Rodney Frelinghuysen

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise today in support of the VA-HUD appropriations bill. I want to commend the chairman, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh), and the ranking member, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Mollohan), for all their hard work on this bill. The chairman and his very able staff were faced with a Herculean task of making this bill work while staying within the caps adopted by the 1997 budget agreement. And in the end, I think they found a good balance. While I am supportive of our work together on behalf of science, space exploration, the environment, and other programs, I specifically want to discuss two provisions in today's bill. The first is veterans medical care. Last October I signed a letter to the President, along with 70 Members of the House and Senate on a bipartisan basis, asking the President to provide an extra $1.7 billion in his fiscal year 2000 budget submission for veterans medical care. It appears that our plea fell on deaf ears. While the President sent his budget to Capitol Hill in February, it flatlined spending for veterans' medical care. In plain English, his budget did not provide even one extra dollar over last year's amount for veterans' medical care. So again it was left to Congress to provide the critical additional funding for veterans' medical care. This is not a partisan issue. Both Republicans and Democrats have worked together to provide money above and beyond the President's budget request for the past 4 years, and this year is no exception. However, the bottom line is that the President's flatlined request shows how some in his administration are out of touch with the need of our veterans. And it did not help and has not helped that the VA's leadership has been missing in action during this process. Our April public hearing on the VA's budget was an unqualified disappointment with Secretary West and Dr. Kizer, proving how out of touch they are with their inability to answer even the most basic questions before our committee and before the cameras. Fortunately, with strong bipartisan support, this year's budget passed by the House called for an extra $1.7 billion for veterans' medical care. Veterans service organizations are right to demand, at a bare minimum, Congress provide a $1.7 billion increase. They are also rightly owed a VA that actually advocates for veterans and puts veterans' health care needs and services above so-called managed care goals, which put dollar savings before patient protections. That is why I am pleased that the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh) agreed to my request and others to provide this extra funding for a total of $19 billion for veterans' medical care. For countless veterans, many older, sicker, some nearly 100 percent dependent on the VA system for care, this additional money will be increased access to service and improve quality of care. Unfortunately, this will not be true for all veterans. Despite this increase, veterans in the northeast and in my State of New Jersey will not see one extra dime for veterans' medical care. To provide our Veterans Integrated Service Network 3 with the same amount of funding as fiscal year 1999, Congress would have to provide a $2.4 billion amount above and beyond the President's request. However, our increase is an important improvement and reflects the amount set forth in this year's budget resolution. I suspect we may see some finger-pointing and hear blame today from all sides. But the bottom line is that this Congress, in a bipartisan way, provided the extra money, real dollars, $1.7 billion, that did not come from surplus or assumed revenues. And for this reason alone, I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Second, this bill contains important funding for essential housing for the elderly and individuals with disabilities of all ages. As a result of my amendment and others which were offered during the subcommittee consideration of the bill, H.R. 2684 includes an additional $10 million each for two important programs. Next year we will provide $660 million for Section 202 housing for the elderly and $194 million for Section 811 housing for individuals with disabilities. Finally, this bill continues a set-aside program that this committee started 3 years ago to meet the housing needs for people with disabilities. Our committee included $25 million for tenant-based rental assistance to ensure decent, safe, and affordable housing in communities with low-income individuals with disabilities. Further, it includes language directing the Secretary of HUD to use his waiver authority to allow nonprofit organizations to apply directly for these funds instead of going through public housing authorities. It is my belief that that change will provide better access for housing for more individuals with disabilities. HUD has largely been deficient in meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities seeking affordable housing but was very quick to take credit for all these funds last year even though the administration's budget request did not request one dime for the program. I am pleased that Congress took the lead again to provide the funding and it should receive the credit, as well. Again, I commend the chairman and the ranking member for their work and support of this bill and appropriation.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the rule and to congratulate the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh) and our committee for the work it has done to support veterans throughout the United States. I heard a few minutes ago, Mr. Speaker, reference made to staffing shortages in VA hospitals. In many ways that has a lot to do with a lack of presidential leadership and it has a lot to do with the leadership of the Veterans Administration, which has been absent in many ways in supporting and properly advocating on behalf of veterans. And that was clearly evidenced through hearings that the VA-HUD committee had and that the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh) led. We had inadequate testimony from Secretary West. And as has been pointed out, over the last 4 years, the President has flat-lined the veterans' medical care portion of the budget, and it is only through the leadership of this committee that these dollars have been restored each and every year way over what the President has presented, $1.7 billion towards medical care. That would not have happened without the bipartisan leadership of our committee. One of the other issues, of course, if there are staffing shortages, little wonder, considering the fact that the VA is using a managed care model, a managed care model that is being managed by nonveterans, basically forcing veterans from our hospitals into the communities. The bottom line is that our committee is providing essential medical care money, more than the President, $1.7 billion. The committee knows the value of veterans, the value of medical care, and we have the endorsements from both the American Legion's national commander and the VFW commander supporting our efforts.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the Andrews amendment and in support of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, or OPIC. Let me tell you what OPIC has meant to companies, large and small, in my state of New Jersey. With the help of risk insurance provided by OPIC since the program began, New Jersey companies have generated $3 billion in exports which supported 10,000 jobs. I hope my colleague from New Jersey will take note of the companies from New Jersey who needed OPIC insurance in order to sell their products abroad and thus support jobs here at home in our state of New Jersey. Many New Jersey companies have benefited from OPIC financing and insurance. They include, among others, Copelco Capital of Mahwah, Croll Reynolds Co. of Westfield; Engelhard Pollution Control of Iselin; Guest Supply Inc. of Monmouth Junction; H.W. Baker Linen Co. of Mahwah; Ingersoll-Dresser Pump Co. of Liberty Corner; Ingersoll-Rand of Woodcliff Lake, ITT of Midland Park; Maersk Inc. of Madison; Regal International of Closter. And what have these companies been able to do with OPIC Insurance? Let's just talk about some of the small New Jersey companies that have benefited. Misco America from Holmdel supplied products for a project in Ethiopia; Casale Industries from Garwood was involved in an electrical service project in Turkey; GAR International from Red Bank was a supplier for the privatization of a copper mine in Peru. So, again, I hope my colleague from New Jersey takes note of the importance of OPIC to New Jersey companies, large and small, and their employees. OPIC is a key component in our efforts to open up markets all over the globe to U.S. products and services. Again, Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment and support OPIC.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2605, making appropriations for Energy and Water Development. Let me first thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Pakard) and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky) for their approach to this year's Energy and Water bill. It is a model of bipartisanship. Likewise, I would like to thank the staff of the committee for their tireless work on behalf of the Nation. Mr. Chairman, this bill stresses important national priorities while keeping our commitment to downsizing the Federal Government and to keep our budget balanced. Again this year the President's budget request for the Army Corps of Engineers was woefully inadequate. Despite this committee's repeated calls for the President to fund these important infrastructure needs, he chose to ignore us. This bill maintains funding for critical flood safety, coastal protection and dredging projects throughout our Nation and flatly rejects the administration's efforts to back away from these very important and long-term investments. It restores the needed funds to protect American life and property and promotes our international competitiveness. In addition to the funding for our Nation's infrastructure, this bill provides funding for the Department of Energy. While this bill funds many critical programs at the Department, I would like to speak favorably, but do it under extended remarks, about some of the nonproliferation programs that the gentleman from California and a number of us visited in Russia recently. I think these are long-term investments in protecting our world, and I would like to thank the gentleman from California for taking us to Russia to visit two closed cities, nuclear cities, where we could see firsthand how some of our tax dollars are spent in protecting the world from a growing nuclear problem where, in fact, nuclear materials can get into the wrong hands. Mr. Chairman, I support the bill. As you know, Mr. Chairman, after the Cold War, our country and the Soviet Union were left with vast stockpiles of nuclear weapons, plutonium and highly enriched uranium. As a result, the mission of safeguarding this material has fallen to the DOE. In particular, the U.S. needed to ensure that Russian nuclear weapons were being dismantled and that the excess fissile materials removed from them were not used again to produce new nuclear weapons. The Warhead and Fissile Material Transparency Program, one of the many programs established at the DOE, sought to incorporate a comprehensive strategy to work cooperatively with Russia to develop transparency measures providing confidence that Russian nuclear arms were being dismantled. This program has opened doors in Russia which were once closed to the world. Also, under the Nuclear Cities Initiative, the U.S. and Russia are now joining forces to bring jobs and commercial enterprises to Russia's nuclear cities. Similarly, the Energy Department is working in Russia to install modern safeguards against further loss of controls over nuclear weapons, elements and knowledge under Material Protection, Control and Accountability System paid for with Energy Department dollars. Both of these programs are examples of how crucial this international work is and this bill continues to emphasize this importance. The reason I have taken the time to point out a few of these programs is to highlight, that this appropriations bill is more than just meeting our nation's infrastructure needs and scientific research. This bill continues our commitments made through treaties and agreements with Russia and underscores the importance of our continued work together to protect the world from new nuclear threats. Finally, let me say a word about fusion research. The Committee worked very hard to see that funds were provided to keep this important research on track. Specifically, I am very pleased that the bill includes $250 million for fusion research. Fusion energy has the potential to be unlimited and ultra-clean source of energy for the world. After numerous years of declining budgets for this program, it is refreshing to provide this important commitment. Mr. Chairman, this bill represents real progress towards setting national priorities. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. I rise in opposition to this resolution and in support of continuing trade relations with China. For my part, I do not believe that isolating China economically will do anything to improve their human rights record. We must not make the mistake of now believing we can isolate one quarter of the world's population and then expect to have any influence on their social and political institutions. I, too, am outraged by the political and religious oppression that has taken place in China, but shutting the few openings in China that exist cannot stop it. Rather, I believe that the more involved we become, the more we are commercially engaged with China, the more results we can achieve in securing greater political and religious freedoms for the people of China, as well. Mr. Speaker, trade does open the window of the world to the Chinese people and to our American ideals. We need to keep that window open. Closing it hurts us more than China. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.J. Res. 57 and in support of continuing Normal Trade Relations (NTR) with China. This debate over China NTR gives focus to our economic, as well as strategic relations, with China. And this debate allows Members to express the deep concerns of all Americans about political and religious oppression that occurs in China. For my part, I do not believe that isolating China economically will do anything to improve their human rights record. We must not make the mistake now of believing we can isolate one-quarter of the world's population and then expect to have any influence on their social and political institutions. I, too, am outraged by political and religious oppression that has taken place in China, but shutting the few openings in China that exist cannot stop it. Rather, I believe that the more involved we become, the more we are commercially engaged with China, the more results we can achieve in securing greater political and religious freedoms for the people of China as well. Trade does open the window to the world for the people of China. In that regard, just let me talk briefly about just one industry--the telecommunications industry--and what its greater presence will do for the people of China. All of our lives are being changed dramatically by the ``information'' revolution. And, all of us realize that increased access to information for the people of China from sources outside China is one of the best ways we have of exposing Chinese citizens to new ideas, to broader horizons, and to new opportunities and choices for their future. Our American telecommunications companies are at the forefront of building the infrastructure that makes information available to people around the globe. So, let's look at China's market for these information technologies. China is adding the equivalent of one million cell phones per month. China is adding the equivalent of one Bell company per year. In 1998, only ten percent of China's population had a telephone in their home. In the U.S., roughly one half of all households have access to the Internet. In Brazil, one out of 70 families has access. In China, only one out of 400 families has access. Yes, this is a vast untapped market for U.S. companies. And, I can assure that if we are not in China, all of our foreign competitors will be. But it is also much more than an untapped market. Expanding access to information for the Chinese people is an untapped opportunity to expose them to our ideals and our freedoms. There are so many other examples of both the economic and strategic opportunities in China. And those economic opportunities are significant. Last year alone, the United States exported $18 billion in goods and services to China, now our fourth-largest trading partner. Already, hundreds of thousands of American jobs are supported by trade with China. For my State of New Jersey, China is now our fifth largest trading partner. Our exports to China amount to over $350 million and that trade employs some 5,000 to 8,000 residents of my state. And the potential for growth is enormous. Here are a few examples. One New Jersey company that has been active in China for twenty years, signed a contract for the largest single boiler project in Chinese history. This project alone will yield $310 million in orders for American goods and services, including sales for many small and medium sized companies. Another New Jersey infrastructure company projects a market of $18 billion for its products in China over the next decade. And their sales have already increased 100% over the past five years. One of our energy companies anticipates a $13 billion market in China over the next ten years. For one of our insurance companies, 40% of their new premiums were sold in China in 1998. It is clear from just these few examples that failing to extend Normal Trade Relations Status to China will slam the door shut for American products and services in the world's most populous market. It only serves to leave China open to our foreign competitors who all have normal trade relations with China. American companies and their employees would be punished by this shortsighted action, not the Chinese government. Again, renewal of NTR is as much an economic decision as it is a key component of our national strategy to integrate China more fully into the family of nations. We need to maintain a stable political and economic relationship with China. I believe that the best way to promote the cause of human freedom and democracy and our American ideals is our very presence, economically and otherwise, in China. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to vote against this resolution and in support of extending Normal Trade Relations with China.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding this time to me. I rise in support of the defense appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2000 and the rule. Mr. Speaker, the defense appropriation bill provides a total of $266 billion for the Department of Defense while at the same time meeting the goals contained in the 1997 balanced budget agreement. With this bill we will help reverse 15 straight years of decreased defense budgets in real terms. As a new member of this subcommittee, I am particularly pleased with the growing investment that we make in our national security with this bill. Specifically, this bill provides $15.5 billion more than was appropriated in 1999. This money is desperately needed to keep our troops combat ready and our research and development efforts on track to ensure that our soldiers are equipped with the best technology available. I would especially like to commend my colleagues, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) for their hard work and guidance throughout this entire year. This committee's leadership made the tough choices so that crucial funding is provided to protect our Nation and keep our troops safe and successful in the field. Mr. Speaker, Congress has no greater duty than to ensure that our brave young men and women who put their lives on the line for our country have the resources they need to do their job safely and successfully. In addition, Mr. Speaker, I thank the capable and knowledgeable staff of the committee who assisted all of us in putting this legislation together. I support this rule of this bill, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the Defense Appropriations bill for FY 2000 and ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. Mr. Speaker, the Defense Appropriations bill, H.R. 2561, provides a total of $266 billion for the Department of Defense while at the same time meeting the goals continued in the 1997 balanced Budget Agreement. As a member of this Subcommittee, I am particularly pleased with the growing investment that we make in our Nation's security. Specifically, this bill provides $15.5 billion dollars more than was appropriated in 1999. This money is desperately needed to keep our troops combat ready and our research and development efforts on track to ensure that our soldiers are equipped with the best technology available. I would especially like to commend my colleagues, Chairman Lewis and Ranking member Murtha, for their hard work and assistance throughout this year. This Committee's leadership made the tough choices so that crucial funding is provided to protect our nation and keep our troops safe and successful in the field. Mr. Chairman, Congress has no greater duty than to ensure that our brave, young men and women, who put their lives on the line for our country, have the resources they need to do their job safely and successfully. In addition, let me thank the capable and knowledgeable staff of the Defense Committee who assisted all of us in putting this legislation together. While the decisions made in this bill were not easy, I believe that they were the right decisions. With this legislation, we will help reverse 15 straight years of decreasing defense budgets in real terms. Despite the end of the Cold War, we still find American troops deployed all across the globe, from Eastern Europe to Asia to Africa. Mr. Chairman, I am proud of the job our troops have done and I am especially proud that this bill provides funding for the needed 4.8 percent pay raise for our troops. H.R. 2561 also puts a great emphasis on the readiness and modernization of our military. With rogue nations like Iraq and North Korea developing advanced military technology, now is not the time to shortchange our nation's military readiness. Unfortunately, that is exactly what has been happening over the last several years. For evidence of this worrisome situation, we need only consider the effect that the Kosovo mission has had on our current obligations in the Persian Gulf and elsewhere. The Committee addressed this situation by adding over $2.3 billion for readiness shortfalls identified by the armed services. This funding will help secure the spare parts needed to keep our military fully operational as they move into the next century. Finally, let me say a word about the importance of research and development. As we enter the next century, technology, especially the digitalization of weapons systems, will play a critical role in the success of our troops in the field. This bill provides $37 billion for these activities in order to keep our technological advantage on the battlefield. Much of this important research is done by our civilian workforce, which by any account, is quickly aging. This investment will help to ensure that our technology continues to be on the cutting edge and it will ensure that new qualified researchers can be added to workforce in this important arena. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2561 is a well balanced bill which funds the future readiness and modernization requirements of the DOD, while taking steps to ensure that the quality of life of our service members is maintained and enhanced. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2014, legislation which would prohibit any state from levying discriminatory taxes on commuters from other states. I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of this bill, and commend my colleague from New Jersey, Mr. Franks, for introducing this legislation. We are here today as a result of New York State's decision to selectively repeal the New York City Commuter Tax, which sets a troubling precedent that other states or cities will likely choose to follow. Already, other cities have begun to view commuters as a cash cow. A Baltimore, Maryland, mayoral hopeful has raised the possibility of levying a commuter tax on individuals who work in Baltimore but live outside the city limits. On Friday, the New York State Supreme Court declared the tax unconstitutional for New Jersey's commuters. However, New York City has already vowed to appeal this decision. Despite this temporary reprieve for New Jersey commuters, this matter is far from resolved. That is why we must pass H.R. 2014 today. It will prevent New York, or any other state, from taxing commuters unfairly--and in a New York minute, it would end the Big Apple's discrimination against 240,000 New Jersey residents. Mr. Speaker, the poem on the base of New York City's Statue of Liberty reads, ``Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.'' It seems that poet Emma Lazarus could have been talking about New Jersey's commuters, who are tired of bearing this unfair tax burden. New York State's action deserves a Bronx cheer. Let's pass this legislation today.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I rise in support of H.J. Res. 34, which commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and honors the over 2 million men and women who belong to this organization. I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of this legislation, and thank the gentleman from Arizona, Chairman Stump, for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor today. For 100 years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has been representing the interests of the men and women of our armed forces who have served our nation overseas. This group was founded in Columbus, Ohio on September 29th, 1899 by 13 decorated veterans who fought in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. These men gathered not only to remember those killed during the War, but also to see what they could do for those who remained. One hundred years later, the VFW has maintained that commitment to helping their fellow veterans, and many others in our local communities. From 1997 to 1998, the VFW and the Ladies Auxiliary devoted over 12 million hours to volunteer service, and donated millions of dollars to various programs, including $2.7 million for college scholarships, $3 million for breast cancer research and over $15 million through the ``Buddy Poppy'' program to help needy veterans. As a proud member of VFW Post 3401 in Morris Plains, New Jersey, I am very familiar with the contributions of this post, and many others across America, to their communities. I urge all my colleagues in joining me to pay tribute to these men and women who have given so generously of themselves, both in times of peace and in times of war.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support our American Flag and as an original cosponsor of House Joint Resolution 33 which will protect our most cherished national symbol. The American Flag is probably the most recognizable symbol in the world. Wherever it stands, it represents freedom. Millions of Americans who served our nation in war have carried that flag into battle. They have been killed or injured just for wearing it on their uniform because it represents the most feared power known to tyranny and that is liberty. Where there is liberty there is hope. And hope extinguishes the darkness of hatred, fear and oppression. America is not a perfect nation, but to the world our flag represents that which is right and to Americans it represents what Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes referred to as our ``national unity, our national endeavor, our national aspiration.'' It is a remembrance of past struggles in which we have persevered to remain as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Those who would desecrate our flag and all it represents have no respect for the brave men and women for whom the ideals and honor of this nation were dearer than life. Madam Speaker, this bill will not make individuals who desecrate our flag love our nation and those who sacrificed to secure the freedoms we have today. But it will give Americans a unified voice in decrying these reprehensible acts.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding this time to me, and I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) for all his incredible work, and I rise today in support of this bill and commend him for his efforts. I especially want to thank the gentleman from Virginia for including $6 million in this bill for the redesign of the New Jersey/New York Metropolitan airspace. This is a critical effort that will benefit not only the residents of northern New Jersey and New York State, but other parts of the region. Once completed, this redesign will become the model for other regions such at Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Miami. For over a decade residents in my district in northern New Jersey have been plagued by the problem of aircraft noise. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, redesign of the airspace will solve many of the region's air noise problems. The airspace over Newark, Kennedy and LaGuardia airports is the busiest, most congested and most complex in the Nation. These three major airports have over 1 million flight arrivals and departures a year. Further, the high volume of flights is complicated by the fact that these three airports share the same airspace. When Newark changes departure and arrival patterns, adjustments have to be made at Kennedy and LaGuardia airports as well. Last year the FAA announced it would begin the process of redesigning the airspace over New Jersey and New York Metropolitan region. This was to be the first area in the country addressed by the FAA, and results could be applied to other regions during future airspace redesign processes. The $6 million included in the transportation appropriations bill will enable the airspace redesign to move ahead in a timely manner. It will provide much needed relief from the constant loud intrusion of aircraft noise. Again, my thanks to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) for including this critical funding in his bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 211, I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution which expressed the sense of the Congress regarding the importance of raising public awareness about prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the most serious health issues facing men. One in five men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. According to the National Institutes of Health, this year nearly 185,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 39,000 men will die. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men, and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. The most important thing to know about prostate cancer is that it can be treated successfully if detected early. As you know, my predecessor, the late Congressman Dean Gallo died of prostate cancer in 1994, having been diagnosed late in his disease. Dean was a fighter for New Jersey but sadly he could not fight prostate cancer successfully. Despite Dean's death his memory lives on in the Dean and Betty Gallo Prostate Cancer Center at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, New Jersey is 17th among all 50 states in the incidence of prostate cancer and 8th among African Americans. Congress has declared a war on cancer, in any of its forms, and we must continue to provide the bullets to fight this war in our dedication to raising awareness about cancer, and the commitment to increase funding for cancer research. Remember, prostate cancer may kill, but it does not have to. Early detection can save a life. I say to all men, see your doctor for a prostate examination today; take a P.S.A. annually. Mr. Speaker, I think my good friend from New Hampshire, Mr. Bass, for introducing this important resolution.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the U.S.S. New Jersey, which has honorably served the United States in times of both peace and war for over 50 years. Today, along with many of my colleagues from New Jersey, I introduced the ``U.S.S. New Jersey Commemorative Coin Act.` This bill authorizes the minting of a commemorative coin to honor the Battleship New Jersey's contribution to our country. The New Jersey was first launched December 7, 1942, and was immediately sent off to the Pacific Theater. There, the Battleship New Jersey played a key role in operations in the Marshalls, Marianas, Carolines, Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. After the Allied victory, the U.S.S. New Jersey was deactivated in 1948 until being called to service again in November, 1950. The ship served two tours in the Western Pacific during the Korean War, and was the flagship for Commander 7th Fleet. After her service, the U.S.S. New Jersey was again mothballed in 1957, only to be pressed into service again in 1968 to serve as the only active-duty Navy battleship. She provided critical firepower to friendly troops before again being decommissioned in 1969. The Battleship New Jersey's service did not end with Vietnam. She continued to serve our Navy in a number of the roles in the Pacific, the Mediterranean and off the coast of Central America. Her brave and honorable service finally came to an end in February 1991, when the U.S.S. New Jersey was decommissioned for the fourth and final time. Last year, Congress passed legislation directing that U.S.S. New Jersey be brought home and permanently berthed in her namesake state. Mr. Speaker, Governor Whitman, the state legislature and the people of New Jersey all strongly endorse bringing the Battleship home. We are all united in our desire to have the U.S.S. New Jersey come home. This legislation would help raise money to offset the costs of bringing the Battleship home, where she can serve as a permanent reminder of the brave men who served aboard her, and the important role the U.S.S. New Jersey has played on our nation's history. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this bill to honor the memory of the Battleship New Jersey.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the participants of the 1999 Policy Unity Tour on the successful completion of their tour and for their donation of close to $54,000 to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year. On Saturday, May 8th I had the pleasure of participating in the ceremonies to send off the 55 participants as they began the long bicycle journey from Madison, New Jersey to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC in an effort to raise funds for the memorial. The memorial was established by an Act of Congress in October, 1984. The Police Unity Tour was the brainchild of two Madison and Florham Park police officers who organized the first bike tour three years ago: Frank Wulff and Patrick Montuore. Mr. Speaker, I would like to list each of the participants for the official record. Frank Wulff Ed Lincoln Jane Recktenwald Paul Kosakowski Steve Carpenter Charlie Bryant Jerry Mantone Constantine Sedares Bill Yirce Steve Ambrose Steve Donnelly Lenny Gigantino Paul Boegershausen Paul Kay Rick Staeger John Carter Hernandez Thomas Tom Barbella Tommy Downs Karen Sullivan Emma Swearingen Paul Fortunanto Bob Cimino Lee Scarano Pete Egan Pete Nienstdat Michael Francis Dave Barber Pat Montuore Brian Rabbitt Carmine DeCaro Lenny George Mark Meehan Dave Tyms Rich Schultz Mark Stallone Phil Crosson Paul Bogert Bill Pollock Fred Freem John Sria Bob Barr Harry Phillips Ed Mitchko Debbie Baker Brian Markt Lou DeMeo Marc Hecht Jimmy Waldron Scott Smarsh Robert Fortunato Bobby Montuore Two support drivers, Patti Wulff and Jennifer Montuore assisted these riders. I was present at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on Tuesday, May 11, when the participants reached their destination and were greeted by friends and family. Participants hailed from police forces in Madison, Chatham, Millburn, Livingston, Fair Lawn, West Orange, Union, Woodbridge, Maplewood, Denville, Margate, Florham Park, Morristown, Berkeley Heights, Franklin Township, Newark, Caldwell, NJIT, the NJ State Police, and the Essex County Prosecutors Office. Mr. Speaker, over the last three years, the Police Unity Tour has raised over $122,000 for the memorial, making it the top sponsor in the Nation. The effort of these men and women who rode their bikes from New Jersey to Washington, DC to raise money for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial pays tribute to those who put their lives on the line everyday--and those who have paid with their lives--so that our streets are safer, and our families more secure. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them on their dedication and in wishing them success for many years to come.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of Morristown and surrounding communities, in Morris County, New Jersey, as they commemorate the 130th anniversary of the founding of Morristown High School. Morristown High School began as the Maple Avenue School on December 13, 1869. Over 400 students, seven of whom would become the first alumni of Morristown High School, entered the halls of this new school that day. Students from many distant communities came to Morristown to participate in one of the few high school programs offered in the State of New Jersey. At that time, Morristown offered the most complete curriculum, including courses of studies in varying levels of mathematics, science, and philosophy, as well as reading, composition, singing, and drawing. Morristown High School now offers students over 200 courses of study and more than 100 extracurricular activities in which to participate. The newspaper, yearbook, and student literary magazine have been awarded the highest national honors, and the athletic, music, and drama programs are ranked among the highest in the State. Even in the earliest days of its existence, Morristown High School did not discriminate against anyone who was eager to learn. In 1886, Clarence H. Walker, the first African-American student was admitted, an occurrence unheard of in other communities at that time. His sister, Estella Walker, member of the Class of 1897, went on to attend Wilber- Force College. Equal educational access was, and would always be, a priority at Morristown High School. Many of Morristown High School's students have gone on to serve proudly in our Nation's Armed Forces. John Monteith, member of the Class of 1912, was the first Morristown High School graduate to make the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life in World War I. Roland M. Brown, member of the Class of 1941, distinguished himself as a Tuskegee Airman and Admiral Fredrick Turner, also a member of the Class of 1941, would command the U.S. Sixth Fleet. Mr. Speaker, for the past 130 years Morristown High School has prospered as an exceptional educational institution and continues to flourish today. Its graduates have gone on to serve both our community and our Nation in countless ways. By all accounts, it will continue to prosper in the future. I ask you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues to congratulate all members of the Morristown High School community and their alumnae on this special anniversary year.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, I suspect that history will record our action today on this supplemental as an especially important act of this Congress. As we basically fight two undeclared wars simultaneously, one through humanitarian purposes in the Balkans and the other over Iraq, our actions today help pay for one and indirectly for the other. This is a replenishment but it is also an investment to keep our young people in uniform, and wars are fought by the young, safe and well-equipped in battle. This bill supports our troops. This bill will make an immediate difference in their lives. This bill acknowledges what the White House will not, that all of our military and humanitarian missions in the Balkans will cost billions more than the President will admit. This bill will boost morale by providing military pay raises and retirement benefits. It will do things for refugees. And finally, this bill gives the President control over the use of these emergency dollars that we provide. In other words, the Commander in Chief could use it to meet any crisis.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Nation's childcare providers as nationwide, childcare centers have joined together to declare Friday, May 7, 1999 to be Provider Appreciation Day. It is estimated that of the 21 million children under the age of six in America, 13 million are in childcare, at least part time. An additional 24 million school age children are in some form of childcare outside of school time. By calling attention to the importance of high quality child care services for all children and families, the Nation's child care providers hope to improve the quality and availability of such services. This day of recognition has been celebrated annually, since 1996, on the Friday before Mother's Day. The idea was spearheaded by a group of volunteers from my home state of New Jersey because they saw the need for a day of recognition and appreciation for childcare providers. It takes a special person to work in this field and their contribution to the quality of family life frequently goes unnoticed. One such place, where many special people have helped improve the lives of children and parents in my district is ``Children on the Green'' in Morristown, New Jersey. Children on the Green is a special place. It is a center that provides quality, developmentally appropriate childcare and early education to families living or working in the Morristown community. At the same time, this center offers some of its slots to children from area shelters. Children from the Morris Shelter, Jersey Battered Women's Services, and the lnterfaith Council for Homeless Families of Morris County are in attendance each day. This type of child care provides some stability to these children while offering their parents time to pursue opportunities that would help them to improve their living situations. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in honoring the dedicated child care providers at Children on the Green in Morristown, and the child care providers all over New Jersey and across our nation who each day give a little bit of themselves to help a child learn, make friends and feel safe and secure.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding this time to me, and I thank him for his leadership on IDEA and for his help to our States and the children that they are trying to educate. Mr. Speaker I have spoken with our Governor, Christie Todd Whitman, in New Jersey about what fully funding IDEA would mean to my State. In New Jersey alone there are over 210,000 students in special education programs. According to our Governor, if the Federal Government paid its full 40 percent share last year, the State would have received an additional $300 million to pay for these children's education. Our States are paying too great of an amount of our government's legal obligation to IDEA with money that otherwise could be spent to hire additional teachers, expand or maintain school facilities, pay for athletics or extracurricular activities. Mr. Speaker, until we pay our existing mandates, we should not consider paying for any new and expensive programs, any new entitlements. I support this resolution, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time; and I rise in strong support of H.R. 459, legislation I introduced earlier this year to extend the FERC license for the Mt. Hope hydroelectric project by a period of 3 years. First, let me thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Power, and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bliley), chairman of the full Committee on Commerce, as well as the ranking member of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall), and my colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frank Pallone), for moving so expeditiously on this bill. Mt. Hope received its original FERC license in August of 1992. The license has been extended for 2 years by FERC and once by Congress in 1995. H.R. 459 would simply ensure that there is additional time for Mt. Hope to secure the energy supply contracts to begin the construction of the proposed facility. This project is an advanced pumped-storage hydroelectric plant located in my district, Morris County, New Jersey. Far from a conventional hydro plant, this facility will be a closed cycle system in which water will be continuously circulated between two man-made reservoirs. The project has the strong support of local government officials and organizations where the project will be built, namely the New Jersey Business and Industry Association and the Sierra Club of New Jersey. This $2 billion project will be financed entirely by the private sector with no taxpayers' dollars used for its construction. As the chairman has mentioned, the project will bring approximately 1,300 jobs to New Jersey and boost our Nation's economy by adding approximately $6 billion to the gross national product during construction. In a nutshell, this project can serve as our region's, northern New Jersey, New York and that area, as an energy insurance policy by enhancing the security of the electrical supply system for our region. Mr. Speaker, the project has many environmental, energy and economic benefits to the State of New Jersey and the mid-Atlantic region. The project has strong support of local and State officials; and it will help us meet, most importantly, the goals of the Clean Air Act. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 459 so we can begin to realize these benefits.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, once again, I come to the floor to recognize the great success of strong local school systems working with dedicated parents and teachers. I rise today to congratulate and honor 59 outstanding high school artists from the 11th Congressional District of New Jersey. Each of these talented students participated in the Annual Congressional Arts Competition, ``An Artistic Discovery,'' sponsored by Schering- Plough Corporation. They were recently honored at a reception and exhibit. Their works are exceptional. Mr. Speaker, I would like to list each of the students, their high schools, and their contest entries, for the official Record. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Student High School Name of Entry ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gillian Cochran................. Bayley-Ellard..... ``Untitled'' Alisa Rabinovich................ Bayley-Ellard..... ``Untitled'' Brian Bell...................... Boonton........... ``Untitled'' Chris Holmes.................... Boonton........... ``Untitled'' Larissa Schaffnit............... Boonton........... ``Untitled'' Susan Tieski.................... Boonton........... ``Untitled'' Mark Bunker..................... Chatham........... ``Composition #1'' Marc Mucciolo................... Chatham........... ``Untitled'' Alissa Neibert.................. Chatham........... ``Untitled'' Danielle Servedio............... Chatham........... ``Untitled'' Steven Bernaz................... Delbarton......... ``Untitled'' Andrew Bruck.................... Delbarton......... ``Untitled'' John Harriman................... Delbarton......... ``Untitled'' Anders Johnson.................. Delbarton......... ``Untitled'' Michael Cicchetti............... Dover............. ``Still Life'' Victoria Cotero................. Dover............. ``Horns'' Anne Peters..................... Dover............. ``Still Life'' Allyson Wood.................... Dover............. ``Still Life'' Vanessa Batters................. Kinnelon.......... ``Untitled'' Julie Jun....................... Livingston........ ``Untitled'' Meredith Klein.................. Livingston........ ``. . . And Then I Woke Up'' Drew Kyser...................... Madison........... ``Untitled'' Juyoun (Young) Lee.............. Madison........... ``Untitled'' Diana Saidac.................... Madison........... ``Untitled'' Allison Epstein................. Montville......... ``Jamie'' Eric Hubert..................... Montville......... ``Christmas'' Susan Sook-Kyung Lee............ Montville......... ``Self Portrait'' Jeremy Levy..................... Montville......... ``Mayan Still Life'' Julie Ashworth.................. Morris Catholic... ``Me'' Tina Anne Messina............... Morris Catholic... ``Dusk'' Denise J. Murphy................ Morris Catholic... ``Winter's Chill'' Dat Tran........................ Morris Catholic... ``Love on the Lake'' Tonya Autolitano................ Morris Hills...... ``Bouquet'' Lisa Genovese................... Morris Hills...... ``Untitled'' Tha-Anh Heani................... Morris Hills...... ``Untitled'' Felicia Kazin................... Morris Hills...... ``Untitled'' Brandon Dicks................... Morris Knolls..... ``Inking of Stec'' Heather MacArthur............... Morris Knolls..... ``Mikey'' Danielle Maupai................. Morris Knolls..... ``Baby With Pink Hat'' Larissa Stec.................... Morris Knolls..... ``Achieving Balance'' Danielle Cerny.................. Morristown........ ``Untitled'' Laura Healy..................... Morristown........ ``Mr. Fumero'' JoAnn Johnson................... Morristown........ ``Self Portrait'' Laura Konzelman................. Mount Olive....... ``Untitled'' Meredith Richard................ Mount Olive....... ``Untitled'' Andres Rivera................... Mount Olive....... ``Untitled'' Patrick Slattery................ Mount Olive....... ``A Dance'' Sean Bono....................... Randolph.......... ``Chris'' Gregory Leveto.................. Randolph.......... ``That Thing'' Francesca Oliveira.............. Randolph.......... ``The Wright Stairs'' Heather Troast.................. Randolph.......... ``Untitled'' Stephanie Bryan................. Ridge............. ``Untitled'' Michael Pascarella.............. Ridge............. ``Untitled'' Jiri Seger...................... Ridge............. ``Untitled'' Mike Yang....................... Ridge............. ``Untitled'' Rachel Glaser................... West Essex........ ``Untitled'' Joseph Morelli.................. West Essex........ ``Untitled'' Lindsay Trella.................. West Essex........ ``Untitled'' Joanna Choi..................... West Essex........ ``Untitled'' ------------------------------------------------------------------------ As you know, Mr. Speaker, each year the winner of the competition will have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to meet Congressional Leaders and to mount his or her artwork in a special corridor of the U.S. Capitol along with winners from across the country. This year, first place went to Andres Rivera of Ridge High School. Second place went to Lisa Genovese of Morris Hills High School, who was also selected by Schering-Plough employees and attendees of the show to receive the People's Choice Award. Stephanie Bryan of Ridge High School was awarded third place. In addition, seven other submissions received honorable mention by the judges, Young Lee, Sean Bono, Meredith Klein, Mike Yang, Larissa Stec, Julie Jun, and Larissa Schaffnit. Indeed, all of these young artists are winners, and we should be proud of their achievements so early in life.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, as the horrors in Kosovo continue to unfold, we must not forget the other horrible acts against humanity that preceded it. That is why it is important today that we remember the Armenian Genocide, and honor the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who died between 1915 and 1923. The Armenian Genocide started in 1915, when the Turkish government rounded up and killed Armenian soldiers. Then, on April 24, 1915, the government turned its attention to slaughtering Armenian intellectuals. They were killed because of their ethnicity, the first group in the 20th Century killed not for what they did, but for who they were. By the time the bloodshed of the genocide ended, the victims included the aged, women and children who had been forced from their homes and marched to relocation camps, beaten and brutalized along the way. In addition to the 1.5 million dead, over 500,000 Armenians were chased from their homeland. It is important that we make the time, every year, to remember the victims of the Armenian genocide. Given global events, that commemoration seems more poignant now. We hope that, by remembering the bloodshed and atrocities committed against the Armenians, we can prevent this kind of tragedy from repeating itself. Unfortunately, these events have again proven us wrong. So, Mr. Speaker, we must continue to talk about the Armenian genocide. We must keep alive the memory of those who lost their lives during the eight years of bloodshed in Armenia. We must educate other nations who have not recognized that the Armenian genocide occurred. Above all, we must remain vigilant. Mr. Speaker, I commend Armenian-Americans--the survivors and their descendants--who continue to educate the world about the tragedy of the Armenian Genocide and make valuable contributions to our shared American culture. Because of their efforts, the world will not be allowed to forget the memory of the victims of the first 20th Century holocaust.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, on a day when many Americans are complaining about how much they pay in taxes, I rise in support of passing the Tax Limitation Amendment, legislation that would require a \2/3\ supermajority in Congress to approve any future tax increases. If a \2/3\ supermajority is required to pass some of the most important issues concerning our Nation, like amending the Constitution and ratifying international treaties, the same standard should be used when deciding to take more hard-earned money from the American taxpayer. In short, the Tax Limitation Amendment gives taxpayers protection against future reckless spending and tax-grabbing by the Federal Government. I find it hard to believe any Member of Congress could oppose such a simple, straightforward protection for taxpayers. By making it more difficult for Congress to reach into the pockets of taxpayers to fund increased Government spending, a \2/3\ supermajority requirement would ensure Congress is more fiscally responsible with America's money. Although the economy is presently in good shape, taxes are still the highest they've been since World War II. It's important to implement the \2/3\ standard now, when we have a surplus and times are good, to prevent future Congresses from turning to high taxes down the road. States have passed tax limitation measures with overwhelming voter support. In the 14 States which have implemented tax limitation standards, taxes and spending grow at slower rates, while the economy and job rates grow more quickly. In my own State of New Jersey, Gov. Christine Whitman is a strong supporter for the Tax Limitation Amendment because she knows, as do I, that this legislation is good for New Jersey's taxpayers. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in making it tougher for this body to raise taxes on an America that is already over-taxed!

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Airspace Redesign Enhancement Act. This bill would require the Federal Aviation Administration to speed up the process of redesigning the airspace over the New Jersey and New York Metropolitan area. For over a decade, residents in my district and countless other areas of New Jersey and New York have been plagued by the problem of aircraft noise. According to the FAA, redesign of the airspace will solve many of the region's air noise problems. The airspace over our region--Newark, Kennedy, and LaGuardia airports, along with a host of smaller municipal and regional airports--has made this area the busiest, most congested and most complex in the Nation. These three major airports have over 1 million flight arrivals and departures a year. Further, the high volume of flights is further complicated by the fact that these three airports share airspace. When Newark changes departure and arrival patterns, adjustments must be made at Kennedy and LaGuardia airports as well. Last July, the FAA announced at Newark Airport that it would begin the process of redesigning the airspace over the New Jersey and New York Metropolitan Region. This was to be the first area in the country addressed by the FAA, and the results could be applied to other regions during future airspace redesign processes. So why the delays? Since last July, no real action has been taken. The 5-year timetable has fallen behind, and residents in my district face a long wait before any potential relief from constant aircraft noise. Mr. Speaker, 5 years is too long. These families should not be forced to wait 5 years before these planes stop flying, low and loud, over their homes and yards. I have heard too many stories from too many families who cannot have conversations in their homes when these planes fly overhead. Enough is enough. The Airspace Redesign Enhancement Act would give the FAA 2 years to complete the airspace redesign process, and would give them the money they need to do so. By speeding up the process of redesigning the airspace over the New Jersey and New York Metropolitan region, other areas of the country will have their airspace redesigned much quicker as well. New Jersey is not the only region to suffer from aircraft noise. This bill can help residents near Chicago's O'Hare Airport, Reagan National Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Denver International Airport, and other airports across the country. The FAA has offered too many excuses for not getting this job done. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Airspace Redesign Enhancement Act so that this process will not stretch out far into the 21st Century.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell/West Essex. On April 8, 1999, the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell/West Essex will celebrate 75 years of service to the West Essex Community. Since its start in 1923, the Kiwanis Club members of this chapter have been providing service to the local community. This Club represents a larger, international organization that dedicates itself to allowing men and women the opportunity to become involved in improving the conditions in which we live. Currently, the Club participates in various service projects such as aiding families during Thanksgiving, contributing to the Kiwanis Oval playground, and working toward the beautification of West Essex communities. In addition to service, and volunteering time, the Caldwell/West Essex Kiwanis Club contributes financially to many organizations including the Children's Miracle Network, the March of Dimes, Walk-a- thon, the Battered Women's Shelter, and many other deserving organizations. The Kiwanis has continued to pledge its support to the prevention of Iodine Deficiency Disorder--the leading cause of preventable retardation. This organization has displayed its commitments to the youth of West Essex by supporting two little league teams, the Caldwell/West Caldwell Soccer Club, and serves as a sponsor of local youngsters for federal and state leadership development programs. Mr. Speaker, for the past 75 years, the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell/West Essex has faithfully carried out the objectives of their global service organization. They have continued to provide service and support to the community in which they work and live. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating all past and present members of the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell/West Essex on this special anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this budget resolution. This budget, contrary to the President's proposal, is a responsible approach to funding the Federal government without turning our backs on our 1997 Balanced Budget Agreement, an agreement that means so much to the American public and to our nation's economic future. And perhaps more than ever, this budget is about providing security for America's future. We can continue to set the course for a sound Federal fiscal policy and a strong economy, or we can set up our children for a future of paying our debts--the President's budget saddles our children with more national debt, more taxes, fewer educational opportunities, a bigger government and shaky retirement prospects. As we vote to pass this budget, I say to my colleagues who have joined the President in criticism of our efforts, for a moment, take a step back from the podium, and imagine you are not immersed here in the politics of our nation's capital. For a moment, think of yourself not standing before your colleagues in debate, but rather, being with your constituents at a town meeting. Would you still argue to enact the President's budget, the largest in our nation's history, a budget which grows the size of our government and breathes more life into a bureaucracy we've been struggling to contain? Or do you think your constituents would rather know that you have voted for a Federal budget that keeps our government in check and may possibly even shrink that once sprawling bureaucracy? Could you speak passionately to them about the need to pass the President's budget which only devotes 62 percent of our projected budget surpluses to preserving and protecting Social Security and allows him to spend $146 billion of the Social Security surplus over five years. Or might you inspire more confidence from your constituents if you told them the budget you want locks away $100 billion more than the President to strengthen Social Security and Medicare, a total of $1.8 trillion over a decade, with the guarantee that Washington can't touch the Social Security surplus--your constituents' payroll taxes--ever? Again, the families you represent may want to know whether you support the President's budget, or our Congressional budget plan that will pay down the national debt by $450 billion more than the President over the next ten years. The hard-working Americans you represent might be interested to know whether you voted for tax increases or tax cuts. The President's budget raises taxes by $172 billion in the next decade, but our budget provides $800 billion in tax relief for the same period. Would the veterans of your District salute you for passing the President's flat-lined VA budget which raises serious questions about the quality of care our veterans receive in VA medical facilities, or do America's heroes of the past deserve the $1.1 billion increase we gave them in our budget proposal? To the young men and women in uniform who now serve our nation--what would you tell them? Could you look a young enlisted man or woman in the eye, one of our brave Americans who has joined NATO forces in Kosovo, and tell them to do their job even though you voted for the President's budget which falls $8 billion short of the budget we propose for our nation's defense? Improving the education of our young people is not only important to all of us, it is a critical element of our nation's ability to remain competitive in the 21st Century. For America's children, do you vote party or conscience? On your next school visit, do you tell the students you voted for the President's budget which cuts special education funding, or do you teach them that principle is above politics, and you voted for our budget which increases education funding $1.2 billion more than President Clinton proposes. It includes more funding for Pell grants, and more flexibility for states to decide how best to spend this funding. Our budget, $22 billion total for education, will improve the quality of elementary, secondary, and special education. Parents and children with special needs may question your vote for the President's budget because it amounts to a cut in Federal special education funding. Our budget contains a $1 billion increase for Federal funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. While this is not the full funding I and 75 of my House colleagues from both sides of the aisle requested, it is a step in the right direction. In my state of New Jersey alone, if the Federal government would keep its promise to pay 40 percent of the costs associated with providing special education, $300 million at the state level would become available each year--real money that could be used to hire more teachers, build more classrooms or reduce local property tax rates. Our budget proposal provides security for American people and their future--retirement security, fiscal security, education security, national security and economic security. But it won't be easy to achieve these important goals, and is closing. I offer a word of caution. Keeping within the confines of our balanced budget is our ultimate goal, and the Appropriations Committee works hard to balance the needs of our nation and our government while doing so. As a Member of this Committee, I can tell my colleagues that there will be sacrifices. We must understand this at the outset and prepare ourselves for the tough choices with which we all will be confronted. When the time comes, we will need to ask ourselves, ``is a future of peace, prosperity, achievement and financial security for our children worth the sacrifice and effort today?'' The answer is always ``yes.'' We will need to remember this in the months ahead.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of the Borough of Florham Park, County of Morris, New Jersey, as they commemorate the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of their community. Florham Park was founded on March 20, 1899, but history of this community began in 1708. In that year, John Campfield of Newark and John Hopping of Elizabethtown and his family settled here. This growing settlement was a legal part of larger township; first Whippany then Hanover Township in 1718, then Chatham Township, until it was founded 100 years ago as the Borough of Florham Park. After the Revolutionary War, the settlement grew into a prosperous farming community. High quality brooms from broomcorn became the trademark of the community. These brooms could be found on doorsteps in Newark, New York City, and Trenton. The community became better known as Broomtown in the end of the 18th century. In the later part of the 19th century the southeastern part of Morris became an attractive vacation resort. Hamilton McKeon Twombly and his wife Florence Vanderbilt and Dr. Leslie D. Ward built their large estates in this community and opened part of them to the public. Not favoring high taxes, these two men petitioned to create their own town that was made a legal entity on March 20, 1899. The new borough began with a population of 800 with 170 legal voters. The community had only an active volunteer Fire Department and truck house, the Little Red School House, Calvary Chapel, a Post Office and St. Elizabeth's Academy. In Florham Park's first 100 years it has blossomed into a well- rounded suburban town. The community now consists of a municipal building, four shopping centers, three public schools, two assisted- living facilities, a post office, an excellent library, a recreational facility, and it hosts Fairleigh Dickinson University and St. Elizabeth's College and Academy. Mr. Speaker, for the past 100 years the Borough of Florham Park has prospered as a community and continues to flourish today. By all accounts, it will continue to prosper in the future and I ask you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues to congratulate all residents of Florham Park on the special anniversary year.