Elton Gallegly

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. GALLEGLY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 222, which congratulates the OAS for its successful CIAV mission in Nicaragua and its ongoing technical assistance program in that country. In 1989 at the conclusion of the devastating Civil War in Nicaragua, that Nation was confronted with the sensitive task of disarming, repatriating and resettling members of the former ``contra'' resistance movement back into the Nicaraguan society. Recognizing the need for help in carrying out this effort, the Government of Nicaragua asked the OAS for help. On August 7, 1989, the International Support and Verification Commission, better known as CIAV, was created by the OAS General Assembly. Over the next 7 years, the OAS-CIAV mission, with financial support from the United States, helped demobilize over 22,000 members of the contra organization, distributed food and other humanitarian assistance to over 100,000 Nicaraguans, and helped establish some 86 ``peace commissions'' to provide human rights monitoring and conflict resolution training. When the OAS-CIAV mission closed its doors last August, a new, smaller successor organization, the technical cooperation mission, known as TCM, was established. The OAS-TCM focused on 12 of Nicaragua's most conflictive rural municipalities and will provide civic education, human rights training, municipal government development, and conflict resolution assistance. Mr. Speaker, by every account, the OAS-CIAV mission was a great success for both Nicaragua and the OAS itself, and this resolution congratulates the OAS-CIAV mission for a job well done. This resolution we are considering was passed unanimously by both the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere and the full Committee on International Relations, and is similar to a resolution introduced by the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations in the other body and passed by the full Senate last year. I want to thank the chairman and ranking member of the full committee for their support as well as the ranking member of the subcommittee, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman) and cosponsors, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Ballenger) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), and I urge passage of the concurrent resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of the Committee on International Relations. (Mr. Gilman asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute today to Paul Korber, a hero who lost his life while saving a mother and her two sons stranded in the rough waters of the Ventura Harbor. Paul Korber, a harbor patrol officer in Ventura County, California, ignored the dangers which took his life to save three others. The rescue was not an uncommon one for Paul Korber. He often risked his own safety to help those in danger--his job was to save lives. But that day the tides were not in his favor and he died in the line of duty, an unselfish chance he often took. Paul Korber was known as a fitness advocate and could usually be found on a mountain bike, camping or freediving to spear fish. Paul was a man who embraced life and who enjoyed a good adventure. Friends of Paul Korber have said he was a positive person who was always looking for ways to improve himself, whether it was learning a foreign language or staying physically fit. But besides being a hero and an athlete, Paul Korber was a success at one of life's biggest challenges--he was a single father. After Paul's wife, Cindy, died of cancer three years ago, Paul was faced with raising his son, Barrett, on his own. Paul and Barrett were very close, taking camping trips, bike riding and fishing together. Paul always found time for his young son, even helping out at Barrett's school. Paul Korber was a great father, an outstanding athlete, and a hero. His bravery and selflessness will always be remembered with gratefulness by the many lives he saved and with fondness by the many lives he touched.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute today to a woman who has made her mission in life to help our society's most vulnerable find some sort of warmth in a world that can often be so cold. Kate McLean of Ventura, California, is an extraordinary person who has touched the lives of thousands, leading the charge of a successful organization which has been the saving grace to many in her community. It's easy to look into the eyes of those in need, and feel sympathy. But for many, it's even easier to look away and forget about the unexpected harsh realities life brings. But when Kate McLean saw a person in need, a living tragedy, she didn't look away, but instead helped them look towards their future. Kate did more than recognize the social ills that so often ruin lives. Instead of extending fleeting sympathy, Kate McLean actually made a difference--a difference in the lives of the abandoned and the abused. She has helped the homeless find shelter and runaways find refuge and understanding. Kate has achieved these and countless other compassionate deed through an organization called Interface Children Family Services, a non-profit which she co-founded. To name just a few of their services, this organization offers assistance to families in crises, a 24-hour hotline for troubled teens, and shelters for battered women and their children. Under Kate McLean, hundreds of thousands of children and families have been helped at Interface from 1973 to 1990. Today, Interface Children Family Services continues to aid those in crisis situations, expanding on the foundation Kate McLean helped to start. After Kate left Interface in 1990, she took her vast experiences to help the Ventura County Community Foundation, which under her supervision, increased Ventura County's endowed resources for charities from $300,000 to more than $16 million. April 24, 1998 marks the 25th anniversary of the Interface Children Family Services. On this special occasion I want to recognize Kate McLean as a shining example, and to thank her for doing what others may have the yearning to do, but not the ambition. I want to thank Kate McLean for being such a vital part to the Ventura County Community, and for being our angel of hope.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble) for giving me the opportunity to speak today in support of this important piece of legislation. In February of last year, I introduced a copyright term extension bill which is almost identical to the legislation we are considering here today. This legislation extends the term for copyrighted products by 20 years. This will allow the U.S. copyright term to keep pace with the term of European countries that are now our main competitors for copyrighted products such as motion pictures and music. In 1995, the European Union required member Nations to extend the copyright term to life of the author plus 70 years. This is 20 years more than is currently granted to the U.S.-based copyrighted works. Moreover, under the rules of an international treaty, most of our economic competitors are not required to give U.S. works the same term of protection as they give their domestic works if the U.S. has a shorter copyright term. The European Union has exercised this rule and now requires EU member States to limit protection of U.S. works to the shorter term granted in the United States. Let me emphasize this point: Under a current European Union directive, member nations are actually required to discriminate against American copyrighted works. The result, unless this bill becomes law, is to place our copyright industries at a competitive disadvantage with other nations, threatening the incomes of U.S. authors, artists, songwriters, and other copyright holders. As many of my colleagues know, our copyright industry employs over 6 million Americans and is one of the fastest growing segments of our economy. Moreover, with estimated foreign sales of over $53 billion last year, the copyright industry is one of the few areas in the U.S. actually enjoying a healthy trade surplus. Copyright term extension has enjoyed strong bipartisan backing and is supported by a wide-ranging coalition in the current Congress. Among many of the groups that support term extension legislation are the Songwriters Guild of America, National Academy of Songwriters, the Motion Picture Association of America, the Intellectual Property Law Section of the American Bar Association, the Recorded Industry Association of America, National Music Publishers Association, the Information Technology Association of America, and many, many others. Mr. Chairman, I would like to congratulate the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble), my friend and colleague, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property of the Committee on the Judiciary, for recognizing the importance of the copyright industry to the U.S. economy and the need to update our copyright law to the current legal and competitive climate faced by the U.S. from countries throughout the world. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense yet very critical piece of legislation.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commemorate the week of March 15-21, 1998, which Governor Pete Wilson has proclaimed as ``Childhood Cancer Awareness Week,'' in my home State of California. Each year, about 10,000 children in our country are diagnosed with cancer. In California, this deadly disease is the second leading cause of death among children. There can be little else that can compare with the senselessness and tragedy of a little child who has been struck with a life-threatening illness. Today, I would like to recognize the American Cancer Fund for Children, and it's founder, Steven Firestein, for not only helping to find a cure for these sick children, but for easing their road to recovery, or to their final rest. The American Cancer Fund for Children has helped families get through what is certain to be the most difficult time in their lives. Providing food, clothing, transportation, prosthetic devices and social service programs to young cancer patients, this organization comes to the aid of families who need it the most. They help take away worries, so families can have more time for hope. Besides touching lives of individual children, the American Cancer Fund for Children has also made an impact on communities, through outreach and education about childhood cancer, and has contributed to cancer research. While researchers and activists continue to search for a cure for cancer, it's important to recognize the interim needs of child victims and their families. Steven Firestein and the American Cancer Fund for children are doing just that. I encourage all my colleagues to join me in recognizing the American Cancer Fund for Children, and it's continuing efforts in easing the pain of childhood sickness and reaching for a cure.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a public servant who gave so much of himself to his community, and to education. Norvel Young, or as he is known, ''Mr. Pepperdine`` recently died, leaving a legacy of dedication and commitment to education. Norvel Young has filled many jobs. He was a Christian minister, a magazine publisher, a university president and chancellor, a father, and a husband. He will be remembered for his devotion in all of these roles, but what the public will recall most is his vision and behind- the-scenes efforts that have made Pepperdine University one of the finest educational institutions in the country. Starting his life-long relationships with Pepperdine in 1938, Norvel Young became a Pepperdine history professor at 23 years old--two years after earning a bachelor's degree from Abilene Christian College. After about three years at Pepperdine, Norvel and his wife, Helen, answered the call to ministry, moving to Nashville, Tennessee, where he preached for a church. Norvel and Helen dedicated 13 years solely to the ministry, while playing an instrumental role in founding a children's home, raising money for war-torn Europe, and establishing Lubbock Christian University. Expanding his ministries, Norvel also founded and edited two denominational magazines, 20th Century Christian, and Power for Today. In 1957, Norvel returned to Pepperdine upon the request of Mr. George Pepperdine, who was looking for a business-minded educated to pull Pepperdine out of severe financial stress. Norvel accepted the challenge and became Pepperdine's third president, quickly bringing the university out of financial hardship. Norvel served as president until 1971, when he became chancellor. Although he officially retired in 1984, he never stopped being a strong advocate and benefactor for the university, donating $2 million of his own money for Pepperdine's Center for Family Life. Norvel was instrumental in raising money and recruiting quality students and faculty, building enrollment from 950 students to 9,500. In addition, he moved the school from its former 34-acre location to its renowned 830-acre campus in Malibu, and opened new schools of business, law, graduate studies, and studies abroad. Norvel took Pepperdine to new heights which may have seemed so impossible during the university's hard times. He took a small Christian school with modest holdings and turned Pepperdine into one of the most respected and prestigious educational institutions in the Nation. There is no doubt that Norvel Young brought prosperity and important new ideas for Pepperdine. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of Christian ministry and educational excellence will continue to benefit Pepperdine University, and all the lives who were touched by Norvel Young.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to salute a man who has dutifully managed the city of Thousand Oaks for 20 years and has served the State of California for almost 35 years. Today, I would like to recognize Grant Brimhall's commitment to public service--his commitment to everything from the arts, to social service, to transportation. Under Grant's direction, Thousand Oaks boasts some of the busiest libraries in the Nation, active teen and senior centers and has maintained beautiful nature paths and scenic trails. And under Grant's direction, Thousand Oaks has provided affordable housing, and a successful business industry for its citizens, with solid and balanced economic growth extending into Ventura County. Grant Brimhall set a standard--a standard and a philosophy that caught on. His example and urgings inspired the community to take control of their neighborhoods by getting involved in community policing, making Thousand Oaks ranked among the top three cities with the lowest crime rate for its size. Thousand Oaks is a place where residents have joined together to make their streets safer through community policing programs such as a citizens police academy, volunteers in policing, and mobilizing a police resource center. But Grant Brimhall's contributions go beyond the district lines of Thousand Oaks. He also served the city of Glendora for many years as city manager and was actively involved in many civic activities as well. I join many others in honoring Grant, who is the recipient of numerous awards from various groups and organizations. Again, on the event of his retirement, I am pleased to honor the successful career of Grant Brimhall. His leadership and service will be missed, but whose years of hard work will continue to benefit the citizens of Thousand Oaks, California.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute today to a young man from my home town of Ventura, California who dedicated himself to making the world a better place to live. Kevin Leveille sacrificed for the care and concern of creatures great and small. He was dedicated to helping his fellow man and to preserving the environment. He passionately gave of his time, his love and eventually his life for this cause. Kevin was a Peace Corp volunteer living in the Ivory Coast of Africa in the town of Tanda. But only two months before he was to finish his tour of duty which started in 1996, Kevin was tragically murdered during a robbery of his home. He is survived by his dear mother, Vicki Lopez, and his father, Paul Leveille. At the age of 26, Kevin loved life--but not only his own. Kevin was a sensitive young man, always concerned about the vulnerable. His father, Paul, described his son as a peace loving young man who one time attached a bell to the family cat so it couldn't kill outside birds. Kevin recognized the value of every living thing, no matter how small and no matter how far away. Kevin sojourned to Africa two years ago on a quest to share his knowledge and talents with those abroad. An honors graduate from Ventura High School, and armed with a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering and applied mathematics, Kevin set sail to apply his knowledge on a foreign shore as a volunteer. During his time in Tanda, Kevin worked to ensure the townspeople had cleaner water and a better sanitation system. He was also training incoming volunteers, as he was planning to further his academic education by returning to the United States to pursue a masters degree. Kevin's mission was selfless. He took himself out of his comfort zone and lived in a foreign land among strangers. He took himself out of the safety of his homeland and subjected himself to foreign rule. He gave of himself receiving no pay and little recognition. He was simply doing what he thought should be done without letting material interests cloud his vision. There is no doubt Kevin Leveille was a fine American and a fine human being, setting an example of honor and service. This is a life that once touched people here and around the world-- but now, he is a spirit who inspires by showing us the real meaning of love, duty, and dedication.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 202, the Equitable Child Care Resolution, which ensures that all families with children will be included in future discussions on child care proposals. It is important to recognize that all parents have child care needs, whether they choose to stay home, depend on a family member or utilize a day care center for their child. The fact that more than seventy percent of children are cared for by an at-home parent or relative, while most of the proposals before Congress focus solely on commercial child care, reveals the need for such a resolution. Furthermore, this resolution states that any financial relief considered for parents who work outside the home should also be contemplated for families with at-home care givers. There should not be a bias against at-home parents, who many times forego a second salary to be home with a child. This resolution will start the child care debate off on the right path by emphasizing the fact that there are many forms of child care. In seeking a federal policy, we should not favor one form of child care over another.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, while members were in their districts for the recent recess, several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean held important political elections. In every instance, these elections were seen as free, fair and transparent as observed by representatives of the international community. These success stories have once again demonstrated the growing acceptance and strength of democracy in the region. This nation has worked very hard to promote regional democracy through our Agency for International Development as well as through our efforts here in the Congress. As Chairman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, I believe we can be very encouraged by the progress that is being made and we should commend those nations, and others, for their commitment to democracy and free and open elections. I also want to commend the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean for the economic progress they are making as many of them progress to open market economies. According to a recent report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the economies of Latin America and the Caribbean experienced their best economic performance as a region in almost twenty-five years averaging a rate of growth of close to 5.3 percent while experiencing an average inflation rate of just 11 percent. This is truly good news and serves to reinforce the fact that the region is making steady and impressive progress. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate President Janet Jagan of Guyana, President Carlos Flores of Honduras, Prime Minister P.J. Paterson of Jamaica, President Miguel Rodriguez of Costa Rica, as well as all of the candidates for Congress and municipal seats in both Chile and Colombia who won their respective elections. Mr. Speaker, I am submitting a brief description of several of the elections which took place during the recess. Colombia--On October 26, 1997, Colombia held nationwide municipal elections. These elections portrayed the worst and best aspects of modern Colombian democracy. Unfortunately, leftist rebels (a.k.a. ``narco-guerrillas) attempted to disrupt the elections, especially in the rural areas which they control, by kidnaping and murdering many of the candidates. These efforts were modestly successful in twenty municipalities where elections were not held. Despite this disruption, and more positively, over 10 million Colombians voted, showing their strong support for the electoral process. The right to choose municipal officers is only about ten years old, so this affirmation of that right is encouraging, considering the rebels and drug lords assault on Colombia's democracy. Guyana--The December 1997 presidential election was won by Janet Jagan's People's Progressive Party (the Chicago-born widow of the former president). However, this election was significant in that the opposition People's National Congress fomented rioting for several weeks after disputing the election results, charging fraud in the victory of the People's Progressive Party. Many experts, including those at International Foundation for Elections Systems, agreed that there were irregularities, but doubted that they had any conclusive impact on the outcome. Recently, the opposition signed an agreement with President Jagan to accept the results of the vote and end the street demonstrations. Honduras--The November 1997 presidential election was momentous for the fact that it allowed the citizens for the first time to vote in their residential districts using new national identity ID cards. As a result, there was much less confusion for voters and irregularities were held to a minimum as the Liberal Party's Carlos Flores won the presidency. Importantly, the army played a vital role of supporting democracy. Observers noted that if it had not been for the army's help in transporting the ballots and election results, the chances of fraud and diminished public confidence would have been much greater. The Honduran governments is committed to addressing problems for future elections as well: turnout has dropped off somewhat, and the voter list is not as accurate as it should be. Jamaica--The December 1997 parliamentary elections witnessed the historic second re-election of Prime Minister P.J. Patterson's People's National Party over the Jamaican Labour Party and the National Democratic Movement. While the elections were mostly free and fair across the country and the results are not in dispute, international observers, which included President Carter and Gen. Powell, noted that Jamaican politics still suffers from the problem of the garrison communities in the capital of Kingston. These are parts of the city wherein one of the major parties is dominant by means of patronage or intimidation; therefore, election results continue to return few or no opposition votes in these communities. Chile--The December 1997 congressional elections resulted in victory for the Concertacion, the center left ruling coalition, and improved showings for both the hard right and the hard left; the more moderate left- and right-wing forces did worse than last time out. Aside from some poll workers showing up late for work, a commonality in Latin America, and a high abstention rate, there were no irregularities, and the vote represents for many observers evidence that Chile's democracy is quite stable.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to salute Colonel Peter Hadley for many years of outstanding service to his country and community on the occasion of his retirement. I have known Peter Hadley for over forty years and I can attest to his devotion to the United States and his home State of California. Following graduation in 1964 from the California Military Academy, Colonel Hadley was commissioned a second lieutenant in the California National Guard and the United States Army. He soon distinguished himself in a variety of important command and staff positions culminating in his assignment as the Director for Reserve Affairs in the Pentagon's Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research, Development and Acquisition. During his outstanding career, Colonel Hadley received numerous decorations and awards including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (with five Oak Leaf Clusters), the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with two Hourglass Devices), and the California Commendation Medal with Pendant (with three Oak Leaf Clusters). He retired on January thirtieth, 1998 after thirty-four years of service to the California National Guard and the United States Army. In addition, Colonel Hadley had a distinguished career with the California Department of Transportation from 1960 to 1985. He was an associate transportation engineer and a registered professional engineer in the State of California. In this capacity, he received an award for the design, development and fielding of equipment to monitor air pollution in Los Angeles, California. I have had the great pleasure of not only knowing Colonel Hadley but also knowing his father and mother, Al and Cecelia Hadley, since I was a boy growing up in Huntington Park. Al Hadley was my Scout Leader and he had a tremendously positive influence on my life as he did on the lives of his two children, Peter and David. Both Al and Cecelia Hadley can be proud for having raised such a wonderful family. It has been an honor to have known Colonel Hadley for these many years. During that time he has been responsible for numerous accomplishments and outstanding contributions to our Nation's defense. He will be missed greatly in both the United States Army and by all those who worked with him throughout his military career. His innumerable contributions will serve as a legacy to his years of dedication. I want to congratulate him and wish him the very best in his retirement.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Bill and Dale Belcher on being chosen as Golden Condor Award winners for their many years of outstanding service to their community and Scouting. Their work with the Scouts has spanned decades and has had a tremendous impact on the many young people they have worked with over the years. Their sense of community extends far beyond the boundaries of Scouting. For some, that would be enough public service, but not for Bill and Dale. Each of them has dedicated their life to a variety of service organizations. Both Bill and Dale have been very involved in their church and served as executives with United Way. Dale is active with Soroptimist International, Oxnard Women's Club, and a host of other organizations. Bill is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, and a longtime member of the Rotary Club, just to name a few. Mr. Speaker, Bill and Dale Belcher stand as shining examples of the difference two people can make in the lives of many. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Dale and Bill on having been chosen as Golden Condor Award winners and thank them for their work in our community.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay a special tribute to retiring Police Chief John Hopkins of the Port Hueneme, CA Police Department. His dedication to his community is truly extraordinary. Chief Hopkins began his service over 30 years ago in the city of Port Hueneme as a reserve police officer. He later moved through the ranks from patrolman, eventually becoming Chief of Police in 1992. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with this devoted member of our law enforcement community. During his tenure with the police department, he has been recognized for his many accomplishments and the outstanding progress he has made on the force. The diligence and commitment to Duty Chief Hopkins and his counterparts have displayed are the primary reasons Ventura County consistently ranks as one of the safest areas in the county. Chief Hopkins will be greatly missed, but his contributions to our community will not be forgotten. I want to congratulate and wish him the very best in his retirement.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my strong support for restructuring the Internal Revenue Service. We have heard time and again the horror stories taxpayers have experienced at the hands of this ruthless agency. H.R. 2676 levels the playing field between taxpayers and the IRS and reins in its ominous power. The Portman-Archer reform bill protects the taxpayers and restores their rights. Holding the IRS accountable to the taxpayers is a complete reversal from how the system currently operates. This legislation prohibits IRS employees and IRS units from being evaluated based on enforcement results, but rather requires evaluations be based on the quality of taxpayer service they provide. Moreover, H.R. 2676 creates an independent board to oversee the IRS, taking control from political appointees at the Treasury Department and giving the board real power and authority to hold the IRS accountable for a change. The reforms also include the unprecedented shift of the burden of proof from the taxpayer to the IRS, and, it enhances taxpayer rights with 28 new protections when citizens become involved in disputes with the IRS. Mr. Speaker, fixing the IRS is no simple task, but this legislation is the first step in protecting taxpayers and the complete overhaul of our tax system. It's time the IRS was accountable to the American public, not the other way around.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore [Mr. Packard]. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from California [Mr. Gallegly] that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1493, as amended.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from California, [Mr. Horn].

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Utah [Mr. Cannon].

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California [Mr. Rohrabacher].

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to make a point that most of the criminals who have been identified by this program are not first-time offenders. During the first 5 months of the pilot program, data compiled by INS at the Ventura County jail indicated that 70 percent of those identified as criminal or illegal aliens had at least one prior conviction. Most of these convictions were for very serious crimes, including 30 individuals who had prior convictions for aggravated felonies and 61 who had narcotics convictions. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to refer to the testimony of Richard Bryce, the undersheriff of Ventura County Sheriff's Department. In the subcommittee hearing Mr. Bryce stated, and I quote, to truly understand the benefit of such a program, it is important to realize the type of persons it identifies. The criminals, who the INS agents have determined are illegal aliens, include drug dealers, gang members involved in drive-by shootings, rapists, and murderers. Many of them have a long history of criminal activity. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York [Mr. Nadler] for his bipartisan approach to working with this legislation, the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Bentsen] for speaking on it, and many of the other Members on the other side of the aisle. This truly is a piece of bipartisan legislation. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this commonsense, crime-fighting legislation.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1493) to require the Attorney General to establish a program in local prisons to identify, prior to arraignment, criminal aliens and aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 1493.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 5 minutes. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to rise and speak on behalf of H.R. 1493, a bill to make permanent and expand a very successful pilot program which identifies deportable criminal aliens awaiting arraignment.