Paul Gillmor

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a very special teacher who has touched many lives. Seldom do we acknowledge the importance of the job or the depth of a teacher's commitment to our children. While many people spend their lives building careers, teachers spend their careers building lives. For this they deserve our support, praise and gratitude. One teacher in particular deserves special recognition, Sister Mary Michel. After 58 years of touching the lives of countless children she has entered into retirement. Sister Michel has truly been a valued asset to those students, both in my district and the entire State of Ohio, in which she has been in contact. The children she has taught will become our future leaders, scientists, and teachers. Sister Michel's long and distinguished career began in the same area where she grew up, as a native of Sandusky, Ohio. After receiving her degree from Mary Manse College in Toledo, Ohio, and completing graduate work at St. Louis (Missouri) University, Sister Michel returned to the area to begin teaching elementary school at St. Mary Catholic School in Toledo. From that monumental day in 1944, Sister Michel has since served as an administrator and an intermediate schoolteacher. Until her recent retirement, Sister Michel spent the last 18 years educating the children of St. John Elementary in Delphos, Ohio. Not only is Sister Michel a remarkable teacher, but she also is a woman of deep faith who has been greatly involved in the parish communities of which she has served. Year after year professionals dedicate their lives to the future of America. There is no more important, or challenging, job than that of our nation's teachers. The job of a teacher is to open a child's mind to the magic of ideas, knowledge, and dreams. Also, teachers are the true guardians of American democracy by instilling a sense of citizenship in the children they teach. Teachers not only educate but also act as listeners, facilitators, role models, and mentors, encouraging our children to reach further than they would have thought possible. Teachers continue to influence us long after our school days are only memories. Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Sister Mary Michel. Numerous school children have been served well through the diligence and determination of dedicated teachers, like Sister Michel, who dedicate their lives to educating our youth. I am confident that Sister Michel will continue to serve her community and positively influence others around her, We wish her the very best on this special occasion.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, to encourage stewardship of our nation's water resources, and in honor of the 30th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act, Congress, along with a number of the country's governors and national organizations, has proclaimed 2002 as the Year of Clean Water. This October 18 marks National Water Monitoring Day, the day the Clean Water Act of 1972 was signed into law. In anticipation of this date, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize Heidelberg College and its nationally renowned Water Quality Laboratory. This outstanding institution of higher education, located in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District, has been working over the past 33 years to provide invaluable water quality research data, further protecting and restoring our rivers, streams, wetlands, lakes, and groundwater. Heidelberg's Water Quality Laboratory is a unique monitoring, research, and educational organization with a mission to conduct research supporting state and federal water quality management programs. At the state level, in recognition of the lab's many years of service to Ohio and Lake Erie, the Water Quality Laboratory received a special Ohio Lake Erie Commission Award in 1999. The Water Quality Laboratory is nationally and internationally recognized in scientific circles for the quality of its research and the great detail of its databases on water quality. Among U.S. studies on water quality in agricultural watersheds, Heidelberg's is the most detailed and longest in duration. The Water Quality Laboratory's well water program is unique in focusing on private rural well conditions. Scientists and government agencies frequently request data from these programs. On several occasions, the lab has provided the majority of the data available to examine regional or national water quality issues and implications for our environment and human health. Staff members are frequently consulted by both government and industry for their expertise in the interpretation of water quality data. The college has currently undertaken an expansion of its Water Quality Laboratory facilities and is poised to make even greater contributions to the state of our nation's water quality in years to come. Mr. Speaker, in this Year of Clean Water, Heidelberg's continued efforts to protect our nation's water resources should not go unnoticed. For that, we owe Heidelberg College our recognition, gratitude, and congratulations. I would urge my colleagues to stand and join me in paying special tribute to Heidelberg College and its nationally renowned Water Quality Laboratory, by designating the Water Quality Laboratory the National Center for Water Quality Research.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding event taking place in my district in Northwest Ohio. On Saturday, August 3, 2002, people from across the district will gather in Fremont to celebrate Farmworker Appreciation Day. Mr. Speaker, there is no question that farming is the backbone of our nation. From the earliest days of our nation's history, hardworking men and women have taken to the fields to plant and harvest crops and raise livestock in order to feed their families, their neighbors, and their fellow countrymen. Farming is an honorable profession that takes a great deal of skill, patience, and hard work. Those hardworking men and women who work on our nation's farms deserve much credit for helping to make our lands productive. Through the arduous process of working and cultivating the soil, these farmworkers help prepare the ground, plant the crops, and harvest the food we need to live. The life of a farmworker is a tough lifestyle. Like the farmer, the farmworker must endure the ever- changing seasons from the harshest winters to the sun-drying, waterless droughts to rain-soaked days that lead to disastrous floods. Farmworkers watch the fields as thunderous storms race across them damaging the crops from which they make their living. However, through it all, farmworkers continue to the fields to do their work. Mr. Speaker, agriculture is vitally important to the Fifth District of Ohio as we are home to nineteen percent of all of Ohio's farmland. We know that the economy of our part of Ohio depends on farming and a big factor in our prosperity is due to the tireless efforts of farmworkers who bring in the crops. I can think of no better way to celebrate the contributions of these individuals than to take part in Farmworker Appreciation Day. Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to farmworkers by helping me to proclaim August 3, 2002, as Farmworker Appreciation Day. We thank them for all they have done and wish them the very best for the future.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to stand before my colleagues in the House to pay special tribute to a special community in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. On August 17 and 18, 2002, the community of West Leipsic, Ohio is celebrating a truly monumental event--its Sesquicentennial Anniversary. Mr. Speaker, West Leipsic, Ohio is one of a number of wonderful communities in Northwest Ohio. West Leipsic is located in the heart of the Fifth Congressional District in Putnam County. Throughout its long and traditional-filled history, West Leipsic has established itself as a model community. We, in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District, are blessed to have such warm communities, like West Leipsic. The folks who live in West Leipsic are truly some of the most terrific people. They are good friends and neighbors, colleagues and coworkers, and, together, they form a close- knit family all sharing a common-bond centered around their dedication to their community. Over the years I have served in elected office, I have had the good fortune to travel to West Leipsic many times. Each time I visit, I am greeted by friendly people who truly know how to make you feel at home. In West Leipsic, and towns all across the Fifth District, being there is just like being at home. Mr. Speaker, the individuality of the American culture, the freedom of the American spirit, is embodied in West Leipsic, Ohio. The community of West Leipsic, for one-hundred fifty years, has certainly been a model after which other communities can pattern themselves. As we begin this Sesquicentennial Anniversary Celebration of West Leipsic, Ohio, I would urge my colleagues to join me in this special tribute. It is my hope that the next century and a half will be just as joyous as the first.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding event taking place in my district in Northwest Ohio. On Saturday, August 3, 2002, people from across the district will gather in Liberty Center to celebrate Farmworker Appreciation Day. Mr. Speaker, there is no question that farming is the backbone of our nation. From the earliest days of our nation's history, hardworking men and women have taken to the fields to plant and harvest crops and raise livestock in order to feed their families, their neighbors, and their fellow countrymen. Farming is an honorable profession that takes a great deal of skill, patience, and hard work. Those hardworking men and women who work on our nation's farms deserve much credit for helping to make our lands productive. Through the arduous process of working and cultivating the soil, these farmworkers help prepare the ground, plant the crops, and harvest the food we need to live. The life of a farmworker is a tough lifestyle. Like the farmer, the farmworker must endure the ever- changing seasons from the harshest winters to the sun-drying, waterless droughts to rain-soaked days that lead to disastrous floods. Farmworkers watch the fields as thunderous storms race across them damaging the crops from which they make their living. However, through it all, farmworkers continue to the fields to do their work. Mr. Speaker, agriculture is vitally important to the Fifth District of Ohio as we are home to nineteen percent of all of Ohio's farmland. We know that the economy of our part of Ohio depends on farming and a big factor in our prosperity is due to the tireless efforts of farmworkers who bring in the crops. I can think of no better way to celebrate the contributions of these individuals than to take part in Farmworker Appreciation Day. Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to farmworkers by helping me to proclaim August 3, 2002, as Farmworker Appreciation Day. We thank them for all they have done and wish them the very best for the future.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay special tribute to Harry C. Bradford. Harry is completing an exemplary career with the Department of Health and Human Services, and after forty-five years of dedicated service Harry entered into retirement on June 28, 2002. Mr. Speaker, Harry began work with the former Department of Health, Education and Welfare in 1972, and, over the years, has risen through the ranks to his current position serving as Director of the Division of Payment Management, Financial Management Service, and Program Support Center for the Department of Health and Human Services. On his way to the directorship, Harry served as an Operating Accountant, Branch Chief of Governmental and Tribal Payments, and the Division of Payment Management. Harry has proven his skills as an effective leader and organizational manager. In 1996 Harry assumed control of the federal government's largest centralized grant payment system, the HHS Payment Management System. During fiscal year 2001, the system was used to disburse over $217 billion dollars to over 23,000 recipient organizations throughout the country. Through Harry's diligent efforts, the Payment Management System has been selected by the Chief Financial Officers Council to serve as one of only two grant payment systems for the entire federal government. Harry has been recognized for his diligent service and unselfish commitment to developing a sound system of fund disbursement and exceptional customer service. Among his numerous awards and recognition, Harry has received the U.S. Treasury Award for Distinction in Cash Management, HHS Office of the Inspector General Award for Outstanding Efforts in Cash Management. Then in 2000, Harry was awarded the HHS Program Support Center's highest award, the Premier Customer Service Award, which he dedicated to his staff for their diligent efforts. Harry will be enjoying his retirement at his home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland with his wife and two children. He plans to pursue his many hobbies as well as continue his involvement with local church and community activities. Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Harry C. Bradford. Our federal service agencies and the American people are better served through the diligence and determination of public servants, like Harry, who dedicate their lives to serving the needs of others. I am confident that Harry will continue to serve his community and positively influence others around him. We wish him the very best on this special occasion.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay special tribute to those dedicated individuals from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District who made this new visitors'center at Perry's Memorial a reality. Mr. Speaker, The new visitors center at Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial is a welcome addition to this to this wonderful park, and one that has been long sought. The monument itself has long stood as an inspiring reminder of the enduring peace of nearly two centuries between the United States and Canada. It is a moving and educational destination for thousands of families. The park and monument commemorate one of the most important and decisive battles in American history. The victory of Commodore Perry and American naval forces over the British off the shores of this island changed the course of American history, and facilitated the westward movement of our nation across the continent. It ushered in an unprecedented period of peace and friendship. The visitors'center for the first time provides a means of explaining to visitors the significance of these events. It is the culmination of the efforts of many over a period of years. Some years ago I met with the leaders of the Perry Group, citizens joined together to promote this park, to begin discussions regarding the need for this center and how to achieve it. I commend the group and its strong leaders such as Judge George Smith and Ann Heidenreich Fisher for their tireless and successful work. I was fortunate to obtain approximately two million dollars in federal funds so that this project could come to fruition, and I wish to thank my colleague, Congressman Ralph Regula, for his invaluable help in making it happen. I also commend the superintendents at the park during this period for their efforts in support of this center, including our current Superintendent Ralph Moore, and his predecessors Dick Lusardi and Phyllis Ewing. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the diligent effort and unwaveting spirit of those individuals determined to see this project through to completion. Our communities are served well by having such honorable and giving citizens who care about the education that future generations receive so that our historical landmarks are preserved well into the future. I am confident that this new visitors' center will serve as an educational tool for all, and be our link to a piece of American, and Ohio, history.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding gentleman from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Mike Kerschner of Tiffin, Ohio, will celebrate a milestone fiftieth birthday on June 29, 2002. Mr. Speaker, Mike is celebrating this monumental occasion with family and friends, all who have known of his selfless contributions to the local community. Serving the community was not only Mike's duty but also his honor. His efforts to give back to the community have brought him a lifetime of both personal and professional achievement and satisfaction. Mike truly is a valued asset to the City of Tiffin. Mike has served Tiffin well throughout his years, both professionally and philanthropically. Currently, Mike serves as President & CEO of the Old Fort Banking Company. He also holds a seat on the board of directors of the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corporation, Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce, Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, and the Community Bankers Association of Ohio. Mike readily gives of his time to numerous charitable causes that include the Saint Francis Foundation, and the local United Way Foundation. He considers it a distinct privilege to serve his community through his involvement with the Tiffin Elks Lodge #94, St. Mary's Finance Committee, and as President of Seneca Area Career Systems. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Mike Kerschner. Our communities are served well by having such honorable and giving citizens, like Mike, who care about the well being and stability of their communities. We wish him the very best on this special occasion, and wish him many more years of good health and good fortune.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding citizen from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Betty Jo Sherman will be honored by the Ohio Chapter of the National Federation of Republican Women on Sunday, June 23, 2002 for her continued dedication to the electoral process. Mr. Speaker, Betty Jo is celebrating this monumental occasion with family, friends, and colleagues, all who have known of her selfless contributions to the U.S. electoral system. Serving a democratic institution was not only Betty Jo's duty but also her honor. These opportunities to contribute to a fundamentally American responsibility have brought her a lifetime of both personal and professional achievement. Betty Jo truly is a valued citizen of the State of Ohio. Betty Jo continues to lead a distinguished career as an advocate for the participation in American political process, which is made evident through the numerous positions she has held within the local and state Republican Party. She has also served her local community by becoming the first woman to be elected to the Woodmore, Ohio Board of Education. Betty Jo has been active in the electoral process since the early 1970's and tirelessly continues to serve both the interests of that system and those of her local community. These achievements demonstrate not only that Betty Jo is dedicated to the strong ideals of the American electoral process, but also to the vision of our founding fathers. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Betty Jo Sherman. Our democratic institutions are served well by having such honorable and giving citizens, like Betty Jo, who care about the active participation of all Americans in the electoral process. I am confident that Betty Jo will continue to serve her community as an advocate of citizen participation in the American electoral system well into the future. We wish her the very best on this special occasion.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. I am pleased to join my colleague, Mr. Goodlatte, in introducing today by request the Administration's implementing legislation for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, and the Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long- Range Trans-boundary Air Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The Stockholm Convention was adopted on May 22, 2001, after many years of international negotiation under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, and it establishes an international framework for regulating the production, use, and disposal of persistent organic pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs, and dioxin. The United States signed the Stockholm Convention over 1 year ago, along with over 110 other countries, but the United States cannot ratify the treaty until the Senate provides its advice and consent, and until sufficient authority has been granted through Federal legislation to ensure that the mandates of the agreement can be enforced. On April 11, 2002, the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, submitted to the Congress legislation to implement the Stockholm Convention, the Rotterdam Convention, and the Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants. This legislation amends the Toxic Substances Control Act, TSCA, as well as the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) by providing the EPA with the authority to eliminate or restrict the production, use and release of 12 chemicals that can adversely affect human health because they are toxic; they persist in the environment for long periods of time; they circulate globally; and they biomagnify and accumulate in foods consumed by humans. Specifically, the bill amends TSCA to prohibit or severely restrict the use of Aldrin, Chlordane, Dieldrin, Endrin, Heptachlor, Hexachlorobenzene, Mirex, Toxaphene, PCBs and DDT, while providing specific limited exemptions for their continued use. In the event that these chemicals continue to be used in accordance with an exemption, this legislation requires a certificate to accompany the chemicals providing detailed information. The legislation also provides EPA with the authority to collect additional information from manufacturers to assist in evaluating additional chemicals for potential addition to the restricted list in the future, and to prohibit the exportation from the United States of these banned or severely restricted products, unless the exportation complies with specific conditions and restrictions established by the EPA. The bill also requires exporters of listed substances to provide prior notice to EPA of all exports and to include additional labeling, and the bill similarly amends FIFRA to prohibit the use, sale and exportation of the prohibited or restricted chemicals that are pesticide active ingredients. Today, I am pleased to introduce by request the Administration's legislative package that, once enacted, will allow the United States to ratify the underlying treaties. As the chairman of the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, I look forward to working with the administration, my colleagues in the House and other body, and all interested parties, in putting a package together that we can send to the White House soon. As we proceed, I will keep an open mind on the need to make improvements to the bill I'm introducing today. This can and should be bipartisan legislation that will demonstrate the United States' leadership in the international environmental arena.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding corporation based in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that the employees of Aeroquip-inoac in Fremont, Ohio, have recently achieved an extraordinary level of success. The Aeroquip-inoac Corporation will receive OSHA's highest level of Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) safety and health management certification, that of Star Participant, on Friday, June 14, 2002. Mr. Speaker, the people of Aeroquip-Inoac took it upon themselves to participate in the VPP by establishing a cooperative relationship between management, labor, and OSHA officials. Management established an effective program that meets the set OSHA requirements, and labor employees agreed to participate in an effort to assure a safe and healthful workplace. OSHA has verified that the program meets the established criteria and is recognizing the Aeroquip-Inoac Corporation for attaining the highest level of success. Aeroquip-Inoac has joined the ranks of .01% of the six million companies in the U.S. to be recognized by OSHA under their Voluntary Protection Programs by achieving that status of Star Participant. As a company that produces Class A painted exterior trim products for the automotive industry I applaud them on their cooperative effort, which involved all of the 500 employees. This program not only increased employee motivation to work safely, but also increased productivity by reducing the number of lost workdays due to injury. Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to stand and join me in paying special tribute to the Aeroquip-Inoac Corporation. Businesses in the U.S. are served well through participation in these types of voluntary programs, and like Aeroquip-Inoac, show what the American spirit of cooperation can accomplish. I am confident that the Aeroquip-Inoac Corporation will continue to improve their safety and health programs and I wish them well in their future endeavors.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding public servant. Miriam H. Fetters will celebrate forty years of public service with the Social Security Administration on Tuesday, June 18, 2002. Mr. Speaker, Miriam began her tenure of exemplary service with the Social Security Administration on June 18, 1962 in Cincinnati, Ohio serving as a Claims Representative. Miriam was then transferred to the Lima, Ohio office where she served as a Field Representative, Operations Analyst, Operations Supervisor, and finally Assistant District Manager. Throughout her career, Miriam has continually provided the highest level of assistance to the Lima service area and to the team of staff members with whom she works. Miriam continues to lead a distinguished career as a public servant, which is made evident through the numerous awards she has received for meritorious service. In October, 1973, Miriam received the Commissioner's Citation from then Acting Commissioner of Social Security Arthur E. Hess for ``sustained excellence in processing an exceptional quantity of claims with a high degree of accuracy.'' Additionally, in January, 1987, Miriam also received the Chicago Region Supervisory Excellence Award for ``outstanding supervisory skills resulting in improved efficiency and enhanced employee morale.'' These awards demonstrate not only that Miriam is a dedicated employee, but also a loyal public servant. Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Miriam H. Fetters. Our federal service agencies and the American people are better served through the diligence and determination of public servants, like Miriam, who dedicate their lives to serving the needs of others. I am confident that Miriam will continue to serve her community as a model federal employee well into the future. We wish her the very best on this special occasion.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding gentleman from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Jim Streacker of Tiffin, Ohio, will celebrate a milestone seventieth birthday on June 15, 2002, Mr. Speaker, Jim will be celebrating this monumental occasion with family and friends, all who have known of his selfless contributions to the local community. Serving the community was not only Jim's duty but also his honor. These chances to give back to the community have brought him a lifetime of both personal and professional achievement Jim truly is a valued asset to the City of Tiffin. Jim has served Tiffin well throughout his years both, professionally and philanthropically. In his state of semi-retirement from Streacker Tractor Sales, he continues to serve the agricultural community as Secretary of the Tractor Sales Association. He also holds a seat on the Seneca Industrial Environmental Development Commission, and is a member of the local chamber of commerce, the local business boosters, and the Key Bank Advisory Board. Jim serves charitable interests of the Saint Francis Foundation, and the Betty Jane Advisory Board. Through Jim's work in the Calvert Foundation, he has helped manage the investments of the local school system in an effort to keep the schools properly financed and maintain a high standard of education for the community's children. He is also active in the local VFW, American Legion, and AMVETS since serving his country in the U.S. Air Force in the Korean War. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Jim Streacker. Our communities are served well by having such honorable and giving citizens, like Jim, who care about the well being and stability of their communities. We wish him the very best on this special occasion.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize my constituent, James R. Hart, III of Sandusky, Ohio, who recently accepted his appointment to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Jim will soon graduate from Sandusky High School. During his high school career, he has maintained a superior grade point average, and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is an accomplished athlete, earning varsity letters in basketball and soccer. And, he has clearly demonstrated his leadership ability, serving as co-captain of the basketball and soccer teams. Jim Hart can be very proud of his many accomplishments. He is a credit to his family, his school, and his community. By accepting his appointment, Jim is accepting a unique challenge. The Academy is the pinnacle of leadership development for the United States Coast Guard. As a USCG Academy Cadet, he will face a most demanding academic curriculum and physical regimen. He will live, study and prepare in an environment where strong leadership thrives, individual achievement is expected, and personal integrity is demanded. Mr. Speaker, General John W. Vessey, Jr. once wrote, ``The Nation's ability to remain free and at peace depends in no small measure on whether we will continue to inspire our youth to serve.'' I am confident that James R. Hart, III has the character and ability to excel at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his very important service to our Nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize my constituent, Jesse J. Wukie of Fremont, Ohio, who recently accepted his appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Jesse will soon graduate from Fremont Ross High School. During his high school career, he has maintained a high grade point average and was named to the honor roll. He is an accomplished athlete, earning varsity letters in wrestling. And, he has clearly demonstrated his leadership ability, serving as captain of the wrestling team, and as Vice President of his 4-H Horse Club. Jesse Wukie can be very proud of his many accomplishments. He is a credit to his family, his school, and his community. By accepting his appointment, Jesse is accepting a unique challenge. The Academy is the pinnacle of leadership development for the United States Air Force. As a member of the Cadet Air Wing, he will face a most demanding academic curriculum and physical regimen. He will live, study and prepare in an environment where strong leadership thrives, individual achievement is expected, and personal integrity is demanded. Mr. Speaker, General John W. Vessey, Jr. once wrote, ``The Nation's ability to remain free and at peace depends in no small measure on whether we will continue to inspire our youth to serve.'' I am confident that Jesse Wukie has the character and ability to excel at the U.S. Air Force Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his very important service to our Nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Chairman Tauzin, Ranking Member Dingell, and the others who have worked so hard to produce a conference committee report that certainly I am in very strong support of. In particular, I want to highlight the need to support the drinking water protection provisions contained in title IV. Just yesterday, newspapers were running front page stories about New York City worrying about the vulnerability of their water system. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, I am pleased that our committee is tackling that issue, which is a serious concern not only of some of our biggest systems but some of our medium and small- sized systems as well. I believe the original House language on title IV was preferable to the provisions in the conference report, but I am glad we were able to retain the core features of the House bill. Specifically, we require drinking water systems to do vulnerability assessments and to compile emergency response plans. In addition, we provide money for mandates and establish emergency funds. I strongly support the bill. As chairman of the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Safe Drinking Water Act, I am taking this opportunity to elaborate on and clarify the provisions of the conference report on Title IV of H.R. 3448, the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness Response Act of 2002. I want to provide a more detailed explanation of Title IV for the Record. Title IV of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness Response Act of 2001 requires community water systems serving over 3,300 individuals to conduct vulnerability assessments and to prepare or revise emergency response plans which incorporate the results of the vulnerability assessment. The legislation, however, also recognizes that many community water systems have conducted or will be in the process of conducting vulnerability assessments at the time of enactment. Title IV is thus explicitly drafted not to create a regulatory program which could slow down ongoing efforts or to require systems that have completed vulnerability assessments to undertake another such assessment. The title only requires that systems certify that an assessment has been completed by a specific date, not that the assessment was initiated and/or completed before or after the date of enactment. Moreover, the title only requires that systems submit a written copy of the assessment to the Administrator of EPA. Thus, the title does not require that any preparatory or supplementary material or analysis be provided to the Agency. By only requiring submission of a written copy, Title IV recognizes that vulnerability assessments can contain highly sensitive information which would pose a danger if disclosed. The conference agreement on Title IV did not include any requirement or option for the submission of these assessments in electronic form. This recognizes that the information protocols required under Title IV will tightly control access to the assessments and that these documents will not be available or placed on EPA electronic systems which have been demonstrated to be vulnerable to unauthorized access. Title IV requires strict security arrangements, procedures, equipment and locations be established at EPA before the Agency shall receive the submitted written copies of vulnerability assessments. These protocols are to ensure that no one, other than specifically authorized individuals, have any access to any part of the submission or to information derived from the submission. Only very specific exceptions to these restrictions are allowed under Title IV and knowingly or recklessly violating these restrictions carries with it criminal sanctions of both imprisonment and fines. Title IV does not create a regulatory role for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in defining what is or is not an acceptable vulnerability assessment. EPA is provided no regulatory authority in this regard; instead, the Agency is only to provide information once to community water systems (by August 1, 2002) regarding what kinds of terrorist attacks are probable threats. EPA is to coordinate its efforts with other agencies and departments of government who have expertise in this area, to compile information readily available or already developed, and to promptly distribute this information. The statute does not provide a continuing duty for EPA in this area past the date specified in the legislation. In this regard, vulnerability assessments are defined in statute only to the extent that they include a review of certain specified items. These items are those which make up the physical structure of a public water system (as defined in section 1401 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)), electronic, computer or other automated systems, physical barriers, the use, storage, or handling of various chemicals and the operation and maintenance of a drinking water system. Title IV recognizes that there are many different types and sizes of community water systems (CWS) and gives CWS wide discretion to devise and conduct a vulnerability assessment. EPA is not given any rulemaking or other authority to define further what is or is not a vulnerability assessment meeting the requirements of section 1433. Nor does Title IV require that a community water system utilize any particular vulnerability assessment tool, or conduct any specific type of analysis. Community water systems are not required to determine the consequences of intentional acts or terrorist acts, analyze their use of specific chemicals, including chlorine, as opposed to other chemicals, or to characterize the risk of any offsite impacts. Further, the term ``physical barriers'' does not necessarily include ``buffer zones'' or any other area around physical structures. Title IV recognizes that vulnerability assessments could contain very sensitive information about a drinking water system which would be of assistance to a terrorist or an individual contemplating an attack. Therefore, Title IV provides a full, complete and airtight exemption from disclosure under the federal FOIA requirement (5 U.S.C. 552) for all information submitted to EPA and any information derived therefrom. Further, the Title addresses the situation where a state or local FOIA requirement could be ``triggered'' by submission of a written copy of a vulnerability assessment to EPA. The Title provides that no community water system will be compelled to submit a copy of the vulnerability assessment to any governmental entity that is occasioned by the requirement that the system submit such assessment to EPA. Title IV does not contain any requirement that the EPA or any other governmental body receive for review emergency response plans prepared by water systems. Nor does Title IV contain any requirement that community water systems provide such information to EPA or to any other person or governmental entity. Community water systems are to coordinate with local emergency planning committees (LEPCs) in the preparation or revision of emergency response plans for the purpose of avoiding duplication of effort and taking advantage of previous information developed by the LEPCs for first responders and local government response. There is no requirement that community water systems disclose any of the information developed by the vulnerability assessments to the LEPCs. The legislation authorizes EPA to provide financial assistance to CWS for several specified purposes. EPA may provide assistance for vulnerability assessments, for developing or revising emergency response plans and for expenses and contracts designed to address basic security enhancements of critical importance and significant threats to public health. The Title also authorizes assistance for small water systems and immediate and urgent security needs, subject to limits specified in the Title. Title IV does not define either ``basic security enhancements of critical importance'' or ``significant threats to public health.'' However, existing SDWA programs which provide assistance to water systems have not provided assistance for continuing expenses such as operations and maintenance or personnel expenses. This legislation does not change this long-established public policy and specifically indicates that basic security enhancements do not include expenditures for personnel costs, or monitoring, operation or maintenance of facilities, equipment of systems. Finally, Title IV clarifies that EPA has discretion to act under Part D, Emergency Powers, of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) when the Agency has received information about a specific threatened terrorist attack or when the Agency has received information concerning a potential terrorist attack (but not necessarily a specific, identified threat) at a drinking water facility. In exercising this discretion, the EPA should only rely upon substantial, credible information. EPA should not interpret ``potential terrorist attack'' to mean that there is merely some possibility or statistical probability of a terrorist attack. Neither should EPA interpret a general warning, general announcement or general condition to be sufficient information of a threatened or potential terrorist attack. Specific, credible information is required, and all other elements of section 1431 must be met, including the existence of an imminent and substantial endangerment to the health of persons, that appropriate State and local authorities have not acted to protect the health of persons served by the drinking water system, and that the EPA Administrator has consulted with State and local authorities regarding the correctness of the information regarding both the specific threat and the actions which the State or local authorities have taken. The authority granted to EPA in section 1431 is a limited, case-by-case, contingent emergency power.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bill, particularly the municipal deposit part. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3717, the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2002. I am very proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation and commend Chairman Oxley and Subcommittee Chairman Bachus for their diligent work and dedication in crafting this reform package and delivering it to the full House for consideration. Significant reform of the Federal Deposit Insurance system is long overdue, specifically with regard to municipal deposit coverage. I have worked hard with the cooperation of several other members of the Financial Services Committee to see a meaningful increase in FDIC coverage for public deposits included in HR 3717. The Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act will provide full FDIC coverage for 80% of all in- state municipal deposits at an FDIC insured institution up to two million dollars. This is a vast improvement from the current coverage cap of 100,000 dollars on each account. Providing this essential coverage will help local communities keep public moneys in their area, which will improve the economic climate by enabling local banks to offer more loans for cars, homes, education and community needs. Currently, municipalities are faced with a hard choice when deciding where to place their deposits. Local officials care about their communities and would like to foster economic development by putting their funds in local banks. However, without the guarantee of FDIC coverage, they are often instead forced to put the money in large out of state institutions. It may also be the case that small banks are not even in a position to accept such deposits. Many states require institutions to collateralize municipal deposits. This makes it harder for community and small banks to compete for these funds with larger banks. Many community banks are so loaned-up that they do not have the available securities to use as collateral. Just a few months ago, the FDIC closed a bank in my congressional district: the Oakwood Deposit Bank in Oakwood, OH. Local municipalities and other public entities that held deposits at this institution are now put at risk due to the $100,000 cap in FDIC coverage. In cases of fraud such as this one, securitization may not have been adequate insurance as many bonds and securities appearing on the bank's balance sheet may not still be held. The expansion of FDIC coverage is the only way to truly alleviate this risk to local public entities. Again, I would like to thank Chairman Oxley and Chairman Bachus for their leadership on this important issue and ask all my colleagues to strongly support this legislation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize my constituent, Brian C. Karhoff of Pandora, Ohio, who recently accepted his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Brian will soon graduate from Pandora-Gilboa High School. During his high school career, he has maintained a 4.0 grade point average, and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is an accomplished athlete, earning a varsity letter in football. And, he has clearly demonstrated his leadership ability, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, class treasurer and treasurer of the National Honor Society. Brian Karhoff can be very proud of his many accomplishments. He is a credit to his family, his school, and his community. By accepting his appointment, Brian is accepting a unique challenge. The Academy is the pinnacle of leadership development for the United States Army. As a member of the U.S. Corps of Cadets, he will face a most demanding academic curriculum and physical regimen. He will live, study and prepare in an environment where strong leadership thrives, individual achievement is expected, and personal integrity is demanded. Mr. Speaker, General John W. Vessey, Jr. once wrote, ``The Nation's ability to remain free and at peace depends in no small measure on whether we will continue to inspire our youth to serve.'' I am confident that Brian Karhoff has the character and ability to excel at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his very important service to our Nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize my constituent, Clayton M. Mealer of Defiance, Ohio, who recently accepted his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Clayton will soon graduate from Defiance Senior High School. During his high school career, he has maintained a high grade point average, and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is an accomplished athlete, earning a varsity letter in football. And, he has clearly demonstrated his civic awareness, generously volunteering his time as a tutor, and in support of Habitat for Humanity and Clean the City Parks. Clayton Mealer can be very proud of his many accomplishments. He is a credit to his family, his school, and his community. By accepting his appointment, Clayton is accepting a unique challenge. The Academy is the pinnacle of leadership development for the United States Army. As a member of the U.S. Corps of Cadets, he will face a most demanding academic curriculum and physical regimen. He will live, study and prepare in an environment where strong leadership thrives, individual achievement is expected, and personal integrity is demanded. Mr. Speaker, General John W. Vessey, Jr. once wrote, ``The Nation's ability to remain free and at peace depends in no small measure on whether we will continue to inspire our youth to serve.'' I am confident that Clayton Mealer has the character and ability to excel at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his very important service to our nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize my constituent, Cory J. McCollow of Venedocia, Ohio, who recently accepted his appointment to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Cory will soon graduate from Spencerville High School. During his high school career, he has maintained a high grade point average, and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is an accomplished athlete, earning varsity letters in football, basketball and track. And, he has clearly demonstrated his leadership ability, serving as captain of the basketball team. Cory McCollow can be very proud of his many accomplishments. He is a credit to his family, his school, and his community. By accepting his appointment, Cory is accepting a unique challenge. The Academy is the pinnacle of leadership development for the United States Coast Guard. As a USCG Academy Cadet, he will face a most demanding academic curriculum and physical regimen. He will live, study and prepare in an environment where strong leadership thrives, individual achievement is expected, and personal integrity is demanded. Mr. Speaker, General John W. Vessey, Jr. once wrote, ``The Nation's ability to remain free and at peace depends in no small measure on whether we will continue to inspire our youth to serve.'' I am confident that Cory McCollow has the character and ability to excel at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his very important service to our nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize my constituent, Dean J. Rosiar, II of Marblehead, Ohio, who recently accepted his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Dean will soon graduate from Danbury High School. During his high school career, he has maintained a high grade point average, and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is an accomplished athlete, earning varsity letters in football, basketball, and track and field. And, he has clearly demonstrated his leadership ability, serving as Sophomore Class President, delegate to Buckeye Boys State and as a captain of the football team. Dean Rosiar can be very proud of his many accomplishments. He is a credit to his family, his school, and his community. By accepting his appointment, Dean is accepting a unique challenge. The Academy is the pinnacle of leadership development for the United States Army. As a member of the U.S. Corps of Cadets, he will face a most demanding academic curriculum and physical regimen. He will live, study and prepare in an environment where strong leadership thrives, individual achievement is expected, and personal integrity is demanded. Mr. Speaker, General John W. Vessey, Jr. once wrote, ``The Nation's ability to remain free and at peace depends in no small measure on whether we will continue to inspire our youth to serve.'' I am confident that Dean Rosiar has the character and ability to excel at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his very important service to our Nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize my constituent, Stephen T. Ferguson of Elyria, Ohio, who recently accepted his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Steve will soon graduate from Keystone High School. During his high school career, he has maintained a high grade point average, and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is an accomplished athlete, earning a varsity letter in football. And, he has clearly demonstrated his leadership ability, serving as class president and vice president, as president of the National Honor Society and as captain of the football team. Steve Ferguson can be very proud of his many accomplishments. He is a credit to his family, his school, and his community. By accepting his appointment, Steve is accepting a unique challenge. The Academy is the pinnacle of leadership development for the United States Army. As a member of the U.S. Corps of Cadets, he will face a most demanding academic curriculum and physical regimen. He will live, study and prepare in an environment where strong leadership thrives, individual achievement is expected, and personal integrity is demanded. Mr. Speaker, General John W. Vessey, Jr. once wrote, ``The Nation's ability to remain free and at peace depends in no small measure on whether we will continue to inspire our youth to serve.'' I am confident that Steve Ferguson has the character and ability to excel at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his very important service to our nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize my constituent, Michael E. DeMichiei of Napoleon, Ohio, who recently accepted his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Michael will soon graduate from Napoleon High School. During his high school career, he has maintained a high grade point average, and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is an accomplished athlete, earning varsity letters in soccer and track. And, he has clearly demonstrated his leadership ability, serving as a delegate to Buckeye Boys State and as captain of the soccer team. Michael DeMichiei can be very proud of his many accomplishments. He is a credit to his family, his school, and his community. By accepting his appointment, Michael is accepting a unique challenge. The Academy is the pinnacle of leadership development for the United States Army. As a member of the U.S. Corps of Cadets, he will face a most demanding academic curriculum and physical regimen. He will live, study and prepare in an environment where strong leadership thrives, individual achievement is expected, and personal integrity is demanded. Mr. Speaker, General John W. Vessey, Jr. once wrote, ``The Nation's ability to remain free and at peace depends in no small measure on whether we will continue to inspire our youth to serve.'' I am confident that Michael DeMichiei has the character and ability to excel at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his very important service to our Nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize my constituent, Kyle J. Fries of Bellevue, Ohio, who recently accepted his appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Kyle will soon graduate from Bellevue High School. During his high school career, he has maintained a high grade point average, and currently is attending Firelands Branch of Bowling Green State University under the Post Secondary Education Option. And, he has clearly demonstrated his leadership ability, earning the rank of Eagle Scout and serving as a delegate to Buckeye Boys State. Kyle Fries can be very proud of his many accomplishments. He is a credit to his family, his school, and his community. By accepting his appointment, Kyle is accepting a unique challenge. The Academy is the pinnacle of leadership development for the United States Maritime Service. As a USMMA midshipman, he will face a most demanding academic curriculum and physical regimen. He will live, study and prepare in an environment where strong leadership thrives, individual achievement is expected, and personal integrity is demanded. Mr. Speaker, General John W. Vessey, Jr. once wrote, ``The Nation's ability to remain free and at peace depends in no small measure on whether we will continue to inspire our youth to serve.'' I am confident that Kyle Fries has the character and ability to excel at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his very important service to our nation at Kings Point.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. George Kidd, Jr., upon his retirement as President of Tiffin University. Dr. Kidd has distinguished himself as one of the nation's outstanding educators, university administrators, and visionaries of higher education. When Dr. Kidd became Tiffin University's President in April, 1981, the college's enrollment of 375 students occupied three academic buildings. The academic focus was its two-year associate degree program. The school's operating budget had produced seven consecutive annual deficits. Dr. Kidd's legacy at Tiffin University is a transformed institution of higher knowledge, an innovative curriculum, a distinguished faculty, vibrant campus and a balanced operating budget. Student enrollment now exceeds 1,600 with a primary focus shifted to the four-year bachelors degree programs. The university facilities now include eleven buildings, including three dormitories, a dining commons, a student center, gymnasium and 38 acres of athletic playing fields. Dr. Kidd's tireless efforts on behalf of Tiffin University are matched only by his many selfless contributions to the Tiffin community. He has generously given of his time to local community service organizations, including Seneca County United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, Mercy Hospital, and many others. Mr. Speaker, Dr. George Kidd's contributions to our country are as numerous as the many bright futures he has touched as an educator and a mentor. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him and his loving and equally talented wife, Dianne, good health and our very best wishes.