Bart Gordon

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw attention to an article that appeared in my home town newspaper, the Daily News Journal, on Sunday April 26, 1998, concerning the future of our nation's transportation system. Mr. Kevin Backwell, Vice President, AAA Auto Club of the South, which has over 157,000 members in west and central Tennessee, makes a strong case for the need to invest in our country's infrastructure. This bill is especially important to the future of Middle Tennessee, because of the rapid growth we have experienced over the past decade. As one of the fastest growing regions in the country, this bill invests in the future of Middle Tennessee by looking toward new, innovative transportation systems, such as the Middle Tennessee Commuter Rail. This bill represents a strong commitment to the economic future and the quality of life of Middle Tennessee. [From the Daily News Journal] Maintaining Highways Important for Nation To the editor, The good news coming out of Washington in recent weeks is that Congress is finally addressing the concerns of America's motorists with the reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), and is prepared to make significant investments in the nation's transportation infrastructure. However, it would seem that critics of this legislation have forgotten what it's like to drive on our nation's highways and bridges; to sit in long lines of congested traffic; dodge potholes; or to watch in frustration as the nation's economic backbone crumbles from a failure to properly maintain the system. Due to years of chronic underinvestment, according to federal government reports, one-third of all major roads in the United States are in ``poor or mediocre condition'' and a fourth of the 570,000 bridges in the country are either ``structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.'' ISTEA does not propose to pave over America. The great need--and primary goal of both the House and Senate bills--is to repair existing roads and bridges. Outmoded and poorly maintained roads and bridges cost lives and impair personal mobility. They also negatively impact productivity and economic activity. In a booming economy, there is no excuse to allow the continued deterioration of the very transportation system that sustains economic growth! When a corporation makes capital investments in outmoded plants and equipment, we applaud its actions. Congress is now increasing capital investments in our badly deteriorated transportation infrastructure, and members who supported it are to be commended. At first glance, the size of the increased investments in transportation funding appear large. We need to remember that they are spread out over the next six years. It is also important to remember that every penny proposed for surface transportation investment comes from revenues collected from motorists through the federal gasoline tax. We pay taxes at the gasoline pump to maintain our roads and bridges. We are asking that those tax dollars be invested as they were intended--not buried away in a trust fund to mask other federal spending practices. As the conference committee negotiates the final details of the bill to send to the president, we urge our leaders to remain firm in their resolve. Investing in transportation is investing in America's future. It is investing in safety. it is the right priority for the 21st century. Kevin W. Bakewell, APR Vice President, Public & Government Relations, AAA Auto Club South, Tampa, Fla.

Mr. GORDON

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

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman from Michigan and the gentleman from California. With those encouraging words, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. GORDON. Yes, sir.

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

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, there have been a number of accolades, well-deserved accolades given to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Goodling), the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay), the gentleman from California (Chairman McKeon), and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee). As I say, those are well-deserved and I just have to say that it is just a pleasant experience tonight to see a constructive committee working on an important issue and their leadership I think is making the whole committee and the House work together. It is just hopefully a model that we can follow some more in this body. I hope we could do that in the future. The amendment that the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kanjorski) and I have offered tonight will add greater efficiency to the compromise that was reached by the Committee on Education and the Workforce to address the 1998 interest rate problem. If nothing is done, the change that is set to go into effect on July 1 would destabilize the student loan program that has provided $240 billion to students over the past 30 years resulting in a $25 billion increase in the annual volume of loans for the Department of Education, which I fear such a shift to the Department could create a complete collapse of the student loan system. Then no student would be able to get a loan. And if a student could not get a loan, the interest rate does not matter. I have concerns about the increasing volatility of the current and proposed mechanism for determining the loan interest rates, the 91-day T bill. As we all know, the budget is becoming balanced and we are looking ahead to a surplus. This has caused a reduction in the issuance of the 91-day T bill by the Treasury. In fact, the amount of 91-day T bills auctioned weekly has declined 56 percent over the past year. This volatility creates tremendous financial risk. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would change the basis for the student loan interest rates from the 91-day T bill to an index which is a large and growing source of short-term financing, 3-month commercial paper. And though we would make this change, the rate paid by the students and returned to the lenders would be equal to the committee solution in this bill. Let me repeat, the interest rate and the rate of return would stay the same as they are in this bill. This proposal does not hurt anyone, not students nor the government. All it will do is provide a more efficient way for lenders to finance the loans they are making. Commercial paper is a widely used index which many U.S. corporations use for short-term financing. There has been concern about this proposal incurring an additional Federal cost. I have addressed these concerns and will tell the House that the proposal actually saves money. Mr. Chairman, for the last 8 years I have been working hard to eliminate wasteful spending in the student loan programs making them more efficient and effective. The change to commercial paper will allow lenders to use a more efficient means for financing these loans. This is a common sense proposal to ensure the longevity of our student loan program. I have had a number of conversations with the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon), our committee chairman, as well as our ranking member, and I would like to take just a moment to address the gentleman and ask for his view on the commercial paper amendment.

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

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Herschel Mullins for marking his 60th anniversary as owner and founder of Mullins Jewelry. On March 1, 1938, Mr. Mullins bought the business from the man for whom he worked as an apprentice for two years. Raised on a farm in the Florence community, Mr. Mullins traded in farming for repairing and selling clocks and jewelry. His love of working on clocks was a trait he inherited from his father. A little over a year later, on July 5, 1939, Mr. Mullins married Mildred Alsup. Today, they have three sons, Charles, James and Thurman, nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Mullins Jewelry is one of few remaining family owned and operated businesses. His wife, sons and their wives and grandchildren work with him. The business, located on the South side of the square in Murfreesboro, needs no advertisements; it is sustained by word-of-mouth. In addition to contributing to local commerce, Mr. Mullins has also contributed to his country and community. During World War II, he worked on aircraft instruments at Sky Harbor and Smyrna Air Force Base. Mr. Mullins has been involved in many local and civic activities, serving as past president of the Blackman Community Club and member of the Optimist club, March of Dimes fundraising committee and downtown improvement committees. He is a lifelong member of the Florence Church of Christ, where he serves as an elder. Again, Mr. Mullins, congratulations on 60 years of successfully operating your family business. May the days to come be filled with the happiness of family and friends. Thank you for the contributions you have made to your country and the communities of Rutherford County.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, there has been a lot of rhetoric on both sides of this issue. Let me just take a quick moment to try to summarize where we are, please. The main bill that we are debating today is the Copyright Extension Act. What that does is extend the copyrights for music and film in this country to the same level of other countries around the world. If we do not do this, then the United States is going to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue from other countries that should come in to the United States. That is very reasonable, and I think most everybody agrees with that. But then, unfortunately, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) has taken this noncontroversial bill and added a completely unrelated, very controversial amendment. What the amendment offered by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) basically says is that unlike the present and the past, that restaurants and bars should not have to pay for the music or the royalties for the music that they play in their establishments, which amounts to just a little over $1.50 a day. It really is somewhat amazing that the gentleman from Wisconsin, who is a strong property rights advocate, it is really ironic, he would never say that these same bars and restaurants should not have to pay the supplier for the chairs and tables, for the paint on the walls, for the chandeliers, or for anything else that helps them make the atmosphere for that particular restaurant or bar. However, for some reason they should not have to pay $1.50 a day for the music, knowing that if this $1.50 is not worthwhile, if the music does not enhance their establishment, they can turn it off. Nobody is telling them they have to play it. Only that they need to pay for it if they use it, like the tables and chairs. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. McCollum) has come along and introduced an amendment to that of the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), a compromise, and is trying to bring some rationality to this issue. He is, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. McCollum), exempting the smallest bars and restaurants in the country; as a matter of fact, two-thirds of the restaurants and bars in the country, which is a very reasonable amendment. Because we have to remember, if the songwriters are not paid, they cannot produce the songs, and when they do not produce the songs, the music is going to stop. I would like to share with the Members a song that one of the songwriters back home has written about this issue. I say to my friend, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), I am going to spare him me singing this, so I am going to read it here for the gentleman. It is ``Dear, dear, U.S. Congress: ``Some merchants want to use my song, but they don't want to pay me, and I think that is wrong. How would you like to have a job where you work hard every day, you love what you are doing, but you don't get any pay? I can't give away my songs for free 'cause this is the way I feed me and my family. And if you merchants disagree, that's fine. Go write your own songs, just don't use mine.'' Now, Mr. Chairman, let me ask the Members today to keep the music. Do not stop the music from coming forward. I support a very reasonable compromise offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. McCollum) to keep the music for all America.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, over two years ago the President signed into law the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which had been passed with bipartisan majorities in the both the House and Senate. Prior to its passage, my colleagues on the House Commerce Committee and I worked to draft a balanced bill that we hoped would lead to greater choice, better quality and lower prices for consumers by way of increased competition in the expanding telecommunications industry. Unfortunately, this has not occurred. We have not seen a significant increase in competition for cable services, nor in the local and long distance telephone industry. Instead, of competition, people in many areas of the country are seeing mergers on a massive scale, higher cable rates, and lawsuits filed by competitors seeking to enter the long distance market. My constituents in Middle Tennessee tell me they want to reap the benefits of competition now, not later. The situation that exists now, with constant wrangling at the FCC and in the courts, only helps Washington lawyers and economists, not taxpayers. We need to end the stall-tactics and fingerpointing, and move forward with competition.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the accomplishments of a dedicated group of young men who worked together in the true spirit of sportsmanship to achieve a long-awaited goal. The group is the Trousdale High School Yellow Jackets football team of Hartsville, Tennessee, and that goal was winning the state 1-A championship game. Their hard-fought victory, and the hard work and dedication they demonstrated throughout the year will not go unnoticed. After all, they were honored as Region 3 1-A Champions, 1-A State Champions, and had a perfect 15-0 record. These men of Trousdale High School trained vigorously, played tirelessly, and deserve recognition for a job well done. I congratulate each member of the team, their Head Coach, Clint Satterfield, and all the assistant coaches, managers, school administrators and all other support staff. I know they won't soon forget this milestone, and those that are still to come. The players are true champions: Taylor Dillehay, Brandon Eden, Thomas Payne, Ell Sanders, Robert Duncan, Chris Sutton, Travis Marshall, Casey Marshall, Jason Evitts, Dominique Harper, Jason Vootoo, Corey Harper, Brandon Samson, Brent Dalton, Colin Meyer, Ryan McCellan, Nick West, Renard Woodmore, Craig Moreland, Bowdy Fain, Shawn Vaughn, Jatarius Osborne, Adam Harper, Daniel Towns, Joe Cornwell, Bobby Livingston, Adam Keeton, Tony Jewell, Junior Fields, Benjamin Blair, Earl Carman, Timmy Tomlinson, James Keller, Pete Wilkerson, Michael Scruggs, Blake Holder, Baxton Adams, Dion Burnley, Adam Bratton, Brian Haney, Corey Timberlake, Justin Smith, John Carey and Kevin Gregory.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the accomplishments of a dedicated group of young men who worked together in the true spirit of sportsmanship to achieve yet another milestone. The group is the Riverdale High School Warriors football team of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and that goal was winning the state 5-A championship game. Their hard-fought victory, and the hard work and dedication they demonstrated throughout the year will not go unnoticed. After all, they were honored as 5-A State Champions and fought to a 14-1 record for the season. I congratulate each member of the team, their Head Coach, Gary Rankin, and all the assistant coaches, managers, school administrators and all other support staff. I know they won't soon forget this milestone, and those that are still to come. The players are true champions: Ron Akins, Carmoski Mitchell, Quentez Mitchell, Shawn Sanford, Kyle Jones, Eric Locke, Jason Hill, Deran Martin, Conner Barnett, Marvin Smith, Guy Freeman, Brad Garrett, Chance Dittfurth, Donnie Ayers, Jessie Chesterfield, Vincent Watkins, Dejuan Duke, Aundrell Cummings, Dario Hodge, Craig Garrison, Todd Howard, Jeremy L. Davis, Donte Bell, Chad Mackens, Keane McDonald, Larry Verge, Marcus Limbaugh, Rashad Watkins, Jeremy R. Davis, Tarrius Davis, Aaron Macedo, Billy Arrasmith, Troy Broughton, Gene Thorpe, Matt Sawyer, Michael Smallwood, Jonathon Davis, Jon Kelly, Brian Travis, Ryan Gjertson, Gabriel Besleaga, Bill Massaquoi, Justin Prince, Wes Denney, Scott Lowman, Harrison Mullins, Malachi Hernandez, Donald Morris, Chris Brown, Walker Thomas, Darnell Gresham, Rashawn Ray, Justin Waller, Rusty Stephens, Kolas Hughes, Terry Daniels, Josh Stewart, Kevin Bane, Joe Moos, Rhett Bass, Nick Patterson, Corneice Hoke, Andy Davis, Matthew Young, and Eric Greer.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the accomplishments of a dedicated group of young men who worked together in the true spirit of sportsmanship to achieve a long-awaited goal. The group is the White House High School Blue Devils football team of White House, Tennessee, and that goal was winning the state 3-A championship game. Their hard-fought victory, and the hard-work and dedication they demonstrated throughout the year will not go unnoticed. After all, they were honored as Region 4 Champions, 3-A State Champions and had a perfect 15-0 record. The team also had 5 Associated Press All State players, 2 Tennessee Sportswriters All-State players and 8 All Region 1st team members. These men of White House High School trained vigorously, played tirelessly, and deserve recognition for a job well done. I congratulate each member of the team, their Head Coach, Jeff Porter, and all the assistant coaches, managers, school administrators and all other support staff. I know they won't soon forget this milestone, and those that are still to come. The players are true champions: Jarod Jullierat, Corey Coker, Joey Rodgers, Jim Smith, J.R. Carroll, Andy Tucker, Ryan Sherrill, James Harper, Chris Barnes, Rudy Farmer, Brock Waggoner, Brian Whittaker, Josh Lanius, Jonathan Finch,, Josh Barton, Chuckie Jarrett, Clint Ruth, Brent Bunn, Josh Harrison, Eddie Carrigan, Jeremy Perry, Alan Hargrove, Jon Shelton, Adam Smith, Jim Stacey, Brian Jones, Jon Simpson, Jason Faulk, Chad Rogers, Josh Ahmic, Roger Smith, Chris Gaddis, Chris Laroy, Tyler Judge, Scott Hawkins, Will Bush, Aaron Holmes, Jeremy Adcock, Ryan Cole, Jesse Sharp, Kevin Harris, Dustin King, Joseph Dillehay, Justin O'Guin, Josh Widener, Nathan Jarrett, Joe Bledsoe, Daniel Gray, David Mapes, Andrew McGreggor, Jessie Wagner, Michael Day, Matt Armistead, Josh McEarl, Adam Hanes, Jason Buckner, Ryan Holmes, Jonathan Miller, Mychael Smith, Ricky Ellis, Eric Carpenter, Clinton Van Der Westhuizen, Gary Adcock, Darrell McDaniel, Robert Keene, Brandon Barker, Joe Armistead, Casey Nash, Brandon Scott, Todd Stephens, and Pete Bloodworth.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in support of H.R. 1271, the FAA Research, Engineering and Development Act of 1997. H.R. 1271 is the product of a bipartisan process to strengthen the research and development activities of the FAA. The FAA's RE&D programs are key to increasing the capacity and efficiency of the national aerospace system while ensuring its safety and security. H.R. 1271 reverses the downward trend in FAA's research, engineering and development account, which has declined by 20 percent in the last 2 years. This funding increase will improve research in areas such as noise abatement and weather prediction, areas identified by outside advisory panels that need increased support. H.R. 1271 also includes language urging the FAA to address the year 2000 computer problem. Unless the necessary steps are taken, FAA's air traffic control operations could be disrupted in 2000. However, this is not simply a problem limited to the United States airspace. The air traffic control system of every nation must be corrected, and I urge the FAA to take the lead to make other countries aware of this problem and the steps needed to correct it. In addition, this bill includes my proposed establishing a competitive research grants program for primarily undergraduate institutions. This program will support research relevant to FAA's technology needs and, more importantly, will help develop the technical expertise to address FAA's future technology requirements. This provision had widespread support of the House and the other body. Finally, I wanted to acknowledge that H.R. 1271 does not authorize FAA's new Flight 2000 program. However, it is my understanding that we will review this program in the next month and can then authorize funding as part of the FAA's overall reauthorizing bill. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1271. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, it goes without saying that in Rutherford County, when someone hears the words, ``My friend, my friend,--are you excited?,'' one can only expect to be greeted by the jovial and gregarious, Mr. Ralph Vaughn. Eleven years ago, we were fortunate enough to find someone of his caliber and talents to tackle the challenges facing Rutherford County and the Chamber of Commerce. Today, I rise to honor the distinguished career of the retiring Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce President, and one of the most enthusiastic individuals I know, Mr. Ralph Vaughn. When Ralph joined the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce in 1986, the organization had two employees and an annual operating budget of less than $100,000. Now, under his leadership, the chamber has seen membership double, staff increase to twelve and the operating budget grow to over $700,000. Probably the single greatest accomplishment for which Ralph will be remembered is the recent transition of the Chamber office from a log Cabin to its new 10,000 square foot State of the Art facility. Ralph has been a driving force in preparing Rutherford Countians for the challenges of an expanding economy and continued growth. It was Ralph's innovations and hard work that helped push tourism from a $34 million a year industry to over $110 million dollars today. It was also Ralph's vision that helped conceptualize a long range economic development strategy for growth in Rutherford County, known as Rutherford 20/20. Ralph has not only helped Rutherford County grow, but he also never forgot his hometown of Smithville, Tennessee. Before coming to head the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, Ralph had a distinguished career in the broadcasting industry which had him managing a successful AM/FM station in Smithville. However, this is not all Ralph did to help his community. Back in 1971, he and a small group of community leaders founded the now internationally famous Fiddler's Jamboree in Smithville. This event has grown from about 8,000 attendees to over 110,000 in 1996 and was recently named the Official Jamboree and Crafts festival of the State of Tennessee. Ralph's cheerful smile will surely be missed by the folks at the Chamber, but one thing is for sure he has left an indelible mark on both the success and growth of our community. I am sure he will never stop making new friends and promoting Rutherford County. It has truly been a privilege to work with this man, and I wish him the best of luck in his new endeavors.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in favor of H.R. 1270. Many Americans have a temporary nuclear storage site close to home. My own State of Tennessee has a legacy of high level nuclear waste that is stored onsite. The nuclear weapons that were built in Oak Ridge helped this entire Nation win World War II and the Cold War. Now we have the opportunity through the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1997 to establish a central storage facility in an underpopulated area that would be easier, safer and more economical to monitor. I understand the concerns of my colleagues who oppose this bill. I know that no one wants a nuclear storage site in their backyard, but there is no magic wand that will make this waste go away. It is here, we have no choice but to deal with it. We need a solution to this growing problem, and the repository at the Yucca Mountain offers the best opportunity. The Southern Governor's Association took steps in this direction earlier this month by passing a resolution in favor of H.R. 1270. Additionally, we cannot ignore the fact that consumers have paid into the Nuclear Waste Fund to store this waste. TVA alone has expended over $20 million in additional funds because DOE has failed to take this waste. We must assure the public of the safety of any repository. The nuclear industry has been storing fuel in 34 States for more than three decades. Though the industry is now safely managing used fuel, long- term on-site storage was never intended. A central storage facility to keep much of this waste is necessary, and the Yucca Mountain fits the requirement for safe storage of spent nuclear fuel. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 1270 meets the public's need for a safe alternative for temporary used fuel storage at one site until a permanent storage facility is completed. This is a long overdue solution to a difficult issue. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Kildee] for allowing me the opportunity to express my strong support for H.R. 2535, the Emergency Student Loan Consolidation Act. I want to begin by commending the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Goodling], the gentleman from California [Mr. McKeon], the gentleman from Missouri [Mr. Clay] and the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Kildee] for their leadership on this issue. When talking about student financial assistance, more specifically about student loans, there is one thing that we as Members of Congress can all agree upon. We want what is in the best interests of students by making available the means to pay for higher education. Each year that goes by, the cost of higher education climbs more and more, as does student debt. A major component for students as they graduate and enter into repayment of their loans is to consolidate their multiple loans into one manageable debt that has monthly payments. Unfortunately, the Federal Government, after providing students with loans, has failed those same students in need of consolidating their previous loans into one manageable sum. These recent graduates are trying to start their lives, start their families and buy homes. Unfortunately, more than 87,000 students throughout the country are now having trouble making ends meet, balancing their checkbooks and getting a mortgage because they cannot consolidate their student loans. I think it is clear that Congress needs to take action and correct this problem. This bill will accomplish two things in regard to loan consolidation. First, it will allow them to consolidate their loans now. Second, it will level the playing field between our two distinct loan programs, allowing students more choices in dealing with their finances. I would like to once again commend my colleagues and the committee staff for their hard work and for addressing this issue quickly and in a timely bipartisan manner.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2261, the Small Business Programs authorization. H.R. 2261 incorporates the provisions of H.R. 2429 which reauthorizes the Small Business Technology Transfer Program as reported by the Science Committee. First, I want to say it has been a pleasure working with the Small Business Committee in this legislation. During the Technology Subcommittee's hearing on the STTR program we heard strong bipartisan support for this small business, university, government partnership. This program has been very successful at linking the research capabilities of universities and national laboratories, with the business sense and drive of our Nation's small business community. A number of amendments have been drafted to the original legislation and I would like to call the attention of my colleagues to one amendment in particular. From reviewing the STTR awards made during the past 3 years, I became concerned that the majority of awards are made to only a few States. Therefore, I suggested a provision that would require SBA to develop an outreach program to under represented States. Under represented States are defined as those which receive less than 20 awards during the prior 2 year period. During fiscal years 1995-96 only 8 states received more than 20 awards. During the Technology Subcommittee's hearing it seemed clear that other States have fully qualified small businesses, universities, and nonprofit labs to enable them to compete successfully in the STTR program. However, in many States the program is not well-known nor does the business community know how to apply to the program. The goal of these provisions are to expand participation in the STTR program. I want to thank Chairman Sensenbrenner and Ranking Member Brown of the Science Committee and Chairman Talent and Ranking Member LaFalce for including these specific provisions in H.R. 2261. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2261.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the most enthusiastic person I have ever met, Angelo Volpe, the president of Tennessee Technological University. Angelo Volpe is a distinguished scholar and scientist that any university would be proud to have as a president. During Dr. Volpe's 10 years tenure as the president of Tennessee Tech, he has brought energy and a level of enthusiasm that is contagious to the entire community. As the founder of Sharing the Vision, a university-wide fundraising campaign, President Volpe has made the dream of college a reality for many students who could not afford tuition. He not only recognizes the value of a university education, but also acknowledges the need for a campus that meets a wide range of student needs. During his tenure, President Volpe has overseen the creation of a new library and a recreation and fitness center. These additions have greatly expanded student resources and added to the stature of the university. Angelo Volpe's strong chemistry background is also an asset to the university. He came to Tennessee Tech from East Carolina University and I know they must still feel the loss of this talented and visionary man. His pursuit of scientific knowledge has made him a member in good standing in such organizations as the American Chemical Society, the Tennessee Academy of Science, and a past president of the Tennessee College Association. Although a Brooklyn native, Dr. Volpe has adjusted perfectly to southern life and has made Cookeville, TN his home. He is a tireless leader in the field of education and a prominent member of the Cookeville community and the Rotary Club. But no man is an island. Dr. Volpe has had the support and advice of his able wife, Jennette. Jennette has a Ph.D. in psychology and has been invaluable in assisting her husband with his duties as president of Tennessee Tech. They are active members of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and in the local community. I am grateful that President Volpe will continue to lead Tennessee Tech into the 21st century. I know that with Dr. Volpe at the helm, this university will continue to prosper. He has given of his time, expertise, and energy to make Tennessee Tech an outstanding university and in turn, I would like for us to recognize his accomplishments today and wish him luck in the coming years.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call special attention to the Constitution of the United States of America. This treasured document serves as the guardian of our liberties and is a product of reflection and choice--embodying the principles of limited government in a Republic dedicated to rule by law, and not by men. Abraham Lincoln once called the Constitution, ``The only safeguard of our liberties * * *.'' I strongly concur. Therefore, it is important to recognize that September 17, 1997, marks the 210th anniversary of the drafting of this historic landmark by the 1787 Constitutional Convention. It is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this magnificent document and its memorable anniversary--as well as to the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate this grand occasion. Public law guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of this great country designating September 17 through 23 as Constitution Week. In observance of this important national occasion, I ask my fellow citizens to reaffirm the ideals put forth by the Framers of the Constitution over 200 years ago. Only through vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us through the Constitution, can we offer future generations the same great inheritance of freedom we currently possess.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1903, the Computer Security Enhancement Act of 1997. I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 1903, and have worked closely with the chairman, the gentlewoman from Maryland [Mrs. Morella], to improve the bill during the Subcommittee on Technology's deliberations. Not a day goes by that we do not see some reference to the Internet and the explosive growth of electronic commerce. What was originally envisioned as a network of defense communications and university researchers has now become an international communications network, of which we are just beginning to realize its potential. Reports from both the Office of Technology Assessment and the National Research Council have identified a major obstacle to the growth of electronic commerce: the lack of widespread use of computer security products. H.R. 1903 is a first step to encourage the use of computer security products, both by Federal agencies and the private sector, which in turn will support the growth of electronic commerce. I want to highlight the underlying purpose of this legislation: to encourage the use of computer security products, both by Federal agencies and the private sector. I am convinced that we must have a trustworthy and secure electronic network system to foster the growth of electronic commerce. H.R. 1903 builds upon the successful track record of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, in working with industry and other Federal agencies, to develop a consensus on the necessary standards and protocols required for electronic commerce. I would like to take a few minutes to explain provisions I added to this legislation. One of the provisions aims to increase the public awareness of the need to improve the security of communication networks by requiring the Technology Administration to establish a clearinghouse of public information on electronic security threats. And the other provision I felt necessary was to establish a coordination mechanism in the development of national digital signature infrastructure by establishing a national panel of business, technical, legal, State, and Federal experts. Digital signature technology is essential to ensure the public trust of networks such as the Internet. Digital signature verifies that the businesses or individual we are communicating with is who we think they are, and that the information being exchanged has not been altered in transit. For this technology to be developed, a trusted certification authority for the digital signature must exist. Several States already have statutes in place to regulate this technology. However, for a national system to develop, uniform standards must be in place. Without this uniformity, variations will exist among different State requirements for certification authorities which could affect the reliability and security of operations associated with issuing and managing certification. These provisions do not give the Federal Government the authority to establish standards or procedures. We simply create a national panel of public and private representatives to begin to address how to develop and integrate a consistent policy regarding digital signatures. H.R. 1903 is entirely consistent with recommendations of the Office of Technology Assessment, the National Research Council, and independent experts who have appeared before the subcommittee. I want to stress that the underlying principle of H.R. 1903 is that it recognizes that Government and private sector computer security needs are similar. Hopefully the result will be lower cost and better security for everyone. This bill is a result of bipartisan cooperation. It has been a pleasure working with Chairman Morella on this legislation, as well as Chairman Sensenbrenner and the former chairman, the gentleman from California, [Mr. George Brown]. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1903. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California [Mr. Brown], my leader and mentor on the Committee on Science. (Mr. BROWN of California asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)