Paul Gillmor

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today to recognize a great man who has touched many young lives, Mr. Robert L. Brandt. Mr. Brandt has spent the last 25 years as superintendent of the Vantage Career Center in Van Wert, Ohio. This month, he is stepping down to take a less active role for the remainder of the year when he will officially retire. In his 25 years, Mr. Brandt has turned the Vantage Career Center into one of the shining stars in the State of Ohio. In 1974, he was asked to join the effort to create a vocational school for Van Wert. He was responsible for choosing the site and developing a building financial plan to have the school open in two years. Right on schedule, the doors of the Vantage Vocational School, as it was originally known, opened in 1976 serving only four school districts. Today, more than eleven school districts send their students to the Vantage Vocational School. In addition, each year more than 5,000 dollars adults gain valuable work and career skills through Vantage's Adult Education Program. Mr. Brandt has never taken his eye off what was truly important, the students. In a recent newspaper article he was quoted as saying, ``My biggest joy in all of this is seeing the number of students who have attended Vantage who have made real successes of themselves--especially those who hadn't done very well in school before coming here.'' Though Mr. Brandt officially stepped down as superintendent on July 1, 2001, he has remains at Vantage as Special Projects Coordinator ensuring a smooth transition for the new superintendent. Mr. Speaker, year after year professionals such as Mr. Brandt dedicate their lives to the future of America. There is no more important or challenging job than that of our nation's educators. At this time, I ask my colleagues of the 107th Congress to join me in saluting Mr. Brandt and all that he has done for the youth of Ohio.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize a close personal friend of mine, Mr. Albert ``Allie'' J. Allman, Jr. I have been fortunate to call Allie my friend for more than 30 years. Over his lifetime, he has dedicated himself to working for the benefit of his country, the State of Ohio and the Tiffin community. His volunteerism began in 1943 as a Navy serviceman, and has continued in various political, social and service organizations including the City Council, the Park Board, the Betty Jane Rehabilitation Center, the Cerebral Palsy Committee, the Elks, the Sierra Club, and as a Eucharistic minister at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. While serving as secretary of the Chamber of Commerce in 1955, he aided in forming Tiffin's first industrial and economic development corporation, and in acquiring land for the Seneca County Airport and Riverview Inn Complex. From 1952 through 1961, Allie was the Director of the Community Chest, which was a forerunner of the United Way. Although he is semi-retired after 22 years as a claims manager of United Insurance Company, Allie is still active in politics. Allie is well respected by many public officials throughout Ohio because of his ability to work with all people and see all sides of a situation. Allie is currently secretary of the Seniors And Lawman Together (S.A.L.T.) Council, which he helped form. This organization unites seniors and law enforcement officers in working together for a safer community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues of the 107th Congress to join me in saluting Allie for his years of service to the Tiffin community and the State of Ohio. I want to also wish my dear friend, his wife Jane, their five children and their seven grandchildren all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to express congratulations to employees of the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station for having achieved a significant safety milestone. On August 9, 2001 the employees of the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station will have worked five million hours without a lost-time accident. As the first nuclear power plant in Ohio, the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, since beginning operation in 1977, has generated more than 110 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, enough power to supply about 20 million homes with electricity for an entire year. The plant produces enough electricity to meet the demand of about half the people in northwest Ohio. Not only have Davis-Besse employees operated the plant reliably, they have observed the highest standards of safety, as well. So, again, it is my pleasure to recognize this important safety milestone. Five million hours without a lost-time accident means that, for more than three years, no employee has missed work due to a work-related illness or accident. Employees and managers at Davis-Besse have been able to achieve this and other milestones by paying close attention to detail and striving for excellence in even minor daily activities. Because of this operating philosophy, Davis-Besse has been recognized within the nuclear industry as a top performing plant. In addition to being an important power producer, the plant also is an important asset to the local community. It is one of the largest local employers, conducts business with more than 800 other businesses in Ohio and is a strong supporter of such causes as United Way, Ohio Reads, Boy Scouts of America, numerous wildlife and environmental organizations, and other charities. The economy of Ohio, and the country, is driven in part by safe, reliable energy, particularly electricity. The Davis-Besse plant has proved itself a valuable asset in meeting our energy needs. And I ask all of my colleagues of the 107th Congress to join me in recognizing the excellent work of the employees at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order that the language beginning with ``except that'' on page 64, line 12, through ``drinking water contaminants'' on line 17 violates clause 2 of rule XXI of the rules of the House prohibiting legislating on an appropriations bill. The language I have cited says that notwithstanding the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act, none of the money in the fiscal year 2002 VA-HUD appropriations bill or even previous appropriation acts may be reserved by the EPA administrator for health effect studies on drinking water contaminants. The language clearly constitutes legislating on an appropriations bill, and as such, violates clause 2 of rule XXI. I therefore insist on my point of order.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly great American. An American war hero who will soon be inducted into the United States Army Ranger Hall of Fame. Mind you, being a Ranger to begin with is an honor in itself, but being inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame is an honor of unbelievable proportions. On Wednesday, July 25, 2001, Robert Geer of Norwalk, Ohio will join the ranks of the elite as an inductee in to the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame in Fort Benning, GA. Soon after the conclusion of World War II, Robert Geer joined the US Army in 1948. His Army career only lasted 4 years, but they were extraordinary years. In 1950, he volunteered for the prestigious Rangers and was assigned to 1st Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne). As the Korean War escalated he was sent into action on the Asian continent. One particular battle in February of 1951, the Battle of Chipyong-Ni, ended his Army career. On February 3, the 23rd Regimental Combat Team (RCT), under the command of Colonel Paul Freeman, was ordered to hold a crossroad and protect the vital communications hub at Chipyong-Ni. During the next several days, patrols reported extensive Chinese movement. In fact, 18,000 troops were encircling the 23rd Regimental Combat Team's position. On February 13, the Chinese attacked the position. The 23rd Regimental Combat Team was overrun. Splintered and wounded, the Rangers and a piecemeal platoon of survivors from the overrun companies were ordered to retake the lost position. Soon the platoon leaders and officers were killed. The chaos that ensued prevented the make-up platoon mounting coordinated attack. The Ranger platoon pressed forward under heavy fire. Ranger Geer assumed command and continued to attack with the few remaining Rangers. As they were securing the position, a grenade was thrown in his direction. Unable to see the grenade in the deep snow, Ranger Geer thrust his weapon between himself and where he assumed the grenade to be. When the grenade exploded, shrapnel tore out his left eye and destroyed his weapon. Bleeding, blind in one eye, unarmed, grossly outnumbered and out of ammunition Ranger Geer ordered a withdrawal. He continued to fire, covering the withdrawal of his troops until his ammunition was expended. Armed only with a knife, he discovered his brother, Richard, who was wounded twice in the fight. Ranger Geer carried his brother's wounded body off the hill on that cold February day. Sadly, Richard paid the ultimate price and was killed in action. Mr. Speaker, it is truly men like Ranger Robert Geer that make this great country what it is today. He has set an example for all Americans and especially his grandson. T.J. Root, who currently attends the United States Military Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring him and thanking him for his service to the country.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize Sister Nancy Linenkugel, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis, who will be stepping down as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Providence Health System and the Providence Hospital in Sandusky, Ohio after 21 years of service. During Sister Nancy's tenure, she worked diligently to improve and enhance not only the hospital but also the people's lives that came into contact with her. Sister Nancy served 15 years as president and CEO of Providence Hospital. In addition to her hospital duties she concurrently served for 14 years as president and CEO of the Providence Health System which is made up of not only Providence Hospital but, Providence Care Centers, Providence Properties, Providence Fund, Providence Enterprises, and Providence Professional Corporation as well. Over her 21 years, Sister Nancy has guided the Sandusky hospital through a significant period of growth. She has overseen the development of a Women's Center, an obstetrics unit, two physical therapy clinics, a sleep lab, a mobile MRI unit, inpatient rehab unit, and a home health agency, just to name a few. In addition, she established an Open Heart Surgery Program and initiated a physician relations program that significantly boosted hospital admissions. One important goal Sister Nancy had for the hospital was a freestanding long-term care facility. Her dream came true in 1989 when the Providence Care Center, a nursing home, opened its doors. I am not the only one to recognize her accomplishments. Sister Nancy was inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame in 1999, given the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1993 from her alma mater Xavier University, named the Erie County Chamber Commerce Businesswoman of the Year in 1992 and the Sandusky Business and Professional Women named her Woman of the Year in 1989. Mr. Speaker, Sister Nancy Linenkugel is an inspiration. Through her hard work, dedication, and determination, she has made Providence Health Systems one of the best in Ohio and the country. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting her and wishing her the very best in her future endeavors.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate Phyllis and Elmer Wellman, of Delphos, Ohio, on the recent celebration of their golden wedding anniversary. Elmer J. Wellman married Phyllis A. Davis on July 16, 1951. After they were wed, the Wellmans settled in Delphos, Ohio. Their first priority throughout their lives have been their three children: Pat, Jim, and Mark, my Chief of Staff. They are also the devoted grandparents of four grandchildren. Both Elmer and Phyllis were raised in farming families during the Great Depression. That common experience gave both of them an appreciation for the truly important things in life. They have also distinguished themselves as accomplished professionals and have generously contributed to their community. Elmer recently retired from farming. He has also been active in civic positions including the Van Wert County Hospital Board, the former Peoples National Bank of Delphos, the Delphos Country Club and is a retired high school basketball referee. Phyllis recently retired from her third career. After raising her three children, Phyllis returned to the profession of teaching. Her patient, yet demanding teaching style helped prepare countless students for the working world. She retired from teaching in 1978, only to serve in the administrative office of Wellman Seeds, Inc. until her retirement last year. Mr. Speaker, the institution of marriage provides the strength that holds our communities together. Maintaining a marriage requires sacrifice, understanding, patience, and sometimes forgiveness by both husband and wife. Marking the fiftieth anniversary of a marriage is a very special occasion for not only the couple, but also for the family, friends, and community they have touched. It has been my privilege to know Phyllis and Elmer Wellman for more than twenty years. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending to them our very best on their golden anniversary and to wish them many more years of happiness together.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize Dr. Alvin Jackson of Fremont, Ohio. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has chosen Dr. Jackson as a 2001 Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leader. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's mission is to enrich the health and healthcare of all Americans. Their efforts promote healthier lifestyles, improved health care, and better access to health care. The Foundation seeks to ensure that all Americans have access to basic health care at reasonable cost and to improve care and support for people with chronic health conditions. The Foundation promotes health and prevent disease by reducing the harm caused by substance abuse-- tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Each year, the Community Health Leadership Program honors ten outstanding individuals who have found innovative ways to bring health care to communities whose needs have been ignored or unmet. As one of the ten recipients of this recognition, Dr. Jackson and his program have been awarded a grant of $100,000. Dr. Jackson has been honored for his tireless efforts in providing health care to migrant workers in numerous Ohio counties. As Medical Director of the Community Health Services, Dr. Jackson travels by mobile clinic to reach the 8,500 migrant farm workers and their families. Dr. Jackson, the son of a migrant worker himself, takes the clinic from camp to camp providing medical care to those who would otherwise go without. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Alvin Jackson is an example for us all. He has recognized a problem in his community and has worked to solve it. I ask my colleagues in joining me in applauding Dr. Jackson for his efforts and selfless dedication to the care and well being of migrant workers and their families.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be withdrawn as a cosponsor of H.R. 2172.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of World War II Veterans who helped change the course of history in Europe. Their contribution to the American war efforts is significant and they should be recognized for their contribution. The 202nd Combat Engineers, Company B, was a unique group that was made up of young men from Ohio and the American Midwest. Trained as engineers at Camp Shelby in Mississippi, they preceded the infantry, during invasions, to cut roads, blow up pillboxes, remove mines and build bridges so the infantry could advance. The success of the ground forces was directly linked to the success or failure of the engineers. During their assignment to the European Theater, the 202nd contributed to some of the most notable battles of World War II. Omaha Beach, Normandy, Battle for Breast, the Break Out of St. Lo, Crossing the Rhine, and the Battle of the Bulge, were just a few of the famous battles in which these men served. In one battle at Carhaix, France, the 202nd constructed a bridge more than 40 miles ahead of the infantry. This bridge is particularly noteworthy because it was the longest treadway pontoon bridge in the world, spanning 1152 feet. They accomplished this feat all while under heavy enemy fire. This year the members of the 202nd will be awarded the `Spirit of Liberty Award' from the French government for their efforts in liberating France during the Second World War. The presentation will take place on June 23, 2001, during a reunion of the 202nd in Middletown Ohio. Mr. Speaker, this great group of men, in part, were responsible for bringing the conflict in Europe to an end. We thank them for the service to their country and to the world.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize the State of Ohio 2001 Division IV State Softball Championship team from Gibsonburg High School. On Saturday, June 2, 2001, the Gibsonburg Golden Bears decisively clinched the state title by defeating the Loudonville Redbirds four to zero. Under Head Coach Erika Foster and Assistant Coach Tom Hiser, the Lady Golden Bears have secured the first state championship of any kind in Gibsonburg High School history and the first softball championship for the area. The members of the team and their positions are: Heather Hill--Short Stop; Morgan Osborne--Left Field; Angela Ruiz--Third Base; Jamie Wonderly--Pitcher; Sarah Taulker--Center Field; Mandy Sleek--Utility Player; Sarah Walby--Second Base; Sheena Smith--Utility Player; Lexe Warren--First Base; Krissy Lotycz--Catcher; Kelly Krotzer--Utility Player; and Beth Gruner--Right Field. I ask my colleagues and the entire Ohio delegation to join me in congratulating the Gibsonburg Golden Bears softball team and their coaches.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding individual from the State of Ohio. Mr. Fred Fabrizio, a physical therapist, is celebrating 39 years of distinguished service to his community in Tiffin and throughout Ohio. Mr. Fabrizio, originally a Youngstown native, attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin prior to entering The Ohio State University, College of Physical Therapy. After graduating in 1962, he and his wife, Carmella moved to Peoria, IL. After only a short year they moved back to the town where they first met and fell in love. Over a small kitchen table at home on Coe Street, Fred made a very important decision to partner with Pat Therriault, PT. After seven years of hard work, perseverance and success, Fred and Pat formed P.T. Services Inc. Since 1972 P.T. Services has grown to provide rehabilitation services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, aquatic therapy, corporate wellness and athletic training throughout the State of Ohio. Their dedication to their patients is an example for all healthcare professionals across the country. Mr. Fabrizio has utilized this strong work ethic and dedication in his personal life. He is an avid runner, swimmer and bicyclist. He has competed and finished the prestigious Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon twice. He has also competed in America's top cross county ski race, the Birkebeiner, over 10 times. At present, Mr. Fabrizio is training for a 100-mile ultra-marathon in Leadville, CO. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Fabrizio's dedication and service have earned him the highest regard for his character as a husband to his charming and dedicated wife, Kathy, father, grandfather, and physical therapist. At this time I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Fabrizio and his family all the best in his retirement and future endeavors.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding young woman from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Christina M. Quillen of Sandusky, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mr. Speaker, Christina's offer of appointment poises her to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2005. 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. Christina brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming class of Air Force Academy cadets. Currently, she is a freshman at the University of Notre Dame. During her high school years she attended Perkins High School in Sandusky where she was named valedictorian with a grade point average of 4.6. Christina was a member of the National Honor Society and has earned the Goldfish Award that is granted to the top female student athlete for excellence. Outside the classroom, Christina has distinguished herself as an excellent student-athletic and performing artist. On the fields of competition, Christina has earned letters in varsity softball and cheerleading. While in high school, Christina was a member of the marching band, wind ensemble, SADD, Student Council, Together Today for Tomorrow, Future Homemakers of America, Future Career and Community Leaders of America. At her first year at Notre Dame, Christina participated in Air Force ROTC, Arnold's Air Society, Honor Guard and Rifle Team. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to pay special tribute to Christina M. Quillen. Our service academic offer the finest education and military training available anywhere in the world. I am sure that Christina will do very well during her career at the Air Force Academy and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing her well as she begins her service to the nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding young woman from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Emily C. Williams of Sandusky, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. Mr. Speaker, Emily's offer of appointment poises her to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming USNA class of 2005. 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. Emily brings an enormous amount of leadership, service and dedication to the incoming class of Naval Academy Midshipmen. While attending Perkins High School in Sandusky, Emily has attained a grade point average of 4.37, which places her eighth in a class of one hundred seventy-nine students. Emily is a member of the National Honor Society and has earned several Scholar-Athlete awards. Outside the classroom, Emily has distinguished herself as an excellent student-athlete and performing artist. On the fields of competition, Emily has earned letters in volleyball, basketball and softball. Also, Emily is an accomplished member of the marching band, wind ensemble, and pit orchestra. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to pay special tribute to Emily C. Williams. Our service academies offer the finest education and military training available anywhere in the world. I am sure that Emily will do very well during her career at the Naval Academy and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing her well as she begins her service to the nation.

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 Thomas M. Duffy of Grafton, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mr. Speaker, Thomas' offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2005. 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. Thomas brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming class of Air Force cadets. While attending Elyria Catholic High School in Elyria, Thomas attained a grade point average of 3.86, which places him eighteenth in a class of one hundred thirty-three. Thomas is a member of the National Honors Society, a high honor for any high school student. Outside the classroom, Thomas has distinguished himself as an excellent student-athlete. On the fields of competition, Thomas has earned a position on the varsity football, wrestling, and track teams. Thomas has also been active in the student Senate serving as Vice President, the choir, the drama club, and the environment club. He is active in his church choir and as a volunteer for the Holy Name Society. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to pay special tribute to Thomas M. Duffy. Our service academies offer the finest education and military training available anywhere in the world. I am sure that Thomas will do very well during his career at the Air Force Academy and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his service to the Nation.

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 Ryan G. Hefron of Amherst, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mr. Speaker, Ryan's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2005. 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. Ryan brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming class of Air Force cadets. While attending Lorain Catholic High School in Lorain, Ryan attained a grade point average of 4.22, which places him second in a class of sixty-five. Ryan is a member of the Buckeye Boys State, First Honors Academic Honor Roll, and has received a letter in academics. The Cleveland Technical Society, the ASMI Cleveland Chapter has also honored him for his academic prowess. Ryan was also recognized as a Wendy's High School Heisman Nominee. Outside the classroom, Ryan has distinguished himself as an excellent student-athlete. On the fields of competition, Ryan has earned varsity letters in football, basketball and track. Ryan has been active in the Northern Ohio Orchestra, drama club, and the Ambassadors Club. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to pay special tribute to Ryan G. Hefron. Our service academies offer the finest education and military training available anywhere in the world. I am sure that Ryan will do very well during his career at the Air Force Academy and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his service to the nation.

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 Wesley R. Baer of Middle Point, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to attend the United states Military Academy at West Point, New York. Mr. Speaker, Wesley's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2005. 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. Wesley brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming class of West Point cadets. While attending Lincolnview High School in Van Wert, Wesley attained a grade point average of 3.9 which places him fourteenth in a class of sixty-one. Wesley is a member of the Gold Honor Roll, National Honors Society, and the Leaders of the Future 4-H Club. Outside the classroom, Wesley has distinguished himself as an excellent student-athlete. On the fields of competition, Wesley has earned letters in Varsity cross-country and basketball. Wesley has also been active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Lincolnview Spanish Club and the Lincolnview Science Club. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to pay tribute to Wesley R. Baer. Our service academies offer the finest education and military training available anywhere in the world. I am sure that Wesley will do very well during his career at West Point and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his service to the nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1831) to provide certain relief for small businesses from liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980.

Mr. GILLMOR. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation, and to insert extraneous material on the bill.

Mr. GILLMOR. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan) be permitted to control 10 minutes of the time on this side of the aisle.

Mr. GILLMOR. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today my colleagues and I bring environmental legislation before this House that we believe will make a difference in the lives of everyday Americans. This bill, the Small Business Liability Protection Act, will help to end the long nightmares suffered by so many small businesses which become liable for substantial amounts of money only for throwing regular, ordinary household waste in the local dump. As a member of the House's Subcommittee on Hazardous Materials for the past several Congresses, I have heard repeated stories of businessowners who found themselves involved in serious Superfund liability litigation for either throwing out just regular trash, or having legally disposed of some material that years later was found to be improperly disposed of. The bill before us, H.R. 1831, will take a major step toward trying to bring some sanity and to bring some fairness to Superfund liability. To illustrate my point, Madam Speaker, I would like to provide a few examples of how the current system produces unfair results. Greg Shierling took over a McDonalds business from his parents in 1996. In 1999, he was informed that he was financially responsible to the tune of $65,000 for cleanup of a landfill that his parents had legally trucked trash to 30 years ago when Greg was still in grade school. Mike Nobis owns a printing shop. In February of 1999, he was informed that six large local companies were coming after him and 147 other small businesses for $3.1 million in cleanup costs because he had legally sent paper and ordinary trash to the local landfill. Pat McClean was forced to pay $21,900. His problem was that his business, a restaurant, sent chicken bones, potato peelings, and soiled napkins to a local dump. Mr. McClean's story is practically identical to Barbara Williams of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Her former restaurant, the Sunny Ray, became enmeshed in the financial quagmire of Superfund liability because she too threw chicken bones and other ordinary trash in the local dump. Each of these stories is somewhat different, but in many ways are the same. A person legally disposed of ordinary trash. They were then sued by someone else, trying to get money for cleanup, and in order to pay the bill, pay the debt, the small business laid off trusted employees, had to sue friends in the community, built substantial legal bills, and suffered undue personal anguish. That outcome simply is not right. To address these concerns, our bill provides relief to small business, those of 100 employees or less; it provides liability protection to small businesses that disposed of very small amounts of ordinary garbage, and it shelters small businesses from serious financial hardship by offering the businesses affected expedited settlements. It does not save any business from Superfund liability if their waste stream caused serious environmental harm. The bill provides an appropriate helping hand while keeping the onus on all businesses to be responsible stewards of our environment. This legislation is not the type of comprehensive Superfund legislation that many have supported over the years, including myself. There have been several unrealized attempts over the years to reach that Holy Grail. It has resulted not in a better Superfund program, but in more lawsuits, more stigmas, and less clean-up. Rather, this bill is an acknowledgment that something must be done and that the best way to provide commonsense liability relief to those who need it is to find those areas of agreement within the Superfund universe and move them forward. In fact, Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working diligently on brownfields legislation once this bill passes. I want to make a few comments about some other Members who have worked on this bill. I want to thank the vice-chairman of our subcommittee, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus), who first brought this matter before Congress last year. I want to express appreciation to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) for his help in laying the groundwork for today. I also want to thank the ranking members of both our subcommittee and full committee, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell). Their work on this issue has been instrumental in bringing this bill before us. Finally, I want to thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin), the chairman, and the committee staff for their hard work in support of this legislative effort. I urge all Members to vote for the passage of H.R. 1831. Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC, May 21, 2001. Statement of Administration Policy h.r. 1831--small business liability protection act The Administration strongly supports enactment of H.R. 1831. The bill will promote the cleanup of Superfund sites and reduce needless lawsuits by drawing a bright line between large contributors of toxic waste and small businesses who disposed of only small amounts of waste or ordinary trash. The Administration commends the bipartisan sponsors of H.R. 1831 for developing legislation that will reduce litigation and thereby increase the time and resources that can be spent on cleaning the environment. The Administration will continue to work in the legislative process to address concerns with the provisions that cut off citizens' access to courts and withhold the benefits of the bill for small businesses unless they comply with all information requests imposed by EPA, whether the law requires the furnishing of that information or not. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin), the chairman of the full committee.

Mr. GILLMOR. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus). (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

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