Paul Gillmor

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Zebulon G. Wedge, of Fostoria, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mr. Speaker, Zeb has accepted his offer of appointment and will be attending the Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2003. Attending one of our nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education and demands the very best that these young men and women have to offer. Truly, it is one of the most challenging and rewarding undertakings of their lives. Without question, Zeb brings a great deal of leadership and dedication to the incoming Air Force class of 2003. During his time at Fostoria High School, Zeb has achieved a high level of academic excellence. Currently, he has attained a grade point average of 3.75, which places him thirteenth in his class of 158 students. Academically, he was an honor roll member in each year of high school. In addition to his stellar performance in the classroom, Zeb has shown himself to be an excellent student-athlete. He has been a member of the Fostoria High School Varsity Wrestling Team and the Varsity Football Team. In addition, Zeb has been a member of the Spanish Club, Peer-Mediation, Youth-to-Youth, and served as the Vice President of the Freshman Student Council. Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would ask my colleagues to stand and join me in paying special tribute to Zebulon G. Wedge. Our service academies offer the finest education and military training available anywhere in the world. I am sure that Zeb will do very well during his career at the Air Force Academy, and I wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Jonathan P. Curtis, of Edon, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Mr. Speaker, Jonathan has accepted his offer of appointment and will be attending West Point this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2003. Attending one of our nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education and demands the very best that these young men and women have to offer. Truly, it is one of the most challenging and rewarding undertakings of their lives. Jonathan brings a great deal of leadership and dedication to the incoming West Point class of 2003. While attending Edon High School, Jonathan has attained a grade point average of 3.732, which currently places him third in his class of forty-six students. Jonathan is a member of the National Honor Society, and has participated in the United States Air Force Academy Summer Science Academy and the Invitational Academic Workshop at West Point. Outside the classroom, Jonathan has excelled as a fine student- athlete. On the fields of competition, Jonathan has earned letters in Varsity Track, Cross Country, and Golf. He has also been active in the Edon High School marching band, pep band, concert band, Spanish club, and the D.A.R.E. program. Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would ask my colleagues to stand and join me in paying special tribute to Jonathan P. Curtis. Our service academies offer the finest education and military training available anywhere in the world. I am sure that Jonathan will do very well during his career at West Point, and I wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to a truly outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Recently, I had the opportunity to nominate Michael A. Smith for an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York I am pleased to announce that Michael has been offered an appointment and will be attending West Point with the incoming cadet class of 2003. Attending one of our nation's military academies is one of the most rewarding and demanding time periods these young men and women will ever undertake. Our military academies turn these young adults into the finest officers of the world. Mr. Speaker, without question, Michael Smith belongs with the incoming West Point class of 2003. During his time at Tiffin Calvert High School, in Tiffin, Ohio, Michael performed in excellent fashion. With his outstanding 3.95 grade point average, he is ranked second in his class. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and earned the National Machinery Citizenship Award as a freshman, sophomore, and junior. Not only did Michael excel in the classroom, but he distinguished himself on the fields of athletic competition as well. Michael has been a member of the Tiffin Calvert High School Cross Country and Track Teams, earning varsity letters in both sports. Michael is also a member of the French Club and Students Against Drunk Driving. Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would ask my colleagues to stand and join me in paying special tribute to Michael Smith. Our service academic offer the finest education and military training available anywhere in the world. I am sure that Michael will do very well at West Point, and I wish him much success on all his future endeavors.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a very special tribute to one of the truly outstanding individuals from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District, Jane Zeis. On Friday, April 30, 1999, Jane Zeis will retire from her position as Clerk at the Ottawa County Board of Elections. Jane Zeis is truly a committed employee and a valuable asset to the Ottawa County Board of Elections. Having started as a part-time employee in early January of 1978, Jane worked diligently as Ottawa County began to register its voters, and very soon thereafter was hired to a permanent, full-time position. Her dedicated efforts and outstanding contributions over the past twenty-one years have enabled Ottawa County to have one of the best Boards of Elections in the state of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, Jane Zeis embodies the very spirit of American workmanship through her conscientious attention to detail. In doing her job of processing changes of address, absentee balloting, and ensuring the country's precinct maps are up-to-date, among many others, Jane has performed utterly wonderfully. Her meticulous organizational skills and motivation have produced a thorough and complete county planning commission guide including precinct, school, and congressional district information. Mr. Speaker, it has often been said that America succeeds due to the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of her citizens. It is very evident that Jane Zeis has given freely of her time and energy to assist in the preservation of American ideals. Our electoral process is the backbone of our nation, and those individuals, like Jane Zeis, who worked hard to make that system free and democratic are true American patriots. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would urge my colleagues to stand and join me in paying special tribute to Jane Zeis. On the occasion of her retirement from the Ottawa County Board of Elections, we thank her for her service and we wish her all the best in the future.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay special tribute to a remarkable, community-minded organization from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District--the Koester Corporation. In 1970, guided by an unwavering commitment to quality and entrepreneurial spirit, William C. Koester founded the Koester Corporation. For the past thirty years, the Koester Corporation has been an integral part of the Defiance community, and has been a key player in the manufacturing industry in Northwest Ohio and around the world. Through Mr. Koester's innovation and determination, the Koester Corporation has grown from the small firm of three employees he started in the early 1970's, to an industrial heavyweight with approximately sixty employees, conducting its business both domestically and in the international marketplace. Throughout its success, the Koester Corporation has maintained its presence and headquarters in Defiance for almost thirty years. Mr. Speaker, the true greatness of American productivity and manufacturing prowess is evident from the unique history of the Koester Corporation. With great expectations and more than a little hard work, William Koester has transformed his vision into a highly successful manufacturing and process control business. With the combination of his vision and the dedication and talents of the employees at the Koester Corporation, the recipe for success is written. At the same time, Mr. Koester has maintained his commitment to the local community and has strived to succeed as a good community partner, as well. Mr. Speaker, it has often been said that America succeeds due to the outstanding contributions of her citizens. In the case of William C. Koester and the Koester Corporation, I think that adage is very appropriate. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to stand and join me in paying special tribute to the Koester Corporation. For its thirty years of service to business, industry, and the Defiance area, we offer our sincere gratitude and our best wishes for the future.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay very special tribute to one of Ohio's finest citizens, Dr. Helmut Siegfried Schmidt. Dr. Schmidt is truly an internationally recognized scholar, who has worked tirelessly in pioneering an important aspect of medical science. Through outstanding leadership and unwavering vision, Dr. Schmidt burgeoned the field of sleep medicine. Dr. Schmidt began his medical career in Canada. A graduate with a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Toronto, he completed his one-year rotating internship at the Toronto East General Hospital in Toronto, Ontario. A few short years later, Dr. Schmidt extended his studies to the Buckeye State by completing his residency training at the Ohio State University Hospitals. Mr. Speaker, not long after coming to Ohio and completing his formal medical training, Dr. Schmidt became a naturalized United States citizen. Upon taking his oath of citizenship in the early 1970's, he began a long and decorated service career in the United States Army Reserve achieving the rank of Colonel, and commanding several Hospital and Medical Units during his illustrious twenty-two year career. He is truly a great American patriot. Dr. Schmidt's crowing achievements have been in the area of sleep medicine. In recent years, Dr. Schmidt has founded the Ohio Sleep Medicine Institute, the Sleep Medicine Research Foundation, and Sleep Medicine International. He was the first president of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, and chaired the Ohio Psychiatric Association Task Force on Sleep Medicine. Dr. Schmidt was awarded the Nathaniel Kleitmen Distinguished Service Award--the highest award given in North America in the field of Sleep Disorders Medicine. To recognize his remarkable contributions, the American Board of Sleep Medicine has named its highest honor the Helmut S. Schmidt Award. Mr. Speaker, without question, Dr. Helmut Schmidt has helped lead the way to new, innovative discoveries in medicine, and has established himself as a world-renowned leader in tracking and treating sleep- related disorders. He is a credit to medicine, a trend-setter in sleep medicine, a valued asset to the state of Ohio, and a true Buckeye. Mr. Speaker, I would urge my colleagues to stand and join me in this special tribute to Dr. Helmut Schmidt, a great physician, a great Ohioan, and a great American. For his exemplary service to medicine and to his country, we salute Dr. Helmut Siegfried Schmidt.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding organization from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. This year, Brown's Bakery, in Defiance, Ohio, is celebrating a milestone achievement. 1998 marks the One Hundred Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of operations for Brown's Bakery. Brown's Bakery has been a mainstay of the Defiance community for more than a century. Brown's Bakery is much more than just an employer for the area. Brown's has been and continues to be part of a close-knit family in and around Defiance. Brown's Bakery is an invaluable partner to Defiance and all those living in the community. Mr. Speaker, Brown's Bakery embodies the spirit of enterprise that we hear so much about. Beginning in the early 1870's, Brown's Bakery started a long lasting tradition by making some of the finest baked goods and products found anywhere in Northwest Ohio. For more than one hundred twenty-five years, the Brown family has worked diligently to ensure that the vision set by Reinhard and Emilie Curdes Brown is continued. Throughout its long and rich tradition, Brown's Bakery has been committed to the Defiance community. Again and again, Brown's Bakery has shown its dedication through support of various groups and organizations. Whether it is assisting Defiance High School with its football stadium, local groups like the United Way or Boy and Girl Scouts of America, or its forty-year sponsorship of Bunny League baseball, Brown's Bakery is always there willing to lend a helping hand. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to recognize Brown's Bakery on the special occasion of its One Hundred Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Celebration. The Brown family and all those associated with Brown's Bakery truly embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, enterprise, and community-minded support and dedication. I would urge my colleagues to stand and join me in this special tribute, and in wishing them continued success in the future.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay very special tribute to an outstanding public servant from the state of Ohio. Following the One Hundred Twenty-Second Session of the Ohio General Assembly, the Honorable M. Ben Gaeth will retire as a member of the Ohio Senate from the First District. Mr. Speaker, Senator Gaeth has dedicated much of his life to serving the people of the First District and all of the state of Ohio. Ben Gaeth began his career in public service in 1962 as the Safety Director of the City of Defiance. After three short years, he turned his attention to politics as he became the Mayor of Defiance. For nearly ten years, Ben Gaeth guided government and politics in Defiance, while always concentrating on working for the people whom he represented. In 1975, M. Ben Gaeth was elected to his first term as a member of the Ohio State Senate from the First District. For more than twenty- three years, Ben Gaeth has been an ardent supporter of his constituents in Northwest Ohio. During his time in the Senate, Ben has served as Chairman of the Senate Reference Committee, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Vice Chairman of the Rules Committee, and was a member of numerous other committees. Mr. Speaker, I had the good fortune of working with Ben Gaeth in the Ohio Senate. From the days that Republicans were in the Minority to the time in which I served as President of the Senate, Ben Gaeth was seen as a hard working and outspoken advocate for his district. His diligent yet humble efforts made him a very well liked Senator by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I think I can speak for my colleagues in saying that it was certainly a pleasure to work with Ben Gaeth. His efforts will be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker, it has been said that America succeeds due to the selfless acts of her sons and daughters. Whether it was on the battlefields of World War II, where he won the Purple Heart, to his days as Mayor of Defiance, to his current position in the Ohio Senate, M. Ben Gaeth has dedicated his life to service to his community, state, and country. He is a leader and a true American patriot. I would urge my colleagues to stand and join me in paying special tribute to the Honorable M. Ben Gaeth, and in wishing him the very best in the future.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to pay special tribute to a truly outstanding organization from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Today, Wednesday, October 21, 1998, the Putnam County Vidette will be celebrating the joyous occasion of its 125th Anniversary. Mr. Speaker, the Putnam County Vidette, a widely-circulated weekly newspaper in Columbus Grove, Ohio, is the source of a great deal of information for its readers in and around the Putnam County area. The Putnam County Vidette has been sending the community updated news coverage and insight on county, State, national, and international events for the last 125 years. During that lengthy period, the readers have come to know that the Putnam County Vidette is a true icon in the reporting field, offering high-quality and accurate reporting on myriad stories, profiles, and news-making events. In a time when the media is under a constant microscope, the Vidette is a true asset to the community in which it circulates. Mr. Speaker, Ohio's Fifth Congressional District is by far one of the largest districts in the State stretching more than 150 miles across northwest Ohio. My district is scattered with dozens of daily and weekly news publications. In my years of service, I have found the Putnam County Vidette to be of the finest quality and of the highest reporting standards. The dedication and attention to detail from the staff of the Vidette have certainly elevated the Vidette to a plateau of excellence. Mr. Speaker, public officials have the good fortune to work with news organizations on a daily basis. As we work to improve the quality of life for the constituents we are elected to represent, the media is charged with the responsibility of covering our message and accurately reporting that information to the readers and listeners. The Putnam County Vidette, for 125 years, has done a marvelous job covering events affecting the Putnam County area. It is my pleasure to stand before the House to offer my thanks and congratulations for those fine efforts. Mr. Speaker, I would urge my colleagues to stand and join me in paying special tribute to the Putnam County Vidette, for 125 years of reporting excellence, and in wishing the Vidette continued success in the future.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding individual from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District, the late Hulon B. ``Rocky'' Whittington. Mr. Whittington, who hails from the small town of Oak Harbor, Ohio, in Ottawa County, lived a truly memorable life. During his life he was committed to the principles of duty, honor, country. Nowhere is this legacy more evident than in the fact that Mr. Whittington was a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. For his bravery and commitment, Mr. Whittington was presented with our nation's most prized and coveted military recognition. His heroism and patriotism are examples for each of us to live by, and his efforts played a key role in securing the very freedom that we, as Americans enjoy each and every day of our lives. The Congressional Medal of Honor's origin dates back to the Civil War, where it was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln. The Medal of Honor is presented to those in combat having gone ``above and beyond the call of duty.'' In July of 1944, near Grimesnil, France, Sergeant Hulon B., Whittington, Second Armored Division, led a group of men into battle against an advancing German tank column. with their platton leader missing in action and in the face of scores of enemy troops, Sergeant Whittington's expert leadership and bravery resulted in the destruction of more than 100 German vehicles. During the battle, countless numbers of German soldiers were killed or taken prisoner during a bayonet charge that he inspired. Mr. Speaker, On Saturday, October 3, 1998, Sergeant Whittington will be recognized by members of the Oak Harbor Masonic Lodge for his dedication and commitment to service. He was an outstanding community member and a caring and devoted Mason. His efforts have been and will continue to be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker, although Sergeant Whittington passed away several years ago, his deeds on the battlefields of World War II and in the Oak Harbor community will not soon be forgotten. I would urge my colleagues to stand and join me in paying special tribute to a true American hero, Sergeant Hulon B. ``Rocky'' Whittington.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to an important series of events taking place this week in the State of Ohio. The week of Monday, September 21 through Friday, September 26, 1998, has been officially designated by Governor George V. Voinovich as Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week. This recognition works to ensure that citizens throughout the State of Ohio are better informed about the ongoing concerns for lawsuit abuse. To this end, the Ohio Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (OCALA) has undertaken a public awareness campaign to voice their concerns and continue to draw attention to the impact of lawsuit abuse on Ohio's consumers and economy. Citizens from all across Ohio have helped the campaign and have organized behind OCALA to spread the message. Mr. Speaker, lawsuit abuse is not merely a concern for the State of Ohio. Lawsuit abuse is an issue with both State and national implications, and undoubtedly affects each American. Unfortunately, our society has become very prone to litigate in recent years. In fact, some estimates show that the number of lawsuits filed each year is almost 300,000. The sheer number of these lawsuits requires millions of dollars in expenses and thousands of hours from employees. There is no question that litigation abuse is a deterrent to economic growth. As the number of lawsuits continues to climb, the impact on the American public is evident. The increasing number of lawsuits results in higher operating costs for businesses, the withdrawal of certain products from the market, and a weakening of growth and expansion. These costs are inevitably passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services, lost opportunity, and fewer jobs. Mr. Speaker, with these serious issues facing the United States, it is increasingly important for groups like Ohio Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse to be recognized for their hard work and efforts on behalf of Ohioans and all Americans. We need the kind of dedication shown by OCALA and other groups to keep up the battle with lawsuit abuse and overall legal reform. I would urge my colleagues to stand and join me in recognizing the week of Monday, September 21 through Saturday, September 26, 1998 as ``Ohio Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week.''

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding educational program from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Today, the Bellevue City School District is receiving recognition for its excellence in education by being named as one of ``Ohio's Best Practices.'' Mr. Speaker, Ohio's BEST, which stands for Building Excellent Schools for Today & the 21st Century, is an education partnership that seeks to identify and celebrate exemplary grassroots educational programs that have proven to be successful in improving the performance of Ohio's students. The students, parents, teachers, and administrators of the Bellevue City School District and the entire Bellevue, Ohio community have a great deal to be proud of in receiving this prestigious award. Without question, it takes a special group of people and an enormous amount of effort and ingenuity to be selected as one of Ohio's BEST practices. In being selected for this honor, the Bellevue City School District displayed its success in designing and implementing effective approaches to improving the educational results of its students. Ohio's BEST schools are chosen based on several criteria including commitment to the cornerstone principles of: (1) high academic standards, (2) world-class teaching and professional development, (3) providing safe, secure schools for better learning environments, and (4) state-of-the- art infrastructures for the 21st Century. Mr. Speaker, the future education of our children is paramount to the future of our great nation. Each day, our schools provide our leaders of tomorrow with the skills they need to begin the next century. The Bellevue City School District is working to ensure our children are prepared to face the challenges of today and seize the opportunities of tomorrow. I would urge my colleagues to stand and join me in paying special tribute to one of Ohio's BEST practices--the Bellevue City School District, and in wishing them continued success in the future.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding group of young men and women from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. The Defiance High School Marching Band of Class. On January 1, 1999, the Defiance High School Marching Band of Class will be participating in a very special event. On that date, they will be participating in the 1999 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. This is truly a wonderful experience and quite an accomplishment for these talented young people from Ohio's Fifth District. Each January, the parade takes place in conjunction with a plethora of activities surrounding one of the most celebrated athletic contests in all of sports and entertainment--the Rose Bowl. Historically speaking, the Rose Bowl, the ``Grand Daddy of Them All,'' pits the Big Ten Champion against the winner of the PAC Ten. And, in future years, could very well be the site of college football National Championship Game. I cannot think of a better script than to have the DHS Marching Band of Class in attendance for the entire experience surrounding the Rose Bowl and Tournament of Roses Parade. The pageantry comradery, pomp, and ceremony that encompass the Rose Bowl and the Tournament of Roses Parade, truly makes these two enjoined events among America's most wholesome and celebrated gatherings. I cannot think of a more representative, respected, and talented group of young men and women to be Northwest Ohio's ambassadors to the 1999 Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl. Mr. Speaker, the DHS Marching Band of Class is just that--a class organization. From the students who work and train so hard, to the parents and teachers who assist them along the way, the Defiance High School Marching Band of Class is world-class, and in a category all to itself. I urge my colleagues to stand and join me in paying special tribute to the Defiance High School Marching Band of Class, and in wishing them the very best at the 1999 Tournament of Roses Parade. We are very proud of your honors and achievements. Good Luck!

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, when I introduced this bill on February 11, 1997, Thomas Edison's 150th birthday, I had no idea what a monumental task getting a coin bill to the floor is. Obtaining 290 cosponsors is no small task, and I particularly want to thank some of the original cosponsors--David Bonior, Jerry Solomon, Don Payne, and Porter Goss-- for their exceptional efforts in making this bill possible. The coin to be issued will honor the world's greatest inventor, Thomas Edison, and the effort to get it minted reminds me of one of his many famous sayings, ``Genius is 1 percent inspiration, 99 percent perspiration.'' To re-awaken America to the history of this national hero, this bill commemorates the 125th anniversary of the lightbulb, which Edison invented in 1879. The Treasury is authorized to issue a one-dollar commemorative coin in 2004 bearing Edison's likeness. The surcharges from the sale of the coins will be used to help fund eight different Edison locations across the country dedicated to extending Edison's legacy. This bill has no net cost to the federal government. Edison was born in my district and last year, the Edison Birthplace museum in my district in Milan, Ohio, was so strapped for funds that it asked local officials for help with the electric bill. Other Edison sites across the country are faced with similar financial difficulties. Edison was the most prolific inventor in American history with more that 1,300 patents. In addition to the lighbulb, these inventions include that stock ticker, the electronic vote recorder, and the phonograph. This coin bill will be a suitable memorial of Thomas Edison, and will also provide needed help to many historical sits across America. I would like to recognize two people on my staff, Christopher Bremer and Bill Wilson, both of whom put in long hours of work in developing the Edison legislation. Without their exceptional efforts, this bill would never have reached this point. All too often the contributions of Hill staff are unacknowledged and I want to extend my deepest thanks to them both for their efforts.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle), chairman of the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, when I introduced this bill on February 11, 1997, that was Thomas Edison's 150th birthday, and I had no idea what a monumental task getting a coin bill to the floor is. Obtaining 290 cosponsors is no small task. I particularly want to thank some of those original cosponsors, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Solomon), the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss), and others for their exceptional efforts in making this bill possible. The coin to be issued is to honor the world's greatest inventor, Thomas Edison. The effort it took to get it minted reminds me of one of his most famous sayings, ``Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 perspiration.'' To reawaken America to the history of this national hero, this bill commemorates the 125th anniversary of the light bulb. The Treasury is authorized to issue a $1 commemorative coin in 2004 bearing Edison's likeness. The surcharges from the sale of the coins will be used to help fund eight different Edison locations across the country dedicated to preserving Edison's legacy. The bill has no net cost to the Federal Government. Edison was born in my district, and, last year, the Edison Birthplace Museum in Milan, Ohio, was so strapped for funds that it had to ask local officials for help with the electric bill. Other Edison sites across the country are faced with similar financial difficulties. Edison was the most prolific inventor in American history with more than 1,300 patents. In addition to the light bulb, those inventions include the stock ticker, the electronic vote recorder, the phonograph, and many others. This coin bill will be a suitable memorial to Thomas Edison and will provide needed help to many historical sites across America, and I urge its passage.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay very special tribute to an outstanding individual from the Great State of Ohio, Martha L. Butler. Later this month, after thirteen years of service, Martha Butler will retire from her prestigious position of Clerk of the Ohio Senate. Martha's initial service to the Ohio Senate began more than twenty- five years ago when she began working as an aide to the Honorable Max H. Dennis. During her early years in the Senate, her commitment to the institution of the Senate and professionalism she brought to her job were evident to all of those who had the opportunity to work with her. In 1977, she switched Senate offices and began working for the Honorable Paul E. Pfeifer as his Legislative Aide. A short time later, Martha moved to the Senate Clerk's office where she became the Assistant Clerk of the Ohio Senate. Then, in 1985, Martha broke new ground and made history by becoming the first woman to hold the position of Clerk in the Ohio Senate. In fact, Martha is the only woman to hold this position in either chamber of the Ohio Legislature. Mr. Speaker, during the time when I served as the President of the Ohio Senate and in most of my twenty-two years as a State Senator, I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with Martha. She approached her work in the Ohio Senate with the highest sense of honor, responsibility, and dedication. In the future, the unwavering commitment and professionalism that Martha brought to the Office of the Clerk will be the standard by which all others who hold that position will be judged. Mr. Speaker, having had the pleasure of working with Martha Butler and seeing, first-hand, her commitment to the people of the state of Ohio, I know she will be sorely missed. Martha truly is a credit to the Ohio Senate, and to all of Ohio. I would urge my colleagues to stand and join me in paying special tribute to Martha Butler, and in wishing her well in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reiterate the special and heartfelt sentiments that many of my colleagues have been making during the past several days. Last Friday, July 24, 1998, United States Capitol Police Officers John Gibson and J.J. Chestnut payed the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation's Capitol. In a tragic moment, these two brave and courageous men gave their lives to defend and protect the safety and dignity of the United States Capitol. Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson, although slain in a tragic moment, embody the very spirit that is the United States Capitol Police Force. Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson, without a second thought, put themselves in harms way to protect the lives of others. These men approached their jobs each day with the highest commitment, dedication, and honor. The brave men and their colleagues put their lives on the line each day knowing that the perils of danger may be just around the corner. But, without high praise or recognition, they do their jobs with incredible grace and extraordinary professionalism. Although we, in the Capitol Hill family, have lost two close members, this institution and the freedom and democracy for which it stands will continue for those of us who work here and for the millions and millions of visitors who join us here each year. From the heroic efforts of Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson, the world will continue to look to the United States and the United States Capitol as the true symbol of freedom, liberty, and perseverance. Mr. Speaker, for myself and my family, my staff, and the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio, I rise to pay this most honorable tribute to Detective John Gibson and Officer J.J. Chestnut. To their families, friends, and colleagues, please know that their legacy of unwavering loyalty and supreme dedication will forever live in the hearts and minds of those who pass through these halls. On behalf of a grateful nation, we are eternally indebted. Our hearts and prayers are with you. God Bless you.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to one of the truly outstanding landmarks in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District, the Huron Playhouse. On Opening Night, Tuesday, June 30, 1998, the Huron Playhouse will celebrate its Fiftieth Anniversary. The Huron Playhouse is the oldest continuing educational summer theater in the state of Ohio. Over the past fifty years, the Huron Playhouse has been the summer home to more than 475,000 attendees, who have come to see 329 productions of some 262 different plays. The successes of the Huron Playhouse, over its fifty-year history, are strong examples of what hard work, determination, talent, and creativity can bring. The Huron Playhouse has a very rich and tradition-filled history. Started in 1948, the Huron Playhouse began as a partnership summer theater program by Bowling Green State University and the Huron community. Over the past fifty years, the BGSU/Huron partnership has continued to grow and has provided the tremendously educational and entertaining theatrical productions that are associated with the Huron Playhouse. Mr. Speaker, the Huron Playhouse is one of the cornerstones of the Huron community. It continues to be a wonderful summer theater of which we can all be proud. The Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration of the Huron Playhouse is a time to reflect upon the achievements of the past, and a time to look to the future with much enthusiasm. I am sure the next fifty years of the Huron Playhouse will be just as memorable as the first. Mr. Speaker, I would urge my colleagues to stand and join me in paying special tribute to the Huron Playhouse, to all those who have attended its performances, to the directors, producers, cast, crew, and orchestra members, and all others who have helped build it into the premier theater in the area. We congratulate you on fifty wonderful years, and wish you all the best in the future.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, the amendment which the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Tanner) and I are offering would reaffirm in law a vital national interest, namely, that all Americans eligible to vote be treated in the same way by the Federal Election Campaign Act. The Gillmor-Tanner amendment is necessary because proposals have been made, both in this body and at the FEC, which would treat nearly 5 million Americans as second-class citizens politically. Namely, such proposals would deny American citizens who work for American subsidiaries of companies which are headquartered abroad an avenue of political association and participation that is guaranteed all other Americans, namely, the right to voluntarily contribute money to political candidates through political action committees sponsored by their employers. Mr. Chairman, in my home State of Ohio, more than 218,000 Ohioans are employed by American subsidiaries of companies headquartered abroad, and there are more than 5 million Americans nationwide. That number is growing daily. It will get larger still as soon as the merger between Chrysler and Daimler-Benz is completed to form a new Daimler-Chrysler corporation. It makes no sense to tell these Americans that today they may contribute to their company's political action committee, but the day the merger is completed they instantly become second class citizens and are denied this avenue of political participation. Even though the name on the paycheck may change, these employees remain American citizens, and the vagaries of corporate mergers should not be permitted to deny them their rights as Americans. Just as past barriers were erected to discourage participation in the political process, some of today's propositions attempt to deny participation based on where an American chooses to work. Just as discriminatory behavior was wrong then, it is wrong now. Foreign nationals should not be allowed to contribute to American campaigns. That practice is already against the law, and I believe we ought to uphold that law, and this amendment in no way changes the illegality of foreign campaign contributions. Furthermore, both the current law and the Federal Election Commission regulations prohibit foreign nationals' contributions to or any foreign national decision-making with respect to either corporate or labor- sponsored political action committees, and those prohibitions would not be amended by this amendment. In closing, Mr. Chairman, the political rights of American citizens must not be limited by race, gender or place of employment, and a vote for the Gillmor-Tanner amendment would protect the right of American citizens to be treated equally by our current election law and any reforms that may eventually be enacted. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Fazio).

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay).

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Whitfield).