA, we ensure that the arts will continue to be here helping to build our economy and trade opportunities, helping to keep our youth from misbehavior, helping to increase public awareness and understanding of culture, not just for those with money, not just for the elite but for all of us. I thank the gentleman from Illinois for keeping this inspiration alive for so many years for all of us to keep it going.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I want to again remind the Members of this House that on Wednesday, July 22, at 10 in the morning, there will be a hearing before the Committee on Veterans Affairs. This is not just a normal oversight hearing, not just a normal markup of an ordinary bill, but the culmination of more than 50 years of struggle for justice and honor will be presented at this hearing. A 15-year battle for justice and honor will be coming to a head at this hearing, because more than 50 years ago, the brave Filipino soldiers of World War II, soldiers who were drafted into our Armed Forces by President Roosevelt, soldiers who exhibited great courage at the epic battles of Bataan and Corregidor, were unceremoniously deprived of all their veterans' benefits by the Congress of 1946. Whereas there were almost a quarter of a million soldiers who were involved at that time, there are less than 75,000 alive today. Their last wish, Mr. Speaker, their last wish is to have the honor and dignity that was due them restored by this Congress, the honor and dignity of being recognized as veterans of World War II. The chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), will be conducting this hearing. The subject will be H.R. 836, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act, sponsored by the distinguished chairman of the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) and myself. Almost 200 cosponsors are part of this bill now, and what this bill says is that we will restore dignity and honor to these proud veterans. We will remedy historical injustice. We will make good on the promise of what America is. Let me just remind my colleagues that President Truman, in 1946, recognized the injustice that was being done by the Congress at that time. Here is what he said in a statement back in February of 1946. I am quoting President Truman: Filipino army veterans are nationals of the United States and will continue in that status until July 4, 1946. They fought as American nationals under the American flag and under the direction of our military leaders. They fought with gallantry and courage under the most difficult conditions during the recent conflict. Their officers were commissioned by us. Their official organization, the Army of the Filipine Commonwealth, was taken into the Armed Forces of the United States by executive order of President Roosevelt on July 26, 1941. That order has never been revoked or amended. I consider it a moral obligation of the United States to look after the welfare of the Filipine army veterans. That moral obligation remains with us in this Congress, as it did with the Congress of 1946. At this hearing on Wednesday, July 22, at 10 in the morning, a living history, a living American history, will be presented to the American public. We will have testimony by survivors of the infamous Death March from Bataan in 1942. Brigadier General Nanadiego, who is now a special presidential representative for the Office of Veterans Affairs at the Embassy of the Philippines, will give his emotional story. He was on the Death March, where thousands of people died during the days that that march was taking place. There was brutality, there were assassinations, there was much suffering on that march. General Nanadiego survived that march, survived conditions in the prisoner of war camp, and then joined the guerrilla resistance movement until the Philippines was in fact restored to its independence, first under General MacArthur, and then getting its own independence a little later. We will hear testimony this Wednesday from Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Ramsey, an American officer in the Philippines who escaped after the fall of Bataan and organized guerrilla action in the Philippines for several years. It was that guerrilla action that held up the advance of the Japanese for much longer than American analysts thought, and allowed us to prepare the Philippines for MacArthur's return a few years later. Let us recognize the bravery and gallantry of the Filipino veterans. Let us pass H.R. 836. Let us give equity now to these brave veterans of World War II.