Harold Ford

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of the 105th Congress, the President challenged Congress to enact campaign finance reform legislation before the Fourth of July. As we approach this landmark date, Congress has yet to hold the first hearing on campaign finance reform legislation. At the same time, both political parties continue to aggressively solicit soft money from corporate donors, while the Federal Election Commission, the body charged by Congress with enforcing our election laws is starved for cash and is immobilized by partisan gridlock. Today, I will introduce campaign finance reform legislation to strengthen enforcement of election laws, increase disclosure, ban soft money and provide reduced broadcast time to political candidates. For too long, the Federal Election Commission has been a paper tiger in a jungle of money-dominated campaigns. President Clinton has stated that in order to clean up campaigns and strengthen the FEC, ``we need a clean break from the past.'' This legislation gives us a chance to break from the past by requiring the President to appoint an independent seventh Commissioner recommended by the existing six members. The seventh Commissioner would serve as Chairman, and all of the Commissioners would be limited to one 6 year term. Under the current law, the Commission is split evenly between Democrats and Republicans. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, this bill will allow the FEC to charge a filing fee for candidates, political committees and parties who meet minimum thresholds of financial activity. This provision will give the agency a degree of financial independence that the Congress refuses to give it in annual appropriations. It has been endorsed by the eminent scholars Thomas Mann of the Brookings Institution and Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute. The bill also restores the FEC's ability to conduct random audits of candidates, PACs and parties, and allows the Commission to refer a case to the Justice Department as soon as the FEC believes there may have been criminal activity. These two provisions and others in the bill have been recommended by the author is of the respected University of Southern California campaign finance study entitled New Realities, New Thinking. The pervasive influence of money in politics, especially soft money, has tainted our political process and threatens to eclipse the fundamental principle that every person's vote counts the same. I applaud the President's recent call to strengthen the FEC and ban soft money, Mr. Speaker. Now it is time for the Congress to act. This legislation will restore fairness to our political process by banning soft money. Further, it will require broadcasters, who stand to benefit from the use of digital airwaves--channels which belong to the public--to fulfill their public interest obligations by offering reduced television time to political candidates. In the past 25 years, spending by political candidates and political committees has risen dramatically. In 1972, candidates spent $25 million on television advertising. In 1996, candidates spent $500 million on political advertising. The high cost of television advertising requires candidates and incumbents to spend a disproportionate amount of time raising money, has increased the influence of special interests, makes it difficult for challenges to compete with incumbents, and interferes with candidates' efforts to communicate with voters. In the 1996 election cycle, over $2 billion was spent on Federal elections. Over $266 million of this was in unregulated soft money. This constituted a 224% increase in soft money spending by the Republicans and a 257% increase by Democrats. Soft money has become the legal loophole through which candidates and parties are driving a mack truck, and it is time to close this loophole once and for all. Mr. Speaker, 22 years ago Congress created the Federal Election Commission because, in the words of the agency's charter, ``our representative form of government needed protection from the corrosive influence of unlimited and undisclosed political contributions.'' As we approach the celebration of our nation's birth, let's give the American people a gift that will stem their distrust and cynicism of our political system. Let's fulfill the obligation we made to them in 1975 by enacting meaningful campaign finance reform legislation.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to oppose this resolution. In my estimation, this debate boils down to a simple question. Will we choose to isolate China, or will we remain actively engaged? I believe that a policy of engagement and not isolation is a powerful tool for change and will enhance our ability to positively influence China's policy. China is the world's most populous nation and has the potential to be the world's most dynamic economic power in the 21st century. Continuing MFN will further our national interests of helping China into the community of nations as a stable partner which respects human rights and contributes to our global economic trading system. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle have raised valid and legitimate concerns about the unfair trade practices, but revoking MFN status is not the way to go about it. Enforcing existing international trade laws and targeting sanctions might be a more prudent course. Mr. Speaker, the 20th century will be recorded as America's century. As we move into this next century to maintain our position of economic preeminence and economic dominance, it would be unwise and imprudent at this point for us to revoke MFN.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I extend my prayers to Dr. Shabazz in her recovery in New York. Mr. Speaker, this morning I rise because yesterday the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education, Training, and Life-long Learning of the Committee on Education and the Workforce held a hearing on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. For over 30 years this act has provided postsecondary education opportunities for millions of Americans. This is a shining example of providing national leadership and resources to help educate all Americans. In the hearing yesterday they reviewed Federal TRIO programs. TRIO provides academic counseling and outreach to students from families who earn less than $25,000 a year. It helps students who would not otherwise receive post-secondary education by giving them a chance and giving them an opportunity. TRIO, Mr. Speaker, is making a difference. A 1993 study by the Department of Education found that TRIO is extremely effective at counseling young people in their elementary and secondary school years, for it is based on the Jeffersonian principle that education should be provided to those who have an ability to learn and not just an ability to pay. Recently released results of the Third International Math and Science Study found that American third and fourth graders, Mr. Speaker, rank highest in math and science worldwide. Let us give TRIO a chance. Refund it, and allow us the opportunity to train those eighth-graders when their scores dropped.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to remember and pay tribute to the late Reverend James L. Gleese. Reverend Gleese's recent passing will result in a tremendous void in our community. He was a selfless and giving man, seeking to serve rather than be served, to praise rather than be praised, and to glorify rather than be glorified. After entering the ministry in 1945, Reverend Gleese acted in the benevolent service of his fellow man. In 1954, he founded and operated the Beale Street Mission, which housed homeless men, giving them counseling, employment assistance, and spiritual guidance. He devoted his evenings to the Youth For Christ Ministry, an outreach to young people in the Beale Street area of Memphis. Reverend Gleese lead the A.M.E. Church as presiding elder of the North Memphis district. Through his vision, hard work, and determination, he founded Pearl Street A.M.E. Church and West Point A.M.E. Church. He also fulfilled his service to the greater community by involving himself extensively in civic affairs. Reverend Gleese will be remembered as a noble spirit and fearless warrior, one who stood tall among his peers and who stood firm in his beliefs. His work in the church and the community and his devotion to his family and friends will be his enduring legacy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues join me in honoring and remembering this paragon of inspiration and decorated soldier of the cloth, the late Reverend James L. Gleese.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to remember and pay tribute to the late John Herman Henry Sengstacke, a pioneer in journalism and an ardent defender of the first amendment. As founder of the Chicago Defender and the National Newspaper Publishers Association and publisher of the Tri-State Defender in Memphis and many other African-American newspapers, John Sengstacke made African-American journalism a potent force in journalism, as well as social and political change in the United States. Through his coverage of and participation in the major civil rights issues of his day, Mr. Sengstacke created opportunities for hundreds of thousands of Americans. During the Roosevelt administration, he became the first African- American journalist to gain press credentials to cover the White House. He was a war correspondent in Europe during World War II and played an influential role in integrating the Armed Forces by convincing Eleanor Roosevelt to visit the Tuskegee Institute, leading to the establishment of the Tuskegee Airmen. After World War II, President Harry S. Truman appointed Mr. Sengstacke to serve on the Presidential committee to end segregation in the military. He served on a subsequent committee overseeing military integration in the Kennedy administration. Mr. Sengstacke was highly respected by all of his colleagues as a newspaperman and a journalist. He was the first African-American member of the American Society of Newspaper Editors, the American Newspaper Publishers Association, and the Pulitzer Award Committee. Mr. Speaker, President Lyndon B. Johnson once said our ``freedom is fragile if citizens are ignorant.'' John Sengstacke, through his commitment to getting facts to the public, strengthened freedom in the United States. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and remembering him.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, due to a delay in the flight from my congressional district, I was unavoidably detained and thus was unable to vote on rollcall vote 156. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great patriot and fearless soldier, Maj. Gen. Albert C. Harvey, USMCR. General Harvey, a Tennessean, retired from the Marine Corps on May 10, 1997, after a 40- year career that spanned the height of the cold war in 1962 to the new national security challenges of the 1990's. By having his retirement ceremony at historic Chalmette National Battlefield, he honored an important historic connection to another great Tennessean, Gen. Andrew Jackson. At the Battle of New Orleans at Chalmette, General Jackson brought together a courageous group of fighting men from three different States as well as a detachment of U.S. Marines and U.S. Army dragoons. This forerunner of the Total Force resulted in victory for the United States at the Battle of New Orleans. Today, the Total Force concept is the cornerstone of the Marine Corps. General Harvey reached a pinnacle of his military career as commander of the 4th Marine Division--the ground combat arm of the Marine Corps. As commander of the 4th Marine Division, General Harvey lead over 18,000 Marines in 38 States. In July 1995, General Harvey was the first General Officer in the Marine Corps Reserve to be nominated and selected for a position on a Joint Staff. He served as the Vice Director of Operations Directorate (J-3), U.S. Atlantic Command, Norfolk, VA. He was activated for Operation Joint Endeavor--Bosnia--in the summer and fall of 1996 and served as director of the European Theater Command Center, which included Operation Desert Strike-- Northern Iraq. Prior to this, General Harvey rose through the ranks of the Marine Corps, commanding units at every level of the military organization during both peacetime and war. He began active duty in 1961, served on the USS Ranger (CVA-61) in the western Pacific, including Vietnam. He rejoined his reserve unit, the 6th Engineer Company, after earning a law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. He commanded the 3d Battalion, 23d Marines in New Orleans and served as Chief of Staff of the 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade. In 1988, after returning yet again to active duty, General Harvey assumed command of the 25th Marine Regiment, a significant assignment because it was the first time in approximately 20 years that a member of the Marine Corps Reserve Force was selected to command a regiment. In addition to his military service, General Harvey is a committed family man and participant in civic and community affairs. He has served in leadership positions with the Kiwanis Club, Phoenix Club, Goodwill Boys Club, the YMCA, and many other community organizations. General Harvey has distinguished himself as a civil and criminal litigator as a partner with the Memphis law firm Thomason, Hendrix, Harvey, Johnson & Mitchell. He is a member of the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association, the Memphis Bar Association, and the Tennessee Bar Association. General Harvey exemplifies the ideal of citizen-soldier. He has made great sacrifices and contributions by defending the Nation. And let us not forget the contribution and sacrifices made by General Harvey's family, his wife Nancy, and his two daughters Anne and Elizabeth. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring my constituent and friend, a brave soldier and an accomplished attorney, Maj. Gen. Albert C. Harvey for his service to our great Nation.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman from California for yielding me the time. I say to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that this Congressional Black Caucus budget, Mr. Chairman, is a humane budget. It is a budget that recognizes our priorities. It is a budget that invests in our future. It is a budget that invests in our children, for America has laid claim to the 20th century like no other Nation in the world. One of the reasons we are able to do that is because of our commitment in our people and our resources in human capital. I say, Mr. Chairman, this budget does that and much more. This Congress, Democrats and Republicans, ought to show that by supporting this chairwoman and this caucus.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from California [Mr. McKeon], and, of course, the ranking member on this side of the aisle, and thank even the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Roemer] for his leadership. The commission is certainly needed, but I also have some of the same reservations and concerns, and I am hopeful that the gentleman from California, to whom I have expressed my support for this commission, and we will all be able to work some of these differences out. Certainly the representational issue, the composition of administration officials and of congressional appointees is one of concern. I am hopeful, as I am sure the chairman is, and I take the liberty to speak on behalf of him because I know he shares a deep concern about the rising cost of tuition in this Nation, that we can begin to study and to look at ways to curb some of that so we make sure families and young people have these opportunities as they move forward. So I appeal to the chairman, and I certainly say to the leadership on my side, that I thank them for their leadership and I hope we can work many of these differences out.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to voice my strong support for the Costs of Higher Education Review Act of 1997, a commission which will create a short-term commission to study the reasons for the constant increases in the costs of postsecondary education. As we embark upon a debate over the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, the hard work and findings of this commission could be invaluable to our efforts, Mr. Speaker. The inescapable reality is we need to find ways to ensure that colleges, universities, and vocational institutions remain affordable for all Americans. Anything less and this Nation's young people will not be prepared to confront and overcome the challenges of the high-technology skills-dependent workplace of the 21st century. The need for cost containment is real. In fact, over the last several months I have had numerous students and parents, as I would surmise many of my colleagues around the Nation have had, in Memphis voice their concerns over the cost of college, the rising costs of college. Several young people in my district who have decided to pursue a postsecondary education and are doing extremely well in the classroom are nevertheless facing the prospect of having to take a semester off or drop out altogether because they cannot qualify for loans, and/or their Pell or school-based grants are insufficient to cover the costs of tuition, room and board, and books. It is our duty as public policymakers to do all that we can to make sure that young people like those in my district who have worked hard, played by the rules and stayed in school, that they have a meaningful opportunity to pursue a postsecondary education. I am confident that if we work together Congress, the President, higher education administrators, parents, and students can find the will and the way to open and keep open the doors of educational opportunity for all Americans.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman. Let me say that this piece of legislation sends a perverse message, Mr. Chairman, to young people in our gallery and young people throughout this Nation. As we talk about, as the gentleman from Florida [Mr. McCollum] did in this morning's newspaper, national leadership on the issue of juvenile crime, if we cannot provide national leadership in our educational system, why is it that we ought to be providing and usurping local control in the juvenile justice arena? The crisis we face in our juvenile justice system, Mr. Chairman, is no less than dire, no less than catastrophic. If we are serious about preparing this next generation of Americans for the challenges of the new marketplace in the 21st century, then let us get serious about a national role in education as we are about a national role in juvenile justice. I would submit to this body and submit even to the President of the United States, if we talk about arresting 13-year-olds and not about intervention and rehabilitation and prevention, we will be debating 2 years from now how we arrest 5-year-olds, 8-year-olds, and 11-year- olds. Mr. Chairman, I plead to my friends on the other side of the aisle and even Democrats, do the right thing for young people, do the right thing for our future, provide us some real meaningful opportunities and chances, and all of us will benefit from it.

Mr. FORD. Mr. Chairman, let me briefly say to my colleague, the gentleman from Georgia, what the American people are demanding we do on this issue of crime is to prevent crime, not lock up kids after they have committed the crimes. Mr. Chairman, and Chairman McCollum, I applaud the gentleman for his leadership and interest and certainly his convictions on this issue, but let us give these kids a chance. Let us prevent this crime, provide them with meaningful opportunities, show some national leadership on that front, instead of building cell after cell after cell. Tell these young people in this Chamber and in Florida and Tennessee and throughout this Nation that we care. Show them we care about doing the right thing. Support the Lofgren amendment.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gilbert Earl Patterson, Bishop in the Church of God in Christ, and Pastor of both the Temple of Deliverance Church and Bountiful Blessings Church in Memphis, TN. Recognized as one of the foremost preachers in the world, Bishop Patterson preaches every Sunday to a congregation of over 11,000 members, and to an international television audience on Black Entertainment Television and the Turner Broadcasting Network. Through his enlightening and uplifting sermons, Bishop Patterson provides spiritual sustenance to tens of thousands of congregants and millions of television viewers and radio listeners around the world. Bishop Patterson has had a distinguished career as a minister. He was born in Memphis and lived in Detroit throughout most of his teen years. He began his vocation in 1957 at the young age of 17 and continued from 1962 to 1975 as copastor of Holy Temple Church of God in Christ in Memphis. In 1975, he founded Temple of Deliverance. In addition to his service to the people as a minister, Bishop Patterson is also a scholar and published writer. He attended LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, the Detroit Bible Institute and holds an honorary doctorate from Oral Roberts University. He is a contributing writer to the Spirit Filled Bible. On Wednesday, April 30, Bishop Patterson was honored by his congregation in Memphis, TN. Bishop Patterson's commitment to his fellow man and to the common good have had a tremendous impact on my life. I consider him a confidant and a friend, Mr. Speaker. That is why I ask you and my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring this giant of a preacher, paragon of inspiration, and decorated soldier of the cloth, Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Jackson] and the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Kennedy] for their leadership, and even Chairman Lazio, and really make a final appeal to my Republican colleagues to withdraw the Weldon amendment; that we all recognize as we negotiate here on this House floor we must do what is best for the American citizens, particularly our weakest citizens, our economically weakest citizens. Mr. Chairman, I echo and underscore many of the points that have been made by several of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, particularly those who would suggest to us that we ought to be fair and consistent in how we treat all Americans from an economic perspective. To mandate to those who happen to be poor, who happen to not be able to write huge checks to our campaigns, who happen to not be as politically strong as some constituencies in this Nation, Mr. Speaker, and I say to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, we all know that is wrong. Let us support the Jackson amendment and do what is right for America. If we are indeed sincere and serious about eradicating poverty, or reducing levels of poverty, of giving children and young people a chance in this Nation, let us do the right thing and provide for senior citizens and caretakers to this Nation, who in a sense are providing the grandest form of volunteer service, the tallest and proudest form of public service. I appeal to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, do the right thing. Do the American thing. Do the fair thing. Bring a sense of justice or restore a sense of justice to this issue. Treat those who live in public housing authorities like we treat those who receive tax and oil subsidies in this Nation. Treat those who live in public housing authorities like we treat those who receive any type of other subsidy in this Nation. Let us do the right thing. Let this body restore the confidence that we know we deserve, that we have lost, that has been shattered. Let us do the right thing and treat public housing residents like American citizens.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Carl Leon Lamon, a teacher at Douglas Elementary School in Memphis, TN. Mr. Lamon has been named to the 1997 Honor Roll of Teachers by the Association of Science-Technology Centers [ASTC]. ASTC is a nonprofit organization with over 400 science museums in 40 countries. This is a prestigious award that is given to only 51 teachers picked from teachers in the United States and 10 other countries. Winning teachers have demonstrated an exceptional degree of creativity and dedication. They go above and beyond the call of duty to inspire, motivate, and stimulate their students to achieve in science and technology. Mr. Speaker, there is a tremendous need to educate more of our young people in science and math. The United States has held a position of world leadership in scientific research and development since World War II. It has made us the economic, political, and military leader of the 20th century. But if we expect to maintain this leadership role, we must continue our commitment to science and math. According to the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics, high school graduates in 1992 were more likely to take science courses at the level of biology or higher than their counterparts in 1982. Part of the reason for this improvement is the dedication of teachers such as Mr. Lamon. He is making science an interesting, fun and fulfilling learning experience for hundreds of elementary school students in Memphis. Many of these students will take advanced science and math courses in high school and will be prepared for a successful post-secondary academic experience. Again, I salute Carl Leon Lamon and ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring this impressive achievement.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, on April 24 the U.S. Department of Education released a study that has serious implications for the state of our economy and for the welfare of all Americans. The study found that education and training are strongly associated with higher productivity and higher paying jobs. College graduates, according to the study, earn 50 percent more than high school graduates, and twice more than that of high school dropouts. Workers who improve their skills through job training have higher earnings, as do those who have a record of higher academic achievement. One of the more disturbing findings, Mr. Speaker, is that the leading productivity the United States has enjoyed for decades may be slipping because we are not doing a good enough job in educating our children, we are not equipping them with the tools they need to be viable job holders in the global marketplace. Today it is more important than ever that we provide our people with the skills they need to keep America competitive going into the next century. When ``A Nation at Risk'' was released in 1983, it sent a wake-up call to the Nation. At every level of government, we renewed our commitment to education to conquer the rising tide of mediocrity and education that threatened our national and economic security. Today, Mr. Speaker, we have a choice. We can turn our backs on our human capital or invest in our future and inspire our young people for the challenges they and all people will face in this next century.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to praise Hamilton Elementary School in Memphis, TN. On May 6, the U.S. Department of Education will recognize Hamilton Elementary as one of the top title I schools in the Nation. This is a prestigious award, based on rigorous and competitive process. Schools must compete with tens of thousands of elementary schools from around the United States for this award. The award recognizes a school's ability to help children meet high academic standards and advanced levels of performance. I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of Hamilton Elementary. When we set high education standards, children, parents, teachers, and administrators respond. Hamilton Elementary stands as a model for the entire Nation. Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is the Nation's largest Federal investment in local schools. It directs approximately $7 billion each year to cover 50,000 schools districts in the United States with high numbers of low-income families and students. With an emphasis on high academic standards and accelerated learning in core subjects, it is transforming schools like Hamilton Elementary. Title I is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come. Our work, however, is not over. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the Nation's report card, only 28 percent of fourth graders read at a proficient or advanced level. Only 21 percent of eighth graders are proficient in math. On Friday, the Department of Education reported that ``education and training are strongly associated with increased productivity, higher rates of employment and higher paying jobs for Americans.'' At the same time, other industrialized nations are making productivity gains as these countries spend more to train and educate their work force. Today, more than ever, we owe it to our children to give them the education and skills they need to become productive participants in today's marketplace. High technology companies will shape the next generation of successful businesses in the 21st century. If we do not educate and train our young people to enter these high-skilled, high- wage jobs, our global competitors will pass us. Hamilton Elementary is doing its part and I applaud them for it. I call on my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring their accomplishment.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to praise the achievements of the students, faculty, and the principal of Pyramid Academy in Memphis, TN. Pyramid Academy is an alternative school serving teen mothers and children with behavioral problems. Most of the students at Pyramid come from a world of obstacles and disadvantages. Many of them have been thrown off track by poor choices or a lack of direction. As its name symbolizes, however, the Pyramid Academy, is giving these young men and women the building blocks they need to rise to the top. The school administrators transformed the way they educate and rehabilitate their students. They moved away from a punitive approach toward a holistic one, focusing on dropout prevention, personal development, responsible parenting, and achievement. Before this transformation, police walked the halls, and in the words of the principal, the school was nothing more than ``a holding tank.'' Those who doubt or question the power of placing high expectations and standards on our students, need only look to the example set by Pyramid Academy. As evidence, five young ladies from Pyramid Academy won first place in the African-American Knowledge Bowl, sponsored by the Memphis City Schools. I would like to include the names of the Grand Champion Knowledge Bowl team and ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring their achievements: Meisha Harris, Tamika Williams, Edwina Jefferson, Cortisa Thomas and Alicia Currie. These young women are sources of inspiration for the House of Representatives. They are my heroes. I would also like to include, in the Congressional Record, a newspaper article chronicling their achievement. [From the Commercial Appeal, Apr. 17, 1997] Alternative School Promotes Achievement (By Regina L. Burns) A 25-year Memphis City Schools educator, John White, is finding that expelled and board-suspended students, along with teen parents, can be motivated to achieve using high expectations instead of the police and corporal punishment. White, principal at Pyramid Academy for seven years, points to his school's recent championship at the sixth annual African-American Knowledge Bowl as proof of his philosophy. ``It just made me feel so good. I was just bubbling up with joy,'' proclaimed White, 53, who pushed for the alternative school's name change from Comprehensive Pupil Services Educational Center. The April 7 competition at the National Civil Rights Museum was sponsored by the Memphis City Schools Adolescent Parenting Mental Health Team, said Sherry Hardy, a school social worker in the Adolescent Parenting Program. ``The schools that participated are involved in our Rites of Passage effort,'' explained Hardy. The Rites of Passage program is designed to help young African-American men and women with development and responsibilities as they move toward adulthood. Dr. Theresa Okwumabus, supervising psychologist for the Adolescent Parenting Mental Health Team, initiated the Knowledge Bowl and the Rites of Passage program. She said, ``The students interacted in a positive way with other children and experienced success in knowing about their culture and their history.'' Five students from Pyramid Academy helped bring home the trophy. They are 11th-grader Edwina Jefferson, ninth-grader Alicia Currie, 12th-grader Mlesha Harris, ninth-grader Cortisa Thomas and 11th-grader Tamika Williams. Their teacher is Erma Sanders, a social studies instructor. The second-place winner is Chickasaw Junior High. Raineshaven Elementary captured third place. Other finalists were Caldwell Elementary, Ida B. Wells Academy and Whitehaven High school, according to Hardy. ``I'm an advocate for having an alternative school in every school. When I came here, this was a holding tank. We changed the name. We got rid of the police. We don't need the police. I think it sends the wrong message,'' explained White. He said his school has its share of difficulties but they are minimal. Each morning students and faculty gather at a ``daily briefing.'' ``We reiterate our expectations on a daily basis. We ask any student who feels like rappin', tappin', singing or cursing to come down front. If anyone has had any difficulty, we have someone for them to talk to,'' he said.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Chairman, today I rise in support of children, in support of families and in support of business. I rise in support of workers who want real flexibility, real protection, and real choice. Today I rise in support, Mr. Chairman, of workers who are struggling to pay bills, who are struggling to make ends meet, and who are struggling to put food on the table. I rise in support today of this Nation's most vulnerable workers who want to ensure that they too will have real choice, real flexibility, and real protection. That is why I am urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to oppose H.R. 1 and support the Miller substitute. Business in this Nation, as well as workers in this Nation, want to ensure that both have choice, opportunity, flexibility, and protection. H.R. 1 does not provide that. Let us stop demagoging this issue and work this issue out on behalf of children, working families, and business in America.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in echoing really what some of my other colleagues have gotten up today to talk about on both sides of the aisle, calling for sweeping campaign finance reform. We live in the greatest representative democracy in the world, Mr. Speaker. But the massive amount of money that has found its way into our political system threatens to eclipse one of democracy's fundamental principles that everyone's vote counts the same. In the 1996 elections over $2 billion was spent in our political election system. More than $2 million of that was soft money. Some individuals contributed $2 million or more to one political party or another. Today, Mr. Speaker, elections are financed by a small minority of Americans. Less than one-half of 1 percent of the electorate gives contributions in excess of $200. Over the past 30 years less than 20 percent of the electorate has contributed to elections. Americans feel alienated from our political process, and they are demanding that we take action. Everyone involved in this system must be a part of the solution, both Democrats and Republicans. We must limit PAC contributions, restrict the use of soft money and temper the influence of independent expenditures by outside advocacy groups. In addition, we must give the Federal Election Commission real teeth to investigate, report, and discipline candidates who break the rules. Finally, Mr. Speaker, the public airwaves belong to the people. An exponential increase in the cost of television advertising is preventing candidates from communicating with voters. The rise of the digital age presents us with the rare opportunity to strengthen our democracy. Broadcasters, who will receive free digital licenses from the Government, have a responsibility to fulfill their public interest standards by allowing reduced advertising television time for candidates who comply with the rules. Mr. Speaker, we must seize this moment and forge a bipartisan consensus to heed the American people's call to reform our campaign system.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning deeply concerned and deeply disturbed about the comments of a well-known Republican leader who approached the largest employer in my district, Federal Express, and informed them that it would be duly noted ``if the Federal Express PAC continues to give to the Democrats at the Republican takeover of Congress.'' Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, this Republican leader said that business PACs such as Federal Express would ``squirm considerably'' if they continue to give to Democrats. Mr. Speaker, the employees of Federal Express contributed to their PAC with the expectations that they will not be pressured to promote the interests of one particular party. Mr. Speaker, this type of actions and conduct is what leads to the grave cynicism and distrust that pervades the American public. On behalf of the 30,000 employees of Federal Express, the hundreds of thousands of constituents in my district who benefit from the presence of Federal Express, I am asking the appropriate committees in both bodies, as well as the Justice Department, to answer the question: Is this appropriate behavior of one of our well-known Republican leaders?

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to an article that appeared yesterday in the USA Today written by columnist DeWayne Wickham entitled ``Cash-Short Schools Need Nike More Than Twain.'' In order to make up for shortfalls in their educational budget, the school system in Seattle has figured out a creative way to gather and galvanize funds for the school system. They have invited commercial advertisers into school grounds and school property to advertise to help make up for the shortfall. I say to this Chamber and I say to colleagues on both sides of the aisle, what kind of message are we sending people in America? We can find money for programs throughout the budget. When it comes to children, we have to ask corporate America, and I salute our private citizens and the private sector for coming forward, but at a time when prison construction is growing at a rapid and exponential rate, Mr. Speaker and Members on both sides of the aisle, in this bipartisan fervor, what kind of message are we sending the children, schools, parents, and teachers throughout this Nation when we do not have the courage, the temerity or the will to step up to the plate and make sure that future generations of America are prepared, equipped, and ready for the challenges that we face in the 21st century marketplace. [From USA Today, Mar. 11, 1997] Cash-Short Schools Need Nike More Than Twain (By DeWayne Wickham) The Washington Bullets do it. So do the Indianapolis Colts, Boston Celtics and New York Yankees. But if opponents get their way, Seattle's school system won't be following the lead of these and other major sports franchises. While the moguls of pro sports are lining their pockets with revenue from deals that transform sporting venues into giant billboards, Seattle's cash-strapped system is embroiled in a debate over whether to allow ``reputable'' companies to advertise their products on school grounds. Cigarette and liquor ads would not be allowed. The system's bean counters predict that the sale of advertising on athletic field scoreboards and at selected locations inside school buildings might generate $1 million annually. That's roughly 8.5% of the $35 million funding shortfall facing Seattle schools over the next three years. But the plan, approved by the school board in November, is under attack. Last week, it tabled a call by its school superintendent to suspend the proposal. The superintendent's request followed complaints from people who want Seattle's schools to be an advertising-free zone. Like the constitutional separation of church and state, they think this divide should be a basic tenet of our way of life. I think they need a reality check. Schools already are overrun with advertising. The free kind. Most of it is worn into classrooms by schoolchildren. They are human ads for Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Nike and a host of other name-brand makers. Banning advertising won't stop the walking commercials that many fashion-conscious students have become. The only thing this policy reversal will do is deepen the school system's financial problems. The projected budget deficit, a result of caps on state education aid and property tax rates, has forced the board to consider requiring thousands of middle and high school students to ride public buses to save on transportation costs. As this revenue crisis deepens, opponents remain unmoved. They say students are a captive audience, and it isn't fair to allow companies to target them, even if it would bring in some badly needed cash. But if the job of schools is to prepare youngsters for the real world, why not introduce them to it by opening the doors to advertisers? The benefit of doing so can be more than financial. School systems that permit advertising are in a better position to influence the kinds of ads students see. They can reject moronic, tasteless ads. Conditioning advertisers to make more intelligent, less socially offensive commercials can produce some valuable, long-term rewards. Commercial ads are an important part of this nation's pop culture. Like it or not, the Energizer Bunny is probably better known to most schoolchildren than Mark Twain. But that can change. Forced to compete for the chance to put their images before youngsters--many of whom will be making lifelong product choices--advertisers will bend over backward to satisfy the demands of educators for the highest quality commercial messages. Enter Mark Twain. That's the kind of change school officials ought to be climbing over each other to achieve. Students who grow up with smart ads will become adults who expect no less from product promoters. That's a small but important victory against the dumbing of America. Seattle can turn its fiscal crisis into an educational triumph for students--and advertisers. Or it can fool itself into believing that by refusing to accept paid ads, city schools will be commercial-free zones.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today urging my colleagues to support H.R. 668. This measure is critical to ensure that funds will continue to flow to the Aviation Trust Fund. The Memphis and Shelby County Airport Authority, located in my congressional district, is due to receive approximately $11 million in airport improvement grants this fiscal year to complete construction of the third parallel runway at the Memphis International Airport. The airport authority is also expecting an additional $4 million for the Noise Compatibility Program. I believe it is irresponsible, Mr. Speaker, to further delay capital improvements and threaten aviation safety at our Nation's airports. Furthermore, any Member of the Congress with a large airport in her district understands the serious needs of airport area residents adversely affected by aircraft noise. Mr. Speaker, my congressional district is one of the Nation's top distribution centers, in part because the largest cargo airline in the world operates from our international airport. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 668 is essential to commerce not only in the Ninth Congressional District but throughout the Nation and the world. I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 668.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, 31 years ago Congress established the TRIO Programs as part of the Higher Education Act. Since that time it has been instrumental in helping millions of students overcome barriers to postsecondary education. TRIO is effective because it directs resources where they are needed the most. It is based on a Jeffersonian principle that education should be available to those who have an ability to learn rather than an ability to pay. Two-thirds of TRIO students come from families with incomes under $24,000 a year. My vision for education and for TRIO and for all Americans is TRIO's vision, a commitment to foster the ideals of equal educational opportunity regardless of background. TRIO is the heir to several successful education programs supported by the Federal Government over the past 200 years. From the Ordinance of 1785, which set aside lands in western territories for schools, to land grant legislation in the 19th century which established State universities, to the G.I. bill after World War II, to legislation creating historically black colleges and universities, the Federal role in education has moved countless Americans into the middle class, making our economy the most dynamic in the world. In 1983, a Nation At Risk, a report commissioned by the Secretary of Education, sent a wakeup call to the Nation. The condition of our educational system, the report said, was threatening our position as an unrivaled economic, technological and scientific power in the world. The report stated: We report to the American people that while we can take justifiable pride in what our schools and colleges have historically accomplished and contributed to the United States and the well-being of its people, the educational foundations of our society are presently being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a Nation and a people. What was unimaginable a generation ago has begun to occur--others are matching and surpassing our educational achievements. After this seminal report, which, Mr. Speaker, I would say still has relevance and truth today, the Nation again dedicated itself to improving education. States across the Nation have undertaken ambitious educational reform. Congress passed Goals 2000 and targeted more Federal resources to elementary and secondary education, especially to low income school districts. Congress expanded and improved Federal higher educational assistance, making postsecondary education accessible to many more young people. Our rededication, Mr. Speaker, to education is working. The Department of Education reports that more students are spending time on their homework than they did in the 1970s. SAT and National Assessment of Education Process scores are increasing. Mr. Speaker, it is so critical at this juncture in American history that we do not abandon the American student, the American school or the American teacher. Students in the TRIO Upward Bound Program are 4 times more likely to earn an undergraduate degree than their counterparts who did not participate in TRIO. Postsecondary education, Mr. Speaker, pays off. The Department of Education reports that every year of formal education is associated with a 5 to 15 percent increase in annual earnings later in life. Passage of welfare reform requires us to provide more education and training opportunities for those who will make the transition from welfare to work. TRIO Programs are well positioned to do this. TRIO can provide the support services to help welfare recipients earn a high school degree and participate in postsecondary education programs. The President's budget contains a 13.5 percent increase in spending in TRIO over 1996. A 30 percent increase in 1998 will enable TRIO to serve more than 186,000 more young people. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to take a close look at how TRIO is making a difference in their districts and to remember their commitment to the millions of young Americans who will benefit from this successful program.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 668. This measure is critical to ensure that funds will continue to flow to the aviation trust fund. The Memphis and Shelby County airport authority, which is located in my congressional district is due to receive approximately $11,000,000 in airport improvement grants this fiscal year to construct a new third parallel runway at Memphis International Airport. The airport authority is also expecting an additional $4,000,000 for the Noise Compatibility Program. Mr. Speaker, my congressional district is one of the Nation's top distribution centers in part because the largest cargo airline in the world operates from our international airport. H.R. 668 is essential to commerce not only in the Ninth Congressional District but throughout the Nation and the world. I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 668.