Rodney Frelinghuysen

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to The Bernardsville News, an institution that has brightened the lives and expanded the horizons of north central New Jerseyans for the past century. This Saturday, June 28, 1997, The Bernardsville News and those that print it will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Mr. Speaker, I am honored and proud to be included in this wonderful celebration. In the era of media moguls and mega mergers, where corporate behemoths like Disney and Ted Turner battle over billions, it seems nothing is consistent anymore. That is precisely what makes this hallmark so significant. For 100 years, the journalists and editors at The Bernardsville News have recorded the current events of New Jersey-- the people, the places, and the effects they've had on our lives and communities. The newspaper has been a mainstay of the community since its debut as The Bernardsville Beacon in February, 1897, followed by its second issue on March 6, 1897, when it appeared as The Bernardsville News. The News has been guided by a series of five publishing families, starting with a local Presbyterian minister and his son in 1897, who founded the newspaper before selling it in 1902 to the H.C. Rowell family who in turn sold it to Levi and Helena Trumbull in 1907. Levi Trumbull, 74 at the time of his purchase of the paper, ran the newspaper until poor health forced him into an ill-fated sale of the paper in 1915 to its competitors, The Bernardsville Recorder newspaper whose owners ran the paper for about 7 months, accumulated massive debts and disappeared. That merger created the Recorder Publishing Co., however, which is the corporate name of the newspaper's publishing company today. The Trumbull family reclaimed the newspaper in February 1916 and their son Carl Trumbull ran the newspaper until 1955 when his family sold to Charles McDermott. McDermott added a second newspaper, The Mendham-Chester Tribune, and sold both newspapers to The Bernardsville News' current owners, Cortlandt and Nancy Parker, in 1957. The Parker family is celebrating its 40th anniversary of ownership this year and has expanded the newspaper group from two community newspapers to 14 weekly newspapers, including two newspapers serving large condominium complexes in the area, with paid combined circulation of about 50,000 households in northern Somerset County, Morris County and northern Hunterdon County in central New Jersey. The Parkers' four children follow the Parker tradition by maintaining an active involvement in producing these newspapers. This tradition of service has brought us a vivid chronicle of history and a record of events both current and past, and it has helped preserve many public and private institutions in New Jersey. For this we can only say thank you. Readership is testament to initial quality of product. But longevity is testament to the commitment and dedication of professionals who have succeeded in keeping The Bernardsville News on every coffee table and front porch in Far Hills, Peapack-Gladstone, Bedminster Township and Bernards Township for the past 100 years. Mr. Speaker, if the current quality of The Bernardsville News is any indication, I have every confidence that a similar group of grateful New Jerseyans will gather in 2097 for the 200th Anniversary Celebration of The Bernardsville News.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2015, the Fiscal Year 1998 Balanced Budget Act. My priority as a Member of Congress has been to work toward implementation of a balanced Federal budget. Over the course of the past 3 years, the Republican Congress has reduced the deficit and cut Government spending by $43 billion. We have also raised the level of debate on this issue to the point that we are at today. It took Republican leadership to get it to this point in history as we are about to vote on a proposal to balance the Federal budget by 2002--the first balanced Federal budget since 1969. I am pleased to stand in support of taking the next step forward towards securing a better future for our children and for our country. This budget sets reasonable priorities for Federal Government spending. And, later this week, we will vote on another proposal to return money to the pockets of hard-working American citizens. This agreement balances our country's economic needs with our commitment to our veterans, seniors, students, and hard-working taxpayers, and allows generous spending on programs that are important to them. The package also contains important reforms to the Medicare program, that serves so many older Americans in my District and millions of Americans across the country. Under this agreement, the Medicare part A trust fund will be preserved and protected for at least 10 years. We make these reforms while increasing spending on the program each year. Seniors will be given greater choices in their health care coverage. For the first time, beneficiaries will have the option of enrolling in medical savings accounts. The range of preventive benefits will be expanded to include mammography, diabetes, and prostate and colorectal cancer screenings. The budget reconciliation package makes other important changes to the delivery of health care. States will be provided with greater flexibility to manage the Medicaid Program and in turn, Federal outlays on Medicaid will be reduced by approximately $11.4 billion over the next 5 years. At the same time, States will share a $16 billion block grant to provide health insurance for currently uninsured children from low-income families. H.R. 2015 also makes reasonable changes to existing welfare and immigration laws that were enacted in the 104th Congress. It maintains the core reforms to welfare, SSI, and food stamps, yet restores benefits to a vulnerable group of legal immigrants, the aged and disabled, who were receiving SSI at the time the laws were signed. As more and more Americans enroll in managed care, it is critical to address some concerns that have been raised about the management of these programs. H.R. 2015 includes a number of important consumer protections for Medicare and Medicaid recipients enrolled in managed care. Included are proposals to prohibit a managed care plan from preventing a physician from advising a patient, and requires that the length of a Medicaid recipients hospital stay be determined by the patient and doctor, instead of a health management organization. For these, and many other reasons, I am pleased to support this budget that makes commonsense spending decisions, sets priorities, continues adequate levels of spending on important Federal programs to protect our health, safety, seniors, families, and children. This budget resolution is true to our commitment to balance the Federal budget and live within our means. It assures fiscal discipline and it takes power out of Washington and returns it to New Jersey and our neighborhoods.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I want to take this opportunity to commend Chairman Spence and the other members of the National Security Committee for their efforts in drafting a defense bill that funds our national security priorities with limited resources. It is a balancing act that has become even more difficult as a result of the present administration that asks our men and women in uniform to do more around the world while subsequently giving them less resources. In fact, today, our troops are stationed in nearly 100 nations and the world, more than ever before. Yet, we are spending three time less on defense as a percentage of our national economy than when John F. Kennedy was President in 1963. The defense bill Chairman Spence has crafted uses the resources available to focus on improving the quality of life for our troops and their families. The bill improves force readiness and modernizes aging equipment. Furthermore, Chairman Weldon and the members of the Research and Development Subcommittee have provided resources to continue the invaluable research and development efforts for the weapons systems that give our troops an overwhelming edge on the battlefield. We should never put our service men and women in harm's way with anything less than overpowering force and the most advanced technology available. I would be remiss, however, if I did not add that I remain concerned about the effect declining defense budgets are having on our ability to recruit and retain new engineers and scientists who design, maintain, and upgrade our weapon's systems. Picatinny Arsenal, located in my congressional district, is home to many of our Nation's best and brightest weapons engineers. The men and women of Picatinny Arsenal design warheads for the Patriot missile, the 155mm howitzer for the Army's revolutionary Crusader artillery system and improvements to the gun turret of the Comanche helicopter, as well as developing the weapons of the future for our troops on the frontlines. If the knowledge that exists at Pacatinny and similar facilities within the Department of Defense is not passed on to new engineers and scientists, it will be lost forever. This knowledge cannot be replicated or replaced. We can only retain it and maintain it by continuing to recruit bright young men and women and by giving them the resources to continue their critical work. Again, I want to commend Chairman Spence and the other members of the House National Security Committee for their work on this bill.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of MFN for China. I rise in support of the common sense proposition that we continue to normalize trade relations with the People's Republic of China. We live in a global economy and it simply makes no sense to turn our back on a nation of 1 billion people. It is in our national security interests as well as our economic interest that we have normal relations. We are all concerned about human rights and individual freedom, but the best way to promote those causes is to be present in China with our values and our products. In my district alone, I have heard from large and small companies whose future for products and jobs largely depends on new markets. I can think of no more important export to China than each and every example of the American success story. Mr. Speaker, I agree with the statements of the President in his letter to Congress of June 11, 1997: Our engagement with China does not mean that we endorse all of its policies. Where China has acted contrary to our interests and the standards of international behavior, we have made clear our differences. We successfully pressed China to end its assistance to unsafeguarded nuclear facilities in third countries. We insisted that it take strong steps to protect the intellectual property rights of American videotape and compact disc makers from piracy. When China carried out provocative military exercises in the Strait of Taiwan, we sent our aircraft carriers to the region as a reminder of our commitment to stability and a peaceful resolution to the Taiwan issue. And repeatedly, we have stood up for human rights in China--at the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva; through the State Department's unvarnished annual human rights reports; in our meetings with China's leaders. We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal--cooperation, diplomacy, targeted sanctions, when appropriate--to narrow our differences. Ending normal trade treatment for China would end our strategic dialogue--blocking cooperation on issues important to America's interests and destroying our ability to promote China's fuller observation of international norms. Rather than advancing human rights, revocation would cut off our contact with the Chinese people. It would eliminate, not facilitate, further cooperation on preventing weapons proliferation, promoting stability on the Korean peninsula, and combating transnational threats to both our countries. It would close one of the world's emerging markets to our exports and endanger an estimated 170,000 American jobs. It would make China more isolated and less likely to play by the rules of international conduct. Most of the opponents of normal trade treatment for China seek goals that I share--respect for human rights and religious freedom in China; fair and open trade; responsible policies on weapons proliferation. But I am convinced the path they have chosen to advance those goals is the wrong path. Further change in China is necessary and inevitable, but it will not come overnight. It most assuredly will not come if we isolate ourselves and cut off our relationship with one quarter of the world's population. I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution and support MFN for China.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of MFN for China. I rise in support of the common sense proposition that we continue to normalize trade relations with the People's Republic of China. We live in a global economy and it simply makes no sense to turn our back on a nation of a billion people. It is in our own national security interest as well as our economic interest that we have normal relations. We are all concerned about human rights and individual freedom, but the best way to promote those causes is to be present in China with our values and our products. In my district alone I have heard from large and small companies whose futures for products and jobs largely depend on new markets. Mr. Speaker, I can think of no more important export to China than each and every example of the American success story. I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution and to support MFN for China.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for including my amendment as part of his en bloc amendment. Mr. Chairman, my amendment closes an unintended loophole in the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 big enough to sail an oil tanker through. After the Valdez oil spill, Congress passed comprehensive oil spill legislation requiring that single-hull tankers, based on their age and tonnage, be phased out of operation in U.S. waters. That law required the construction of new environmentally safe double-hulled tankers. Since enactment of the double-hull requirement, some ship owners and operators have searched for ways to get around this existing requirement. One method being used to extend the life of a single-hull tanker is to adjust the vessel's gross tonnage allowing it to fall under a lower size category and be able to operate past its scheduled phase-out date. For example, some vessel owners have had their vessels remeasured to exclude certain spaces originally included in the vessels existing measurement--such as water ballast tanks, certain machinery spaces, and spacing between frames of the hull. Once a vessel is measured by a classification society, that measurement is submitted to the Department of Transportation for a new tonnage certificate. My amendment requires that an existing tank vessel's gross tonnage is that listed on its tonnage certificate as of July 1, 1997, for purposes of the double-hull phase-out date. This amendment would uphold the integrity of the double-hull law, protect our environment, and ensure that those owners who have complied with the law by building doubled- hulled tankers are not placed at a competitive disadvantage. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the chairman's and ranking member's amendment which incorporates many of the provisions of the Defense Reform Act, including a provision that will give the Navy the authority to enter into long-term charters for the construction of combat logistics force, strategic sealift, and special mission auxiliary ships. The Navy currently has 21 replenishment ships that average over 30 years of age. They are at the end of their useful lives and must be replaced. Continued operation of these old ships have resulted in increased operating costs, decreased operating tempos, and additional maintenance and repair expenses. Through long-term charters, the Navy can afford to begin the replacement of these ships. Construction of Navy auxiliary ships in the United States will create thousands of shipyard jobs and help to sustain the Navy's core shipbuilding industrial base. This acquisition approach will also maximize the role of the private sector in providing the most cost-effective means of meeting the Department of Defense auxiliary fleet requirements. Again, I thank the gentleman for the opportunity to speak on behalf of his amendment.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, this Saturday, June 14, America will celebrate Flag Day. Millions of American men and women all across the country retrieved their Star Spangled Banner from the basement or attic and proudly displayed it to honor the day. For many families, the flag itself is a tradition. Perhaps it was granddad's flag, or a gift from a son or daughter serving in the military. Perhaps it even draped the coffin of a sister or brother who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the United States. Whatever the case--the American flag means something special and personal to each and every one of us. It represents our freedom, our dreams, our liberty, and our common bond. It is the emblem of unity to which every fourth-grader has pledged their allegiance at one time or another. In the House of Representatives, we begin every day with that same pledge. We pledge allegiance to the flag because of ``the Republic for which it stands.'' As a veteran, I believe that our flag is our Nation's most enduring symbol. It is unfortunate and saddening that some disagree. They use the flag to express an opinion or to make some kind of statement. I think this is complete idiocy. Burning our flag is simply wrong and should be outlawed. As an original cosponsor of a constitutional amendment to ban flag desecration, I am working with almost 300 of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to protect the flag and what it stands for. We are making significant progress; 49 States have already passed resolutions requesting that Congress ban flag desecration. We hold high respect for the flag not because of what it is but because of what it stands for. We have rules which define the proper way to display, store, and maintain our flag. These rules were established for a reason. They were established so that we would not grow complacent about our flag and hence our unity and freedom. They protect our flag so that we remember the high price we paid for our freedom and personal liberties. Our flag reminds us that we are one Nation, one People--regardless of our diverse backgrounds, religious, or ethnic heritage. Our flag reminds us of who we are as Americans, and deserves the utmost honor, esteem and protection.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Sister Jacqueline Burns, S.C., upon her retirement as president of New Jersey's oldest Catholic college for women, the College of St. Elizabeth at Convent Station, Morris Township. During her tenure, Sister Jacqueline has expanded the college's mission while retaining its focus on offering quality educational opportunities to young women in a Catholic environment. Sister Jacqueline has been successful in launching Saint Elizabeth's into the 21st century while retaining the values that have made the college a treasured institution since 1903. A New Jersey native, Sister Jacqueline has devoted more than 50 years to Catholic higher education. In 1946, she became a member of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth and earned a bachelor's degree in history from the college in 1957. She continued her education at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, earning a master of arts in 1963 and a doctorate in history in 1967. Upon returning to New Jersey, Sister Jacqueline began a 30-year career at her alma mater culminating with her appointment as president of the College of St. Elizabeth in 1981. Sister Jacqueline Burns recognized early in her tenure the educational challenges presented by today's rapidly changing workplace and the promise the next century will offer to future alumni of St. Elizabeth's. In order to prepare for this challenge, Sister Jacqueline enlarged the college's endowment by more than 1000 percent, increased financial aid opportunities, opened the college to more minority and international students, worked to improve opportunities for faculty growth and leadership, and expanded coeducational programs in nursing and adult education. Additionally, St. Elizabeth's now boasts a coeducational graduate division and a campuswide computer information network. Beyond her work at St. Elizabeth's, Sister Jacqueline has been a leader and an excellent spokesperson on educational issues through her membership on the board of directors of organizations such as the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. In the past, Sister Jacqueline has also served on the boards of two area hospitals and a seminary, and she currently serves on the Presidential Advisory Council for Intercampus Telecommunications Network, the New Jersey Independent College Fund, and the board of directors of the Public Leadership Educational Network. Throughout the years, she has been recognized as a leader by Seton Hall University, Douglas College, the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs, the Northeast Coalition of Educational Leaders, and various local women's clubs. However, even as she moves on to other challenges for the Sisters of Charity, Sister Jacqueline will be remembered, above all, by the 30 graduating classes of students that have passed through the College of St. Elizabeth during her time as a professor and as president of the institution. All of these women graduates take with them an element of Sister Jacqueline's thirst for knowledge, her desire to create a culture of giving and her hope for the future. Mr. Speaker, again, I would like to commend Sister Jacqueline Burns for her tireless efforts on behalf of the students at the College of St. Elizabeth and for her selfless contributions to New Jersey and Morris County.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, on Memorial Day, we remember those who died for our country. There is something both haunting and mysterious about Memorial Day that makes it a special day every year. At the first commemoration of Memorial Day, May 30, 1868, Senator James Garfield delivered an oration at Arlington National Cemetery in which he said: ``I am oppressed with a sense of impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. If silence is ever golden, it must be here, beside the graves of 15 thousand men whose lives were more significant than a speech.'' Our forefathers chose this day wisely knowing that during this time of year, we say goodbye to the spring season, as we embrace summer: the warm weather, the green grass and leaves of the trees, the freshness of the air and abundance of flowers, the crack of bats, the inevitable fireflies, the conclusion of the school year and the commencement of so many young people into new phases of their lives. In fact, those high school seniors turning tassels best represent the youth of the heroes we remember today. When I reflect on wartime, the thing I most remember was that everyone who served with me was so incredibly young. Too often, we forget that wars are fought by the young--men and women in the prime of their lives--18-, 19-, 20-years- old. Our fallen heroes were young men and women just embarking on life's journey, with dreams of becoming doctors, lawyers, teachers, and owners of small businesses. They look risks. They played ball and danced until dawn. They were strong and seemingly immune to danger. But when their country called them, they went without question and without delay. And they soon discovered, like many before them and after, that there is nothing glorious about war. Nothing is glorious about leaving a husband or wife to answer the call to serve one's country. There is no glory in a young child crying out for their mother or father who is serving in a faraway land. And it is real pain and sorrow--not glory-- that parents feel when they say their final farewells to their children at military funerals. The glory of youth has been cut short by many wars. Cut short by wars fought in places we had never heard of and surely against people we had never met. And sometimes for reasons we did not fully understand. But we supported them then and remember them now. And we must not become complacent in remembering the great cause for which they fought. These true patriots were our country's best and brightest and they deserve much more than a single holiday in spring. There is glory in remembering their service, but it is their disappearance through death that forever changes our own lives and those that loved them. For families of those who've fallen, it may be an empty room at home, a faded family portrait, grandchildren never coming to visit, or a vacation never shared. And so as we remember these blessed names on our memorials, admire the presentation of colors, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, sing our national anthem, and pray together, let us listen deeply to the playing of Taps and remember those men and women who died in service to our country. At the end of World War I, John McCrae wrote a now-famous poem called In Flanders Field that manifests the challenge we have before us as we remember those who died for our freedom. In Flanders Field the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; And in the sky, The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders Field Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Field. Let us all remember our brave warriors and hold their torch high. Thank you, God Bless You, and God Bless America.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, it is most appropriate that on the eve of his retirement that I rise in tribute to the chairman and chief executive officer of General Public Utilities, In., Mr. James R. Leva. Jim Leva is a true American success story and how he achieved that success defines what it is to be a good civic and corporate citizen-- hard work, determination, commitment to community, excellence in all efforts, and loyalty and love for family. A 1950 graduate of Boonton High School and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Mr. Leva joined Jersey Central in 1952 as a utility worker and progressed to first-class lineman in 1954. He worked for 4 years as night troubleman while attending Fairleigh Dickinson University as a full-time day student in electrical engineering. At the same time, he was beginning his life with his wife, Marie Marinaro of Morristown, and raising their five children. Mr. Leva graduated from the university magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering in 1960. The same year he advanced to cadet engineer in the utility's central division engineering department and was promoted to assistant engineer the following year. His rise continued--from personnel assistant in 1962, assistant manager-employee relations in 1963, manager-employee relations in 1968, vice president personnel, safety and services in 1969 and vice president consumer affairs in 1979. In 1980, Mr. Leva obtained his juris doctorate from Seton Hall Law School and was admitted to the New Jersey Bar the same year. In January 1992, he was elected president and chief executive officer of General Public Utilities Corp., the forerunner of GPU, Inc., and assumed the additional position of chairman in June 1992. He is also chairman of GPU Nuclear, Inc., and chairman and chief executive officer of all other major GPU companies. And, while all this hard work was accomplished, Jim Leva never forgot his commitment to the county and State in which he lived. Mr. Leva has been active in local public affairs for many years. He served as a member of the Morris Township Board of Education, the Morris Township Committee, and was the township's police commissioner. He also served two terms as mayor of Morris Township. Jim Leva has had an even broader sense of community than the county in which he lives. Among his other contributions, Mr. Leva is a director of the Utilities Mutual Insurance Co., New Jersey Utilities Association, Edison Electric Institute, and New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce. He was national chairman of the 1996 U.S. Savings Bond campaign, chairman of the board of trustees of St. Clares-Riverside Foundation, and chairman of the joint advisory board of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy of Rutgers University. He is also a member of the board of trustees of Fairliegh Dickinson University and the TriCounty Scholarship Fund and a member of the board of directors of Prosperity New Jersey, Inc. Mr. Speaker, this Friday, May 23, many people will gather to pay tribute to Jim Leva for his many achievements and leadership of GPU as well as his countless contributions to a better New Jersey. They will come from all walks of life--from the lineman to the government official, from business leaders to community volunteers to say thank you. We say thank you Jim for a job well done and thank you for serving as an example to us all. We are most grateful for your service and we wish you and your family many happy and well deserved years of retirement.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, New Jersey is moving forward again. As a former chairman of New Jersey's Assembly Appropriations Committee, I was one of those chiefly responsible for passing Gov. Christie Todd Whitman's economic plan in 1993. Let me tell my colleagues, we heard a lot of doomsday predictions back then. So I know that it is sometimes tough to be bold. But we passed tax cuts. We passed spending reductions and we passed a balanced budget. And New Jersey is stronger today because of those victories. We have seen more jobs, a growing economy, and a better quality of life in our State. Mr. Speaker, it is time to be bold for the American people. We can do that by passing our own balanced budget plan. Our historic agreement invests in education, the environment and protects important priorities like Social Security and Medicare. Better yet, it cuts taxes, creates jobs and will keep our economy growing for the future. But best of all, our budget builds a stronger America for our children by actually balancing the budget once and for all. Mr. Speaker, we owe it to our children to be bold once again.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the House of Representatives on considering H.R. 5, a bill to reauthorize and reform the Individuals With Disabilities Act [IDEA]. This bill renews and strengthens our promise to children with disabilities and their families that they will receive an education equal to that of their peers. While the original IDEA legislation was critical in opening up educational opportunities to disabled students and enhancing efforts to include them in classes with other students, this legislation continues the commitment of the previous Congress to address the issue of actually providing adequate resources to individual States in educating children with disabilities. Last year, the Appropriations Committee, of which I am a member, increased funding for IDEA by almost $800 million to $3.1 billion for fiscal year 1997, the most in IDEA's history. H.R. 5 authorizes a $1 billion increase for IDEA in fiscal year 1998 and, within 7 years, funding for the program increases to $11 billion. This bill, if enacted, will also improve the way States, schools, teachers, and parents work together to provide better education for children with disabilities. The new IDEA reform legislation will help children with disabilities by focusing on their education, instead of process and bureaucracy. It will also give parents increased participation and give teachers the tolls they need to teach all children. Moreover, this bipartisan legislation fulfills a proper Federal responsibility of protecting individual rights by insuring that children with disabilities have an equal opportunity to learn and succeed. Although there were a number of contentious issues involved while drafting H.R. 5, Chairman Goodling did a tremendous job of leading a bipartisan efforts in working with the many organizations representing the concerns of individuals with disabilities, their families and teachers, as well as school administrators and nurses. Today's vote in support of the IDEA reauthorization is a testament to the bipartisan and overwhelming support of this House to the needs of children with disabilities.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, today I rise in support of H.R. 2, particularly the manager's amendment. First, I would like to thank the gentleman from New York [Mr. Lazio], the chairman, for his hard work in addressing the housing needs for people all across the country and for his keen desire which we all share to empower people so that they live with dignity and true independence. I am particularly thankful that the chairman has included in his manager's amendment a technical change that I requested to address the housing needs of individuals with disabilities. Mr. Chairman, last year we worked together to ensure that $50 million was set aside for tenant-based rental assistance for nonelderly disabled families. This successful effort was possible because of our shared commitment to meet the housing needs of people with disabilities. However, in administrating this program, HUD adopted an overly restricted definition of federally funded assisted housing, which restricted access for the very people this setaside was intended for, individuals with disabilities. This manager's amendment, Mr. Chairman, the amendment of the gentleman from New York [Mr. Lazio], corrects the situation and I thank him for his assistance.

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 in raising young men and women. I rise today to congratulate and honor 48 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.'' They are honored at a reception and exhibit last Friday evening, and their works were exceptional. Mr. Speaker, I would like to list each of them, their high school, and their contest entries, for the official Record. Student, High School, and Name of Entry Leandro Flaherty, Bayley-Ellard--``to be advised''. Michelle Mechanic, Bayley-Ellard--``Pantheon With a Side of Rice''. Charlene Accinni, Boonton--``Untitled''. Stephanie Rartell, Boonton--``Untitled''. Kelly Ricciardi, Boonton--``Curiosity''. Larissa Schaffnit, Boonton--``Larissa''. Travis Lett, Chatham--``Troubled Town''. Jim Newton, Chatham--``Monkey in the Rain''. Melissa Quinn, Chatham--``Still Life of a Pitcher''. Kim Tucker, Chatham--``Glimpse Through the Window''. James Hughes, Kinnelon--``Co-op''. Alejandra Madriz, Kinnelon--``Creation''. Will Mowry, Kinnelon--``Untitled''. Kristen Pelio, Kinnelon--``Made for Mod''. Carlos Avilez, Lenape Valley Regional--``Faith''. Katherine Brueckner, Madison--``Nature's Quilt''. Steve Fleming, Madison--``Mountain Lodge''. Pamela Schwartz, Madison--``Dark Garden''. Sunnie Kim, Livingston--``Submerged''. Guilianna Ruiz, Livingston--``Lost''. Laura Cummings, Millburn--``Joe''. Michelle Jacobs, Millburn--``Sequence''. Yana Kimelblat, Millburn--``A Vision''. Natalie Tarashehanska, Millburn--``Untitled''. David Cheng, Montville--``Subway Riders''. Spencer Chi, Montville--``Dawn of Spring''. Chris Jonas, Montville--``Garden State Cowboy''. Jillian Lin, Montville--``Autumn Stone''. Susan Petrarca, Morris Hills--``Euphoria''. Leo Redmond, IV, Morris Hills--``Blue Still Life''. Alan Schenkler, Morris Hills--``Revelation''. Brian Watkins, Morris Hills--``Rocky River''. Patrick Leavy, Morristown--``Suburban Landscape''. Michael Castellana, Mount Olive--``Accidental Resemblance''. Kerrie Dempsey, Mount Olive--``Diaphanous''. Michale Montenat, Mount Olive--``Cold Light''. Nick Gonzalez, Pequannock--``The Scitzophraenic''. Erin Marsh, Pequannock--``Golden Reflections''. Courtney Rankin, Pequannock--``Still Life in Shadow''. Laura Sido, Pequannock--``Lobster Buoys''. Jennifer Carberry, Randolph--``Strike''. Hope Dector, Randolph--``Self-Portrait''. Mary Katherine Flaherty, Randolph--``The Tree''. Garrett Ricciardi, Randolph--``Untitled #1''. We had more students participate this year than any other, 48 in all. That is a tremendous response and we'd very much like to build on that for next year's competition. This year, Mr. Speaker, the winner of ``An Artistic Discovery'' was Mary Katherine Flaherty from Randolph High School for her work entitled, ``The Tree.'' Second place went to Patrick Leavy from Morristown High School for ``Suburban Landscape.'' And third place went to Travis Lett of Chatham High School for ``Troubled Town.'' Each year the winner of the competition will have an opportunity to travel to Washington, DC, to meet Congressional leaders and to mount his or her art work in a special corridor of the U.S. Capitol with winners from across the country. Every time a vote is called, I get a chance to walk through that corridor and am reminded of the vast talents of our young men and women. Of course, it's always difficult to select a winner, and this year was not different. The judges had an extremely hard time with the awards process, and as usual, 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, tomorrow marks the 82nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. As Armenians gather around the world to commemorate the anniversary of this event, it is important for all of us to remember the significance of this tragedy. For, it is only be remembering past horrors that we will not allow them to be repeated. As many of my colleagues know, 1.5 million Armenians were subjected to this century's first systematic extermination based on their ethnicity, something we know all to commonly now as genocide. Between 1915 and 1923, the Ottoman empire implemented a deliberate policy of deporting, torturing, starving and massacring Armenians throughout the lands under their rule. Many of the Armenian survivors and those deported emigrated to the United States. At that time, the United States condemned the brutal acts of the Ottoman Empire and even provided humanitarian assistance to survivors, in the largest relief effort ever organized by our country. Today, there are those that refuse to recognize the sins of the past--despite the overwhelming evidence of the Armenian Genocide. We must stare history in the face no matter how terrible. The cost of not being honest about the past threatens our future. That is why I urge the President, the Senate, and every Member of this body to send a unified message to the world that we do remember the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Let us not allow any nation to forget or disavow that this tragedy ever happened. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Armenian-Americans, who continue their vigilance on the issue of the Armenian Genocide and who continue to make invaluable contributions to our shared American culture. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the Republic of Armenia, a fledgling democracy of 3.3 million people, for working to enact economic and democratic reforms while developing important ties to the United States. We welcome Armenia into our growing assembly of free nations and look forward to working with the Armenian people to insure that they realize the fruits of liberty and democracy.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, joined by a bipartisan group of my colleagues, to introduce legislation critical to the State of New Jersey. This bill will authorize funding for a study focusing on the link between environmental factors and genetic susceptibilities toward breast cancer. The study will be conducted by the New Jersey University of the Health Sciences in consultation with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Breast cancer is an epidemic in our country. It is reported that every 3 minutes, a woman is diagnosed with the disease and every 11 minutes a woman dies from it. In this year alone, more than 44,000 women will from breast cancer--these women, who are our mothers, spouses, siblings, children, or friends. These numbers are especially alarming in the State of New Jersey, which has the second highest breast cancer mortality rate of any State in the country. The American Cancer Society estimates 6,400 new cases of breast cancer in New Jersey in 1997 and 1,800 estimated deaths. While we have made some strides in raising awareness about the need for early detection and some strides in research, we still do not have a cure nor do we know what causes the devastating disease. That is why I am introducing this legislation, to direct more funding to study the disease and potential causes of it. Because of its dense population, the State of New Jersey has many unique environmental concerns that may have some link to our high incidents of breast cancer. The State's University of Health Sciences is one of only seven joint centers in the United States that house a National Cancer Institute designated research center and a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences research center. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services also oversees a statewide cancer registry and is advanced in its cancer research programs. While this potential study is critical to women and families in New Jersey, the results of the study are equally important to the 1 in 8 women that will be diagnosed nationally with breast cancer each year, to their children and families. Consequently, I urge the support of my colleagues for swift passage of this bill.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and let me salute the gentleman from Florida, Chairman Mica, and the ranking member for their hard work and effort on this piece of legislation. As a veteran, I am proud to support the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act, which addresses some very serious concerns I have regarding personnel decisions being made at Federal facilities in my congressional district and around the Nation. Those men and women who have sacrificed years of their lives securing the blessings of liberty for all Americans deserve to be credited for that service in the Federal workplace. My chief concern is that veterans' preference is being circumvented by many Federal agencies while they are downsizing through what is known as the designer reduction in force, or designer RIF. Many RIF's are carried out by Federal agencies artificially tailoring job categories to make them uncompetitive, thereby negating the employment of veterans' preference in the first place. The bill Mr. Mica has brought to the floor today would make it more difficult for agencies to use these types of RIF's and provide veterans who are RIF'd with enhanced rights to other jobs. More importantly, this legislation would finally give veterans who believe their rights have been violated a user-friendly redress system, while also making violation of veterans' preference a prohibited personnel practice to be enforced with disciplinary action. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not thank the chairman, Mr. Mica, and his staff for inviting me to help in crafting this bill to strengthen and expand veterans' preference. The chairman and his staff have done a wonderful job, and I am very proud to join with them.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce two bills to make important changes to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. The first of these bills will address a problem that confronts school districts across the Nation. This legislation would amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act to exempt school boards from liability for the generation and transportation of municipal waste. Under current law, a number of school boards in New Jersey are involved in legal action as polluters under existing Superfund law. These school districts did nothing more than legally transport their sold waste--remains of school lunches, broken pencils, or students crumpled homework pages--to municipal landfills. Under the system of joint and several liability, school boards are now being mandated to pay a substantial amount of cleanup costs or defend themselves in costly lawsuits. The costs of these financial penalties have far exceeded any contributions that they have made to toxic waste problems. Furthermore, this present situation indirectly shifts money and local tax dollars away from educating our children and into the coffers of industrial polluters or the Superfund trust fund. Unfortunately, a legislative solution to the larger issue of Superfund reform has prevented action on an explicit exemption for school boards. While I remain committed to the larger issue of reauthorizing Superfund laws, school boards simply cannot wait any longer for a legislative remedy. Their litigation costs continue to mount. The second bill, which I sponsored in the 104th Congress and am reintroducing today, would shift contract oversight of fund financed remedial actions from the Environmental Protection Agency to the Army Corps of Engineers. Currently, the EPA has the option of using the Army Corps for contract oversight and does so in approximately 40 percent of its cleanups. My bill would mandate that all contract oversight be completed by the Army Corps. I propose this shift because I believe that the Army Corps is better qualified for oversight of technical cleanups and management of contract oversight than is EPA. Furthermore, let me clarify that this legislation would in no way take any authority away from the EPA to design the cleanup and remedy for Superfund sites using the highest environmental standards. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of both these important and commonsense bills.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mary Mulholland, an extraordinary woman from Morris County, NJ, for her years of dedicated service to the people of our county and State. Mr. Speaker, there is hardly a person in Morris County who has not been touched by the innate kindness of Mary Mulholland. Over the years, she has been ever present in the many volunteer and service organizations that make our county one of America's most wonderful places to live, work and raise a family. Educated at the College of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station, Mary went on to work for the New York Telephone Co. soon thereafter. By the 1950's she was married and raising six children with her husband, the late Dr. Robert E. Mulholland. Yet somehow, Mary found the time to become involved in community service. True to form, Mary jumped in with both feet and before long she helped found the Morris County Aftercare Clinic and the Dope Open, Inc., which became the first in a long line of public service commitments she would lead. Mary devotes her time to numerous organizations, including St. Clares Riverside Foundation, Dover General Hospital and Medical Center, Hope House, the College of Saint Elizabeth, Centenary College, the United Way, the Easter Seal Society and even the Governor's Advisory Council for Drug/Alcohol Abuse. However, nowhere is her presence more evident than at the Dope Open, Inc., of which she is the founder and president. In three decades with the Dope Open, she has, through her charming personality, conviction and absolute tenacity, raised more than $1 million to fight drug abuse and chemical dependency. Each year, Mary continues her relentless battle to help juveniles in our community who have been robbed of their youth and innocence by the scourge of drugs. The Dope Open provides hope for these lost children and I am certain that without Mary's foresight, fortitude and dedication to this effort, many of them would have nowhere to turn. The one thing everyone who knows Mary can agree on is that a person cannot help but be energized into action when she speaks. When Mary decides to take on a commitment to help people in our community, she installs in all of us a sense of urgency about the issue--a sort of call to arms. And Mary is no figurehead, she provides both the spark, dynamism and energy needed to take on any task, no matter how daunting or demanding. To that end, she does us all a public service by bringing out our own compassion and sense of duty to help our less fortunate neighbors. Mr. Speaker, each day, thanks to the Herculean efforts of Mary Mulholland, the future of Morris County is a little more promising. Mary Mulholland truly embodies the spirit of service and I thank her for all she has done for our community throughout the years.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join with my colleagues to celebrate the 176th anniversary of Greek Independence Day, a day in which the United States and Greece share our democratic ideals. Our mutual respect for freedom and liberty dates back to the late 18th century when our Founding Fathers looked to ancient Greece for direction in writing our own Constitution. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson persuaded a noted Greek scholar, John Paradise, to come to the United States for consultation on the political philosophy of democracy. As a result of this earlier friendship, the Greeks adopted the American Declaration of Independence as their own, sealing a bond which has endured between our two nations ever since. For Greek-Americans and those who practice the Greek Orthodox faith, March 25 marks the date when in 1821, the Greek people rose against four centuries of Ottoman rule. Under the leadership of Alexander Ypsilanti, the Greek people fought valiantly in pursuit of freedom and self-rule for eight years. Finally, in 1827, the Allied powers lent support to the Greek effort. In 1829, not only did the united forces defeat the Turks, but the Greek people also gained recognition of their independence by the very power that had oppressed them since the Fifteenth Century. The Greek people continued their struggle against the threat of undemocratic regimes into the 20th century. At the height of World War II, when it appeared that Nazi forces would soon overrun Europe, the Greek people fought courageously on behalf of the rest of the world--at a cost of a half a million lives. The Greek people dealt a severe blow to the ability of the Axis forces to control the Mediterranean and sealed off the Black Sea which helped to turn the tide of World War II. Today, Greece is still threatened by outside forces and knows too well that freedom and independence come at a price--vigilance. While March 25 marks Greece's accomplishment as an independent nation, it also symbolizes the Greek people's continued defense of democracy, an idea given birth by the great philosophers in Athens more than 2,500 years ago. Greece's presence as a free and lasting democracy in an often unstable region of former totalitarian states is one reason why some of the infant democracies of the Balkans may yet survive and flourish. In fact, just this week, the Greek government sent humanitarian aid to her strife torn neighbor, Albania. Greece remains a shining example of democracy in the Balkans. Once again, I am grateful for the opportunity to join my colleagues and my constituents in observing this very important celebration. Each March, I remember where America's own democratic principles were derived, and I honor the invaluable contributions Greek-Americans have brought to this country. The more than 700,000 Greeks who have come here, have benefitted us with a stronger, civilized and more cultured heritage. Mr. Speaker, I salute Greece and Greek-Americans for their outstanding achievements and their commitment to the ideals of freedom.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I rise in strong support of the release of international family planning funds on March 1 of this year. We need to clear up the confusion on this issue and focus on the importance of family planning programs. International family planning programs save the lives of thousands of women and children across the world, prevent unwanted and dangerous pregnancies, and reduce the number of abortions worldwide. Representatives from the Russian family planning association recently shared information on the successes of their program. In Russia they are using these valuable dollars to increase access to quality family planning information and services. As a result of this program, contraceptive use has risen from 19 to 24 percent among women in just 4 years. And between 1990 and 1994, total abortions fell from 3.6 to 2.8 million. Yesterday Secretary of State Madeleine Albright testified before our appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs. She stated: Our voluntary family planning programs serve our broader interests by elevating the status of women, reducing the flow of refugees, protecting the environment, and promoting economic growth. As the President has determined, a further delay will cause a tragic rise in unintended pregnancies, abortions and maternal and child deaths. Let us be clear: Support for family planning programs has, to this day, been bipartisan. This program was created in 1969 by President Richard Nixon. Let me also address some concerns that have been raised by individuals who do not want their tax dollars being used for family planning services overseas. Of the two resolutions that we will vote on today, this resolution actually provides less money than does the alternative proposal that will be offered later.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the resolution. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the release of international family planning funds on March 1, 1997. We need to clear up the confusion on this issue and focus on the importance of family planning programs. International family planning programs save the lives of thousands of women and children across the world, prevent unwanted and dangerous pregnancies and reduce the number of abortions worldwide. Representatives from the Russian Family Planning Association recently shared information on the successes of their program. In this developing country, they are using these valuable dollars to increase access to quality family planning information and services. As a result of this program, contraceptive use has risen from 19 to 24 percent among women in just 4 years. And, between 1990 and 1994, total abortions fell from 3.6 million to 2.8 million. Yesterday, Secretary Albright testified before our Appropriations Subcommittee. She stated: Our voluntary family planning programs serve our broader interests by elevating the status of women, reducing the flow of refugees, protecting the environment, and promoting economic growth. As the President has determined, a further delay will cause a tragic rise in unintended pregnancies, abortions, and maternal and child deaths.'' And, let us be clear--support for family planning programs has, to this day, been bipartisan. This program was created in 1969 by President Richard Nixon. Let me also address some concerns that have been raised by individuals who do not want their tax dollars being used for family planning overseas. Of the two resolutions that we will vote on today, this resolution actually provides less money than does an alternative proposal that will be offered later today. Finally, let me again reiterate that this is not an abortion issue. Current law prohibits any of these funds from being used for abortion. I hope that today the House will continue its longstanding and bipartisan support of family planning.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce a bill abolishing the direct annual Federal appropriation to the Tennessee Valley Authority [TVA] at the end of fiscal year 1997. The elimination of this subsidy which has been provided by Congress since TVA's creation in 1933 is something that has been long overdue. I urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this bill. As a product of the new deal, the TVA was created as an independent, government-owned corporation exempt from taxation. Its original mission was to bring electricity and lights to the Appalachian hills and foothills. TVA serves a population of more than 7 million people in an 80,000 square mile region in Tennessee and parts of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Virginia. By some accounts the TVA is the Nation's largest utility. Over the years TVA's mission has expanded to a point where some projects it currently undertakes are questionable at best. For example: Why would TVA be doing ozone research for the Federal Government when we already have an Environmental Protection Agency? What is TVA doing in China promoting trade when they are wholly owned by the U.S. Government and we currently have a Commerce Department to promote trade? In fiscal year 97 TVA received $106 million for its non-power programs which includes five major areas: Stewardship, Water and Land, Land Between the Lakes, Economic Development and the Environmental Research Center. Recently, TVA's chairman Craven Crowell recommended that TVA stop receiving an annual Federal appropriation for its non- power programs. I couldn't agree with him more and for that reason I am introducing this bill to speed the process along. My bill would stop all funding for TVA's non-power programs at the end of this fiscal year and not at the end of fiscal year 1999 as Chairman Crowell recommends. It simply amends Section 27 of the TVA Act of 1933 to authorize no more direct Federal monies for the TVA. With annual revenues of over $5 billion, TVA should not find it very difficult to abide by this new proposal. It should be the ratepayers of that region which fund TVA's activities not taxpayers all across the Nation. Pull the plug on the TVA now!!!!!

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing important legislation that I hope will further our efforts to preserve land and open space. I believe that our current tax law discourages individuals from conserving land, and our estate tax structure sometimes provides the financial incentive to sell land for the purpose of development, rather than maintain or donate land for conservation purposes. The legislation that I am introducing today, the Federal Open Space Acquisition and Preservation Act, will credit the value of land donated to a Federal agency, for conservation purposes only, against the estate taxes owed on the property. This will create an incentive, absent before, for heirs to donate undeveloped land to the Federal Government, rather than choose the route of selling to developers. As many individuals who live in the northeastern metropolitan areas know, the amount of open space is dwindling each day. However, there is some beautiful undeveloped land that needs to be preserved as such. I believe that this legislation will provide the incentive to maintain those open spaces. I urge my colleagues support for this legislation.