Paul Gillmor

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2024, the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act. I am an original cosponsor of this legislation and am glad that we are able to finally bring this bill to the floor. Mercury and cadmium are elements that can cause significant environmental harm. The U.S. Public Health Service's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry report serious problems with mercury and cadmium containment in landfills. In fact, within New York alone, batteries account for 68 percent of the cadmium at landfills and 85 percent of the mercury. The legislation before us today would help to make our landfills safer and less toxic by providing a more environmentally friendly alternative to current practices for battery disposal. Specifically, H.R. 2024 addresses three necessary areas that are essential to getting an effective, private sector-driven program established. First, it educates consumers on the need to recycle by setting up a uniform labeling system for nickel-cadmium and other rechargeable batteries. Second, it removes command-and-control regulatory hurdles that now prohibit a viable, voluntary recycling program from existing. Third and lastly, it bans the use of mercury in some batteries and limits its use in others. These reforms should provide us commonsense benefits that resonate on several levels. Mr. Speaker, this bill has suffered deaths in two previous Congresses that should not have occurred. Today's consideration is proof of the worthiness of the ideas contained in this bill. I am pleased that, unlike so many other bills in this Congress, we were able to work in a bipartisan fashion to find common ground and pass this legislation. I commend Chairman Bliley, the chairman of the subcommittee, Mr. Oxley, Mr. Pallone, and Mr. Klug for their hard work on this bill. Throughout this Congress, the House Commerce Committee and this House have spent time debating cleanup of hazardous waste sites, allocation of spectrum, reform of the telecommunications industry, and collection and management of waste streams. This bill has implications on all of them in that nickel-cadmium and related mercury containing batteries are used for cellular phones and laptop computers, whose widespread use will be escalating. Yesterday, our country took time out during Earth Day activities to reflect on ways to make our environment better. Recycling has long been considered part of the environmental triumvirate of: reduce, reuse, and recycle. In fact, I believe this bill accomplishes all three of these tenets by limiting the use of mercury in batteries, moving these batteries out of the waste stream, and collecting the batteries for future purposes. I hope all my colleagues will see the wisdom of the efforts contained in herein and will overwhelmingly support this legislation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the joint resolution.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in reluctant opposition to the tax limitation amendment offered by the gentlemen from Texas. I commend them for their hard work on this effort, but in the end, I believe this proposal is bad public policy. Let me make it clear that I am opposed to a tax increase on the American people. I think the overall tax burden of the average American family is too large, and tax relief or tax reduction is appropriate. I believe this amendment is well intentioned, but as we all know, the ``road to Hell is paved with good intentions.'' Regrettably, this vote and the way it came about is an example of ideology prevailing over common sense. I do not believe that higher taxes are a panacea to our budget problems. I would support a lower tax burden. As Ohio Senate President, I was responsible for pushing through the largest income tax cut bill in Ohio history. This was accomplished even though we had to contend with a Democrat-controlled House and Democrat Governor who opposed that tax relief bill. Americans, of all backgrounds, deserve to have more money in their pockets to spend the best way they know. Government should not be in the business of making decisions that working families can make for themselves. The average family now pays more in taxes than for food, clothing, and shelter. Let me briefly set out four reasons this proposal should not be approved tonight. First, changes to our fundamental charter, the U.S. Constitution, should not be undertaken lightly. The justification for this proposed change has simply not been adequately made. When the Constitution was first written, Congress was given the authority to raise revenues by a simple majority vote. This amendment places new hurdles on our jurisdiction, putting philosophy over reality. Second, I want to remind the members that at the beginning of the 104th Congress, the House rules stipulated that new revenue provisions needed to be approved by three-fifths majority. This rule, though, has been waived repeatedly. Very simply, it did not work as intended, so it was waived. However, the Constitution cannot be waived. Third, the practical effect of this type of provision if it had been in effect in the past would have prevented some of the most significant progress we have achieved as a nation. Specifically, I am referring to the National Highway System, our magnificent interstates that we all voted to renew earlier this Congress. These roads have given us the greatest transportation system in the world, and added hundreds of billions of dollars to our economy. If this Tax Limitation Amendment had been part of our Constitution when the Highway Act was originally voted on by the Congress, this system would not exist today. Congress first passed a gas tax to pay for this highway system, one of the greatest public works projects in our history, with more than two- thirds of House members voting for it. Yet, reauthorizing the tax would have never happened because in 1959 it would have failed by a vote of 243 to 163, less than two-thirds. Fourth, the procedures used here simply fail to meet the minimum standards we should adhere to in voting on a constitutional amendment. There have been no meaningful hearings on this proposal. In fact, the current version was just recently drafted, behind closed doors, with no opportunity for the public, or even most Members, to examine it. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stand up for sound, reasonable, and practical public policy and oppose this amendment.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding public servant in northwest Ohio. On December 31, 1995, Virgil Frost retired from his position as a bailiff/probation officer for Bowling Green Municipal Court. Virgil Frost was born in Athens, OH, and graduated from Athens High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Ohio University and completed his graduate work at Bowling Green State University. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Ohio Correctional and Court Services, the Kiwanis, and the National Criminal Justice Honor Society. Virgil can look back on his career with great pride. In all of his duties, he has demonstrated a commitment to hard work and honest public service. During the course of his service, Virgil has held positions as a social worker with the Maumee Youth Camp and as the director of the Wood County Adult Probation Department. Because of his extensive experience, he has become a recognized expert in many areas of law enforcement and has received numerous performance awards for his work. Through his caring and dedicated efforts, he has literally improved the lives of a tremendous number of Wood County residents. Americans would not be able to enjoy the blessings of our country without the tireless dedication of those who have the talent and willingness to work for the community. It is for this reason we owe a special debt of gratitude to people like Virgil, who have done an outstanding job for northwest Ohio. While he may be leaving his official capacity, I know he will continue to be actively involved in those causes dear to him. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying a special tribute to Virgil, his wife, Patricia, and their sons, Mike, Mark, and Mathew, and wish them all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding public servant in northwest Ohio. On March 31 of this year, Lois Velliquette, a Federal employee for over 36 years, will retire. Lois can look back on her career with great pride. During the course of her service, she has held clerical, technical, and claims representative positions. Because of her extensive experience, she has become a recognized expert in many areas with the office and has received numerous performance awards for her work. Through her caring and dedicated efforts, she has literally improved the lives of a tremendous number of Sandusky residents. Americans would not be able to enjoy the blessings of our country without the tireless dedication of those who have the talent and willingness to work for the community. It is for this reason we owe a special debt of gratitude to people like Lois, who have done an outstanding job first with the Department of the Army and for the last 31 years with the Social Security Administration. Mr. Speaker, we have often heard that America works because of the unselfish contributions of her citizens. I know that Ohio is a much better place to live because of the dedication and countless hours of effort given by Lois Velliquette. While she may be leaving her official capacity, I know she will continue to be actively involved in those causes dear to her. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying a special tribute to Lois, and wishing her all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding public servant in northwest Ohio. On March 8 of this year, Carolyn Lineback, the grants administrator for the city of Bowling Green, will retire. Carolyn can look back on her career with great pride. During her tenure she researched and wrote successful grants in excess of $10 million to the city. By working in close association with numerous Federal and State agencies, including the Federal Housing and Urban Development Department, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and Ohio Department of Natural Resources, she has literally improved the lives of all the residents of Bowling Green. Americans would not be able to enjoy the blessings of our country without the tireless dedication of those who have the talent and willingness to work for the community. It is for this reason we owe a special debt of gratitude to people like Carolyn, who had done an outstanding job as grants administrator. Whether it was her activism in establishing 911 in the area or her involvement in numerous business and housing programs, Carolyn Lineback has shown an impressive dedication to the causes of public service, public health, and public safety. Mr. Speaker, we have often heard that America works because of the unselfish contributions of her citizens. I know that Ohio is a much better place to live because of the dedication and countless hours of effort given by Carolyn Lineback. While she may be leaving her official capacity, I know she will continue to be actively involved in those causes dear to her. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying a special tribute to Carolyn and wishing her, her husband Richard, their children Lyn and Anne and their families, all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Miller- Schumer amendment. The sugar compromise contained in the Agriculture Committee bill was meticulously crafted and gives our sugar farmers the opportunity to continue to compete. This is no mean feat in an international marketplace saturated with highly subsidized products from other countries. Let's face it, if this were about protecting autoworkers or other factory jobs, I am sure we would have a whole contingent of Members that would rush to support that measure. Or, it people realized that this program was constructed in such a way that the taxpayer incurred no cost and actually had their budget deficit reduced by the money raised under this program, another whole segment of Members would be supporting this program. However, I oppose this amendment which says to sugar beet farmers in Ohio and elsewhere, that its result will be to subject you to unfair, subsidized foreign competition. Its result will be to drive American producers out of business by flooding the country with subsidized foreign sugar at below the cost of production. Let me draw an analogy with another industry--automobiles. If we had a situation where Germany and Japan subsidized, with tax dollars, the manufacture of cars to the tune of thousands of dollars per car; and then sold those cars in America at a cheaper price than they permitted them to be sold in their own country; and if they could sell cars in America below the cost of production to drive Ford, General Motors [GM], and Chrysler out of business--we would say that that is grossly unfair and ought to be stopped. Yet, that is the same thing that this amendment would potentially do to the average American sugar beet farmer. This amendment favors Government subsidized foreign sugar at the expense of American jobs. I urge all my colleagues to oppose this ill-fated, anti-competitive amendment and support the committee bill. Mr. Chairman, the unfortunate fact of the matter is that the sugar program's future is being sacrificed on the altar of those folks who want to play scorecard bingo. Should this program go down to defeat, we can thank corporate giants who, unlike our sugar cane and beet growers, don't till the land, take out loans from nominal resources, and pray that some unforeseen disaster does not destroy the livelihood your farm had given you. I have seen the ads that the sugar opponents have been running. I believe they are as you would say, Mr. Chairman, ``factually challenged.'' Those advertisements amount to a solicitation for membership in the long dead Know Nothing Party. This amendment is not about opening new markets, it is about getting a handout and I regret that the battleground for this bill has become hardworking men and women, many in my own district, who pay real taxes and provide for real families. If we are to, with sincerity, make good public policy, then it is mandatory that emotional pleas and uninformed charges not become the cornerstone of legislative language. No matter how you dress it up, the truth is the truth. First, the sugar program operates at no cost to the taxpayer. Second, if you oppose the sugar program, then you are supposing a price of 14 cents per pound on the world sugar market, as opposed to the 1994 price of 39 cents per pound. However, most sugar is consumed as part of other products, and there is no guarantee the savings will be passed along to the end user. History shows us that in 1974, when sugar prices skyrocketed without a sugar program, some processors raised their prices fourfold on the consumer. Yet, when sugar prices came down, these same processors did not institute a corresponding prices reduction. Fourteen cents is the price left for sugar that has not been purchased by contract, does not fit a particular need, and must be dumped. Third, the fact of the matter is that other countries heavily subsidize their sugar production. By eliminating this meager domestic support, we are asking our producers to fight a well-armed opponent with one hand tied behind their back. Our agricultural producers can compete and succeed, but they should not be forced to face financial suicide in a lopsided market. Fourth, we are killing U.S. jobs. A 1994 study has estimated that the sweetener industry creates 420,000 jobs, in 42 States, spawning $26.2 billion to the U.S. economy each year. This is not the drop in the bucket that some would have you believe, or ignore. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to read this bill, get the facts, and understand on what you are voting. This should not be a novel concept, but in doing so, I believe you will see, as I do, that eliminating the sugar program, in light of the reforms this bill already makes to it, is born of thoughtlessness, nurtured by greed, and dressed in hypocrisy. I urge all my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. I rise in support of this legislation. Although it is not the legislation I would have preferred to see out here, I would have preferred to see something closer to what we are dealing with in the Committee on Commerce. But I do so in part because of the assurances that interstate waste is going to be considered as a part of this conference committee. I supported both flow control legislation and interstate waste legislation, because they are, in fact, part and parcel of the same principle, and that principle is giving State and local government officials both the authority and the responsibility over waste management. The coupling of these two issues is supported by Governors from liberal Democrats to conservative Republicans, and I rise in support of this with the hope that this will give us the opportunity to come back with a conference committee report that deals with both of these important issues in a satisfactory way.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I watched the President's speech last night. That speech and his State of the Union speech last year were the two longest I have heard in my lifetime. A thought came to me while I was listening to that lengthy speech about how we could save money. Instead of shutting down the Government to save money, we could just suspend Government while the President talks. We would save millions. Length is not important. Content is. The major themes of the President's speech were simply a rehash of the same promises he made 4 years ago, and on which he did not deliver. During most of his Presidency he has had a Congress controlled by his own party. He promised a balanced budget. He did not submit a credible one and vetoed the one Congress passed. He promised welfare reform. He did not submit a credible plan, and vetoed the welfare reform Congress passed. The American people deserve better.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my strong support for this legislation and commend the gentlemen from California and North Carolina for their work on this matter. I believe this bill provides a realistic framework for reforming the saccharin notification regulations placed on groceries, while also protecting the public's health and need to know. Back in the late seventies, when diet-conscience Americans were guzzling Tab soda and putting Sweet and Low in their iced tea, it became important that consumers become aware of any health threats posed by the use of saccharin. Today, however, we are facing a situation in which saccharin has not only been replaced as the main sweetening agent, but labels identifying its use dot the labels of all products that contain it. H.R. 1787 recognizes that now that market and health forces have diminished the use of saccharin in food and drink, there is no longer a need for information overkill on this subject. This legislation simply allows grocery stores the chance to back away from the requirement of posting warning signs in their stores about saccharin's potential health effects. I believe this prudent progression will still allow consumers the appropriate warning of their favorite product's labels, while at the same time remove this bothersome requirement from our Nation's many grocery stores, from the Kroger's to the Mutach Food Market in Marblehead, OH. While you can lead a horse to water, Mr. Speaker, you cannot make it drink. While all of us would prefer a risk-free society, it just is not possible. People who are worried about their health will read labels and warnings signs no matter how numerous or large they are. I believe H.R. 1787 recognizes this fact and hopefully will end the new rash of nuisance lawsuits springing up in this country over this matter. I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding law enforcement officer and citizen of Ohio. On November 15, 1995, Sandusky County Sheriff David G. Gangwer will be sworn in as president of the Buckeye State Sheriff's Association. This selection is a tribute to all the talent, intellect, and hard work that have made Sheriff Gangwer an outstanding police officer and a tremendous example to others. In a time when Americans are deeply concerned about the effects of crime on our society, we owe a special debt of gratitude to people like David Gangwer who have bravely served on the front line in the fight against crime. Sheriff Gangwer has demonstrated a remarkable dedication to performing his duties and obligations with the utmost efficiency and competence. As sheriff, he has placed the wellbeing and safety of the community above all else. Time and time again, Sheriff Gangwer has been willing to take on the tough problems. His fight against drug abuse has won accolades from all quarters. He has received commendations from Ohio's Lieutenant Governor, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the U.S. Department of Justice for his outstanding contributions to law enforcement and his pioneering efforts in educating children to the perils of drug abuse. I can think of no better message to send than drug abuse prevention. I have often said that the best way to stop alcohol and drug abuse is through education. When all of our children get the message about the evil of drugs, America's future will be safer. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Sheriff Gangwer's record of personal accomplishments and wishing him well in his position of president of the Buckeye State Sheriff's Association.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a group of volunteers who unselfishly contributed their talents to the Seneca County, Ohio 4-H Camp this past August. The time and effort required to run a successful 4-H camp is immense. The staff and senior counselors worked long hours and made great sacrifices for the benefit of the community. In particular I would like to recognize senior counselors Joann Piper, Kim Reinhart, Holly Wright, Melissa Lambert, Mike Rainey, and Jeremy Harrison and staff members Ann Golden, Cathy Margraf, Brad Boes and Christa Gittinger. Together they created an exceptional educational opportunity for Seneca County. I have often spoken to my colleagues here in the House of Representatives about the strength of character that can be found in the cities of northwest Ohio. A strong 4-H club is a source of deserved pride for those who participate and is an invaluable part of the community. I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring these individuals for their efforts and commending them on the wonderful example they have set for others.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I wanted to take a few moments to highlight one of the innovative additions to the Medicare system in H.R. 2425: the incentive it provides for citizens to expose and attack Medicare fraud and abuse. I am also pleased by the legislation's measures that implement stiff new criminal penalties. For those convicted of Federal health care fraud, embezzlement or false billings, the legislation provides for up to 10 years in prison. There is no limit placed on the penalty's prison term if such a criminal violation should result in bodily injury. Until now, Medicare beneficiaries have participated in a system that simply did not provide adequate enforcement mechanisms or adequate civil or criminal penalties. Without these, we have lacked an effective deterrent to waste. Fraud and abuse continues to rob the system and the taxpayers that finance it. The Medicare Preservation Act, through innovative and focused task forces, financial incentives that empower seniors, and stronger criminal and civil penalties, unequivocally acknowledges and addresses these problems. The current Medicare system is losing 10 cents on the dollar to waste, fraud, and abuse--$50 million every day that could have and should be used for patient care. Let the word go out to those who would bilk the Medicare system--once this bill is passed, enforcement is innovative and it is real. Barney Fife has his walking papers, and the terminator is on the job.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen of Ohio and a good friend. William E. Butler, chairman of the board of Eaton Corp., will retire from that position this year. Bill Bulter joined Eaton in 1957 as assistant employee relations manager of the Dyanamatic Division. Over the years, he has been a creative, innovative, and reliable leader in the Cleveland business community. Directing a global corporation with over $6.1 billion in sales is no easy task. Eaton's reputation as a manufacturer of quality engineered products is due in large measure to Bill's dedication and professionalism. In addition to his tremendous business expertise. Bill has also given nearly four decades to bettering his community. Whether as a member of the board of directors of Cleveland Tomorrow and the Greater Cleveland, or as the 1994 United Way general campaign chairman, Bill has always earned the respect of his peers. I hope he enjoys a retirement that is as fulfilling and rewarding as his career. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Bill Butler for his numerous achievements over the years, and I wish him and his family all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a special friend and an outstanding citizen of Ohio. On October 23, friends of Martha C. Moore will gather in her beloved Muskingum College in New Concord, OH, to honor her lifelong commitment to American politics, education, and her community. I had the privilege of working with Martha for many years while I was a member of the Ohio State Senate. Miss Moore was first elected to the Ohio Republican State Central and Executive Committee in 1950 and she currently serves as the committee person from the 18th District. She has previously served as the committee person from the 15th and 17th District. Miss Moore's dedicated work was crucial to Republicans in gaining control of the State senate in 1980. While serving as a professor of speech at Muskingum College, she helped shape the lives of generations of students through her thoughtful tutelage. In 1986, Miss Moore was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Muskingum College. Throughout her many years in politics, Martha has demonstrated her deep faith in, and dedication to, upholding the principles of American democracy. The status of the Republican Party in Ohio today has been secured by Martha's dedication and her reputation as a political wizard. Yet, she consistently deflects personal praise, focusing instead on the team effort involved in election campaigns. Mr. Speaker, we have often heard that America works because of the unselfish contributions of her citizens. I know Ohio is a much better place to live because of the dedication and countless hours of service given over the years by Martha. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying a special tribute to Martha Moore's record of personal accomplishments.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to CWO Dennis St. Clair, a dedicated public servant who will soon retire from the Ohio Army National Guard after over 41 years of distinguished service. Dennis St. Clair began his service at the Camp Perry Training Site, located near Port Clinton, OH, on July 22, 1954. Since that time, CWO St. Clair has distinguished himself as a man of dedication, innovation, and personal accomplishment. During his tenure, CWO St. Clair's expert management was instrumental in a comprehensive building program which included the construction of four new barracks, a new beach tower, a new troop medical clinic, new officers quarters and new motel units. As the full-time Operation and Plans officer for the Camp Perry Training Site, CWO St. Clair developed one of the most comprehensive range safety programs in the country. His legacy is an outstanding range safety record at Camp Perry. Mr. Speaker, Dennis St. Clair is a remarkable individual whose 41 years personal competence, unwavering commitment and selfless sacrifice is a model for public servants. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating him for his service to the U.S. Army, the Ohio Army National Guard, and to the people of the State of Ohio. As he begins his retirement, may he and his family fully enjoy the benefits of the freedom he has so ably defended for over four decades as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today and salute a church in my district. This year, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Danbury, OH, will celebrate the 150th year of its founding. Located in northern Ohio along the coast of Lake Erie, the church was founded in a log cabin on August 29, 1845. Many of the same family names are still in the congregation 150 years later. In fact, the speaker for the celebration, Rev. Cecil E. King, Jr., is a son of the St. Paul congregation. The vision at its founding 150 years ago was to be a church where people live with God and work for the communal good. The same vision is true today. The church building has been a source of civic pride for many years and the stately design of the building solidifies its place as a local landmark. A monument such as this does not survive on structure alone, however. The building is a testament to the dedication of the congregation in preserving links to their heritage. Mr. Speaker, as the church marks its 150th year of service, we commemorate the past and celebrate the future. A new generation continues the exemplary record of community service and pride that distinguishes St. Paul's. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this special church.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today and pay tribute to an exceptional city located in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. This year, the city of Blakeslee, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding. Blakeslee is located in Williams County in northwest Ohio. The area has a rich history dating back to earliest settlements in the Ohio territory. Its position above the St. Joseph River made it a favorite for pioneers traveling West. The city itself dates from its incorporation in 1895. Today, Blakeslee is a community renowned for its civic pride and commitment to service. Throughout its history there has never been a lack of enthusiasm or volunteer labor for its many projects. The citizens have continually displayed the Ohio tradition of neighborliness and caring for others. Mr. Speaker, anniversaries are a time to reflect upon past accomplishments. They are also a time to look toward new horizons. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the history and achievements of the city of Blakeslee and encouraging its citizens to continue to uphold its impressive legacy.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen and good friend, Dr. E. Crede Hiestand. Dr. Hiestand, of my hometown of Old Fort, OH, is retiring after many dedicated years of service to this community. Crede grew up in Old Fort and attended school there. After he completed medical school, he came back to Old Fort to set up his practice. Over the years, he has gone beyond the tasks expected of him, successfully striving for the highest level of excellence and professionalism. His reputation is that of a caring, thoughtful, and intelligent friend to all who know him. Although his shoes will be difficult to fill, Dr. Hiestand can retire with the satisfaction of knowing that his career will stand as a hallmark for others to emulate. In fact, his three sons, Daniel, Joseph, and Mathew, have all received their medical degrees. Mr. Speaker, Crede Hiestand's distinguished career is a model of citizenship. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Crede, his wife, Dorothiann, and their family well as the Hiestands begin this new chapter in their lives.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today and pay tribute to a good friend and outstanding citizen of Ohio. This year, James Glass will retire from the Wildlife Conservation Fund of America. A political expert and former business executive, Jim founded and until 1993 was president and CEO of the fund. Jim served in the aerospace field for 28 years as an executive with the Columbia Aircraft Division of Rockwell International. During his employment with the aerospace giant, Mr. Glass had the responsibility for coordinating Columbus Aircraft Division support for many facets of major programs with NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense. These programs included the B-1 bomber and space shuttle projects. For over two decades, Mr. Glass has been involved in wildlife, soil, and water conservation. He formerly served as a director of the National Wildlife Federation. In recent years he has worked to defend the rights of sportsmen and the integrity of wildlife management in the face of wildlife protectionist opposition. In 1978, Mr. Glass founded the Wildlife Legislative Fund of the American and the Wildlife Conservation Fund of America in order that sportsmen's interests be represented in the Congress, the courts, and in the state legislatures. As a former president of the State Senate of the Ohio, I depended on Jim and his organization to keep me informed on the needs of sportsmen. During that time, we worked together on many projects. Whether looking back on his years in business or his many civic activities, Jim Glass should feel the pride that comes with great accomplishments. I wish him and his family all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the attributes, achievements, and contributions of a special lady. This weekend, Lola Fry will celebrate her 80th birthday and this commemoration is an appropriate time to honor this great woman. Since her birth in 1915, Lola Fry has excelled in all that she has done. The prevailing current in Lola's life has been her commitment to community and to the ideals of American society. The time and energy she has given to her church and other causes are remarkable. Lola can look with pride on building a home and family filled with love, warmth and generosity. She enjoys the unshakable admiration of her children and grandchildren as well as friends and relatives. Therefore, it is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Lola Fry a happy 80th birthday, with many years of health and fulfillment to come.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today and pay tribute to an outstanding organization located in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. On August 1, 1995, the Otterbein-Leipsic Retirement Community will break ground for its new assisted-living wing. The center serves residents from Findlay, Defiance, Paulding, Napoleon, Fostoria, and Ottawa. Founded in 1988, it provides a wide variety of retirement services and living arrangements. The assisted- living project has been many years in the making and everyone is very excited about its ground-breaking. The original Otterbein Home was established in 1912. The facility was purchased from the Shakers at Union Village by the United Brethren Church. Since its humble beginnings it has grown to include five campuses across the State of Ohio. Selecting a retirement facility can be an extremely difficult decision for anyone. Otterbein has been successful because the dedicated staff at Otterbein-Leipsic understands this and strives to make the decisionmaking process as smooth and gentle as possible. Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that the Otterbein-Leipsic Retirement Community has benefited the residents of northwest Ohio. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the achievements of the center and encouraging them to continue to uphold what has become the standard for service in Ohio.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment and in support of the committee's provisions dealing with the combustion strategy. Let me briefly outline three reasons why. First, the committee's language reaffirms the original congressional intent. When Congress passed the 1990 Clean Air Act which directed EPA to establish a combustion strategy and maximum achievable control technology, we did not intend for EPA to circumvent the legal and procedural safeguards the law requires. Currently, EPA is operating under an open process which allows all parties to comment on these proposed rules. This is ``Big Brother'' government at its worst. Second, EPA has been zealous at best in setting standards for hazardous waste combustion that combine the authority of two dissimilar laws, one dealing with clean air and the other with recycling. The House Commerce Committee is slated to work on both bills this Congress. The power to draft the executive branch's enforcement options and procedures rests, constitutionally, with the Congress, not with the EPA by default. Finally, this Congress is, if nothing else, skeptical of further regulation. The Wilson amendment reinforces EPA's ability to regulate, obfuscate, and eventually strangulate at will. We should not allow EPA, through the combustion strategy, to go above and beyond its regulatory parameters. Congress must do more than provide a Band-Aid fix to an agency that requires major surgery. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. recorded vote

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, the House of Representatives historic vote on the budget resolution sets the stage for congressional action to begin consideration of privatization of PBS. Far from spelling doom for Big Bird or the ``MacNeil-Lehrer Newshour,'' the vote presents public broadcasting with vast opportunities to establish its independence from the Federal Government while preserving its traditional educational mission. My good friend and colleague Mike Oxley--a member of the Commerce Committee--recently stated that it was time for public broadcasting to look beyond its traditional reliance on Federal support for opportunities and alliances in the private sector. By doing so, public broadcasting can insulate itself from politics while securing a reliable and steady source of funding. What are our options? Public broadcasting's value to viewers, and thus investors, is bound up in its noncommercial emotional identity. One of the most intriguing private sector solutions I have seen to date is the one suggested by our former colleague, Jack Kemp. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Mr. Kemp called upon PBS to leverage the duplicate public broadcasting stations that exist in most major markets. According to Mr. Kemp, PBS has 345 stations with sometimes as many as 4 or 5 serving the same market. By contrast, each of the 4 major commercial networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox have fewer than 225 apiece. By leveraging the commercial potential of its duplicate stations, Mr. Kemp suggests that public broadcasting could preserve the noncommercial, educational nature of the vast majority of its stations while creating a viable and secure source of private sector funding. With some creative, market-oriented thinking, public broadcasting could be part of a new excitement, finding ways of satisfying the legion of devoted fans and lessen the dependence on the Federal dole. I call upon PBS and its supporters to work with Congress in identifying and developing the kinds of creative and innovative solutions that the new telecommunications market can provide. Mr. Speaker, I want to see public broadcasting to do the things it does so well, especially the educational mission. But reliance on Federal funding will not keep the system viable. Public broadcasting needs new ideas and new alliances. The market is the place to find them.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today and pay tribute to an exceptional city located in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. This year, the city of Montpelier will celebrate the 150th year of its founding. Located in northwest Ohio along the banks of the St. Joseph River, the city dates from 1845 when Jesse Tucker and J.K. Bryner submitted the original plat map. The vision at its founding 150 years ago was to be a village where people live and work together and opportunities abound. The same vision is true today. Montpelier is renowned throughout Ohio. The village voters have consistently supported the municipal park system and residents now enjoy a park that is the center of summertime activity. Also, the community has provided students in the Montpelier schools with three outstanding new athletic facilities in the past several years. Montpelier is visited by thousands of tourists who come to enjoy theatrical productions of the Williams County Playhouse. The theater provides top quality entertainment in a setting that includes newly renovated seating and air-conditioning. The friendly and caring attitude of the residents is shown in many, many ways. The community supports charitable activities through the annual United Fund campaign. The Montpelier Area Foundation is a growing trust fund that provides for improvements affecting the quality of life of its residents. Mr. Speaker, anniversaries are a time to reflect upon past accomplishments. They are also a time to look toward new horizons. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the history and achievements of the city of Montpelier and encouraging its citizens to continue to uphold its impressive legacy.