Rodney Frelinghuysen

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Borough of Riverdale, Morris County, New jersey. Although not an independent municipality until 1923, Riverdale has a long a rich history that extends well before the Revolutionary War. Riverdale was first settled by Dutch and English pioneers in 1695 and was part of a larger area historically known as Pompton, after the local Indian village and tribe that bore the same name. The borough itself went through several name changes since its first settlement-- called at First New Greenwich, then Townsha--and remained a subsection of Pequannock Township until its official incorporation 75 years ago. While the area was originally farm country, by the early 1800's Riverdale was a place of great activity. Along with the introduction of its first school house in 1812, there existed a thriving business in wooden staves, hoops and hoop poles. In the late 19th century, with the coming of the railroad and the establishment of several larger businesses--including DuPont, a rock quarry and two rubber factories-- the population of Riverdale increased rapidly. Many more houses were erected in the area, and a newer, and larger, schoolhouse was built by 1904. Interestingly, the issue of school size, and the desire to avoid being taxed for the construction of a large schoolhouse in the Pequannock section of town, was actually one of the decisive factors that spurred Riverdale residents to form an independent borough. After many long meetings by the New jersey state legislature, Riverdale residents were finally granted the right in 1923 to officially separate from Pequannock, and incorporate as an independent municipality. For the past 75 years, Riverdale Borough has prospered as a community and continues to thrive today. While still covering the same 1.8 square mile area that it has for several centuries--ranking it as the second smallest municipality in Morris County--Riverdale has nonetheless emerged as one of its fastest growing communities. By all accounts, the Borough of Riverdale will continue to prosper in the future, and I ask you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues to congratulate all residents of Riverdale on this special anniversary year.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption in Morristown, New Jersey. The Assumption Church, the oldest standing church in Morristown, has served as a gathering place for spiritual worship since 1848, when the first Mass was held there on Christmas Day. Founded several months earlier that year by Father Bernard McQuaid, who became the church's first Pastor, it was given the name, ``Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary,'' and became the first Catholic church established in Morristown. At the time of its dedication by Bishop Hughes in March, 1849, the parishioners at the new church numbered only 120 in total. In contrast, approximately 1800 families belong to the parish today. Continuing the tradition of social outreach begun by Father McQuaid, who, in 1850, started a school in the basement of the church, the Church of the Assumption today participates in close to forty social ministries along with other churches in Morristown. These range from meals and housing for the needy to programs for the spiritual enrichment of young adults, and include its newest ministry, a weekly Sunday Mass for the Deaf. In addition to the positive community impact which comes directly from the good works of the Assumption Church, the church has also been instrumental in establishing other houses of worship, hospitals and schools in Morris County. Through the founding of St. Virgil's Church in Morris Plains, St. Joseph's Church in Mendham, Bayley Ellard High School and All Souls Hospital (now the Mt. Kemble Division of Morristown Memorial Hospital), Assumption Church has greatly expanded the spiritual and social opportunities available to residents of Morris County. The Church of the Assumption is led today by its Pastor, Rev. Msgr. Martin F. Rauscher. Additional clergy at the church includes the Associate Pastor, Father William Winston and nine priests and deacons. As these individuals, with the assistance of the church's parish, lay the foundation for continued success into the next century, I want to ask you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues to join me in commemorating the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on its sesquicentennial anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and pay tribute to the Washington Association of New Jersey. As the keepers of the Ford Mansion, also known as Washington's Headquarters, and the guardians of Morristown National Historical Park, the support of the Washington Association and its members has been extraordinary. This year, the Association celebrates its 125th year of service to honoring the memory of George Washington and preserving Washington's Headquarters and the park's historical sites for future generations. The Ford Mansion, built in Morristown between 1772-74, was the home of Colonel Jacob Ford, Jr., a landowner, iron manufacturer and ardent patriot of Morris County. As Colonel of the Eastern Battalion of New Jersey's militia forces, Jacob Ford participated in the first Battle of Springfield. However, shortly thereafter, he fell ill with pneumonia and died on January 10, 1777. Even so, Colonel Ford's widow, Theodosia, who was left with five children, offered the mansion to General George Washington to use as his headquarters during the very harsh winters of 1777 and 1779-80 in New Jersey. Unlike the areas of New Jersey nearer to New York City, Morristown had fewer loyalists and its surrounding hills provided natural defenses for a winter refuge where the next summer campaign could be planned. In addition, the Continental Army and various militias could be maneuvered quickly to either Manhattan or Philadelphia from their primitive and difficult encampment at Jockey Hollow. In this grand home, Washington, along with his aide-de-camp Alexander Hamilton, would lay out the strategy for much of the Revolution's greatest campaigns. At a tall secretary desk, which still graces the mansion, Washington penned some of the most important letters of the Revolution. Some of the greatest heroes of the war, including the Marquis de Lafayette, General Schuyler, General Greene, General Knox, and even the infamous traitor General Benedict Arnold, walked through the Ford Mansion's front door and graced Martha Washington's wartime dining room with their conversations about victory, defeat and the battles yet to come. It has been said that under the Ford Mansion's roof have been gathered more figures known to the military history of our Revolution than any other house in America. It is no wonder that Morristown is considered the Military Capital of the Revolution. Nearly a century later, the Washington Association of New Jersey was founded in Morristown in June of 1873, in order to save the Ford Mansion as it was offered for sale by the heirs of Colonel Ford's grandson, the Honorable Henry Ford. Four New Jersey gentlemen, former Governor Theodore F. Randolph, William Van Vleck Lidgerwood of Morristown, and George A. Halsey and General Norris Halsted of Newark, were responsible for leading this great effort. The Association was chartered by an act of the New Jersey State Legislature on March 20, 1874 as a stock-granting corporation in New Jersey. The Association maintained the Ford Mansion in Morristown until 1933, and in the process accumulated a remarkable collection of Revolutionary War memorabilia. Through the influence of the Washington Association, Mayor Clyde Potts of Morristown and Mr. Lloyd Waddell Smith, member and sometime president of the Association, the Ford Mansion was donated to the Federal government on March 2, 1933, creating Morristown National Historic Park, the nation's first historic park. Also included in the park were Fort Nonsense in Morristown and certain parcels of land in Jockey Hollow where the troops were encamped during the horrible winter of 1779-80. Today, the Washington Association of New Jersey supports Morristown National Historic Park by acquiring rare books and manuscripts pertaining to the Revolution or George Washington, contributing financially to the park and, by Federal statute, is the official consultant to the National Park Service in Morristown. The Association also acts as an advocate for the park when the property is threatened by any inappropriate development. In 1998-99, the Washington Association of New Jersey will be celebrating the 125th anniversary of its foundation and incorporation. Planned activities include updating and reprinting ``A Certain Splendid House'' (the history of the Ford Mansion), publication of a scholarly catalog on ``War Comes to Morristown'', the new, permanent exhibit at Washington's Headquarters Museum, a lecture series which will bring distinguished scholars into Morristown, and the eventual expansion of Washington's Headquarters Museum so that more of the 400,000 items in the collections at Morristown can be properly exhibited. Although the mansion is now part of a National Historic Park, the Association's work is appreciated most by the residents of Morris County. Washington's Headquarters, as it is called by most, is the Town of Morristown's common denominator. It is what the people of Morristown identify themselves with, what they remember most when they leave and the first thing they want to see when they return. It is our public treasure and the Washington Association of New Jersey is its entrusted guardian. So, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me as I salute the Washington Association of New Jersey on the occasion of their 125th anniversary and for their great work in preserving our nation's first National Historic Park, the memory of our nation's greatest citizen and Morristown's most famous and dearest house.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of remarkable young women in the 11th District of New Jersey and to share with my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives a story of selflessness and friendship. In September 1996, Renee Nolan, a college sophomore at Seton Hall University, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Radiation and chemotherapy treatments forced her to leave college and an experimental treatment left her paralyzed on her right side. Despite her illness and many setbacks, this courageous woman has continued her valiant fight, regaining some movement in her right hand and learning to walk again. Renee received tremendous support from friends that deserve recognition. Daniela Mastria, Beth Reynolds, Jennifer Franke, Jennifer Kelleher, and Alexis Smith of Boonton, New Jersey, and Donna Polizzi and Domenica ``Mimma'' Avena of Lincoln Park, New Jersey, have all been friends with Renee since their grade and high school days. When Renee's friends learned of her devastating illness, they began one of the most touching and determined crusades that I have ever known. Immediately, Renee's friends made and randomly passed out fliers, set up a bank account, and rented a post office box to receive donations. Then, they sponsored a dinner dance to honor Renee and to raise additional money to help defray Renee's growing medical expenses. Since June of 1997, this amazing group has raised approximately $32,000 for their friend and her family. Of even greater importance to Renee, these devoted friends have provided continual and invaluable moral and emotional support. When Renee is well enough, they plan outings. When she is not, they are with her at home with ice cream, games and smiles to help her and her family keep their spirits up. When Renee is most ill, they help nurse her. This group of friends, all college students, have visited Renee daily at home or in the hospital, cooked for her family, and taken Renee back to Boonton High School, where she was once co-captain of the cheerleading squad. They have given selflessly of themselves, by any standard, often giving up their college and social activities to be available for Renee and her family. It is heartwarming to see the selfless dedication with which these women have acted for their friend. In fact, as a result of her experience with Renee, one of the young women has changed her college major to nursing, so that she can better continue her legacy of caring. These young women were recently honored by the New Jersey State Assembly and by Governor Christine Todd Whitman. This proved to be an especially moving and encouraging experience for Renee and her family. Mr. Speaker, I know that all of my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating and thanking these exceptional women and friends, and that you will also join me in wishing them, Renee and her family well.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the ERA Real Estate brokers, agents and staff members across the country who have dedicated their time and energy to the Muscular Dystrophy Association for twenty years. With its headquarters in my home state of New Jersey, ERA Real Estate, and its parent company HFS Inc., has truly made a difference in the lives of Jerry's Kids. Since 1977, ERA has been the sole corporate sponsor of MDA from the real estate industry. According to MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis: ``ERA brokers and other caring individuals are the reason MDA is making rapid progress toward treatments and cures for 40 neuromuscular diseases. I'm proud to have ERA on our team.'' ERA Real Estate founder and then President Jim Jackson chose MDA because of its commitment to the people it served. In 1978, ERA created its first national fundraising event, ``MDA Day in May,'' and challenged all ERA offices to do something for MDA on the same day. This tradition continues and, each year, ERA offices gather to support MDA during May. To help people with neuromuscular diseases, ERA members have raised nearly $25 million to send hundreds of children and adults to MDA summer camps, provide leg braces and wheelchair assistance, and help fund the research that found the genes that cause the two most severe forms of childhood dystrophy. Through its commitment to community, ERA and its brokers and agents, have demonstrated there is more to real estate than buying and selling homes. Building community is what ERA has been doing for 25 years, and by supporting MDA, ERA is using the strength of those communities to fight against neuromuscular disease. However, ERA's relationship with MDA goes beyond raising money to support the organization. It is about helping children and adults with neuromuscular diseases who need a little extra time, energy and support from others. Together, MDA and corporations like ERA help ``Jerry's Kids'' live longer, more productive lives. In our fast-paced world, living up to commitments is not always easy, and few relationships between corporate entities and community service organizations stand the test of time. The changing priorities and bottom-line demands of business can be harmful to the best of intentions. That is what makes the ERA/MDA bond so special. ERA has set a standard in corporate community service and in doing so has set an admirable example for the children of our Nation. So, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me as I salute ERA Real Estate for their 20 years of hard work and commitment on behalf of individuals with muscular dystrophy.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to pay tribute to my friend and constituent, Walter Greffe, who passed away this Veterans Day weekend at the age of 71. Walt Greffe was a special individual who will be greatly missed but fondly remembered. After graduating from Morristown High School in 1944, Walt served our Nation as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps during World War II. However, has service did not end when the bombs stopped falling and the troops came home. I have the pleasure of being a member of the same VFW and American Legion posts to which Walt dedicated so much of his time. In particular, his service to the Veteran of Foreign Wars Watnong Post 3401 was extraordinary. Walt was twice the commander of the Watnong Post, one of New Jersey's largest VFW posts. Walt, along with his wife, Mae, continued to volunteer their time and talents for the hundreds of events at the Watnong Post, including many events for senior citizen groups and even some of may own Medicare town meetings. In 1953, Walt moved to Morris Plains and immediately became an integral part of this close-knit community of 5,000 inhabitants, aptly called the community of caring. No one in Morris Plains epitomized this more than Walt Greffe. Upon his death, one Morris Plains resident remarked, ``Walt was a kind and considerate man who was always willing to do everything for anybody.'' That is the Walt Greffe I knew as well. Aside from his involvement with veterans organizations, Walt worked for United Parcel Service in Parsippany for 27 years, and was graduate of the Stafford Hall of Business. He also dedicated untold hours to the Morris Plains Seniors Monday Group, the Rotary Club of Morris Plains, and the Presbyterian Church of Morris Plains. As you see, Walt touched every part of the community. Mr. Speaker, I would ask all of may colleagues to join me as we remember Walt in our prayers; Mae, his wife of many years; his son, John; his daughter, Diane; and the many other close family and friends Walt leaves behind. Walt was truly a selfless citizen and an outstanding veterans.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference agreement and thank the gentleman from Alabama [Mr. Callahan], for his leadership in bringing this bill to a conclusion. In this conference report we provide the essential tools to promote and protect America's leadership and interests around the globe. With this bill we maintain our strong commitment to Israel and to the Middle East peace process, we provide critical funding for child survival programs, and we continue America's long-standing support for development assistance for the poorest of the poor, including international family planning programs. We provide support for the new democracies of Eastern Europe, and we place increased emphasis on important priorities in our own hemisphere. Further, we have provided resources to help American companies enter new markets, to protect global environmental resources, and to combat threat of international narcotics and terrorism from reaching our shores. These investments are made, Mr. Speaker, for less than 1 percent of the overall Federal budget and within the framework of our balanced budget plan. Again, Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the gentleman from Alabama [Mr. Callahan] for all of his efforts.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, this Veterans Day, I would like to share with my colleagues a very poignant letter I received yesterday from my constituent, Dr. Peter Tarasoff of Randolph, NJ. Dr. Tarasoff returned earlier this year from his service as a U.S. Army Military Reserve physician in support of Operation Joint Endeavor in Europe, and recently retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. As someone who has the unique view of serving patients in our armed services and as a private physician, Dr. Tarasoff recognizes what we often forget--that 365 days a year, there are American men and women in harm's way around the world, in more than 100 countries, protecting our freedoms. Dr. Tarasoff writes: Having now completed more than 20 years of service with the Army Medical Corps, I have retired and thankfully, returned to civilian life and my family. As our military forces continue to downsize and the responsibilities placed upon their shoulders increase, I hope the American public will continue to remember the tremendous job being done on all our behalves by the men and women of the uniformed services. I am concerned, however, that this might not be the case. I hope that you and your colleagues in the Congress will take every opportunity, such as Veterans Day, Armed Forces Day, to remind all Americans of this. I still recall very clearly December 25, 1996, a bitterly cold day in Germany, when during formation, our unit commander remarked, ``None of us will ever forget Christmas 1996. This is the year that we give to our country the gifts of our talent, service, and time in the name of freedom. Our families give even more through their willingness to support things at home and maintain us here with their love and devotion. Democracy is expensive and a few often pay the dues for many.'' So, Mr. Speaker, this Veterans Day, I would ask my fellow Americans to stop and thank a veteran for paying the price of freedom, and think about our men and women serving overseas--they won't have the day off.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a truly outstanding individual, my constituent Charles Black. On November 6, Charlie's family and many friends and colleagues will honor him upon his retirement from General Public Utilities [GPU] after 32 years of service to the company. He has left an indelible mark upon Morris County, NJ, having devoted countless hours to helping make it one of America's finest places to live. Charles Black was born in Quakertown, PA, in the fall of 1938. During his summers in between college semesters, Charlie worked various jobs, from employment as a button setter at a blouse factory to getting his first start at a power company in New Jersey. In 1960, perhaps the most important year of Charlie's life, he earned his bachelor of arts degree in business administration from Gettysburg College. That year, he also married the former Joyce Hoffmann, and then began his service with the U.S. Air Force. Charlie Black's commitment to service started with his commitment to duty and honor with the U.S. Air Force. In fact, Charlie continues to be active with the U.S. Air Force in the reserve program, as a liaison officer commander with the U.S. Air Force Academy, and as chairman of my own 11th Congressional District Academy Review Board for prospective nominees to our Nation's service academies. Starting with Jersey Central Power & Light Co. in 1965, Charlie has served as GPU's director of communications since 1983. This position made him a visible figure in the community, as GPU serves approximately 2 million people in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and facilitated the beginning of his long-standing service to his community. Over the last 15 years, it was a rare occasion for me to be at a charitable event in Morris County in which Charlie was not involved. He has always been there when called upon, and, although, much has been made this year on promoting voluntarism, it has been people like Charlie Black has been a stalwart of our Nation's volunteer efforts throughout his life. Over the years, Charlie Black's name has been synonymous with the County College of Morris Foundation, on which he served as a past president of the board of directors, so it comes as no surprise that the County College of Morris is regarded as one of the finest county colleges in the Nation. Charlie also served on the boards of directors of the Morris County United Way and the Dope Open Golf Tournament, offering a helping hand to those in need. Although Charlie has been active on behalf of many wonderful organizations, he has been invaluable to me in his commitment to promoting and preserving the important mission at the Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center at Picatinny Arsenal which employees 4,000 people in New Jersey. When Picatinny was listed on a preliminary list for closure during the 1995 base realignment and closure process, I looked to Charlie to be a leader on my Picatinny Working Group which was a key element in recognizing the arsenal's importance to the region's economy, the identities of surrounding communities and promoting the incredible ``smart'' weapons being developed by Picatinny's engineers. Charlie was also a founding member of the Picatinny defense fund, and served as the organization's vice president. His work in getting the Picatinny defense fund established ensures that Picatinny Arsenal's mission will continue to be well defended in the future. Just this past May, Charlie's commitment to Picatinny and the U.S. Air Force intertwined when he worked along with Mary Mulholland, as he so often did, to plan a luncheon honoring Secretary of the Air Force Sheila Widnall after she toured Picatinny Arsenal. Needless to say, Charlie and Mary's luncheon for Secretary Widnall was a remarkable success. Unfortunately, Charlie could not attend the luncheon because he was wearing one of his many hats and had to deliver a speech for GPU in New Orleans. Mr. Speaker, shortly, Charlie and his wife Joyce Black will be moving to Arizona to enjoy life in retirement. But anyone who knows Charlie knows that he won't be at rest for too long--he will be contributing to the enrichment of his new community in no time. I only hope that the State of Arizona knows what an exemplary citizen they are gaining. Good luck Charlie and Joyce.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2676, the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1997. It is time to make the Internal Revenue Service as accountable to the taxpayer as the taxpayer is to the IRS. Millions of Americans are still talking about the recent IRS hearings on Capitol Hill, where the abusive activities of the Internal Revenue Service were revealed. These activities included collection quotas and ``financial status'' audits, utter lack of service, and the personal and economic devastation of innocent and decent taxpaying citizens. The American people heard from IRS agents testifying behind privacy screens with their voices altered telling about which innocent taxpayers they selected for audits, namely, those who didn't have the resources to fight back. We also heard how just getting a question answered could become a tiresome process for a taxpayer. And furthermore, that only 21 percent of the calls the IRS receives are even answered, and, of those, too many are answered incorrectly. In 1993 alone, the IRS gave 8\1/2\ million wrong answers to taxpayers trying to comply with Byzantine tax regulations. Mr. Speaker, we all recognize that there are thousands of hardworking employees at the IRS that do their job well. But while it is understandable that extracting $1.5 trillion from American taxpayers by enforcing a tax code thousands of pages long is no easy task, the bottom line is that the IRS' mistreatment of taxpayers must be stopped. Mr. Speaker, the solution to curbing IRS abuses has two parts. First, the IRS must be reformed. H.R. 2676 is the first comprehensive reform legislation of the Internal Revenue Service since 1952. This bill will restructure the IRS by forming a nine-member oversight board, made up of private citizens, with real authority to hold the IRS accountable for change. New taxpayer rights would be enacted, including the right to sue for negligence, collect legal fees and be notified of the reasons for an audit. The Taxpayer Advocate's Office also would be strengthened, and, most significant, the burden of proof in tax disputes would be shifted from the taxpayer to the IRS. Taxpayer service would become a top priority of the IRS and the practice of evaluating employees and IRS offices on collection results would be prohibited. Second, now is the time to begin a national debate on reforming the current tax system by making it fairer and simpler. Put bluntly, we need a system that the American people can comprehend. Several competing plans have already been proposed. They include plans for a flat income tax, a retail consumption tax or a value-added tax. This most important debate must be taken directly to the American people to get their ideas and suggestions for change. Mr. Speaker, for 60 years Washington patched together a tax code so complex that it threatens the basic fairness of the system. Through the many loopholes built into the code, individuals pay vastly different amounts in taxes, and, in some cases, pay no taxes at all. For this very reason, the American people have become cynical about our tax system. Genuine tax reform and simplification, and comprehensive reform of the IRS, is the only way to restore faith in a system that has for too long been unworthy of our trust.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 1270, the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1997. This legislation is needed for one simple reason, Congress must ensure that the Federal government follows through with its commitment to store nuclear fuel at a central location in the United States. Without a functioning, centrally located site, this spent nuclear fuel is piling up at sites all around the nation. While spent fuel can be stored permanently in this fashion, utilities are simply running out of room and will soon need more space. And furthermore, having multiple sites raises the safety question. American ratepayers thought they had a firm contract with the Federal government under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act Amendments of 1987 to start accepting waste in 1998. However, the Department of Energy is nowhere close to keeping its end of the agreement and is at best a decade behind schedule. Forty-six state agencies and thirty-three power companies from thirty-six states have shown their frustration with DOE by filing suit to force DOE to adher to the original deadline. This bill moves the stalled process along. It provides for an interim storage facility which will be used until the permanent site at Yucca Mountain is properly tested and ready to accept waste. The sense of Congress is that our government should pursue a policy that puts nuclear waste safely behind one fence, in one location, in one state. As a member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee on Appropriations which has oversight over the Nuclear Waste Fund, I visited the Yucca Mountain site in March 1997. As I looked out across the vast Nevada desert where the military once exploded atomic bombs, I felt that one central location for storage was the best solution for addressing our high level waste storage problem. With each passing year and each passing month, the price of storing nuclear waste continues to mount. Ratepayers keep paying taxes on their electricity bills to support the bottomless Nuclear Waste Fund. Without a solution in place, the burden of disposal falls back on the shoulders of the American consumer. Moreover, inaction may create perhaps the largest environmental threat that exists today with more than one hundred sites around the nation instead of one central facility. We can minimize that threat by placing nuclear waste in a suitable location in the interim, and then moving it to an underground permanent repository in Nevada. This bill provides the leadership we need to accomplish these goals. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference agreement. I especially want to congratulate the gentleman from California, Chairman Lewis, and the gentleman from Ohio, Mr. Stokes, the ranking member, for their hard work on this bipartisan agreement, and thank their staffers for their excellent work in cooperation. Mr. Speaker, this bill contains essential funding for our Nation's veterans for protection and preservation of the environment, and for meeting the housing needs of our older citizens, as well as citizens with disabilities, and for exploration and scientific research. While I am pleased that this agreement provides full funding for our veterans health care system, I remain concerned about the way the VA is distributing these funds among their new network system and the effect it may have on our veterans in the Northeast, their access to medical care. That is why I am pleased that this agreement asks the General Accounting Office to review the network system and provide Congress with a report in 9 months on its findings. I look forward to the GAO's analysis. In addition, this conference report contains increased funding for the EPA's Superfund program, and having visited 11 sites in my district over the last 2 weeks, I am very pleased that the committee has provided an additional $100 million, for a total of $1.5 billion. As I have said on previous occasions, there remains a desperate need to reform the Superfund program. With this agreement Congress is telling the EPA that we are committed to cleaning up these sites, and at the same time urges the EPA to work with Congress to reauthorize this important program. As detailed in a recent GAO report, the current program spends less than 49 cents of every dollar on actual cleanups. This is simply not acceptable. When our citizens ask where the money is for cleanups, the answer is, the money is there, it is just not used, or in many cases not being used wisely and effectively. I remain optimistic, nonetheless, that by working together this program can achieve its goal of cleaning up all sites across America. In summary, Mr. Speaker, this is a good, balanced conference report. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Sister Margherita Marchione on being the 1997 recipient of the Religious Teachers Filippini Humanitarian Award at the Villa Walsh Academy Gala this Saturday evening hosted by comedian Joe Piscopo. I have spoken before the House floor about the work of Sister Margherita, she is one of New Jersey's great academic and humanitarian treasures. Although academia is her calling, her special talent is building bridges between different peoples through greater understanding and knowledge. Born in the town of Little Ferry, NJ, in 1922, Sister Margherita became a member of the Filippini Sisters teaching order in 1941. A Fulbright Scholar, she received her own schooling at Georgian Court College in Lakewood, where she earned a B.A. and continued her education at Columbia University where she gained her M.A. and a Ph.D. Aside from the numerous books she has authored, including the acclaimed ``L'imagine testa'' and the 1986 biography of Lucy Filippini, ``From the Land of the Etruscans,'' Sister Margherita serves as treasurer of the Villa Walsh Academy in Morris Township and is professor emerita of Italian Language and Literature at Farleigh Dickinson University in Madison. She also lectures throughout the United States and abroad, including numerous radio and television appearances. During the past few years, Sister Margherita has devoted much of her time to illuminating the efforts of Pope Pius XII and thousands of Italian Catholics to save Italian Jews and other persecuted peoples from Nazi concentration camps during World War II. In 1995, she organized an event to mark Holocaust Rescuers in Italy Day, held at Villa Walsh, which debuted the documentary film ``Debt of Honor'' narrated by New Jersey resident Alan Alda. Sister Margherita assisted ``Debt of Honor'' producer Sy Rotter in collecting the memories of Italy's Jewish survivors. Her latest literary effort, ``Yours Is a Precious Witness: Memoirs of Jews and Catholics in Wartime Italy,'' recognizes the extraordinary acts of courage exhibited by ordinary people during the Second World War. It is a little known fact that, although 67 percent of European Jews were killed by the Axis Powers during the war, more than 80 percent of Italy's Jews were saved. As the New World Press wrote, ``Yours Is a Precious Witness'' is helping to promote ``better understanding and deeper relations between Catholics and Jews.'' In addition, the editors of the Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter praised her book for reversing their previously derogatory view of Pope Pius XII. As a member of the World Who's Who of Women, Sister Margherita Marchione's associations, accomplishments, awards and honors are too numerous to mention. However, I do want to personally congratulate Sister Margherita on receiving the Religious Teachers Filippini Humanitarian Award and have this House join me in honoring her collective work on behalf of promoting greater understanding among the human race.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to my constituent and friend Mary Chalfant. Mary recently retired after 21 years of dedicated service to preserving the heritage of one of our Nation's most historically important counties, through her work on the Morris County Heritage Commission. Mary first became involved with the Morris County Heritage Commission when she became interested in one of the county's many Revolutionary War Era historical sites, the Lewis Condict House--home to the Women's Club of Morristown. She quickly became indispensable, serving as executive secretary of the commission. As current Heritage Commission Chairperson Nancy Knapp noted, ``They don't make them like Mary any more.'' ``She has been the heart and soul of the commission'', added Frances Pingeon, a former chairperson of the commission. Mary's total dedication and deft communications skills made her an irreplaceable asset. Throughout her years of service, Mary was instrumental in the Heritage Commission's most important projects. These include the commission's historic marker program, the wonderful tour brochures of Morris County municipalities, the 39 volume ``Morris County Historic Sites Survey,'' and the ``Highlights of History: 300 Years in Morris County'' slide show, not to mention the many other brochures and annual publications on Morris County's rich history and fascinating historical sites. A resident of Morristown since 1950, Mary Chalfant has devoted her efforts to other organizations as well, including Morristown Memorial Hospital, the Morris County bicentennial committee, and the Morris County Historical Society. Mary remains involved in the Woman's Club of Morristown and Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, also in Morristown. Anyone who has worked alongside Mary knows how her enthusiasm and warmth have touched thousands of people in Morris County and New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Mary Chalfant for all her efforts with the commission and so many other organizations. She is a tireless worker, dedicated, compassionate and so very loyal to all she serves. I wish Mary all the best in her retirement from the Heritage Commission knowing that her work there with so many commissioners has assured that Morris County's rich heritage will be better preserved.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Istook amendment and in support of the Castle-Porter amendment. We all want parental involvement in the critical issues of family planning, but I fear that enactment of a policy requiring parental notification or consent for some title X services may well just have the opposite effect. Confidential access to reliable and timely information regarding family planning and other primary care services is crucial for young people. Studies indicate that requiring parental notification for young people receiving family planning services would mean that many teens would delay or avoid altogether perhaps seeking these services and would be derived of a reliable source of information. I fear by requiring parental notification, Congress may unintentionally increase the number of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and AIDS cases. Mr. Chairman, leading medical groups with the best credentials, including the American College of OB-GYN's, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians oppose mandatory family notification, and all for good reasons. Whatever a family's economic or social background, many teenagers are unable to speak to their parents about these issues. What we all want is for our children to make smart and informed decisions and involve us as parents in every stage of their physical and intellectual growth. However, if they do not, and some may not, I think that we would all agree that we want them to have access to means that would protect their health and their futures and provide them with reliable information. I urge my colleagues, Mr. Chairman, to adopt the language of the Committee on Labor, Health and Human Services, as included in the bill, and most specifically support the Castle-Porter amendment.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I would speak very briefly against the Burton amendment. Mr. Chairman, as a member of the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs of the Committee on Appropriations, I rise to support the chairman's position and oppose the Burton amendment. My position, I think, is that of the majority of those of us in Congress, that we support democracy in India. While at times it may be imperfect, it still needs our support. There are a number of good reasons to oppose the Burton amendment, and many of those have been stated very eloquently today and yesterday. The bottom line for me is that India is one of the few true democracies in the developing world. Last year, as it has been said, India held the largest election in the history of the world. The conduct of that election was universally regarded as free and fair, and described by the New York Times as epic and extraordinary by the Washington Times. As India celebrates 50 years of independence and democracy, the United States should today, through its congressional representatives, be sending a message of encouragement, not hostility. It is a pleasure to support the chairman's position and to oppose the Burton amendment.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to pay tribute to Brig. Gen. James W. Boddie who is retiring after 30 years of honorable and decorated service in the U.S. Army. On September 4, General Boddie will be stepping down as commander of the Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering and Center [ARDEC] at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, NJ, after a distinguished 3-year tenure. Born in Augusta, GA, on July 6, 1945, General Boddie attended the University of Georgia and in 1967 graduated with a bachelor of science degree in forestry. Following graduation, he was commissioned a second lieutenant through the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps. For his service overseas in combat in Vietnam and with the 7th Army in Germany, Boddie was awarded the Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal (with ``V'' device, two Oak Leaf Clusters), Meritorious Service Medal, four Air Medals, and the Army Commendation Medal (with one Oak Leaf Cluster). General James Boddie developed his expertise in ordnance and munitions, in great part, through his years of service in various positions with the 59th Ordnance Brigade of the U.S. 7th Army in Europe. Subsequently, he served as the Commandant of the U.S. Army Ordnance Missile and Munitions Center and School. Before assuming his final post commanding ARDEC, General Boddie was Deputy Commanding General for Procurement and Readiness, U.S. Army Armament Munitions and Chemical Command at Rock Island in Illinois. During his service at Picatinny Arsenal, General Boddie distinguished himself as perhaps the most accomplished commander in ARDEC's history. As commander, he was responsible for managing 4,000 employees and more than 1,000 projects that constitute 90 percent of the Army's lethal power. Although he served during a period of defense downsizing, shrinking Army budgets and base closures, General Boddie and the employees at Picatinny Arsenal were recognized by the Pentagon and the Vice President of the United States as the premier military base in the Nation when in 1996 ARDEC received the quality ``Triple Crown.'' This unprecedented honor consisted of three highly prestigious awards for achievement, including the Research and Development Organization of the Year Award, the Army Communities of Excellence Award--for the best Army installation in the world--and the most acclaimed Presidential Award for Quality, the equivalent of the Malcolm Baldrige Award, which was presented to General Boddie by Vice President Al Gore. The Triple Crown only acknowledged what I have known for years, that the people of Picatinny Arsenal are recognized the world over as the experts in munitions technology. Mr. Speaker, I want to again commend General James W. Boddie for his dedicated service to the American people in the U.S. Army. He leaves his post and the institution that became his life with my complete confidence in his abilities. General Boddie's guiding hand at Picatinny will surely be missed. I wish him and his wife, Shirl, all the best in the years to come.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer legislation that would temporarily suspend, through the year 2000, the rate of duty applicable to imports into the United States of ferroboron. Ferroboron is the key raw material in amorphous metal electrical power distribution transformer cores. Transformers using these cores reduce energy losses and greenhouse gas emissions associated with these losses by 60 to 80 percent when compared to the other transformer core technologies. This is positive both in terms of increasing energy conservation and decreasing environmental degradation in the developing nations that present the most promising market opportunities. While such benefits are tangible and significant, they and the extensive research and development that has yielded them come at a cost. An amorphous metal transformer has an initial cost 20 to 30- percent higher than the energy-wasting and environmentally unfriendly transformers it seeks to replace. Fortunately, because of its many benefits, the total owning cost of an amorphous metal transformer--over its 20 to 30 year life--is far lower than the initially cheaper competition. Reducing the cost of the end product's most important and costly raw material, by suspending the import duty paid on it, would further help ensure the cost-competitiveness of the end product in the export markets so vital to the product and the American workers behind it. Furthermore, because there is no substitute domestic product currently benefiting from the present 5 percent duty rate on ferroboron, no adverse impact on the domestic ferroalloy industry is anticipated. I therefore urge my colleagues to support expeditious passage of this bill.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this bill. First, I want to thank our chairman, the gentleman from Alabama [Mr. Callahan], and our ranking member, the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Pelosi], for their leadership of our subcommittee and our excellent staffs. As the chairman has stated, the subcommittee has again done more with less, as have the agencies that carry out U.S. foreign policy objectives. For less than $12.3 billion, slightly less than last year's bill, we continue to provide the essential tools to promote and protect America's leadership and interests around the globe. With this bill we maintain our strong commitment to Israel and the Middle East peace process. We provide critical funding for child survival programs, and we continue America's longstanding support of development assistance for the poorest of the poor. We provide support for the new democracies of Eastern Europe and place increased emphasis on important priorities in our own hemisphere. Further, we have provided resources to help American companies enter new markets, to provide global environmental resources, and to combat the threat of international narcotics and terrorism from reaching our shores. And these investments are made for less than 1 percent of the overall budget and within the framework of our balanced budget plan. Despite this, most Americans remain skeptical about foreign aid. They either believe that we spend far more on it than we do in reality or they simply are not convinced of its value. I believe that it is imperative that we explain to the taxpayers the return on our investment in these programs. Earlier this year I invited AID Administrator Atwood to my district to explain to my constituents the value of our investment in AID programs. He showed how a small New Jersey company in Morris Plains, with the help of AID, developed a product to keep polio vaccines safe for use around the world. Success stories like that are a direct result of our foreign aid programs. This new product is helping our efforts to eradicate polio throughout the world and has created economic growth and opportunity in New Jersey. Again, the amount for all these programs, from building democracy and feeding hungry children to fighting the war against drugs and opening new markets for America's goods and services, equals less than 1 percent of the budget. Lastly and most importantly, Mr. Chairman, I believe now is an especially critical time for the President, President Clinton, to exercise his leadership in making a stronger case for this investment to the American people. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and reject proposals for further reductions.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, today, I rise in support of the Miller-Schumer amendment to the fiscal year 1998 agriculture appropriations bill which would prohibit the U.S. Department of Agriculture from spending Federal funds to implement the nonrecourse loan program for sugar producers. This amendment takes another step forward in our continued efforts to phase out the Federal Government's out-dated sugar price subsidy. The USDA's complex program of loan subsidies, price supports, and good old- fashioned protectionism benefits only a handful of farmers at the expense of American consumers. I think the American people would be appalled to learn that more than 30 farmers and corporations receive in excess of $1 million annually in USDA sugar subsidies. Meanwhile, consumers pay $1.4 billion a year in higher prices on sugar products and hundreds of consumer items that use sugar. Last year, Congress passed landmark agriculture legislation, known as the FAIR Act, which opened up most American farmers to the free market and new agricultural opportunities. There is no reason why these same free market principles should not apply to sugar farmers. If passed, this amendment would also have the benefit of opening up new opportunities to sugar farmers while still providing them refuge from foreign dumping and unfair trade barriers in markets overseas. Mr. Chairman, I want to commend Mr. Miller and Mr. Schumer for their collaborative work on this issue and I urge all my colleagues to support their amendment.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support the Neumann/ Kanjorski amendment to establish a maximum market price for peanut sales of $550 per ton. Mr. Chairman, this amendment attempts to keep our promise to the American people to reform the peanut program, one of a number of inappropriate and outdated subsidies. While last year's Farm Act, better known as the ``Fair 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's dollars. The sole beneficial peanut provision for consumers in the farm bill-- the 10 percent price reduction, sold to Congress as reform, has been severely undercut by the Department of Agriculture's deliberate reduction in the national marketing quota for peanuts. As implemented, the peanut program completely ignores the needs of consumers for more reasonable peanut prices. Under the current system it is up to the USDA to project what the domestic consumption of peanuts will be and set a marketing quota. In the past the USDA has under estimated the quota creating an artificial shortage of peanuts and thus raising the price. By creating an artificial shortage, USDA has effectively denied the promised reduction in the price of peanuts under the reform provision contained in the farm bill. This amendment 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. I urge all my colleagues to support this important amendment.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment to eliminate the Federal subsidy for tobacco crop insurance. This amendment is consistent with Congress' effort to control Federal spending and target our dollars only to the most necessary and appropriate programs. In 1996, Federal taxpayers paid around $80 million in net tobacco crop insurance costs. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that adoption of this amendment will save $34 million in the coming fiscal year. Beyond that, eliminating this subsidy will go a long way toward lowering tobacco use and reducing the severe public health risks associated with its use. Personally, I would prefer to see this $34 million applied to cancer research, or research into other diseases afflicting millions of Americans in this country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarettes kill more Americans each year than AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, murders, suicides, drugs and fires combined. With the growing number of individuals suffering from health problems that are related to smoking, second-hand smoke, and tobacco use, it is in the public interest for Congress to remove taxpayer support for this type of crop which harms, and often kills its users.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, on July 21, 1997, I hosted an event in my district, the details of which I would like to share with you and my colleagues. The event, a Baby Safety Shower, was developed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to help good parents become even better parents, and good grandparents become even better grandparents. I was certainly pleased to have Ann Brown, Chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission [CPSC], as my guest at Morristown Memorial Hospital to share some of her extensive knowledge of consumer product safety issues with new and expectant mothers, grandparents, pediatricians, and child care providers in New Jersey. I can tell you that when I learned about the CPSC's Baby Safety Shower program, I decided immediately that it was something that I would like to share with my constituents. As I well know, as a parent myself, babies do not come with instruction manuals and even the best new parents need to learn how to take care of their babies. We know how much new parents want this kind of information, and CPSC has already given out over a quarter million baby safety checklists, containing safety tips that can save a baby's life, to parents around the country. Most people don't know that many of the everyday items in their homes can be hazardous to a baby, nor do they realize the extent of harm that these hidden hazards can cause. Ann Brown shared several of the most common items with us in her presentation. For example, many individuals would never think that an old crib with sentimental value could be deadly for a new baby. To the contrary, old and previously used cribs are involved in the deaths of about 50 infants each year. To prevent these unnecessary deaths, CPSC has an abundance of information that can be used to identify these hazards. The event was cosponsored by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Dr. Leah Ziskin, Deputy Commissioner of Child Health, served as my cohost and offered her expertise on child health issues. The Department of Health and Senior Services offered new mothers important information on lead poisoning prevention. I chose to host the event at Morristown Memorial Hospital to add a health emphasis on the day as well. The 11th District has a wealth of talented pediatricians and Morristown Memorial Hospital has one of the finest pediatrics and maternal health programs in the area. I want to thank Morristown Memorial and their staff for all of their assistance in planning the event and making the day run smoothly, including Dick Oths, Jeanne McMahon, Carol Paul, Dr. Kathleen Baker, Dr. Abraham Risk, Alan Robinson, Marcus DePontes, and Vicki Allen. I would like to also thank the hospital for their excellent and informative presentations on the ``TraumaRoo'' program, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, the Women, Infants, and Children [WIC] nutrition program, and Childhood Immunizations. The new or expectant mothers that I spoke with at the event were thrilled with all of the information that was made available through these displays. Further, the 11th District has a wealth of companies that manufacture important products to keep infants and children healthy. I would like to thank Johnson and Johnson, founding sponsor of the New Jersey State Safety Council and the New Jersey State Safe Kids Campaign, American Home Products, the Warner Lambert Co., and Discovery Toys for their generous contributions of products and information that they made available to all the attendees. Finally, I consider myself and the 11th District privileged to work with Kathy Ross, executive director of Child and Family Resources, who was also a great help in coordinating the event, sharing information on the ``Rethinking the Brain'' campaign, and reaching out to parents and child care providers alike. I am hopeful that the information that was made available at the Baby Safety Shower will prevent accidents and harm to infants and children in my State. I am also optimistic that the day's events will be replicated by some of the individuals in attendance so that these important points will reach even more new parents and grandparents in our area and around the country.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2703 making appropriations for energy and water development for fiscal year 1998. I would first like to thank Chairman McDade and ranking member Vic Fazio for their leadership in bringing this bill to the floor today. I would also like to thank the hard-working subcommittee staff, for without them our jobs would be tremendously more difficult. I truly appreciate their knowledge and professionalism. The bill before the House today stresses national priorities while keeping our commitment to downsize the Federal Government, maintain funding for critical flood safety projects, coastal protection, and dredging harbors and waterways throughout our Nation. We have made some tough choices about where to reduce spending and have written a bill which is $573 million less than last year. As a member of the subcommittee, I am very pleased with two recommendations that were included in this year's bill. First, the bill has again flatly rejected the President's proposal to end coastal protection and second the bill terminates funding for the Tennessee Valley Authority's [TVA] nonpower program. Coastal protection projects are very important to local economies all over the United States and especially New Jersey. The President's policy was shortsighted and would have resulted in hurting many communities that rely on promises the Federal Government has made to provide flood protection. And more often than not, they are projects that have been undertaken in partnerships with local and State governments. I am hopeful that the administration will abandon future efforts such as these and concentrate on providing protection to our coastal communities. This bill also terminates the direct Federal subsidy for the TVA, which began in 1933. Perhaps the best reason for terminating the TVA can be found in the committee's report. Let me quote: In a concession that its Depression-era missions have been largely achieved, TVA has proposed termination of its non- power programs after Fiscal Year 1998. Enthused by the Administration's proposal to discontinue direct appropriations, the Committee has decided to accelerate its implementation. Last year the TVA made over $5.7 billion in electric power sales and set an all time record for revenue. Given this fact, surely the time has come to move the TVA away from direct Federal subsidization and encourage it to continue only those programs which are necessary to meet its power production needs. I encourage all my colleagues to support this recommendation and turn out the lights of direct subsidization at the TVA. In addition to these two important recommendations, this bill provides $225 million for magnetic fusion energy research. While this number is slightly reduced from last year's level, I am hopeful that as the bill moves through the legislative process the committee will be able to increase the number so that fusion can continue to make its remarkable achievements in plasma science research. Mr. Chairman, this bill represents real progress toward setting national priorities. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise in support of the bill. Mr. Chairman, I would first like to thank the gentleman from California [Mr. Lewis], the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Stokes]) and the subcommittee staff for their guidance throughout the year. This bill contains 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. Nearly half of this bill's funding of $40.4 billion 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 full funding for the VA health care system. In addition to veterans funding, H.R. 2158 provides funding for the section 811 program, housing for people with disabilities at $194 million, $20 million more than the President requested, and for the section 202 program, housing for older Americans, the number is $645 million, $300 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 both of them. This bill also continues a set-aside program that the committee started last year to meet housing needs for people with disabilities. The committee has again included, and I commend the gentleman from California [Mr. Lewis] in particular, $50 million for tenant based rental assistance to ensure decent, safe and affordable housing in communities for low income people with disabilities. Finally, this bill includes more funding for Superfund cleanups. Specifically, $1.5 billion is included for the program, $106 million more than last year's funding. Mr. Chairman, there is a desperate need for Superfund reform and change. First, the program needs to be reauthorized. Secondly, it needs to promote actual cleanups based on sound science, not the rhetoric of political science. Polluters need to pay and steps need to be taken to ensure that public or private funds are used for environmental cleanup, not to sustain endless litigation. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to be a member of this committee and I support the bill. This bill contains 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 bill provides over $91 billion for the Departments of Veteran Affairs, Housing and Urban Development and 17 independent agencies and offices. Nearly half of the bill's funding $40.4 billion, 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 full funding for the VA Health Care System. However, I remain concerned over the way the VA has chosen to implement the Veterans Integrated Network System [VISN]. My concern lies with the fact that veterans' health care funding has increased each year for the last 2 years by some $400 million yet some area networks are not seeing any increases and in fact are receiving cuts in funding and services. In testimony before our subcommittee this year VA Secretary Jesse Brown told the subcommittee that no services will be reduced under the VISN proposal. In spite of this promise, the VA continues to reduce the number of veteran services to VA hospitals in New Jersey and veterans are beginning to believe that the Secretary's promise is meaningless. During subcommittee markup I offered report language, accepted by the subcommittee, which would delay by 4 months the cuts to specific veterans' networks until the General Accounting Office has reviewed the new system. This review would determine if funding is being equitably distributed and if services to our veterans are adequate. I believe that this provision is a fair way of assessing the new VA plans to distribute these important health care funds. In addition to veterans funding, H.R. 2158 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 $645 million, $300 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. This bill also continues a set-aside program that the committee started last year to meet housing needs for people with disabilities. The committee has again included $50 million for tenant-based rental assistance to ensure decent, safe, and affordable housing in communities for low income people with disabilities. Finally, this bill includes more funding for Superfund clean-ups. Specifically, $1.5 billion is included for the program, $106 million more than last year's funding. There is a desperate need for Superfund reform and change. First, the program needs to be re-authorized and second 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 be taken to assure that public or private funds are used for environmental clean-up, not to sustain endless litigation. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to be a member of this committee and I support this bill.