Rodney Frelinghuysen

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. During the vote on final passage of H.R. 4103, the National Security Appropriations Act, I was on the floor and intended to vote but the machine failed to register my vote. Had it been registered, I would have voted yes on final passage of the bill.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Neumann amendment. This amendment attempts to keep our promise to the American people, consumers all, to reform the peanut program, one of a number of inappropriate and outdated subsidies. While the Farm Act gave farmers of agricultural commodities greatly expanded flexibility, removed the heavy hand of government and reduced government payments to farmers, the peanut program continues to waste taxpayer dollars. This amendment by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Neumann) follows through with our commitment to reform the peanut program. It will ensure that the Secretary of Agriculture provides the small measure of reform that was promised in the farm bill. It deserves our support.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this energy and water appropriations bill for fiscal year 1999. First, let me thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman McDade) and the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Fazio), for their bipartisan effort in bringing this bill to the floor, and to thank our excellent committee staff for their assistance, as well. This will be these gentlemen's final energy and water bill presented in this House. As a member of this subcommittee, I have learned to depend on them for their outstanding guidance and for their incredible institutional memory. It is difficult to comprehend how we will be able to work without them. Their retirement from Congress will leave a big hole in this institution, and I will miss both of them as friends and leaders. This bill before the House today stresses national priorities while keeping our commitment to downsizing the Federal Government. Unlike the President's budget request in January for the Army Corps of Engineers, this bill does maintain critical funding for flood safety, coastal protection, and dredging projects throughout my home State of New Jersey and throughout our Nation. This bill flatly rejects the Administration's efforts to back away from these types of national commitments and investments, and restores funds needed to protect American life and property, and promotes our international competitiveness. Of particular concern to me were efforts to shortchange our Nation's ports. In New York and our New Jersey harbor alone, the President's request was over $40 million short for what was needed to keep these important dredging projects on time and on track. International trade is too important to jeopardize, and ships cannot enter our ports without adequate channel depth. Too many jobs depend on the Army Corp's work, literally $70 billion annually in commerce for both New York and New Jersey. In addition to the civil works program, this bill also funds many important scientific programs, and I am particularly happy that the committee moved ahead on fusion power research. I am disappointed that there is no funding for international fusion power, but I am grateful to the committee for their leadership and work on it.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Gillmor amendment. This amendment has a simple objective: it ensures that American citizens who can vote in elections are not prohibited from participating in the political process solely because they work for U.S. subsidiaries of foreign-owned companies. Although Federal election law already bars foreign nationals and foreign corporations from contributing to Federal candidates, in the current debate on campaign finance reform, amendments have been filed that would not only restrict foreign nationals from participating, but American citizens employed by foreign-owned companies as well. Mr. Chairman, while intended to reduce foreign influence on our elections, such a change in election law would only end up excluding a class of Americans from enjoying rights held by all others. This approach would not only be unfair to the 209,000 residents of my state of New Jersey who work for U.S. subsidiaries of foreign-owned companies, but would also be constitutionally indefensible. The Gillmor amendment makes clear that campaign finance reform should apply equally to all Americans, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of the Township of Fairfield, County of Essex, New Jersey as they commemorate the 200th anniversary of the incorporation of their community. In the early years, shortly after Connecticut settlers founded Newark in 1666, a group moved out to the northwest and settled in what is now Fairfield. The settlers bought the land, known as Fairfield, from the Indians. In 1701, eight proprietors from England came together and formed the East Jersey Society and purchased a 13,500-acre tract of land from the top of the First Watchung Mountain to the Passaic River, which was patented Horseneck. They built their homes on high ground and fed their stock from hay cut in the Bit Piece and Little Piece Meadows. The New Jersey State Legislature created Caldwell Township. The boundaries were drawn from the county line to Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, and from the Passaic River to the top of the first Mountain. The twenty-eight mile township was named for Reverend James Caldwell, who was pastor of the Presbyterian Church where St. Aloysius R.C. Church, Caldwell now stands. On April 8, 1799, the first town meeting was held and nine school districts were established. Also, at the meeting a $200 budget was voted to defray the expenses of the school districts. The Fairfield district's first school antedated the formation of Caldwell Township, a school that was built just before or immediately following the Revolutionary War. Classes were instructed in the Dutch language. In 1957, a new school was built at the intersection of Horseneck and Fairfield Roads. In 1892, the first town to break away from Caldwell Township in a dispute over road taxes was the Borough of Caldwell. This marked the beginning of a succession of towns including, Verona, North Caldwell, Essex Fells, West Caldwell, Roseland and Cedar Grove. This left Caldwell Township which is now Fairfield with an area of 10.4 square miles. By the end of the century, Fairfield would be faced with more seceding territories. With the invention of the automobile came the necessity for a speed limit in Fairfield. On December 4, 1899, an ordinance was passed designating a speed limit of 8 miles per hour. A couple of years later, the speed limit was increased to 10 miles per hour (five miles while turning corners) for any horse, mule or vehicle. The ordinance also indicated that any wheeled vehicle must have a bell or gong of sufficient power to give warning of an approach. In 1919, it came to the attention of the Township committees that the Passaic River had become a popular recreational area and the committee found it necessary to make it unlawful to bathe in the waters of Caldwell Township without being clothed. Other problems involving the river had become more serious. The lowlands have always been subjected to flooding. In fact, the Township's flood control program dates back to 1844. The 1930's saw Fairfield begin to evolve from a farm community to a more suburban community. As the population continued to increase over the 1,000 person mark, an organized police department was established in 1937. The year 1940 saw industrial development move into Fairfield with the construction of the Curtis Wright airplane factory. In the 1960's a campaign for a municipal name change was underfoot. As the community's population continued to boom it was apparent that the Township was in need of its own postal facility. However, the Township of Caldwell found itself unable to obtain a facility under that name because of the confusion with Caldwell Borough, the post office through which the community was served. As a consequence, Mayor Stepehen Szabo suggested that the municipality again become known as Fairfield. The idea was quickly endorsed by other local officials and from most of the community. Mr. Speaker, my fellow colleagues, please join me in congratulating the Township of Fairfield and its citizens as they celebrate this milestone.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Carmine Spinelli of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. After forty years of Federal civilian service at the United States Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, Carmine will officially retire on July 3, 1998. This evening, June 24, 1998, Mr. Spinelli is being honored for his many years of dedicated service. Carmine is a native of New Jersey originally from Raritan, a wonderful municipality in Somerset County, and a graduate from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He began his civil service career in June 1958 as a Mechanical Engineer in the Feltman Research and Engineering Laboratory, Picatinny Arsenal. For more than thirty years he worked and progressed from a Design Engineer to a Division Chief in the Fire Support Armaments Center in 1985. In this capacity, he was responsible for the management and execution of Life Cycle Engineering. In June 1990, he was promoted to the Senior Executive Services (equivalent to Brigadier General in the United States Army) and was appointed as the Deputy Director of the Fire Support Armaments. In this position for many years, he managed an organization of more than 1,000 scientists and engineers involved in research, development and engineering of a variety of armaments including, artillery, mortars, mines, demolitions, precision munitions and related fire control systems for the entire United States Army. Mr. Spinelli was appointed to the position of Technical Director at the United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (an SES rank equivalent to a Major General in the United States Army) in April 1995. Not only was Mr. Spinelli responsible for all technical operations, he managed an annual operating budget of 600 million dollars and a technical staff of over 2,000 scientists and engineers with approximately 2,000 support personnel. I would be hard pressed to list all of Carmine's accomplishments and special citations here today. But, I must highlight the fact that Carmine has been instrumental in the many successes Picatinny Arsenal has achieved. In 1995, Picatinny Arsenal received the Quality Improvement Prototype; Co-winner, Army R&D Organization of the Year. In 1996, Picatinny Arsenal was awarded the Best Medium Size Installation; R&D Center of Excellence; Commander in Chief Award for Installation Excellence; Presidential Award for Quality; Quality Partner Award from Quality New Jersey and in 1997 the R&D Center of Excellence. As you know, these awards are the most prestigious and coveted in the military. In fact, they are often referred to as the Triple Crown of military achievements. Personally, Carmine has received the Army's highest civilian award, he Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service Award, 1990. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Carmine's family and friends and his colleagues at Picatinny Arsenal in recognizing Carmine Spinelli's many outstanding and invaluable contributions to New Jersey and to our nation. His dedication and service can only be described as above and beyond the call of duty. His work has kept our young men and women in our military safe and well equipped wherever they serve, whether at home or abroad. For his lifetime of work, we are deeply grateful.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department located in Chatham, New Jersey on the occasion of their 100th anniversary. This anniversary marks the culmination of a long, proud history of providing voluntary protection of the lives of the citizens and their property in case of fire. The fire department will celebrate this historic centennial with a week of scheduled events beginning on June 27, 1998. The department was officially organized on May 7, 1898 and less than a week later the Chatham Volunteer Fire Department responded to its first fire. Ironically, the fire was at the home of one of its charter members. The fire department's original quarters were in the Ryerson building which was located on South Passaic Avenue. It is now the site of the parking area in front of the post office. In 1959, the present firehouse was built on the east side of Reasoner Park. In the beginning, the department was composed of two companies, each were limited to 20 people. Number 1 Company's members had to live on the north side of the railroad and Number 2 Company's had to reside on the south side of the railroad. In 1930, the department was reorganized into three companies of fifteen members each. Original equipment included six hundred feet of hose and two hose carts purchased from Madison. The former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad donated a rim from a steam locomotive wheel which, when struck with a sledge hammer, served as the first fire alarm. It wasn't until August of 1902 that the firemen were able to purchase a steam fire whistle. The whistle was installed at what is now the Borough's water pumping station. In May of 1924, the Borough installed a Gamewell fire alarm system. In 1955, the fire department decided to take advantage of a new system offered by the telephone company that involved installing bells in each fireman's home. The bell system was replaced in 1966 by a new system of radio alerting. Special short-wave receivers were purchased from the Plectron Corporation. Today there are 96 fire alarms strategically located throughout the Borough. One of the most significant milestones in the history of the Chatham Volunteer Fire Department was the organization of an Emergency Squad composed of firemen from each of the companies in the department. In June 1938, the Borough purchased its first ambulance. The Emergency Squad remained a part of the fire department until 1951 when it became a separate volunteer organization, The Chatham Emergency Squad, Inc. Over the years, the Chatham Volunteer Fire Department has acquired a reputation as a well equipped, well-trained organization of dedicated members who have given long hours of service to the Borough of Chatham. Since 1948, the department has initiated several community service projects in the areas of fire prevention and recreation. I applaud the men and women of the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department who have protected the citizens of the Borough against the threat of fire and other dangers. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and our colleagues, in congratulating the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department for 100 years of volunteerism and exemplary service.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, this Sunday, June 14, the Committee to Honor Raoul Wallenberg in Parsippany, New Jersey will gather to dedicate a sculpture in honor of the Swedish Diplomat. The statue is located in Smith Field Park, and will serve as a daily reminder to all of the legacy of the ``Angel of Budapest.'' The statue by artist Edward Adams, titled ``Courage and Compassion,'' is a monument to the life and work of Rodney Wallenberg, a Righteous Gentile whose courage and selfless action saved the lives of over 100,000 Hungarian Jews during World War II. I was honored to be a part of this project since its start, and to be able to help make this statue a reality. I want to commend the hard work and dedication of Murray Laulicht, the President of the United Jewish Federation of Metro West. He first wrote me three years ago, inviting me to participate in this important effort. He and many others gave generously of their time and their efforts to complete this memorial. I also want to commend Harry Ettlinger, the co-chairman of the Committee, for his work in putting the ceremony together. Raoul Wallenberg was a man of rare courage and selflessness who recognized the outrage, injustice and evil acts being waged on Jewish people living in Nazi-dominated areas of Europe. He risked his life to save the lives of strangers. His actions during the waning days of World War II, in the face of a Nazi Party that was growing ever more desperate and brutal, make him an example for us and for future generations. Raoul Wallenberg's ingenuity and creativity was the key to his success in saving over 100,000 Hungarian Jews. His tactics ranged from the traditional (building 30 ``Swedish houses'' which served as a safe haven for Jewish families) to the illegal (using bribes, threats and extortion to provide passes to Jews in the ghettos, on the death march and on the trains to concentration camps). In an age where courage is often a forgotten virtue, Raoul Wallenberg is a model for all of us. When faced with adversity, he responded nobly. When called to help his fellow man, he gave willingly of his time. We all benefit from the legacy of Raoul Wallenberg. We can all learn from his example of courage, strength and righteousness. It is my hope that the statue will serve as a daily reminder that, in a world where evil exists, there are among us the good and the just fighting for all our salvation and freedom.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 399, a resolution urging Congress and the President to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Act, or IDEA. I want to commend the gentleman from New Hampshire, Mr. Bass, for all his hard work and efforts in bringing this important resolution to the floor today. In 1975, when Congress passed the original IDEA bill, it made an historic commitment to support children and families with special education needs. At that time, Congress also committed the Federal government to providing 40 percent of the funding for the IDEA mandates on local communities. Today, the Federal government provides a mere 9 percent of the necessary funding. And for Fiscal Year 1999, President Clinton's budget flatlines IDEA funding. This is shameful. It is incumbent upon us here in Congress to maintain our financial commitment to IDEA, and to provide the money our schools and communities need to provide services to individuals with disabilities and their families. If the President provided IDEA with the full 40 percent in Federal funding, local schools would have more money to spend on other initiatives, including school construction, hiring new teachers, decreasing class sizes and buying more computers. By passing this bill today, we reinforce our commitment to providing the means to educate the students who need our help most. I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill, and when the time comes, to support full funding for IDEA.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 3433, and commend the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Bunning) and the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Kennelly) for all of their hard work in putting together this important, comprehensive, and what I would call historic legislation and bringing it to the floor today. This bill will provide a true Ticket to Work for disabled individuals by bringing them back into the workforce while providing them with a safety net of needed government services. It addresses the disincentives which exist in current law that discourage disabled individuals from joining the workforce. According to a recent Washington Post article, 6.6 million working- age Americans receive disability checks from the Federal Government every month. All too often, these individuals are unable to return to the workforce. Among the barriers they face upon returning to work is that they risk the loss of important medical benefits such as Medicare health coverage. Under this legislation, individuals would be eligible for up to 6 years of Medicare benefits. In addition, this bill provides a voucher that individuals can exchange for rehabilitation, employment or other necessary services. The Ticket to Work bill will change the Social Security Administration's disability programs for the better. As Tony Young of the United Cerebral Palsy Association said in his testimony before the Committee on Ways and Means in March, these programs, and I quote, ``are transformed from a safety net into a trampoline; not only catching people with disabilities as they fall out of work, but also giving them a boost back into work as they are ready.'' I know how important this work is. One of my constituents, Matt Conway of Florham Park, New Jersey, has been honored by the Foundation for Excellent Children's Yes I Can! Program for his achievements in the working world. This type of bill will assure that the Mat Conways of this world have future opportunities.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment offered by Congressmen Watts, Moran and Thornberry to allow military retirees who are eligible to join Medicare to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). Mr. Chairman, under this amendment, the Department of Defense would be allowed, on a trial basis, to give 70,000 military retirees, their eligible dependents, and certain ``Gold Star Widows'' the option of enrolling in the FEHBP program. For too long, the men and women who have served our nation in the armed forces have not been afforded access to the same health care programs that other federal retirees are eligible to join. For the first time, under the provisions of this amendment, they will be offered the choice of enrolling in the FEHBP program for their health care services. These are individuals who are not eligible for TRICARE, which serves active duty and under-65 military retirees. Our military retirees should have the same quality of health care coverage as other federal retirees, and should pay equitable premiums for that coverage. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is supported by numerous veterans organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and I want to add my support for the Watts/Moran/Thornberry Amendment. It is a first step toward providing our military retirees with needed, affordable health care coverage.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the New Jersey Firemen's Home located in Boonton, New Jersey on the occasion of their 100th anniversary. This anniversary marks the culmination of a long, proud history of providing housing for retired, disabled and indigent firefighters of all ages in the State of New Jersey. The firefighter's home was the vision of Bird Spencer, President of the New Jersey Firemen's Association. A couple of years before the turn of the century, at the nineteenth annual New Jersey State Firemen's Association convention, President Bird Spencer addressed the need of suitable housing for the state's firemen. He promised that he would make an effort to obtain legislation for the purchase and building of such a place. Early records indicate that on April 2, 1898 the New Jersey Firemen's Home was incorporated by the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly and on June 27, 1898 the Firemen's Home was purchased. On June 23, 1900, President Bird Spencer's promise was realized as the doors of the New Jersey Firemen's Home were officially opened during a dedication ceremony attended by Governor Voorhees. In September 22, 1900, the first two New Jersey firemen from Paterson, New Jersey entered the home as the first residents. For over a century the Firemen's Home has offered housing for any paid or volunteer firefighter who has served at least one year on a department, or who was injured while on duty. Since its inception, the New Jersey Firemen's Home has housed approximately 1,775 men. Some have been guests others have been long-time residents. Today the home is operated by a twenty-three member board and the staff is made up of one or two firefighters from each county in the State of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, throughout its long history, the New Jersey Firemen's Home has provided a place to live for retired and injured firefighters from across the state. I ask you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues, to please join me in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the New Jersey Firemen's Home.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Greystone Park Association. Founded in 1948, the Greystone Park Association is an auxiliary to the Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital. The association was formed to augment the services provided by the state and is dedicated to working for the welfare of the patients. The Greystone Park Association was founded through the efforts of Mrs. Eads Johnson of Morristown, New Jersey. The main focus of the organization was to interest the public in the needs of mental hospitals, particularly Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital and to interest people in volunteering for service either in the hospital proper or in the association. Since its establishment in 1948, the association has been dedicated to serving the needs of patients at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital. The Greystone Park Association is directly affiliated with the State Hospital. The association's membership is drawn from Morris, Passaic, Hudson and Bergen counties, which the hospital serves. Many people have benefited from the 50 years of tireless work of the members of the Greystone Park Association. The members continue to operate shops containing clothing, jewelry, antique treasures, etc. two days a week on a year round basis. Also, they hold an Annual Fall Festival, which is the most ambitious fund-raising project and reflects the combined efforts of the hospital, community and the Greystone Park Association. The Greystone Park Association provides admission packets, clothing, good grooming items, games and books to patients throughout the year, and each patient receives a personal gift during the Holiday season. The Greystone Park Association is committed to improving the quality of life of the patients at the Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital. Mr. Speaker, my fellow colleagues, please join me in congratulating the Greystone Park Association for providing 50 years of important service to the community at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey, officially incorporated in 1916, traces its roots to the Female Charitable Society established in Morristown in 1813. The Society was established by women who felt obligated to provide coal, food and clothing to poor individuals in northern New Jersey, and, by 1898, also provided nursing services. The VNA was founded on the enduring civic and charitable virtues embodied by the Society, and today continues their long tradition of serving the community. In the early 1900's, Morris County, like many other areas in the country, experienced a wave of immigration that brought with it many challenges in providing health outreach services. To respond more effectively to these changing social conditions, the VNA hired its first full-time nurse in 1914, Ms. Mable R. Saulpaugh, who went on to make 771 house calls without the use of a car. By 1918, the VNA opened up its first day care center for expectant mothers, and, later that same year, purchased their first automobile, which greatly increased its sphere of influence. During the 1920's and 1930's, the VNA established several key outreach tools to ensure that a broad spectrum of individuals were aware of the health services that the VNA could provide to them. Most popular among these was the Well Babies and Children parade, where prizes were awarded for the healthiest-looking baby and toddler. Additional tools included going directly into the schools and following up with home visits for children at risk of disease. Indeed, the VNA's prodigious outreach work served as an impetus for hospitals in the area to establish their own outpatient departments. By 1936, the VNA's outreach methods provided for considerable success in fighting Tuberculosis, and played a major role in reducing it from the number one cause of death to the eighth in Morris County. During World War II, and in ensuing years, the VNA focused on increasing its staff size, so as to widen its ability to serve the community. By 1960, the VNA had expanded to eight nurses serving 37 towns in Morris County, with a total budget of $60,000. Less than twenty years later, the VNA had revenues in excess of $1 million, and today boasts a staff of 400 employees offering comprehensive health services to the Morris County area. Mr. Speaker, throughout its long history, the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey has never lost sight of its crucial role in providing superior home health care to those in need. As the VNA today deals with the extraordinary challenges of meeting the specific needs of those suffering from AIDS and other diseases, I ask you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues, to join me in commemorating the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey on this special anniversary year.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Borough of Hopatcong, Sussex County, NJ. The Borough of Hopatcong, known originally as the Borough of Brooklyn, was founded on April 2, 1898 off the western shore of Lake Hopatcong, the largest public recreational lake in New Jersey. Although the land surrounding the lake was originally settled by the Lenni Lenape Indians, by 1715, English colonists attracted by the growing fur trade had purchased over 1,000 acres of the lake area. The discovery of iron ore in the middle 1700's led to the development of a thriving mining industry in the Hopatcong area. The inhabitants of Hopatcong at that time, which numbered no greater than 20 families, stayed in small communities that were close to the local iron forges. The Brookland Forge, one of the most productive in the area, comprised four hearths which produced 300 tons of iron per year. While most iron was transported east, to be used by various companies in creating metal products, high shipping costs eventually led to a decline in the industry by the early 19th century. As the iron industry in the area waned, a decision in the last 1800's, to dam and merge the two lakes constituting Lake Hopatcong led to a rapid increase in tourism within the vicinity of Hopatcong. Due to the pleasant climate and proximity to New York City, the lake area soon became a major northeastern resort and began to experience high levels of prosperity. By the late 1800's Hopatcong was still part of Byram Township, one of three municipalities bordering the lake at that time. As many summer cottages were built in the surrounding towns, Hopatcong residents became increasingly dissatisfied with the pace of development in their own community. After some debate, Hopatcong residents decided that officially separating from Byram would allow them to build new roads and make other necessary improvements near the Lake to attract tourists. In 1898, Hopatcong residents were finally granted the right to incorporate as an independent municipality, and the Borough soon developed into a popular resort community. Today, Hopatcong remains a vibrant residential area with a growing business community and a population of over 15,000 persons. Mr. Speaker, for the past 100 years, the Borough of Hopatcong 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 Hopatcong on this special anniversary year.

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 45 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, and their works were exceptional. Mr. Speaker, I would like to list each of them, their high schools, and their contest entries, for the official record: Leandro Flaherty, Bayley-Ellard, ``Interior''; Lisa Johnson, Bayley-Ellard, ``Interior''; Michelle Mechanic, Bayley-Ellard, ``Full Circle''; Jonathan Wagner, Bayley-Ellard, ``Self Portrait''; Kelli Coghlan, Boonton, ``Untitled''; Larissa Schaffnit, Boonton, ``Onions''; Lara Victoria Zakk, Boonton, ``Foot-Loose''; Matthew Zugale, Boonton, ``Untitled''; Mark DeLotto, Delbarton, ``Mom and Dad''; Mike Giaccio, Delbarton, ``Deconstructing Directions''; Tom Harrison, Delbarton, ``Coat''; Eric Joyce, Delbarton, ``Untitled''; Vanessa Batters, Kinnelon, ``Moonshine''; Deborah J. Link, Kinnelon, ``Skyscape''; Cristina Murphy, Kinnelon, ``The Two Faces''; Sunnie Kim, Livingston, ``Still Life''; Adam Sacks, Madison, ``No Title''; Paula Salerno, Madison, ``Floral Still Life''; Eliza Jane Thomas, Madison, ``Andrew''; Marlene Toledo, Madison, ``Egyptian Profile''; Melissa Davis, Millburn, ``Pink Walls''; Lauren Doto, Millburn, ``Wandering Eyes''; Amy Goldfeder, Millburn, ``Whimsical''; Stieg Retlin, Millburn, ``White Oak and Hobart''; Greg Espersen, Montville, ``Panorama''; Sook-Kyung Lee, Montville, ``Shoveling Snow''; Renee Snelson, Montville, ``Secret Gatherings''; Tony Yang, Montville, ``Speed Check''; Nicholas Black, Morris Knolls, ``Self Portrait''; Amy Broadwell, Morris Knolls, ``I'm Not Sarah''; Peter Harris, Morris Knolls, ``Ascend Into * * * !''; Seth Ruggles Hiler, Morris Knolls, ``Fall Memory''; Kate Lovering, Mount Olive, ``Time Worn''; Janet Swan, Mount Olive, ``Drowned in Anger''; Kimberly Hill, Pequannock, ``Tranquillity''; Daniel Muzzio, Pequannock, ``Nick My Love''; Steve Su, Pequannock, ``Dark Thoughts''; Alyssa Tierney, Pequannock, ``Blossoms on a Warm Spring Day''; Erika Mathison, Ridge, ``Retrospect''; Emily Schulenburg, Ridge, ``Deaconry Livestock''; Glen Wiley, Ridge, ``The Core of Wiley''; Peter Wonsowski, Ridge, ``Unity Through Music''; Carolina Coppi, West Essex Regional, ``Mood Descends''; Keri Moran, West Essex Regional, ``Different Shades of Grey''; and Kathleen Peng, West Essex Regional, ``Exotic Amazon''. As you know, Mr. Speaker, each year the winner of the competition will have an 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 with winners from across the country. This year, first place went to Emily Schulenburg of Ridge High School, for her outstanding acrylic painting, ``Deaconry Livestock.'' In addition, ten other submissions received honorable mention by the judges. As usual, the judges had an extremely hard time with the awards process, and they wished that they could declare every entry a winner. 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, I rise today to congratulate the State of Israel on the 50th Anniversary of its establishment. It is an honor to salute Israel, our long-standing ally and to remember that the United States of America was the first nation to recognize officially the State of Israel fifty years ago. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend several events in the 11th Congressional District of great significance. One event to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Israel was a joint celebration held by three synagogues in Morristown, New Jersey. The Congregation Ahavath Israel, the Morristown Jewish Center and Temple B'nai Or held a remarkable celebration on the grounds of the Vail Mansion which was both cultural and educational, and it highlighted the ``modern miracle that is Israel.'' What was of special significance were the number of children present from Conservative, Orthodox and Reform congregations. It was a remarkable event that reinforced the need to remember and to never forget the Holocaust and that the struggle for true peace is never over. Another special event was the dedication of the Holocaust Memorial Garden and Study Center at Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston. Mr. Speaker, the garden is a remarkable place. For some it will be a place for recollection, for others medication. Most importantly, the study center and garden is a place to teach the young. Like the Holocaust Museum in Washington, my hope is that this special Memorial Garden and Study Center will attract people of all faiths. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, April 21, the House of Representatives passed a resolution expressing the sense of Congress on the 50th Anniversary of the State of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of friendship between our two nations. I was pleased to both cosponsor and vote for this resolution, which recognized the accomplishments of the Jewish people who helped forge the modern state of Israel, and who make it the vibrant and dynamic country it is today. Mr. Speaker, I am including a copy of that important legislation at the end of my remarks today. The modern state of Israel is still tied to the ancient Kingdom of Israel, first established over three thousand years ago. The recognition of their history, and respect of tradition, has helped guide Israel's leaders for the past fifty years. David Ben-Gurion, the founding father and first prime minister of Israel, said in an broadcast to the Israelis on May 15, 1948, the day after Independence: Whatever we have achieved is the result of the efforts of earlier generations no less than our own. It is also the result of unwavering fidelity to our precious heritage, the heritage of a small nation that has suffered much, but at the same time has won for itself a special place in the history of mankind because of its spirit, faith and vision. Mr. Speaker, my hope for the future of Israel, for the next fifty years and beyond, was best stated by Chaim Herzog, the fifth president of Israel, in his farewell address to the Knesset. To paraphrase him, I hope that Israel, as a flourishing, cohesive and progressive society, can continue to climb to the summits and reach the height from which they may be a beacon to the nations. Joint Resolution expressing the sense of the Congress on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the modern state of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel. Whereas on November 29, 1947, the United Nations General Assembly voted to partition the British Mandate of Palestine, and through that vote, to create the State of Israel; Whereas on May 14, 1948, the people of Israel proclaimed the establishment of the sovereign and independent State of Israel and the United States Government established full diplomatic relations with Israel; Whereas the desire of the Jewish people to establish an independent modern State of Israel is the outgrowth of the existence of the historic Kingdom of Israel established three thousand years ago in the city of Jerusalem and in the land of Israel; Whereas one century ago at the First Zionist Congress on August 29 to 31, 1897, in Basel, Switzerland, participants under the leadership of Theodore Herzl affirmed the desire to reestablish a Jewish homeland in the historic land of Israel; Whereas the establishment of the modern State of Israel as a homeland for the Jews followed the slaughter of more than six million European Jews during the Holocaust; Whereas since its establishment 50 years ago, the modern State of Israel has rebuilt a nation, forged a new and dynamic society, and created a unique and vital economic, political, cultural, and intellectual life despite the heavy cost of six wars, terrorism, international ostracism, and economic boycotts; Whereas the people of Israel have established a vibrant and functioning pluralistic democratic political system including freedom of speech, a free press, free and fair and open elections, the rule of law, and other democratic principles and practices; Whereas, at great social and financial costs, Israel has absorbed hundreds of thousands of Jews from countries throughout the World, many of them refugees from Arab countries, and fully integrated them into Israeli society; Whereas for half a century the United States and Israel have maintained a special relationship based on mutually shared democratic values, common strategic interests, and moral bonds of friendship and mutual respect; and Whereas the American people have shared an affinity with the people of Israel and regard Israel as a strong and trusted ally and an important strategic partner: Now, therefore be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the United States-- (1) recognizes the historic significance of the 50th anniversary of the reestablishment of the sovereign and independent modern State of Israel; (2) commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East in the face of terrorism, hostility and belligerence by many of her neighbors; (3) reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between the United States and Israel for the past half-century and which have been significant for both countries; and (4) extends the warmest congratulations and best wishes to the State of Israel and her people for a peaceful and prosperous and successful future.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I want to commend the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bliley) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey) for authoring this legislation. Two years ago we passed historic legislation that has put us well down the road towards bringing telecommunications competition to all markets within the United States. With H.R. 1872, we take another major step towards reaching the same objective in the provision of international satellite services. As we take this step, I want to draw attention to one of the bill's most important features, a provision called ``fresh look.'' ``Fresh look'' is a tool that is intended to accelerate the transition from monopoly to competition by giving purchasers of service a window of opportunity to renegotiate long-term contracts entered into under the assumption that the seller was and would continue to be the sole provider of service. It is a tool that has been used by the Federal Communications Commission in several proceedings. It has also been used by State public utility commissions in California, Colorado, Michigan and Ohio. While the ``fresh look'' tool should not be abused, it is useful when employed, as it would be under this bill, to ensure that consumers are ready to realize near-term benefits from the opening of the market to competition. Mr. Chairman, I support the bill and most particularly the open ``fresh look'' provisions.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today we remember the Armenian Genocide, and honor the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who died between 1915 and 1923. It has been 83 years since the Ottoman Empire began the systematic slaughter of Armenians living in Turkey. It 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. We take time every year to remember the victims of the Armenian genocide. We hope that, by remembering the bloodshed and atrocities committed against the Armenians, we can prevent this kind of tragedy from repeating itself. Unfortunately, we have been unsuccessful. From Germany to Cambodia to Rwanda, the horrors of the genocide have repeated themselves. So, Mr. Speaker, we must continue to talk about the 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. We must be vigilant and guard against this kind of wholesale slaughter from happening in the future. 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, I rise today to commemorate the 105th Anniversary of the First Baptist Church of Dover in Morris County, New Jersey. The First Baptist Church has been serving the Dover community since 1893, when thirty-nine Dover residents, all members of the neighboring Netcong Baptist Church, came together to establish a church in their own town. While on the date of its establishment the church had no building of its own, by 1895 the cornerstone of a new building was set and, one year later, a dedication service for the church was held. As the church continued to attract new parishioners over subsequent years, it soon became clear that there would not be enough space to house the entire parish. By 1966, the First Baptist Church purchased 12 acres of land on which to build a newer, larger building for worship. Construction of this building was completed on Easter Sunday, 1975, and recent renovation of the church's interior has included a complete overhaul of the church's main auditorium. Continuing its long tradition of social outreach, the First Baptist Church today supports close to sixty-seven missionaries, who extend the good works of the church throughout New Jersey and in countries overseas. The church has also been blessed with strong leadership over the years, and has seen thirteen pastors since its inception in 1893. It is led today by Reverend John L. Hackworth, Senior Pastor. On Sunday, April 5, 1998, Reverend Hackworth, with the assistance of the church's parish and clergy, will lay the foundation for continued success into the next century. On this momentous occasion, I want to ask you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues to join with me in commemorating the First Baptist Church of Dover on this special anniversary year.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Neighborhood House in Morristown, New Jersey. The Neighborhood House, known as the ``Nabe'' among its clients, began in 1898 as a one-room mission dedicated to easing the daily hardships of immigrant life among a growing number of Italian-American families in Morristown. The building housing the mission burned down in 1901, and activities were soon moved to a more spacious, donated home. The larger accommodations allowed the mission to expand its work, and by 1908, then officially named the Neighborhood House, these activities included tutoring in English, providing help in finding affordable housing, and classes in music, carpentry, and crafts. While continuing its community outreach with the opening of Morristown's first baby clinic in 1915, the Nabe was also instrumental in the development of several local non-profit organizations. These included such groups as the Urban League of Morris County, the Colonial Little Symphony and the New Jersey Chorale Society. By the 1930's, the Neighborhood House expanded its work to accommodate newer immigrant groups that had settled in the Morristown area, and in 1936 there were 46,016 individuals affiliated with the House, a record number at that time. In 1953, in response to concerns that the House's building was potentially unsafe due to overcrowding, more than $200,000 was raised for a new building on the original lot. Construction of this building was completed in 1957, and additional renovations have included several new wings, which have vastly increased the space available for classes and other activities. The Neighborhood House has been blessed with strong and caring leadership since its inception. From 1912 to 1938, the Neighborhood House was run by Aldus and Marie Antoinette Pierson, a couple deeply committed to the community, who oversaw much of the House's expansion in activities. Ten years after the Pierson's retirement in 1938, Carmeta Meade became the House's first African-American Executive Director. Mrs. Meade was among those who recognized the need for a new Neighborhood House building and in 1985, after serving the Neighborhood House for thirty-four years, retired with a sterling record of service. The Neighborhood House is led today by Sam Singleton, who had been active as a young man for ten years before returning to become Executive Director in 1991. As Mr. Singleton lays the foundation for the Neighborhood House's continued success, ensuring, in his words, that ``the Neighborhood House [becomes] a model of the community center of the future,'' I want to ask you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues to join with me in commemorating the Neighborhood House on this special anniversary year.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3579, the FY 1998 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act. First, this bill meets our obligations to our young men and women who are serving our country in our Armed Forces halfway around the world-- in Bosnia and the Persian Gulf. It should be noted that this Administration, knowing full well that our troops would remain in Bosnia long after their promised departure date, failed to request funding for that mission for the full fiscal year. That, Mr. Speaker, is unacceptable and with this bill we in Congress will provide the necessary leadership to meet those commitments. Second, with this bill we are responding to the needs of families and communities here in the United States that have been devastated by flooding, tornadoes and other natural disasters. With this bill, we are also keeping our commitment to pay for this added spending and we are meeting our obligations under the Balanced Budget Agreement. I urge passage of the bill.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Sparta, New Jersey. The Kiwanis Club of Sparta was organized and chartered in 1948 and has for the past fifty years provided leadership, personal service, commitment and financial support to the Sparta Township community. The Club currently consists of fifty-five members who each contribute thousands of voluntary hours of service to the community and have faithfully followed the ideals and principles of Kiwanis International, its parent organization. The Club has been recognized as one of the leading service clubs in Sussex County, New Jersey, as a result of its many community activities. Some of these activities including sponsoring high school Key Clubs, giving over $98,000 in scholarships to high school seniors over the past twelve years, providing approximately $35,000 per year in financial support for community groups and activities in Sparta Township, as well as community service projects ranging from flower planting and roadside cleanups to providing volunteer assistance to senior citizens and delivering food to the needy. As the Kiwanis Club of Sparta continues its long tradition of dedicated service to the Sparta community, I want to ask you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues, to join me in commemorating the 50th anniversary of their organization. I sincerely wish that it may enjoy many more years of fellowship and service.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Borough of North Caldwell, Essex County, New Jersey The Borough of North Caldwell was part of a large tract of land known as ``Horseneck'' that was purchased by a group of colonists from the Indians who lived in the area in 1701. In 1784 a group living in Horseneck organized a Presbyterian Church Society and in 1787 they voted to change the name of their community to Caldwell in honor of the Reverend James Caldwell who had helped them form their church group. North Caldwell continued as part of Caldwell Township until the last 19th century, when citizens, wanting improved roads and a better school, felt they could better achieve these goals as an independent municipality. Since its modest beginning, the Borough of North Caldwell has steadily developed into a thriving residential community, counting among its residents a nationally known portrait painter and an American Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner in poetry. While the area was originally farm country, North Caldwell soon had its share of local industry. By the early half of the 19th century a large bark mill was established, which boasted a water wheel that was five feet wide and eighteen feet in diameter. After changing ownership in 1846, the mill was converted to operate as a grist mill and a saw mill. By 1931, multistory buildings had been erected and a prosperous local economy was in full operation. The ensuing years brought many complexities and the demand for organization of a variety of resources for citizens' needs. North Caldwell currently has a full-time professional staff, including a police department, which has grown from three officers in 1930 to seventeen today, and a fire department incorporated in 1922, which is 28 members strong. The Borough's excellent school system dates back to 1770, when the first schoolhouse was built. Several subsequent schools were built during the 19th century, and the first Board of Education was appointed in 1903. Today there are several schools in the Borough, including the West Essex Regional Schools opened in 1961. Mr. Speaker, for the last 100 years, the Borough of North Caldwell has prospered as a community and remains a thriving municipality today. By all accounts, it will continue to prosper in the future and I ask my colleagues to congratulate all residents of North Caldwell on this special anniversary year.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring a remarkable young man to your attention and to the attention of my colleagues in the House of Representatives. Matt Conway is a constituent from Florham Park, New Jersey and is a person affected by a developmental disability. I have had the opportunity to meet with him on several occasions and learn from him about some of the obstacles facing individuals with developmental disabilities. He has demonstrated to me how some of these difficulties can be overcome and I am proud to say that he has educated me on what can be done to help more individuals do the same. Matt is certainly a worthy advocate for himself and others. On April 17, 1998, Matt will be one of 35 persons to be honored by the Foundation for Exceptional Children's Yes I Can! Program. The program honors outstanding achievements of children and youth with disabilities. Matt will receive his award in the area of employment. Matt was nominated for this award by his teachers, friends and relatives and was selected out of hundreds of qualified nominees. I would like to join his group of supporters in congratulating him for what he has already accomplished and encouraging him on to even greater heights. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in congratulating Matt and wishing him future successes.