Martin Frost

Mr. FROST

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hill). (Mr. HILL of Indiana asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question so we can debate all of these issues, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I submit for the Record the materials I referred to earlier. Previous Question for H. Res. 504, H.R. 4205, National Defense Authorization Act At the end of the resolution add the following new section: ``Sec. 6. Notwithstanding any other provision of the resolution, it shall be in order to consider, without intervention of any points of order, the amendments offered to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in section 7 of this resolution. Each amendment may be offered only by the proponent specified in section 7 or a designee, shall be considered as read, and shall be debatable for 30 minutes, equally divided between the proponent and an opponent. Sec. 7. The amendments described in section 6 are as follows: Amendment to H.R. 4205, as Reported Offered by Mr. Shows of Mississippi Strike section 723 (page 229, line 1, and all that follows through page 230, line 19). At the end of title VII (page 247, after line 9), insert the following new subtitle: Subtitle E--Additional Provisions Regarding Department of Defense Beneficiaries

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. FROST

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall). (Mr. UDALL of Colorado asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich).

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I would ask the time remaining on each side.

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Allen).

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor).

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), the ranking member on the Committee on Armed Services.

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4205, the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2001, was reported from the Committee on Armed Services on a strong bipartisan vote of 56 to 1. The vote reflects the understanding of Democrats and Republicans for the need to ensure that our national defense continues to be second to none. This bill reflects the commitment of Democrats and Republicans to achieving a level of readiness throughout the military that will protect this Nation and our commitment to democracy and the rule of law throughout the world. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4205, the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2001. Mr. Speaker, during the report recess, I had the opportunity to see firsthand the dedication of the men and women who serve our country in uniform, often under the most trying circumstances. Along with some of my colleagues from the Texas delegation, I traveled to Bosnia to visit with National Guard troops from Texas and to see how our regular forces are faring in the tense and hazardous duty stations in Kosovo. Many of the Members of this body have made the same kind of trip, and I am sure that every Member has come away with similar impressions of our men and women in uniform and their dedication to duty. Mr. Speaker, the Congress has as one of its primary duties to provide for the national defense and the men and women who protect it. This bipartisan bill does a great deal to improve military readiness and to improve the quality of life for our men and women in uniform, as well as for their families. Mr. Speaker, I am particularly pleased that this bill contains several provisions to improve the quality of life of our military personnel. The bill provides for a 3.7 percent military pay raise, reduces out-of-pocket housing costs, which will particularly benefit the enlisted ranks, and provides a targeted subsistence benefit for those personnel who are most in need. H.R. 4205 also makes significant improvements in military health care, and authorizes the creation of a Thrift Savings Plan for military personnel which will help them plan for their retirement needs. The bill also provides $857 million for construction and improvement of military family housing, and an additional $605 million for construction of new barracks and dormitories. There are funds for child development centers, DOD dependent schools and impact aid, and commissary modernization, all important to quality of life improvements for uniformed personnel and their families. I congratulate the committee for their work on these issues. I am also pleased that the committee has continued its commitment to the wide range of weapons programs that ensure our military's superiority throughout the world. The bill includes $1.4 million for research and development for the F-22 Raptor, the next-generation air dominance fighter for the Air Force, as well as $2.1 billion for 10 low-rate initial production aircraft, and $396 million for advanced procurement of 16 LRIP aircraft in fiscal year 2002. H.R. 4205 also includes $51.7 million for the procurement of three F- 16C aircraft, and $1.1 billion for the procurement of 16 MV-22 aircraft, and $142.7 million to accelerate development of the CV-22 Special Operations Variant. These aircraft are all important components in our national arsenal, and moving forward on their production sends a clear signal that the United States has no intention of relinquishing our air superiority. Mr. Speaker, while the Committee on Armed Services has reported a truly bipartisan effort, I should note that 101 amendments to the bill were filed with the Committee on Rules. This rule makes in order 36 of those amendments, and provides that an additional rule providing for the consideration of further amendments to the bill will be considered before the House votes on final passage later this week. Mr. Speaker, while it is not unusual for the Committee on Rules to report more than one rule providing for the consideration of amendments to the Department of Defense authorization, in the past the Committee on Rules pursued this course in order to ensure that a full and fair debate on the issues of the day would follow. The rule now under consideration will certainly allow the House to debate the issue of the continued presence of U.S. ground forces in Kosovo, an issue on which there is a genuine split of opinion in this body. While I do not agree with the amendment to be offered by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kasich), I cannot object to the House having the opportunity to debate the issue. While I disagree with the amendment to be offered by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), which seeks to cut 1 percent of funding in the bill, I certainly believe that this is an issue worthy of debate in this body. The other 34 amendments made in order in this rule are also certainly deserving of consideration of the House. So far so good, Mr. Speaker. What concerns me is the fact that there are several major amendments that have not been included in this rule and may not be included in the second rule to be acted on later. Mr. Speaker, one can only hope that when the Committee on Rules meets later today to report the second rule for H.R. 4205, the Republican majority on the Committee on Rules will allow these issues to be fairly aired and considered by the House. Let us take, for example, Mr. Speaker, the issue of health care for military retirees. Members will be hearing from the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor) on this issue shortly. The ranking member of the Committee on Armed Services has called this the year of health care, and the bill does indeed make substantive improvements in the way health care is delivered for active duty military personnel and their dependents. These improvements are long overdue, and the committee is to be congratulated for taking these positive steps. But Mr. Speaker, the bill is seriously deficient on the issue of health care for Medicare-eligible retirees. Mr. Speaker, I have serious concern that the two thoughtful amendments addressing this issue, that is, the issue of health care for Medicare-eligible retirees, might not be made in order when the committee meets this afternoon. One proposal by the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor) would expand and make permanent the TRICARE Senior Prime demonstration, more commonly known as Medicare subvention. The other offered by the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Shows) would give all military retirees the option of participating in FEHB, or remaining in TRICARE after they become Medicare-eligible. I have a serious concern that the only reason the House will be denied the opportunity to debate either of these amendments presented to the Committee on Rules will be for purely partisan political reasons. Let us also take the issue of the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico. The committee bill has chosen to ignore an agreement negotiated between the President of the United States and the Governor of Puerto Rico about the future of this island as a training facility for the Navy and Marine Corps, and has instead adopted language that directly contravenes this agreement. I remain hopeful that when the Committee on Rules meets later this day, the Republican majority will see fit to allow the ranking member of the committee the opportunity to offer an amendment which will strike the committee language and insert language which will allow the President's negotiated position to go forward. In the interests of fairness to the people of Puerto Rico, I would hope that the Skelton amendment will be part of the second rule. The only reason to not allow his amendment to be considered would again be for purely partisan reasons. I would hope that this truly bipartisan bill will not be marred by such action. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the committee bill, but I do believe the House should be given the opportunity to address the issues I have just mentioned, as well as a number of other issues that have been raised in the 101 amendments submitted to the Committee on Rules. The bill is one of fundamental importance to our great country, and the policies and programs that are contained within it certainly are worthy of extensive debate. Mr. Speaker, I support this rule, but I hope that the bipartisan approach to the committee bill will be extended to the second rule providing for its consideration. To do less is a disservice to this House and to our military. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie). (Mr. ABERCROMBIE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 30 seconds. Mr. Speaker, all that the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor) is asking for is a vote. All he is asking for is the House to have the opportunity to vote on his proposal. That is not an unreasonable proposition. All the platitudes on the other side will not do any good if they do not give us a vote on the Taylor amendment. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor).

Mr. FROST

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I pay honor to the outstanding achievement of students and others associated with Duncanville High School in Duncanville, Texas. This school has been chosen by judges of the 17th Annual American Set a Good Example Competition to receive one of three national second place awards. These awards go to a school for a project done by students to influence their own peers in a positive way--away from drug abuse, crime and violence while forwarding commonly accepted moral values such as honesty, trustworthiness and competence. Additionally, Duncanville High School won the $2,500 Learning Improvement Award for the work students did on researching career information and determining a direction they want to pursue, including making resumes and completing Pell Grant applications, and writing for a minimum of five scholarships. Such projects enhance student opportunities, strengthen character and better prepare our young people for a positive future. I commend the students, principal, administrators, teachers and parents of Duncanville High School for a job well done in these successful projects.

Mr. FROST

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ashley Robinson and B.J. Johnson, two rising athletic stars and seniors at South Grand Prairie High School in Grand Prairie, TX. Ashley and B.J. have made their parents and their school proud by each being named 1st team Parade All-Americans in basketball and football respectively. It is rare enough for a high school to be fortunate enough to have one All-American athlete, for South Grand Prairie to have two Parade All-Americans is an astounding tribute to the school. Ashley has chosen the University of Tennessee to carry on her education and basketball career. There, she will hopefully be able to continue her domination on the hardwood floor by competing for a team that has won four National Championships in the last 9 years. Equally as important, Ashley is a member of the National Honor Society, and a college education will give her the skills and opportunity to achieve anything she can imagine in her life. B.J. is considered one of the top three high school wide receivers in the entire country by a variety of sports publications. He has chosen to attend the University of Texas to continue his education and football career. In Austin, B.J. will have the opportunity to baffle opposing Big-12 defenses and graduate from one of the country's elite public universities that produces some of Texas' most innovative and successful people. In addition to their hard work in the classroom and their heroics on the field, both Ashley and B.J. are model citizens who give back to their schools and communities in the form of volunteerism. As members of the Student Empowerment Team, Ashley and B.J. serve as mentors for area youth in Grand Prairie. Once again, congratulations B.J. and Ashley on accomplishing so many things to make your parents, school, and community proud.

Mr. FROST

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, today I commend an outstanding student, Kristina Semos, for her commitment to excellence in academics and as a citizen. Next week Kristina will graduate from the Talented and Gifted Magnet High School at Townview Center in Dallas, TX, where she is valedictorian of her class. Her strong academic performance has led her to be named a National Merit Scholar, an honor for which she will receive $1,000 annually. That should come in handy while she's attending Brown University this fall. Kristina has also served her community in a number of ways, including fundraising for the AIDS Lifewalk, helping build houses with Habitat for Humanity and participating in various activities at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. She is a gifted math and computer science student, earning first place honors on multiple occasions from the Dallas Public Schools Mathematics Olympiad and honors from the Dallas Public Schools Computer Olympiad as well. Additionally, Kristina is a talented musician, singing in her church choir, earning various awards in State musical competitions, playing in the all city band and participating in her school's German Folk Dancing Group. With all these achievements, Kristina is truly a well-rounded individual. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate Kristina Semos for her truly remarkable scholastic, service, and leadership abilities. With confidence, I look forward to her future contributions to our great Nation.

Mr. FROST

Mr. FROST. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, if I may inquire further of the majority leader, do we anticipate any late night sessions next week?

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I have taken this time to inquire about next week's schedule.

Mr. FROST. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. FROST

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 484 is an open rule providing for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 2957, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Act. The rule does provide one waiver, however. Since the bill was not filed until yesterday, the rule waives the 3-day layover requirement of clause 4(a) of rule XIII. This legislation establishes Lake Pontchartrain as an estuary of national significance under the National Estuary Program and requires EPA to establish a Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program to coordinate efforts to reduce pollution and restore the health of the basin watershed. These are important steps to improve the health of this important body of water. The bill also authorizes $100 million for a project to reduce the amount of sewage that enters the lake from New Orleans and neighboring parishes. Mr. Speaker, I know of no controversy surrounding this bill. Therefore, I support this open rule, which will allow any Member to offer germane amendments to this proposal. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FROST

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute to a fellow Texan who is both a longtime personal friend and an outstanding civic leader in the 24th Congressional District, Mayor Bill Lewis of Ennis, Texas. Mayor Lewis will be honored this Friday by his home community and many friends for more than 30 years as a dedicated public servant. He has recently announced his intention to retire after this term as mayor, opting to spend more time with his family. He spent a quarter century in Oak Cliff, where he worked with and retired from TU Electric long before it had that name. His office was in the same building as mine more than two decades ago, so we were business neighbors who became friends. He was a man of endless energy in the Oak Cliff community affairs for 23 years serving an endless array of charitable and public organizations. When he retired from TU, he and his wife moved back to her childhood home, the city of Ennis. And although retired from business life, Bill continued the strong tradition of public service that has made him one of the most respected men I know. He has tirelessly served his community as a strong and active advocate, as mayor and in countless other capacities. Service has indeed been a key word in the life of Bill Lewis, whether in his business career, as a charity worker, a chamber volunteer, on the battlefields of World War II, or a father in his local Dad's Club. The organizations which have benefited from Bill Lewis' dedication are too many to mention individually. As we honor him in advance of his retirement as mayor, I am extremely proud that this man who has been a friend to so many is also a friend of mine.

Mr. FROST

Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 30 seconds. Mr. Speaker, the previous speaker was asking about simplicity and how do we understand all of this. Let me read a memo from the Joint Committee on Taxation. This ought to be simple enough for the gentleman to understand. The memorandum is in response to their request for an estimate of the budget neutral tax rate for H.R. 2525. That is the bill of the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Linder), a bill to replace the current U.S. corporate and individual income, estate and gift and Federal income contributions act, payroll taxes, with a flat tax on retail sales of all goods and services. Then on the second page it has a little chart here, neutral over 5 years, 59.5 percent. That is what they want to do, neutral over 5 years, national sales tax 59.5 percent. I believe the American people can understand that. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hooley).