Rodney Frelinghuysen

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 4, the National Missile Defense Act, and to thank my colleagues Curt Weldon, John Spratt, and Chairman Floyd Spence for their leadership on this issue. It is important that the House consider this bill today in an effort to educate America as to why this issue is so important to our future. Mr. Speaker, I have long believed that the security of the American people is the primary and most important responsibility of the Federal Government. In recent years we have learned that one of the biggest threats facing that security is the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and more importantly the dissemination of sensitive missile technology into the hands of our potential advisories. Recent polls indicate that many Americans think our military forces can currently shoot down any missile fired at the United States. Well, Mr. Chairman, as the debate has pointed out here today, this is not the case. The United States does not have a missile defense system today and we won't have a missile defense system tomorrow unless this Congress acts responsibility to direct our military to develop one. H.R. 4 is the first step towards beginning this process. If there is one thing I have learned since being elected to Congress is that many nations, large and small, are developing their own weapons of mass destruction and are moving ahead with potential use. Just last year, two new countries entered the nuclear arms race. Pakistan and India. And, many more nations much less friendly towards the United States continue to pursue the ability to launch weapons of mass destruction. As this technology spreads throughout the world, the need for a national missile defense is increased. The United States can not sit by and wait for the next country or terrorist organization to threaten the United States. We must be proactive and develop our own system to combat that threat. According to the bipartisan Rumsfeld Commission the ballistic missile threat to the United States ``is broader, more mature and evolving more rapidly than reported in estimates and reports of the intelligence community.'' Even more alarming is that the simple fact that the United States may have ``little or no warning'' before a ballistic missile threat materializes. To quote Secretary Cohen, ``the ballistic missile threat is real and is growing.'' As a member of the National Security Appropriations Committee, I have learned first hand that we must act now. The cost to deploy an initial National Missile Defense should not deter us from our responsibility. It has been estimated that, in reality, this initial step will amount to less than the amount the United States has spent on peacekeeping deployments over the past six years. A national missile defense is an investment worth making. If we can spend over $11 billion on a ``peacekeeping'' mission in Bosnia over the past four years, we can surely establish a proper missile defense. In closing Mr. Speaker, the ballistic missile threat to the United States is real. It is not 5 years away. Congress needs to move forward and deploy a National Missile Defense system to provide the fundamental security that Americans deserve. H.R. 4 provides that framework and I urge all my colleagues to support this important bill.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 800, the Education Flexibility Partnership Act. This bill would expand the ``Ed Flex'' demonstration program, which is currently in use in 12 states, to allow all 50 states to participate, and has broad, bipartisan support from a number of groups from our governors to our local school boards. I support this bill because I believe that our states need more flexibility when it comes to making decisions on spending Federal education dollars. Local school board members and school administrators are better positioned than Federal bureaucrats in Washington to make decisions that will lead to positive improvements in our children's education. The ``Ed Flex'' bill will allow local school districts to have greater flexibility in how they spend Federal education dollars. It empowers them to determine how to best meet the needs of their students. In exchange, states will get greater accountability from local school districts on how that money is being spent, and whether the flexible spending has improved results. We hear of numerous examples from the pilot states that have benefitted from the ``Ed Flex'' program. In these states, scores have increased and students have excelled, even in the poorest areas. My governor in New Jersey, Christine Todd Whitman, has made clear what ``Ed Flex'' will mean to our students. She said, ``Ed Flex would be another tool in our arsenal to better coordinate state and Federal requirements to provide maximum support for our reform efforts with the specific goal of improving student performance.'' ``Ed Flex'' is an idea whose time has come. The flexibility will allow school districts to stretch limited dollars farther, and use money where it is most needed. There must still be accountability from our local school districts on how the money is being spent, and whether core needs--such as math and science education--are being met. This bill provides that accountability. Mr. Chairman, I support H.R. 800, and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, while there may be no desire by President Clinton and his Administration to recognize Congress' role in determining whether or not to deploy troops to Kosovo, we all know that their decision will require Congress to find the necessary dollars to pay for this mission. And there is no question that Congress will provide the necessary dollars to support our men and women in uniform. But we need to be prepared for the tough choices that lie ahead. Let's take the U.S. mission in Bosnia as an example. We have been in Bosnia for almost four years and there is still no end-date in sight. Yet, the Administration has not included funding for this mission in their budget until this year. This open-ended mission, while it has saved lives, it has also cost $19 billion to date. The Administration may be embarking on this mission in Kosovo to save lives and prevent open warfare in the Balkans, but we here in Congress will be responsible for making the tough decisions about how to pay for it. There is no money in the President's budget to pay for this deployment. The Administration has requested increased spending on all sorts of new programs from education to health care but there is no money for our troops that may be deployed in Kosovo. And from the hearings I have attended so far as a Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, we are already facing real shortfalls in funding and manpower in several other ongoing missions, including the Persian Gulf. And don't be fooled by claims that this mission will be far more limited than the one in Bosnia and thus, less costly. In a recent hearing with Secretary of Defense Cohen, I asked him about the U.S. commitment to deploy 4,000 troops as part of a larger NATO force. In reality, he told me that the number is closer to 12,000 because for every one of our men on the ground, 3 more of our soldiers are required in support. So, I rise to forewarn my colleagues that we will face some very tough choices about how to pay for these missions, as well as the proposed pay raise for our military personnel and to address the many other shortfalls in our military readiness. The President has failed to do so in his budget, but we will not. The President has not only failed to consult Congress, but he has failed in his budget proposal to say how he will pay for this critical decision.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his leadership and for arranging this special order. I met with my congressional colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats, yesterday with New Jersey's governor, Christie Todd Whitman. She noted that if the Federal share of IDEA was fully funded, our State of New Jersey would receive over $300 million more a year than we do now, and New Jersey received approximately $72 million in 1999. To pay for IDEA, money, I think as we know, has been diverted from other programs. Too often, many of the towns throughout our Nation, most particularly certainly in my State, municipalities have been forced to raise property taxes. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to be working with the gentleman from Pennsylvania and the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Bass) and other congressional colleagues to promote full funding of the Federal obligation. I am here today to work towards that effort and to salute the gentleman for his leadership.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, every year, more high school seniors from the 11th Congressional District trade in varsity jackets for Navy peacoats, Air Force flight suits, and Army brass buckles than any other district in the country. But this is nothing new--our area has repeatedly sent an above-average proportion of its sons and daughters to the Nation's military academies for decades. This shouldn't come as a surprise. The educational excellence of our area is well known and has long been a magnet for families looking for the best environment in which to raise their children. Our graduates are skilled not only in mathematics, science, and social studies, but also have solid backgrounds in sports, debate teams, and other extracurricular activities. This diverse upbringing makes military academy recruiters sit up and take note--indeed, many recruiters know our towns and schools by name. Since the 1830's, Members of Congress have enjoyed meeting, talking with, and nominating these superb young people to our military academies. But how did this process evolve? In 1843, when West Point was the sole academy, Congress ratified the nominating process and became directly involved in the makeup of our military's leadership. This was not an act of an imperial Congress bent on controlling every aspect of the Government. Rather, the procedure still used today was, and is, one further check and balance in our democracy. It was originally designed to weaken and divide political coloration in the officer corps, provide geographical balance to our armed services, and to make the officer corps more resilient to unfettered nepotism that handicapped European armies. In 1854, Representative Gerrit Smith of New York added a new component to the academy nomination process--the academy review board. This was the first time a Member of Congress appointed prominent citizens from his district to screen applicants and assist with the serious duty of nominating candidates for academy admission. Today, I am honored to continue this wise tradition in my service to the 11th Congressional District. The Academy Review Board is composed of nine local citizens who have shown exemplary service to New Jersey, to their communities, and to the continued excellence of education in our area--many are veterans. Though from diverse backgrounds and professions, they all share a common dedication to seeing that the best qualified and motivated graduates attend our academies. And, as is true for most volunteer panels, their service goes largely unnoticed. I would like to take a moment to recognize these men and women and to thank them publicly for participating in this important panel. Being on this board requires hard work and an objective mind. Members have the responsibility of interviewing upwards of 50 outstanding high school seniors every year in the academy review process. The nomination process follows a general timetable. High school seniors mail personal information directly to the Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy once they become interested in attending. Information includes academic achievement, college entry test scores, and other activities. At this time, they also inform their Representative of their desire to be nominated. The academies then assess the applicants, rank them based on the data supplied, and return the files to my office with their notations. In mid-December, our Academy Review Board interviews all of the applicants over the course of 2 days. They assess a student's a qualifications and analyze character, desire to serve, and other talents that may be hidden on paper. Last year, the board interviewed over 30 applicants. Nominations included 12 to the Naval Academy, 11 to the Military Academy, 5 to the Air Force Academy, and 2 to the Merchant Marine Academy--the Coast Guard Academy does not use the congressional nomination process. The Board then forwards their recommendations to the academies by January 31, where recruiters review files and notify applicants and my office of their final decisions on admission. It is both reassuring and rewarding to know that many of our military officers hail from our hometowns or close by. When we consider the role of these officers in peace or war, we can rest easier knowing that the best and brightest are in command. Wherever they are sent, be that Bosnia, Somalia, Haiti or Vietnam, many of these officers have academy training. And while a few people may question the motivations and ambitions of some young people, the academy review process shows that the large majority of our graduates are just as highly motivated as the generation before them. They still seek guidance from loving parents, dedicated teachers and schools, and from trusted clergy and rabbis. Indeed, every time I visit a school, speak at a college, or meet a young academy nominee, I am constantly reminded that we as a nation are blessed with fine young men and women. Their willingness and desire to serve their country is perhaps the most persuasive evidence of all. Academy Nominees for 1999--11th Congressional District New Jersey Air Force Donald Cardell, Sparta, Sparta High School; Eric Dekelbaum, Basking Ridge, Ridge High School; Corrie Morris, Landing, Roxbury High School; Matthew Steenman, Mendham, St. Charles Prep; Sarah Willson, Rockaway, Morris Catholic High School. Merchant Marines Patricia Larkin, Long Valley, West Morris Central High School; Matthew Slootmaker, Lincoln Park, Mountain Lakes High School. Military Academy Joseph Barchetto, Rockaway, Morris Knolls High School; Jonathan Cozens, Basking Ridge, Ridge High School; Brandon Devlin, Livingston, Livingston High School; Radford Fagan, Basking Ridge, Ridge High School; Bryan Gallagher, Rockaway, Morris Knolls High School; Janet Howson, Madison, Madison High School; Michael Kay, North Caldwell, Newark Academy; Charles Larsen, Hopatcong, Hopatcong High School; Christopher MacDonald, Sterling, Watchung Hills High School; Peter Steciuk, Convent Station, Oratory Prep; John Jiger, Basking Ridge, Immaculata High School. Naval Academy John Ascione, Whippany, Whippany Park High School; Guy Budinsak, Jr., Bridgewater, Bridgewater/Raritan High School; Katherine Comer, Basking Ridge, Academy of Saint Elizabeth; Monica Haba, North Caldwell, West Essex High School; Damien Harder, Sparta, Sparta High School; Thomas Kennedy, Pompton Plains, Pequannock High School; Edana Kleinhans, Long Valley, West Morris Central High School; Thomas Mancinelli, Pompton Plains, Pequannock High School; Erin Marshall, Kinnelon, Kinnelon High School; Christopher McFadden, Chatham, Chatham High School; James Poggio, Long Valley, West Morris Central High School; Brian Ritter, Florham Park, Bayley-Ellard.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend and the Representative of the good people of Louisiana's First District, Bob Livingston. Bob Livingston is a man of courage and honor. In every aspect of his career in Congress, he has made clear his enduring love and respect for the institution of the House of Representatives in which he has served for 22 years. At a time when our nation was calling out for leadership, Bob Livingston reminded us all that the institutions of our democracy are stronger than any one person. I have witnessed firsthand the strength and fairness with which Bob Livingston led the Appropriations Committee and how he demonstrated exceptionally well the leadership necessary to bring people of divergent ideas and talents together. I can say proudly, too, that as New Jersey's only Member of Congress to serve on the Appropriations Committee, Chairman Livingston was receptive to the needs of New Jerseyans and supportive of my work in Committee on important state priorities. It is, of course, legend now, that day he came to take over the Committee wielding a ``Louisiana fileting knife.'' And with a surgeon's precision, he led us to make cuts that put our budget in balance for the first time since 1969. Under his leadership in the 104th Congress, our Committee reduced government spending by over $50 billion, and we continued this trend in the last Congress, too. This will be Bob's legacy, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to be a part of it. Bob, you will be missed. Thank you for your courtesy, and your friendship. I wish you and Bonnie continued success for the future. General Leave

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Morris Center YMCA, of Morris County, New Jersey. Since January 2, 1874, the Morris Center YMCA has provided programs essential to the people of Morris County. The 172 founding members first gathered in meeting rooms located in the Old Post Office in Morristown. In 1889, the Board of Directors dedicated a new building which included a gymnasium, classrooms, bowling alleys and a game room. A second building was dedicated in 1912 which included a wing exclusively for women. By 1968, however, it become clear that a new building was needed and plans were made to begin construction. On March 1, 1981, the grand opening of the newly completed Morris Center YMCA took place. The Center featured a 25 meter swimming pool, gymnasium, track, racquetball courts, weight rooms and a fitness center. Over the years renovations have been made to the building, bringing many more programs to people of all ages in Morris County. In 1985, the Center added an in-house After School Care program. Later, in 1988, the Center added the Y's Owl Care Child Center which provides care to approxmately 130 children each day. The Owl program received national accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Building on the reputation of the Y's Owl Child Care Center, the Morris Center YMCA was selected to create and manage the child care center of the Morristown Memorial Hospital, and opened the Children's Corner in the late fall of 1996. The Center currently has over 400 volunteer members comprising the Board of Directors, all of its committees and program leaders. These volunteers are the heart of the Morris Center YMCA, working in all aspects of the organization. In short, the Center is people caring for people, not just buildings and equipment. Mr. Speaker, for the past 125 years, the Morris Center YMCA has provided the citizens of Morris County with programs that benefit all those who participate. I ask that you and my colleagues join me in congratulating all past and present members of the Morris Center YMCA on this special anniversary year.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation to amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA). My bill would remove the authority for contracting oversight from the purview of the Environmental Protection Agency and place it solely under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Speaker, this change makes sense given the expertise of each agency. The Army Corps of Engineers is far better suited to handle contracting work and oversight of construction at a Superfund site than the more technical, environmental orientation of the EPA. The reason why I am introducing this legislation today is in direct response to an incident that happened in my district during an already lengthy and tumultuous cleanup. Hopefully, passage of this legislation will prevent future situations, such as the one I am about to describe, from happening again. The asbestos dump site in Millington, NJ is comprised of two residential farms and part of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Reserve. It contains large amounts of asbestos that was dumped on the property. On one of these two residential sites, the homeowners (a family of five), were involved in a lengthy clean-up with the EPA and had been relocated several times, for months at a time. The EPA had contracted out for the construction of the design. The EPA's contractor then hired a subcontractor, with a less than perfect track history, to complete construction of the design. The EPA subcontractors, instead of bringing in clean fill to top the asbestos on the family's property, brought in contaminated soil from another site. This horrendous mistake has added additional years to the cleanup. Mr. Speaker, again, I believe that the Army Corps is far better equipped to handle the details of the physical cleanup and to oversee the contracting work of these Superfund sites. This mistake in Millington added not only time and money, but additional grief for a family who wanted nothing less than to raise their children in the home of their dreams. I believe that my bill would prevent more situations like this and improve the efficiency of site clean-ups.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation to amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA). My bill would restrict the liability of local educational agencies in the clean-up of Superfund sites. Mr. Speaker, this change makes sense given the fact that hundreds of school boards are affected. In New Jersey alone, 57 school districts have been affected by Superfund's liability reach and have been assessed for liability under Superfund. According to the National School Boards Association, over 200 school districts nationwide have been named as defendants in lawsuits related to Superfund cases. Most often, school boards dispose of ordinary garbage--papers, pencils, or school lunches. These materials are hardly toxic or hazardous, and in all cases, the waste is disposed of legally. In one case in New Jersey, involving the Gloucester Environmental Management Services Landfill (GEMS), 53 school boards were assessed $15,000 each, not including additional money associated with legal costs. As a result of the tangled Superfund liability web, these precious dollars in a school's budget were diverted away from educating children and into the Superfund coffers. Mr. Speaker, that is why I am introducing this legislation today, to exempt school boards from Superfund liability. I believe that my bill will help schools use their money the most effective way possible: in the classrooms.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Morristown Jewish Center--Beit Yisrael, County of Morris, New Jersey. The Jewish community in Morristown first began meeting in the home of Abraham Mintz and for several years, held Hebrew school classes and religious services there. At that time Morristown was very underdeveloped and this meeting spot was quite inconvenient to access. Over the next several years, the Center relocated to several facilities including Eureka Hall, the Masonic Hall, Lippman Hall, Miller Hall and the estate of Heyward G. Hemmel. The organization thrived throughout the first quarter of the century and offered numerous benefits of the surrounding community. During the 1920's the Rabbi Signer established the Jewish Center League for religious, cultural, physical and social purposes. In order to suit the diverse needs of the League, a new building was sought. With the help of local department store owner, Maurice Epstein, the cornerstone was laid on March 3, 1929 for a new multipurpose meeting space on Speedwell Avenue in Morristown. In the 1950s, the Center enjoys a rather unique feature in that it housed Orthodox, Conservative and Reform Congregations with the building. As a result, it served as a model for like-sized communities throughout the nation. The Morristown Jewish center has continued to grow throughout the century and continues its mission of the founders by being the religious, educational and social core of the Morristown Jewish community. Currently, 430 families comprise the membership of this prestigious congregation. Mr. Speaker, for the past 100 years, the Morristown Jewish center has prospered enormously in order to unite the community and will continue to do so for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to congratulate the members of the Morristown Jewish Center--Beit Yisrael, on this special anniversary year.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I have a low tolerance for people who don't tell the truth, most especially elected officials who take an oath of office to uphold the Constitution. Perjury, witness tampering, obstruction of justice and abuse of power are serious charges. To my mind, Congress has followed the process given to us under the Constitution to consider and deliberate these charges against President Clinton. It has been a painful process. I have shared with many constituents in New Jersey's 11th District, my personal resentment that Bill Clinton's actions have forced the Congress, and our entire country, to go through this ordeal for now, almost a year. Before us is a most difficult decision for each and every one of the 435 Members who has the honor to serve in this House. For all the editorial opinions and pundits, for all the legal opinions and political pressure, we now have to cast perhaps the toughest and most important vote we will ever be asked to cast. Allow me to share an excerpt of a letter I wrote to my teenage daughter in October: Now that Congress will begin its own deliberations on the charges against the President, I have to put aside my personal views and evaluate the report and all documents in a fair manner. I do not have the luxury of staying on the sidelines as these matters are discussed. Public opinion polls and mail are helpful, but a Member of Congress must decide for himself or herself without merely putting a finger up to test the wind. And the truth will guide my decision as Congress decides what is the right thing to do in response to the President's actions. How I wish he had told the truth at the start of this controversy because chances are the nation would not be in this mess. Consequently, the President has no one to blame but himself. Like the oath he took to protect our Constitution when he became our President, in court he took an oath to tell the truth. Mr. Speaker, we have before us the evidence as presented by the Independent Counsel, the legal defense presented by the President, and the full proceedings and recommendations of the House Judiciary Committee, as well as the thoughts of so many constituents who feel strongly that their views should be reflected in the votes we cast. Having reviewed so much of the evidence, I believe it is now clear that the President violated both his oath of office and the oath he took to tell the truth. In doing so, Bill Clinton not only committed perjury, he violated the public's trust. I will, therefore, vote in favor of impeachment. While I know that some will disagree, and strongly so, with my decision, I have reached this decision after much thought, deliberation and soul searching. When this sad chapter in our history is closed, I will have voted the way I did because, as I have shared with my daughter, the truth still matters and always will. And finally, that a vote of conscience is always the right vote.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution. We have before us the evidence as presented by all responsible parties, as well as the thoughts of so many constituents who feel strongly that their views should be reflected in the votes we cast. After reviewing so much of the evidence, I believe it is now clear that the President has violated both his oath of office and the oath he took to tell the truth. In doing so, Bill Clinton not only committed perjury, he violated the public trust. I will, therefore, vote in favor of impeachment. While I know that some will disagree, and strongly so, with my decision, I reached it after much thought, deliberation and soul- searching. When this sad chapter in our history is closed, I will have voted the way I did because I have shared with my two teenage daughters and thousands of other school children the fact that the truth still matters and always will and, finally, that a vote of conscience is always the right vote.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced a measure to correct H.R. 4328 by striking section 103 of division A. As passed now, section 103 of division A will cost American taxpayers $1 billion because it permits the Tennessee Valley Authority to refinance some of its $30 billion debt through the Federal Government. I have thought for a long time that New Jersey taxpayers should not have to help pay to subsidize electricity for the Tennessee Valley which is one reason why I have fought to end the Federal Government's subsidies for TVA. But compared to TVA's refinancing deal, the non- power program subsidy was peanuts. Taxpayers will be footing the bill for this backroom deal and the cost is over $1 billion. Striking out this section would wipe out the hidden provision to allow TVA to refinance its billions of dollars of debt through the Federal Government at the cost of U.S. taxpayers. Since the New Deal, TVA has asked for and received the Federal Government's help to control flood waters in the Tennessee Valley, but when it comes to the flood of Federal dollars for the TVA, they just say ``let it flow.'' This refinancing scheme and extra funding is not fair to taxpayers in New Jersey and all around America and it is against the expressed will of Congress. I led the efforts to zero out this annual Federal subsidy contained in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill. Both House and Senate Appropriators agreed with me, and this year we cut the $70 million subsidy in the FY99 Energy and Water Appropriations bill already signed into law by the President. But in a last-minute deal, two amendments slipped into the Omnibus bill which will cost the taxpayers. One amendment would provide $50 million for the TVA's non-power programs in 1999. But another provision would cost taxpayers much more than the $50 million or even the original $70 million for TVA's non-power programs. The second TVA provision also attached to the Omnibus bill would permit TVA to refinance some of its $30 billion debt through the U.S. Treasury's Federal Financing Bank. If passed, TVA would be allowed to borrow $3.2 billion from the Federal Government and taxpayers would be forced to pay for the $1 billion cost of this refinancing. Despite the vehement protests of appropriators and authorizers, the legislation allows this giant utility to refinance its debt without paying the contractually-required prepayment penalty. TVA is already $30 billion in debt, pays no taxes, enjoys access to low-cost capital, and avoids scores of Federal laws and State regulations. The taxpayers must not be burdened further by TVA.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100/ 240 Celebration of the Friends Meeting House and Cemetery Association of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, New Jersey. On October 11, 1998, the Friends Meeting House and Cemetery Association of the Township of Randolph will celebrate the 100th Anniversary and the 240th Anniversary of the 1758 Friends Meeting House and Cemetery which it now owns and preserves. The Meeting House is the oldest church in continuous use in Morris County and the oldest Quaker Meeting House in northern New Jersey. The Quakers who migrated to the Mendham area of Morris County occupied land that belonged to William Penn. They began arriving in the 1740's, establishing farms, mills, and iron forges along many brooks and valleys of the area. They organized as the Mendham Friends Meeting. In 1758, they built their Meeting House and established their cemetery. A national, State, and local treasure, the hand-crafted building of oak and clapboard is little changed from the eighteenth century. In 1805, Randolph set off from Mendham Township, and in 1817 the name was changed to the Randolph Friends Meeting. In 1865, the original meeting came to an end. From 1865-1898 descendants of the original Quaker families and the last few surviving members of the former meeting cared for the cemetery and grounds and maintained the Meeting House. Memorial services were held annually at the Meeting House for those buried in the cemetery. There was an occasional wedding or funeral. In 1898, as the last members of the former Meeting became too infirm to oversee the property, a group of descendants in the Morris County area came together and formed the Friends Meeting House and Cemetery Association of Randolph Township. Membership was open to anyone whose ancestors had worshipped in the meeting house or was buried in the cemetery as well as to members of the Friends faith who had an interest in preservation of this important place. The sole goal of the Association was preservation of the site. Mr. Speaker, for the past 100 years, the Friends Meeting House and Cemetery Association has faithfully pursued preservation of the Friends Meeting House and Cemetery, a monument in Morris County for 240 years. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating all past and present members of the Association and Meeting House on these special anniversaries.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of House Resolution 565, expressing the critical need for mammograms and biopsies in the fight against breast cancer. I commend the bill's sponsor, the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Bass) for bringing this important bill to the House floor. Breast cancer, by any definition, is an epidemic in our country. It is reported that every 3 minutes a woman is diagnosed with this disease, and every 11 minutes a woman dies from it. As has been said, more than 44,000 women die from breast cancer. These women are our mothers, spouses, siblings, children, and our friends, the people we love the most. The numbers are especially alarming in my own State of New Jersey, which has the second highest breast cancer mortality rate of any State in the Nation. The American Cancer Society estimates 6,400 new cases of breast cancer in New Jersey in 1997, and an estimated 1,800 deaths. I have found, and certainly the people who work on behalf of the American Cancer Society, that more than ever, many of these victims are young women. While we have made some strides in raising awareness about the need for early detection and some strides in research, we still do not have a cure, nor do we know what causes this devastating disease. That is why more emphasis needs to be placed on the importance of mammograms to assist in the fight against this disease. As a cosponsor of this legislation, I am pleased that the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Bass) and the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Dunn) have done so much to bring this resolution to the floor. I commend their efforts. It is something which all Members should support. Statement of Congressman Jon D. Fox in Support of H. Res. 565-- Expressing the Sense of the House Regarding the Importance of Mammograms and Biopsies in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the House Judiciary Committee's recommendation to open an impeachment inquiry into the conduct of President Clinton. I certainly understand the desire of all Americans, myself included, to be done with this matter and to return our attention to many serious issues that confront our country at home and abroad. And let me say quite frankly, I, like many of my colleagues, resent the fact that the President's actions have brought us to this Constitutional crisis. Given the serious charges leveled against the President including testifying falsely under oath, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering among others, I believe this inquiry is warranted. Our inquiry has everything to do with the President's ability to lead our country. He is our Commander-in-Chief, as well as the chief architect of American foreign policy and our domestic welfare. The President symbolizes to our nation and the rest of the world what it is to be an American. For these very reasons we need to be certain of the President's conduct, and whether his wrongdoing warrants penalty. Our President must command the moral authority to lead this great nation, especially in the critical times of crisis. And whether it be an issue of national security, or as a role model for our children, our nation cannot afford to question the President's decisions or doubt his sincerity, which many of us do now. We may disagree politically, but every American must be convinced the President's leadership decisions are genuine. I for one, want more from my President than feigned anger and forced contrition. I want the truth that this inquiry seeks. As recommended by the Judiciary Committee, the process by which this inquiry will be undertaken is the very same model used in the Watergate impeachment inquiry. While the Democrats on the Judiciary Committee did not support this particular model, I think it is important to note that they did support an inquiry, albeit a more limited one with a fixed timeframe for consideration. There is no more serious obligation given to us under the Constitution than to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of the highest offices of our government. The charges against President Clinton cannot simply be ignored. We have a process for resolving them as prescribed by the Constitution and the House will not proceed in a Constitionally sound and orderly fashion and do so as expeditiously as possible. The seriousness of Congress' duty to consider this issue is best stated by Judiciary Committee Chairman Peter Rodino of New Jersey in 1974, who said during the impeachment hearings of President Nixon, ``we cannot turn away, out of partisanship or convenience, from problems that are now our responsibility, our inescapable responsibility to consider. It would be a violation of our own public trust if we, as the people's representatives, chose not to inquire, not to consult, not even to deliberate.'' Mr. Speaker, the President has already admitted to violating the public's trust by lying to the American people, his family, supporters and Cabinet. We cannot let it happen again. It is our duty to restore that trust in the Presidency by approaching this inquiry with a commitment to fairness, and an unshakable dedication to seek the truth. If it is proven the President of the United States lied under oath, obstructed justice and urged others to do the same, he has forsaken the oath he took when he became our President. Under those circumstances, removal from office is no longer a question. But to come to that conclusion, this Congress and the American people must be satisfied by the fairness and thoroughness of our deliberations. As the House proceeds, I like all Members, must reserve final judgment on the appropriate action until all the evidence is carefully reviewed and judiciously weighed. So today, I say let us begin. Let us open the impeachment inquiry of President Clinton.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this conference report and ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. Mr. Speaker, I first would like to thank Chairman Lewis, Congressman Stokes and the Subcommittee staff for their guidance throughout the year. As all of know this is the final VA, HUD Conference Report for Lou Stokes. Having served with Lou on this Subcommittee for four years I know that he will missed for his insight and knowledge of the vast array of issues that face this Subcommittee each year. Lou, you have made serving on this subcommittee a educational experience and I wish you all the best in your retirement. Mr. Speaker, this conference report is a balanced one. It provides funding for many vital programs for our nation's veterans, for protection and preservation of our environment, for meeting the housing needs for our elderly and disabled and for scientific research and discovery. In total this report provides over $93 billion for the Departments of Veteran Affairs, Housing and Urban Development and 17 independent agencies and offices. Nearly half of the bill's funding supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' efforts to provide health care, housing and benefits. As a member of this subcommittee I am pleased that this bill provides increased funding for the VA Health Care System. However, I remain concerned over the way the VA has chosen to implement the Veterans Integretated Network System (VISN) and intend to continue to follow this implementation very closely. Funding has increased each year for the last three years yet some area networks are not seeing any increases and in fact are receiving cuts in funding and services. As implementation continues, I intend to make sure that the quality of care for our veterans continue at a very high level. During subcommittee mark-up I offered report language, accepted by the Conference Committee, which would require the Veterans Administration to give back $20 million to VISN 3. These funds were wrongly given back to the VA Headquarters any my report language will rectify this situation. There is no doubt that VISN 3 can use this funding and I will continue to monitor this situation to see that the VA uses this funding to provide services to my state's veterans and does not divert this funding for administrative needs. In addition to veterans funding, H.R. 4194 provides funding for the Section 811 program, housing for people with disabilities, at $194 million, $20 million more than the President requested and the Section 202 program, housing for older Americans, at $660 million, $501 million more than the President's request. Both of these programs are working extremely well at the Department of Housing and Urban Development and I am pleased that the Committee provided increased funding for them. The conference report also continues a set-aside program that the Committee started two years ago to meet housing needs for people with disabilities. The Committee has included $40 million for tenant-based rental assistance to ensure decent, safe, and affordable housing in communities for low income people with disabilities. I am also pleased that the Conference Committee has included language to direct the Secretary of HUD to use his waiver authority to allow non-profit organizations to apply directly for these funds instead of through a Public Housing Authority. It is my belief that this change will provide better access to housing for more individuals with disabilities. I sincerely hope that Secretary Cuomo and I can continue our mutual goal of giving more individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live independently. On another issue, this report includes an increase for the National Science Foundation. Specifically, the bill includes $3.7 billion for NSF, $242 million over last years funding level. This increase will go along way towards moving scientific research forward. Scientific research has been a high priority of mine since being named to the Appropriations Committee and I am pleased that the FY99 Conference Report continues to emphasis the importance of basic science research. Finally, there continues to be a desperate need for Superfund reform and change. The program needs to be re-authorized and it needs to promote actual clean-ups based on sound science, not the rhetoric of political science. Polluters need to pay and steps need to taken to assure that public or private funds are used for environmental clean- up, not to sustain endless litigation. Comprehensive reform is needed in order to continue a strong viable program. Mr. Speaker, this is a balanced conference report and it deserves our support. I urge my colleagues to adopt this conference report.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman for yielding to me and to join with many of my colleagues in recognizing Congressman Joe McDade. For those of us who were lucky enough a week or so ago to attend Joe's retirement dinner, the film that was shown at that dinner captured you from your earliest days as a child throughout your entire public career. It made many of us new to this institution have a greater appreciation, not only for the institution, but for the major role you played in representing our Nation and most particularly the State of Pennsylvania for so many years. I wanted to thank Joe McDade, a wonderful Member of Congress for taking time out as a senior Member of the House to be a friend to a relatively new Member of the House. I would like to thank him for his advice over 4 years as a Member of the House, but also for his advice even before I was sworn in as a Member. Congressman McDade served as a Member of the House when my father Peter Frelinghuysen was a Member, and I knew of him, made his acquaintance, and he befriended me and has been a wise advisor and counselor. I would also like to thank Congressman Joe McDade for his perspective, unique perspective on the appropriations process and on the committee and for his leadership on that committee, most particularly for his assistance to my State of New Jersey and other States as chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. I will particularly remember his admonition never to apologize for being parochial, that in fact if one is not parochial on any committee as a Member of Congress, you will soon be replaced by somebody who is parochial. I would like to thank Joe as well, Congressman Joe McDade for taking time out of his busy life to visit my district in New Jersey, the 11th Congressional District, most particularly the Picatinny Arsenal. Tobyhanna and Picatinny in some ways are joined at the hip in terms of serving our national defense. But your personal time and visit to the Picatinny Arsenal did a lot to boost the morale of many thousands of men and women who dedicate themselves to the research and development. Above all, I want to wish Joe and Sarah many happy years ahead and to say what a privilege it has been to serve with you, as my father did for so many years in this body.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in support of H.R. 4103, the Conference Report on Defense Appropriations. I want to recognize the hard work of our chairman, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young). He, along with the other conferees and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee staff, faced many difficult choices in putting together this bill, and I commend them for all their hard work. As many people are learning, the Department of Defense is facing less funding for the fourteenth straight year. Our armed forces are forced to do more with less. The conferees face difficult decisions in determining how much to provide for troop support, operations and maintenance, procurement of new and existing vehicles and weapon systems, and investing in future technology and weapons development. I think this bill strikes an important balance. It provides a pay increase of 3.6 percent for military personnel. It provides an extra $500 million over the President's request for Operations and Maintenance, the so-called ``readiness accounts.'' The frequent overseas deployments of our troops are siphoning funds from these accounts, and the House Members recognize the importance of replenishing funds for training and maintenance. Most importantly, this conference report reflects the importance of continuing to develop new technologies and weapons systems. As we try to prepare and equip our troops for the battlefields of the future, countless engineers are working in government laboratories and research facilities to develop the weapons, the ammunition, the vehicles and the technology our armed forces need to defend the United States. The military's research and development is critical to keeping our men and women in uniform safe and well-equipped wherever they serve, whether home or abroad. This bill allows for these important efforts to continue and expand. I thank the conferees for providing an additional $4 million for the Crusader Advanced Field Artillery System, which is being developed by the men and women at Picatinny Arsenal in my district. As I have said before, this critical program is a key element of the Army's long-term plans, and is faster and more lethal than the Paladin tank, which is currently in use. Mr. Speaker, every day our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line to defend us. They deserve to have the tools they need to protect us, and should be compensated for their work. We cannot forget our debt to them, and we must work to provide them with the support they need to do their jobs. We owe them nothing less. Today we vote to provide funds, support our soldiers and all those who prepare and equip them. An affirmative vote assures that this critical work continues.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduced legislation that will express the sense of the Congress that Federal Agencies should develop a plan to coordinate their mailing expenses, the content of their taxpayer financed mailings, and the currentness of the lists to which they are mailing. I find it shocking that with annual expenditures of nearly $1 billion, the Executive Branch of government does not have a coordinated mailing plan. The total spending of taxpayer dollars is not monitored by any agency, other than the Postal Service, and the content of their mailings is determined by each Federal Agency, with no uniform rules on partisanship or political content. Additionally, I am concerned that the mailing lists are not current, as I have seen firsthand, and that the Federal Government is wasting money by mailing to outdated lists. Congress is subject to strict rules about the content of their mailings, the timing of their mailings, and annual budgets. I believe that the Administration, in consultation with Congress, must take a comprehensive look at their mailing practices and determine some uniform standards by which to operate. I urge my colleagues to support the Federal Agency Mail Accountability Act.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this rule and fast track legislation authorization for the President. First, this rule and this bill are in every way about jobs: job preservation, job expansion, and job creation. Just about every sector of our economy, and most particularly my home State of New Jersey, is or will be dependent on foreign markets. The passage of this agreement is all about present and future jobs and keeping men and women across America working and supporting their families. It is all about protecting our standard of living, our future standard of living, and doing so as soon as possible. While fast track is important to our Nation, it is important to my State, where trade provides an enormous boost for diverse New Jersey industries. New Jersey is the ninth largest exporter among 50 States, at $22.4 billion in goods and exports. Over 13 percent of the private sector in my State are related directly or indirectly to international trade and investments. New Jersey is home to a majority of our Nation's pharmaceutical industries. These workers are counting on these international trade agreements and our participation. It is also home to businesses which lead our Nation's telecommunications and electronic industries, as well as to biotechnology, aerospace, chemical and food manufacturing. The future of these companies and their workers in my State, large and small, and their ability to retain and promote jobs is directly related to the passage of this bill. It would be inconceivable that all of us would not support this rule and this bill.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R., 2621, known as ``fast track'' authorization for the President to negotiate international trade agreements. Congress must pass this legislation today for several reasons--it will open markets and create jobs, it is the right policy for American export businesses, and it is about leadership. H.R. 2621 will give the U.S. an edge by opening up overseas markets to our products and services. Over 96 percent of the world's consumers live outside of the U.S. and fast track will ensure some of America's most important industries market access and future economic expansion. I hear from countless businesses and their employees that fast track is the right policy for American Export Businesses. There is virtually no question that exports have contributed immensely to America's increasing economic vitality and stature throughout the world. America leads the world in net exports. Last year, American exports of goods and services totaled more than $933 billion--14 percent of total world trade. More than 11 million U.S. jobs are export-related, including 1 in 5 manufacturing jobs, which pay an average of 13-16 percent above the national average. Thirdly, fast track is about leadership. We are the world's global leader in trade and our action today is both symbolic and substantive. You can't lead the world towards democratic ideals and free markets if you remove yourself from the trade process. We need to be involved on all continents, and right now we are shutting ourselves out of too many overseas markets. Similarly, our country cannot be an advocate for global environmental protection and the improvement of labor conditions and wages if we are not at the table to lead in these efforts. Finally, I would like to express my disappointment over the President's personal involvement during this debate today. Over the past year, he and members of his Administration, including the Vice- President, the Secretary of State, and the Treasury Secretary, have been quoted repeatedly about the urgency of passage of fast track. In this regard, I would like to quote Secretary of State Madeline Albright's July 24, 1997 speech to the Pacific Council and Los Angeles World Affairs Council. She said, American prestige is not divisible. If we want our views and interests respected, we cannot sit on the sidelines with towels over our heads while others seize the opportunities presented by the global marketplace. That is why, from a foreign policy perspective, I consider fast track to be among our highest legislative priorities. I commend the leadership of the House for bringing this bill to the floor today, despite the lack its support by the President and his Administration, because they understand the importance of this bill for our country. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I urge the passage of this legislation. It is inconceivable that we would not act today to assure a brighter future and a better standard of living for our children and grandchildren and their futures.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of the Borough of Roseland, County of Essex, New Jersey, as they commemorate the 90th anniversary of the incorporation of their community. In 1908, the residents of the Roseland Community, displeased with the services they were receiving, took action to separate themselves and their town from the Township of Livingston, Essex County. During this time, many communities throughout the State of New Jersey decided to separate from larger townships and the time was right for the residents of Roseland to make a change. The completion of the Morristown and Erie Railroads in 1904-1905 had made it possible for residents of Roseland to work in surrounding cities, while enjoying life in the country. During this time the Borough purchased water supply lines and installed electric home and street lighting which further enhanced life in Roseland. By the 1920s, Henry Ford's methods of mass production of the automobile changed the development of Roseland forever. After World War I, new houses went up, many residents now owned cars and Roseland flourished. At this time, the Borough outgrew its country- style living and joined the more urban society we know today. The Great Depression and World War II brought with them some hard times for the people of Roseland, but the residents proved that as a community they could survive. When called to serve their country, all residents of Roseland accepted their responsibilities and did their part. After victory, the pride felt all over the nation was especially strong in Roseland. In the following decades, Roseland's development continued. During this time, great improvements in community services and facilities were made. Roseland is now thriving with a prosperous business center, excellent schools and a strong sense of community. Mr. Speaker, for the past 90 years, the Borough of Roseland 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 Roseland on this special 90th Anniversary Year.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Veterans Personal Security Act. This bill is the direct result of several incidents at the Lyons VA Medical Center in my district. In late May, a Korean War Veteran who was a psychiatric patient at Lyons walked away from his ward, unnoticed. Several hours later, when he was discovered missing, the VA police began to search the medical center's extensive campus. That search, however, was called off, allegedly because the VA could not pay police overtime to continue. Two days later, the patient was found dead in a ditch adjacent to the main administration building. This veteran's death, and the lack of a proper search, is an atrocity. In that incident, the VA did notify the local Bernards Township Police Department, but a coordinated search was not requested. I also understand that Lyons VA medical center has had a series of alleged rapes reportedly occur on its campus. These incidents have not been reported to local law enforcement agencies, and as a result, rumors have been circulating among veterans, as well as the local community, about what has actually happened at the medical center. Is there a threat to the safety and security of the community at large? One local police chief said that knowing the facts of these incidents will help him answer questions posed by his community, and hopefully help him ease their concerns that these crimes will spread beyond the medical center's boundaries. The Veterans Personal Security Act would require the VA police to immediately notify local law enforcement agencies if a serious crime or similar incident occurs. That notification must be followed up within 48 hours with a more detailed, written notification. The VA would be required to notify local police if one of several crimes or alleged incidents occurs, including: a missing patient, the abuse or beating of a patient or staff member, the use or distribution of illegal drugs by a patient or staff member or an alleged rape or any other felony. Additionally, the Veterans Personal Security Act would grant local law enforcement agencies jurisdiction to go onto VA property to investigate these crimes, or to help VA police search for missing persons, or provide whatever assistance is needed to resolve these incidents. I recognize that many local law enforcement agencies are kept busy meeting the demands of their communities. However, it is oftentimes in the local communities' best interests that these situations are brought to their attention and that the police are made aware of them. The veterans who are treated at these facilities, the staff who work there, and the residents in the surrounding communities deserve to know when a crime or other alleged incident occurs. More importantly, they deserve to be protected. Their safety and security must not be compromised by weak links in communication between VA police and the local law enforcement officials. Mr. Speaker, a veteran should not just ``disappear'' from a VA medical center, like the tragic incident at Lyons. When a veteran checks into a VA hospital anywhere in America, he or she expects and deserves peace of mind. The Veterans Personal Security Act should ensure that veterans seeking treatment at VA medical facilities will be protected from further harm.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I yield to the gentleman from Illinois.