Bart Gordon

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding season of the Jackson County Lady Blue Devils basketball team, which recently captured the 2000 Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Class AA Girls Basketball Tournament championship. This is the high school's first championship season since winning the small school tournament way back in 1973. Last year the team lost in the tournament final and used that experience to win this year's tournament. At 29-7, this year's Lady Blue Devils team displayed a tenacious will to win. This championship season will forever be remembered by each of those talented players who proved that hard work and dedication pay rich dividends. Members of the championship team are Heather Davidson, Joanna Chaffin, Becca Focer, Jessica Smith, Sarah Jane Breidert, Andrea Davidson, Emily Lane, Lacy Sircy, Ashley Hopkins, Deanna Apple, Alyssa Bowman, Jennifer Harris, and managers Faith Henshaw, Stephanie Clayton and Lucy Anderson. Head coach Jim Brown and assistant coaches Kevin Bray and Barbara Brown, with the support of principal Herbert Leftwich, did a magnificent job preparing the team for this year's stellar season. Jackson County is proud of its Lady Blue Devils, and I congratulate each of these young ladies for a job well done.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of the Nashville Chapter of Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Fraternity during National Transportation Week, May 14-20, 2000. Congress and President John F. Kennedy first proclaimed National Transportation Week in 1962. Since then, National Transportation Week has been observed every year during the week in which the third Friday falls in May. It is important to recognize the men and women who deliver the goods from our farms and factories to suppliers and buyers all across this great nation, not only during a given week in the year, but throughout the year as well. While transportation affords us the opportunity for leisure travel, it has become an increasingly important issue for those of us who commute to and from work. While I have been supportive of efforts to widen and expand our interstates to minimize traffic congestion, I also believe we need to consider alternatives like bus service and commuter rail. In keeping with the objectives of its international organization, Volunteer Chapter 135 has done an excellent job in creating awareness of transportation issues, promoting safety in the industry and enabling young people to continue their education through numerous scholarship programs. During National Transportation Week, the Volunteer Chapter includes public schools in their awareness program with poster and essay contests and equipment demonstrations. I ask the House to join me in recognizing the transportation industry and its workers. To Nashville Chapter 135, I say, ``Roll on!''

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable career of one of the best teachers in the state of Tennessee--Liz Bennett. Mrs. Bennett will retire in April from the Rutherford County School System after 30 years as an educator. Mrs. Bennett not only taught students, she also taught young teachers how to help their students learn more effectively. After 17 years in the classroom teaching second graders, she took on another role as the coordinator of elementary education. In this capacity, she advised young teachers on the best techniques for helping children to learn. A whole generation of educators and students have benefited through their association with a person so caring, devoted and energetic to her profession. Her uncanny ability to transfer her knowledge to others has made the Rutherford County School System one of the best anywhere. Mrs. Bennett is, without a doubt, absolutely one of the best teachers I have ever known. Mrs. Bennett will leave a big void inside Rutherford County's classrooms when she retires in April, but we all can be satisfied in knowing that she has left an indelible mark on the teaching profession. I congratulate Liz Bennett on her admirable and distinguished career and wish her well in her much-deserved retirement.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the long-time service of Gene Dixon of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, who will soon retire as the golf professional at The Country Club at Stones River. Gene has been a tremendous ambassador for the game of golf throughout Tennessee and the nation. A native Tennessean, Gene attended the University of Memphis. His college roommate was 1975 U.S. Open Champion Lou Graham. Gene was the 1958 Tennessee State Amateur Champion, the Memphis City Champion and finished fourth in the NCAA Championship. After serving his country in the U.S. Army, Gene arrived at Stones River Country Club in 1967. An outstanding golfer in his own right, winning numerous PGA Chapter Championships and participating in four Senior PGA Championships, he has helped develop and mentor many young golfers. Several of these youngsters earned collegiate scholarships, and two have been Tennessee State High School Champions. Described by Tennessee PGA Executive Director Dick Horton as ``the cream of the crop'', Dixon will leave a void in the state golfing community when he retires. I congratulate Gene Dixon on his admirable and distinguished career and wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. I couldn't agree more with my colleague from Massachusetts. We have worked together to find common ground on an issue that we all believe is important. The product of these discussions is a bill that I would like to see enacted into law as soon as possible. I hope we can work together with our colleagues in the House to pass this measure and send it to the President next year.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Jack Turner for 30 years of service to Middle Tennessee State University as an associate professor of political science. Dr. Turner has had a profound effect on many Middle Tennesseans. His patience and perseverance with the teaching profession have been invaluable assets to the Middle Tennessee community. Over the years, many members of my staff have had the benefit of his guidance. I, too, have had that privilege as a student, as well as being a colleague through my own teaching experience at Middle Tennessee State University. I ask today that we recognize this man for his 30 years of achievement and dedication to the teaching profession and to Middle Tennessee State University. He has certainly benefitted young minds with his vast knowledge and experience. As a representative of Middle Tennessee, I feel the same regret that the community feels to see Dr. Turner retire. I am, however, confident that he will contribute to the community in many other ways. So, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives today to join me in wishing him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mike Woods and his more than 25 years of work as city clerk for the town of Smyrna, Tennessee. Mike's tenure will soon come to an end. He has decided to retire on November 30. As clerk, Mike has seen Smyrna grow from a small community with an annual budget of $500,000 dollars and 27 employees to being one of Tennessee's fastest growing cities with a population of more than 20,000, a current budget of more than $25 million dollars and over 300 employees. Mike worked hard, along with former Mayor Sam Ridley, to make Smyrna the home of Nissan Motor Manufacturing U.S.A., which has almost 6,000 workers. His vision and invaluable experience have served Smyrna well, and the city has been recognized with numerous state and national awards. Mike truly exemplifies the best of public service and will be sorely missed in city government. I have known Mike since he first began his tenure in Smyrna and consider him a close friend. He has given me lots of good advice over the years, and I thank him for that. I congratulate Mike for his admirable and distinguished career and wish him the best of luck in future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Agnes Fuss for her years of service to her country and her community. ``Miss Agnes'' is the person in the Upper Cumberland area of my district call when they need help. Perhaps because she is a federal retiree, she is especially good at providing assistance to those confused by the sometimes complicated workings of government. She has been described as a favorite of seniors and a lifesaver. Agnes would simply tell you her reward is the satisfaction she derives from helping people solve problems. Agnes lives in Jackson County with her husband, Floyd. Born in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Mary Agnes Myers was educated at a local parochial school and commercial college. In May 1955, she married Floyd Fuss, a U.S. Air Force serviceman, while he was in St. Johns as part of his military service. Two years later, she immigrated to the United States. In March 1959, Agnes was naturalized in the Eastern District Court in Philadelphia. Agnes attended Kennesaw College in Georgia. In 1966, she was hired as a clerk in the Overseas Employee Office at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta, GA. She was later promoted to Chief of the Classification Division. Agnes retired in 1993, after 27 years of service. Agnes and Floyd have four children and seven grandchildren, on whom she likes to brag. She is very family-oriented and, after 44 years of marriage, always has kind, complimentary words to say about Floyd. For someone who has been so giving, I would like to take the opportunity to personally thank Miss Agnes for the contributions she has made to her country and to the people of the Sixth District. In short, although she may feel uncomfortable with all this praise, I just wanted to make a Fuss about Agnes.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the Nation's last surviving World War I veterans, Mr. John George Painter, a 111- year-old native of Jackson County, TN. Mr. Painter fought heroically on the battlefields of France as a member of the U.S. Army during a horrible war. His actions earned him honorary membership in the American Society of the French Legion of Honor. He was also presented France's prestigious Order of the Legion of Honor for his role in helping France defeat its enemies. As our country prepares to celebrate Veterans Day, I would like to congratulate Mr. Painter for his military service and for a job well done. Mr. Painter and other veterans certainly have the undying gratitude of the United States of America.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the Nation's last surviving World War I veterans, Mr. George William Deckard, a 102- year-old native of Macon County, TN. Mr. Deckard fought heroically on the battlefields of France as a member of the U.S. Army during a horrible war. His actions earned him honorary membership in the American Society of the French Legion of Honor. He was also presented France's prestigious Order of the Legion of Honor for his role in helping France defeat its enemies. As our country prepares to celebrate Veterans Day, I would like to congratulate Mr. Deckard for his military service and for a job well done. Mr. Deckard and other veterans certainly have the undying gratitude of the United States of America.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th birthday of Smith County, Tennessee, one of the most scenic and friendly communities you'll ever come across. Smith County, the fifth county created in Middle Tennessee, was established by Private Act in October of 1799 and was named in honor of Daniel Smith, a Revolutionary War officer, surveyor and U.S. Senator. Nestled among the gently rolling hills and the pristine fish-filled streams that meander through Middle Tennessee, the county is home to some truly wonderful folks, including Vice President Al Gore. The vice president's late father, Al Gore Sr., also called Smith County home and proudly represented the county and region in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, as did another famous resident, Cordell Hull, who also served the nation as Secretary of State. I congratulate the county's residents for their invaluable contributions to the state of Tennessee and the nation as a whole. Happy Birthday Smith County and thanks to its residents for letting me serve them in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I want to speak in support of H.R. 2607. This bill has as its central element a provision that would extend the launch indemnification authority that was established in the Commercial Space Launch Act, as amended. That authority established a predictable, well understood risk-sharing regime that has helped the growth of the U.S. commercial space launch industry over the intervening decade. The provision of limited indemnification has long been a cornerstone of our nation's approach to preserving a healthy and competitive launch industry. However, under the existing statute, these provisions will expire at the end of the current calendar year unless renewed. H.R. 2607 would extend those provisions for another five years. At our hearings this year, there has been a broad consensus on the need to renew the indemnification authority. I hope that we will do so today. In addition to the indemnification extension, the bill contains a number of other provisions that I am less enthusiastic about. For example, one finding of the bill would limit the Department of Transportation's ability to engage in non-regulatory activities that have done much to advance the state of the U.S. launch industry. In addition, there are funding levels in the bill for the Department of Transportation's Office of Commercial Space Transportation that may not be commensurate with the regulatory responsibilities that Congress has levied upon that Office. However, since I am confident that those concerns can be addressed in Conference, I did not see any reason to prevent the bill from being considered on the suspension calendar. In my opinion, it is important that we move this bill forward and ensure that the launch indemnification authority is renewed in a timely manner.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1883, the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 1999. I have been a cosponsor of this bill because I feel very strongly about the need to control proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The end of the Cold War did not mean that we have escaped the threat posed by those who would do harm to us or to our allies in the world. There is a very real threat posed by the proliferation of dangerous weapons technologies into the hand of our enemies. We must do all we can to see that they do not succeed in getting those harmful technologies. I see H.R. 1883 as one of the ways in which we can help to control proliferation. It sends a strong message to those who would proliferate that the United States will not stand idly by. This bill is not intended to take away from the efforts currently being made by the administration to control proliferation. Neither is the bill intended to slap in the face those in the Russian Government who are trying to stem proliferation. In fact, I want to note the progress that has been made over the past year by the administration and the Russian Government. There have been positive steps taken. These include the Russian enactment of the federal law of export controls; the Russian adoption as official policy of the Gallucci-Koptev action plan, which is designed to stop all contact between Russian aerospace entities and Iran; the joint Russian-U.S. establishment of export control list; and a number of other substantive actions. I am encouraged by these initiatives. At the same time, it is important for Congress to signal to those who would proliferate that their actions will have consequences. I believe that H.R. 1883 sends such a signal. Therefore, I support H.R. 1883, and I urge Members to vote to suspend the rules and pass this important bill.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Holly Lane's selection to be the 1999 Miss Tennessee American Preteen. The 13-year- old Algood resident will represent the state in national competition in Orlando, Florida, in November. Holly, the daughter of Bobby and Sarah Lane, is a talented eighth- grade student at Avery Trace Middle School in Cookeville where she is a member of the cheerleading squad, the girl's golf team and the TV staff. She is also a very active member of the 4-H Club where she has competed in and won many public-speaking contests. I congratulate Holly for her many accomplishments and wish her the best of luck when she travels to Orlando in November. Holly is an exceptional young lady who will represent the state well in the upcoming national contest.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Middle Tennessee State University football team's advancement into Division 1- A play, which officially took place on September 1. The move is one the university, its faculty and staff, its students, its alumni, and the entire MTSU community can relish. The Blue Raiders football program has put 17 players into the National Football League. The program has also produced 20 All-American players and 14 Ohio Valley Conference ``Players of the Year.'' MTSU football reached a number of milestones while competing as a Division 1-AA team in the Ohio Valley Conference. The team drew a school and OVC record 27,568 fans for the 1998 home opener against Tennessee State University. It ranked fourth in attendance nationally in Division 1-AA in 1998. And the university has a new football stadium that can handle nearly 31,000 fans to usher in its Division 1-A play. Coach ``Boots'' Donnelly also ended a stellar career (136-81-1) with MTSU at the conclusion of the 1998 season. As a Division 1-AA football team, MTSU finished in the top 10 of the national polls on 10 different occasions, taking the Number 1 final ranking in 1985 and 1990. And under legendary coach Charles ``Bubber'' Murphy, the MTSU Blue Raiders football team participated in the 1956 Refrigerator Bowl, the 1960 and 1961 Tangerine bowls, and the 1964 Grantland Rice Bowl. I congratulate the university's move into the highly competitive Division 1-A football arena and wish each and every player, coach and fan good luck in this debut season.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, as I have listened to the debate this morning, I have discovered that there has been an abundance of debate on pros and cons of this legislation, contradictory pros and cons. However, there has been one common denominator. That common denominator is that no one wants to see the Internet used to encourage alcohol abuse by minors. So the real question before us today is how can we stop the Internet from using or being used as a vehicle for alcohol abuse by minors? After reviewing this legislation, it seems to me that there is a better way, that this legislation simply oversteps and that a better approach would be requiring sellers and shippers to clearly label packages as containing alcohol and that they obtain proof that the recipient is of legal drinking age. I am co-sponsoring legislation to do that and would suggest that is a better approach.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, July 20th marks the 30th anniversary of Apollo 11's landing on the moon. This historic achievement was born of the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. President Kennedy saw the moon race as a means of demonstrating American technological superiority at a time when the Soviets were garnering all of the ``firsts'' in space exploration. It was a bold initiative that required the skills and teamwork of tens of thousands of people if it was to succeed. It is to their everlasting credit that the Apollo program succeeded beyond all expectations. Astronauts Neil Armstrong, ``Buzz'' Aldrin, and Michael Collins were the emissaries of all of those hardworking Americans when they set off for the moon three decades ago. Yet when Neil Armstrong stepped foot on the Moon for the first time, he represented more than just America--he represented all of humanity. His footsteps marked the realization of a dream that had captivated the minds of countless generations through the ages. In addition, Apollo was an undertaking that stimulated advances in science and technology. It inspired a generation of students to pursue education in math and science. And the images that the Apollo astronauts took of the bluish-white Earth floating in the black void of space profoundly changed our perspective on global concerns such as the environment. Of course, the Apollo program was a unique undertaking that cannot be replicated. Indeed, the Cold War that spawned Apollo is over, and we now are cooperating rather than competing in space exploration with our former adversaries. Moreover, many of our space activities are now focused on directly benefiting our citizens here on Earth--whether through meteorological satellites, communications satellites, navigation satellites, and so forth. Yet I am confident that one day we will return to the moon, as well as venture to other parts of our solar system. When we do, we will be in the debt of all those who blazed the trail for us thirty years ago with the Apollo program.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Harry Swaim and his nearly 45 years of work for the Communications Workers of America, which has a nationwide membership of more than 600,000. Harry tenure with the organization will soon come to an end, though. He has decided to retire on Aug. 7. As a state representative for the union, Harry's invaluable experience and caring attitude helped advance the union's many worthy causes. His tireless service to the organization reveals his genuine concern about the membership. Harry truly exemplifies all that is good about organized labor. He is certainly a fixture within the CWA and will be sorely missed by the entire membership. I have known Harry for more than 20 years and consider him a close friend. He has given me lots of good advice over the years, and I thank him for that. I congratulate Harry for his admirable and distinguished career and wish him lots of luck in future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased to join Chairman Sensenbrenner in introducing the Computer Security Enhancement Act of 1999. I was an original co-sponsor of similar legislation in the 105th Congress. The measure follows a stream of attacks just this past week on government Web sites including the Senate, White House, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's severe weather warning site, the Defense Department and the FBI's National Infrastructure Protection Center, whose very purpose is to protect federal sites from such attacks. The Computer Security Enhancement Act of 1999 will encourage the use of computer security products, both by federal agencies and the private sector, which in turn will support the new electronic economy. I am convinced that we must have trustworthy and secure electronic network systems to foster the growth of electronic commerce. This legislation builds upon the successful track record of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in working with industry and other federal agencies to develop a consensus on the necessary standards and protocols required to support electronic commerce. Chairman Sensenbrenner has already outlined the provisions of this bill. However, I would like to take a few minutes to explain provisions I added to this legislation that are based on H.R. 1572, the Digital Signature Act of 1999, which I introduced with the support of Chairman Sensenbrenner on 27 April 1999 to complement last year's Government Paperwork Elimination Act. When I introduced H.R. 1572, I stated that it was a work in progress. Section 13 of the Computer Security Enhancement Act, which we are introducing today, is the result of discussions I have had with industry and federal agencies. As a result of these discussions, the general provisions in H.R. 1572 have been re-drafted to include all electronic authentication techniques. Section 13 requires NIST, working with industry, to develop minimum technical standards and guidelines for Federal agencies to follow when deploying any electronic authentication technologies. In addition, Section 13 authorizes the Undersecretary of Commerce for Technology to establish a National Policy Panel for Digital Signatures to explore the factors associated with the development of a National Digital Signature Infrastructure based on uniform model guidelines and standards to enable the widespread utilization of digital signatures in the private sector. I want to highlight that these provisions are technology neutral. Rather they encourage federal agencies to use uniform guidelines and criteria in deploying electronic authentication technologies and to ensure that their systems are interoperable. The provisions also encourage agencies to use commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS) whenever possible to meet their needs. None of these provisions give the Federal government the authority to establish standards or procedures for the private sector. The use of electronic authentication technologies are critical for the continued growth and security of electronic transactions on the Internet. With the rapid growth of the Internet we have lost the ability to actually ``know'' who we are communicating with is who they say they are. In order to exchange sensitive documents or to do business transactions with confidence it is important that electronic authentication systems are used that both uniquely identify both the sender and/or the recipient and verify that the information exchanged has not been altered in transit. Electronic authentication is as much of a computer security issue as having good firewalls, strong encryption, and virus scanners. I want to stress the underlying principle of the Computer Security Enhancement Act of 1999 is that it recognizes that government and private sector computer security needs are similar. Hopefully the result will be greater security and lower cost for everyone as we increasingly move towards an electronic economy. The bill we are introducing today is the result of close bipartisan cooperation and it has been a pleasure working with Chairman Sensenbrenner on this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support the Computer Security Enhancement Act of 1999.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, there was a time when it seemed that the TV and the radio were guests in our homes. Now sometimes I think they are intruders, bringing in messages that sometimes undermine the values that we want to impart to our kids. So I fully understand the frustration of my good friends from Tennessee and Michigan that really was the origin, I think, of this well-intentioned amendment. However, I am afraid that it is going to be counterproductive to our effort to really give parents the tools to get control of these electronics in their home. There was lots of work, compromise, many hours put in to bringing the V-chip legislation to a reality. Now, in just two weeks V-chip televisions are going to be available on the market for parents so they can get control in their own homes. For that reason, I encourage my colleagues to give this legislation, the V-chip legislation and these TVs, a chance to work and to allow parents to have those tools in their homes. For that reason, I reluctantly oppose this amendment but understand my good friends' frustrations and hope that we can bring their frustrations and this other work together to give parents more tools. This is just the wrong way to do it.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the accomplishment of a dedicated group of young men who worked together in the true spirit of sportsmanship to achieve a distinguished goal. The Oakland High School baseball team of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, won the state 3-A baseball championship this past season, the first Rutherford County high school team to ever win a state baseball championship. These players trained vigorously and played tirelessly, as their 37-2 record indicates. They deserve recognition for a job well done. I congratulate each team member, head coach Mack Hawks, assistant coach Jeff Mitchell, managers Brian Johnsey and Jacob Lamb, and school Principal Ken Nolan. I know they won't soon forget this milestone. The players are true champions. They are Chuck Akers, Jeremy Slayden, Casey Rauschenberger, Brennan King, Jeremy Wilson, Shane Vaughn, Brian Blaylock, Jason Sharber, Bennie Hendrix, Jerry Knox, Joey Yost, Stephen McGowan, Caleb Barrett, Matt Lane, Tommy Smith, John Williams, Patrick Hicklen, Stevie Kline and Noah Thompson.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a valued tradition known as the Blackman Community Barbecue, which on Friday, June 25, 1999, will celebrate its 50th birthday. For half a century, folks in the Blackman community of Rutherford County, TN, have been conducting this event to raise money for worthy causes while promoting the community's unique history, spirit and traditions. Begun by the still active Blackman Community Club, the annual event is held on a 2-acre site surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Tennessee countryside. Residents and visitors alike flock in droves to this renowned event to sample tasty barbecue, homemade ice cream and generous helpings of southern hospitality. Anyone who has ever attended one of these barbecues knows firsthand the affection Blackman residents show their community and fellow man. I hope the next 50 Blackman Barbecues are as rewarding and successful as the first 50. I congratulate each and every resident in the Blackman community for an event steeped in sincere respect for wholesome family values and traditions. And although there are many Blackman residents responsible for the success and longevity of the barbecue, the following have contributed and are still contributing immensely to the popular fund- raiser: D.H. McDonald and his wife, Frances; Donald McDonald; Lorrain Hunt; Mildred Hays; Kathy Wright; Elizabeth Smith; and John L. Batey.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I also recommend accepting the amendment.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. GORDON. I yield to the gentleman from California.