Bart Gordon

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Gassaway Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the East Side Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Gassaway Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Williamson County Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Sumner County Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Trousdale County Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Taylors Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These fireman must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous contribution Dan Whittle has made to the success of Habitat for Humanity in Rutherford County. In 1993, Dan and the community joined together to host a bean dinner to raise money for cancer patient Ben Webber's family. Ben Webber left a wife and child when he succumbed to cancer. His lifelong dream of owning a house was realized for his family through the money Dan and Habitat raised. The Webber dinner was the forerunner of what has come to be known as ``Whittlemania.'' This year, the Second Annual Whittlemania for Habitat was a tremendous success. Demos' and Toot's restaurants served over 1,000 meals and owners Jim and Doris Demos donated the $6 ticket price to Habitat. Whittlemania made more than $7,000, quadrupling last year's results. The community pulled together, and the following businesses and individuals made Whittlemania happen: Demos' and Toot's restaurants, the Daily News Journal, Whittlemania chairman Darwin Colston, Garden Plaza Hotel, the Printing Department, city employees of Smyrna and Murfreesboro, Tennessee General Services Commissioner Larry Haynes, Fant Smith and Outdoor Communication, and Dan's wife, Pat. Dan is a reporter and columnist for the Daily News Journal, a Murfreesboro newspaper. In his February 8th column on Whittlemania, he says, ``It is mind-boggling and heartwarming personally to have a community-wide, charitable, fund-raising event named for you and for that, I am thankful. I love this community that cares so much for people.'' Well, Dan, Rutherford County is thankful to you. Its people know how much you care. You have shared your personal story of homelessness with us, but more than that, you have reached out, time and time again, to help friends and strangers. It has been said that the success of a man can be gauged by how many lifes he's touched. Congratulations on your success and the success of Whittlemania.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Brock Sanders of Murfreesboro, TN on his upcoming retirement as executive director of the United Way of Rutherford County. After 15 years of dedicated service, Brock will retire on April 15, 1996. Brock has spent his entire life in positions of public service. After playing football at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and graduating in 1956, Brock was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force through the ROTC program. During the next 20 years, Brock held many positions which were instrumental in leading our country to victory in the cold war. From his service in Vietnam to his time as an instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Brock was an invaluable officer in our Nation's service. After retiring in 1980 as a colonel from the Air Force, Brock retired to his home to Murfreesboro, only to continue serving his community. As executive director of the United Way of Rutherford County, he saw a remarkable increase in pledges. During a time in which the national average for increase in United Way pledges was 105 percent, Brock Sanders oversaw an increase of 849 percent. The United Way of Rutherford County has been recognized numerous times for having one of the strongest bases of support in the nation. This success has been due in large part to the leadership of Brock Sanders. I want to thank Brock for his many years of service, congratulate him on a job well done, and wish him the best in his retirement. Rutherford County and Cannon County Circuit Court, Murfreesboro, TN, March 14, 1996. Representative Bart Gordon, Murfreesboro, TN. Dear Bart: Thank you for your help with the presentation of the resolution for Brock Sanders. Enclosed please find a biographical sketch regarding Brock and his accomplishments. If I can provide additional information, please contact me. With kindest regards, Don R. Ash, Circuit Judge. Enclosure. James Brockman Sanders, Jr., was born in Rutherford County Hospital on December 23, 1933 and later taken to his childhood home at 107 2nd Avenue in Murfreesboro. Brock came home to two sisters, Jean Sanders (Beard) and Trudy Sanders (Guinee) and one dog, Buster. His dad was owner of Sanders Auto Service on the corner of Vine and Walnut. His mother was a household engineer. In September of 1940, Brock entered first grade at Training School (Now Campus School). He completed eight years at Training School. In September of 1948, Brock entered Central High School. He earned four letters in basketball and three in football under, according to Brock, ``the greatest high school coach in the world'', Mr. Lee Pate. Brock won mid-state and state honors in football and was a member of the 1950 state champion football team. He was a class officer each year, a member of SPO fraternity and served as president of the Key Club. Was also named ``Most outstanding'' Key Club member in the Tennessee-Kentucky district. For three years Brock dated the ``sweetest and prettiest girl at Central'', Fran Summar. He graduated from Central in 1952. Brock entered the University of Tennessee on a football scholarship in September of 1952. During Brock's football career at U.T., he made sure the bench stayed warm. He was called ``Midg'' by General Robert Neyland because he stated that Brock was the ``world's largest midget''. Brock was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and was an Air Force ROTC cadet Wing Commander. In August of 1954 Brock married his high school sweetheart, Fran Summar at the First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro. Brock graduated from the University of Tennessee in September of 1956. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in Air Force through the ROTC. From 1956 to 1957, Brock coached football and basketball at Central High School under his high school coach, Lee Pate. In March of 1957, James Brockman Sanders, III, was born in the Rutherford County Hospital. He is now the minister of First Methodist Church of Troy, Alabama. He has a lovely wife, son and daughter. In May of 1957, Brock entered the Air Force at Navigator Training in Harlington, Texas. From 1958 to 1963, Brock was a C-124 Worldwide qualified Navigator and Flight Examiner in Dover, Delaware. Stephanie Paulette Sanders was born in Dover, Delaware in July of 1959. She is now an educator and household engineer in Atlanta. She and husband Rob Corley have a brilliant son and daughter. From 1963 to 1966, Brock was Section Commander at Air University, Squadron Officer School in Montgomery, Alabama. In 1966 and 1967, he was a student and graduate of Air Command and Staff College. From 1967 to 1971, Brock was Chief of Space Navigation Division at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado. In 1971 and 1972, he served as a briefing officer in Saigon, Vietnam. Brock was then Director of Student Operations at Air University, Squadron Officer School, in Montgomery, Alabama from 1972 to 1976. In 1977, he was a student and graduate of Air War College. From 1977 to 1980, Brock was a staff officer at Headquarters Air University in Montgomery, Alabama. In June of 1980, Brock Sanders retired as a Colonel of the U.S. Air Force. Brock returned to Murfreesboro and in 1981 became the Executive Director of the United Way of Rutherford County. In the last fifteen years under his direction, the pledge for the United Way of Rutherford County has increased by 849% (other United Way chapters have increased by 105%). The United Way of Rutherford County has been recognized numerous times for having the highest percent increase in pledges in the nation. After 15 years of dedicated service, Brock Sanders will retire on April 15, 1996. He looks forward to spending more time with his lovely wife and their family, as well as working on his golf game.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Trinity Assembly Church in Algood, TN, on recent completion of their new Sanctuary Complex. In the life of a church and a community, this is a monumental event. It is a testament to the years of hard work and dedication of this congregation. The completion of the new sanctuary complex is not only of great benefit to the congregation at Trinity Assembly, but to the entire community of Algood. This new facility greatly enhances the ability of Trinity to conduct community outreach. This complex will allow Trinity to provide greater counseling and help to those in need. Trinity Assembly was established in 1966 by Rev. W.F. Carlile. In 1983 there were 40 parishoners. Now, only 13 years later, there are over 1,200 parishoners at Trinity Assembly. The current pastor of Trinity, Eddie Turner, has displayed an expertise in leadership that is to be commended. His hard work and devotion has been instrumental in the growth and prosperity of this church. It is a credit to the entire community that this church has experienced such phenomenal success. I offer my best wishes for many more years of growth to the congregation of Trinity Assembly.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I came to the floor last August to express my opposition to Food and Drug Administration [FDA] Commissioner David Kessler's unilateral move to regulate tobacco products. I said that I supported the President's goal in reducing underage use of tobacco products, but the answer was not FDA regulation. Thirteen Federal agencies already regulate tobacco. I remarked that Congress had already spoken on the matter of youth access to tobacco products by passing the Synar amendment to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA]. I encouraged the President to direct the Health and Human Services [HHS] to release the final SAMHSA regulations so the will of Congress can proceed. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today--6 months later--to express my support for the final SAMHSA regulations. Now everyone can join hands and work together toward a common goal. The actions called for in the regulations are the most immediate and effective way to make positive gains in reducing youth access to tobacco products. The regulations recognize that the individual States--all of which have laws on the books which prohibit minors from purchasing tobacco products--are better equipped to enforce these laws than the Federal Government. Under the regulations, States are required to enforce their laws preventing the sale of tobacco to minors in a manner that is at least 80-percent effective. States will have to conduct annual random, unannounced inspections to ensure compliance with the law. In addition, each State will be required to submit an annual report detailing its activities and its overall success. Mr. Speaker, the issue here is not whether juvenile use of tobacco products should be curbed. Everyone agrees it must be. Rather, the questions is how best can we make immediate and effective advances. Commissioner Kessler's unilateral attempt to create jurisdiction is not the answer. Over 3 years ago, Congress overwhelmingly asserted its commitment to prohibiting minors from purchasing tobacco products. Finally, Mr. Speaker, we now have the ability to start down the road of progress.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Thank you, Dave Bonior, for yielding, but more importantly I want to thank you for taking the initiative to have this well-deserved tribute tonight. As you mentioned earlier in your remarks, everyone could tell a John Dingell story, but I think it would all come down to sort of the same theme that you pointed out earlier, and that is that, and I see it every day on the Committee on Energy, it is not just that John Dingell is the most senior Member that walks in the room, but he is also the most prepared Member that walks in the room, and he is the hardest working Member that walks in the room. Most folks after 40 years in any career try to coast on their experience and their reputation, but not John Dingell, and I am amazed at how he continues to work, work, work and prepare so that us young whippersnappers never have a change to get a leg up on him, because he is always up a little later, working a little harder. So I am glad to share in this. I guess the remembrance that I have of this is I was at a meeting with him one time and someone asked me to give a good reason why we should have Medicare and Social Security, and so I gave them that reason, and it was my mother. If someone were to ask me who my mother should thank for her Medicare and Social Security, I would answer, thank the Dingells. Like your father, John, before you, you have been more responsible for providing health care and income support to senior Americans like my mother than any other individual who has ever served in this Government. If your work on health care issues had been the total of your first 40 years, you would have a legacy of which every Member would be envious. However, the truth is that your contribution has been far greater. When any of us see a bald eagle flying we can credit your work on the Endangered Species Act. When any of us breathe air that does not poison our lungs, we can credit your work on the Clean Air Act. When we are thankful that our children will be able to go into the oceans to see dolphin and whale populations growing, we can credit your work on the Marine Mammal Protection Act. When we see disabled Americans show up for work and become full members in helping America grow, we can credit your work on the Americans With Disabilities Act. When any of us feel relieved that we live in a home that has been checked for radon and lead-based paint, we can credit your work on those important bills. I think we are limited just to an hour, so I cannot go through all of the other bills that every day when we wake up, we know how thankful we are. So now, I know that my mother has a lot to be thankful for to you, and so do other Americans, and I guess we should also be thankful for you bringing Debbie Dingell into our midst and being a part of what we do. We are all grateful for the contribution that she has made to all of us, and you and Debbie are a team that make our lives better, that make America better. I want to thank you for your work, for your dedication. It has been an honor to serve with you, and I look forward to continuing to serve with you.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60 year career and accomplishments of a great man, William J. Vaughn, affectionately known as ``Billy Jim''. Billy Jim is a native Tennessean from Nashville. He joined Troop One Boy Scouts of America in 1926 under the leadership of original scoutmaster, Curtis B. Haley, who chartered the troop in 1910. He became the scoutmaster in 1935 when Mr. Haley became ill and remains the scoutmaster today. Troop One is the oldest Scout troop in continuous operation in the United States. While Troop One has consistently received awards for outstanding accomplishments, Billy Jim quietly earned personal awards for Scouting, such as: participating in a 28-member team of Scout leaders to redesign the Scouting program (1969), receiving the Red, White, and Blue Award for Outstanding Service to Boys (1973), receiving the God and Service Award #510 (1987), and having a campership endowment established in his honor, to name a few. He also received personal recognition from Presidents Bush and Clinton. He actively participated in World Jamborees in California, [[Page E 1845]] England, and Japan, surviving both an epidemic of flu on a cruise ship and a typhoon while hiking over Mount Fujiyama. Not only is Billy Jim an outstanding scoutmaster, he is also active in community service and his church, and has been consistently recognized for his tireless efforts. He also served his country in World War II as a surgical technician for the Navy Medical Corps, earning the highest grade ever awarded in surgery at that time. His friend Chad Drumright says, ``Billy Jim is still a frustrated doctor-- he has the boys engage in rough sports at the Scout meetings so he can run in with the first aid bag when they get hurt.'' Billy Jim is both a dedicated father and husband. He and his late wife Evelyn, have two children, Jim and Katherine. He married Joy Langley Vaughn in 1985 and they have led an active and happy life ever since. Working in the yard, canoeing for the purpose of collecting driftwood, and enjoying homemade ice cream are a few things that keep them busy. Billy Jim has contributed immeasureably to his community, the Boy Scouts of America, his church, and his family. He has given of his time and resources, asking little in return. I ask that we recognize him today for his countless accomplishments and contributions.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50 year career and accomplishments of a true friend, Wallace Clements. After a long career with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Wallace and Audrey are finally going to enjoy their best years, in retirement at their Florida home appropriately located on Restful Lane. Wallace is a native Tennessean from Soddy Daisey. Of the people I've met in my life, Wallace is the best example of how hard work, determination, and raw talent can take you straight to the top. Wallace developed strong friendships and a keen insight into the workings of Government at the local, State, and Federal level. Wallace had provided me sound advice and counsel during the nearly two decades I've known him. After returning from serving in the Navy during World War II, Wallace went to work as a mechanic for a Tennessee trucking company. It was during this period that Wallace became involved in workers' rights and other civic and social causes. Wallace is a dedicated working man who places his country, family, and Tennessee at the top of his list of priorities. Close behind these priorities is Wallace's commitment to fighting for the health, safety, and economic well-being of all working men and women. Today we are celebrating the beginning of a new chapter in Wallace's life. On this special occasion I want to recognize Wallace's selfless toil for the working men and women of America. I know Wallace and Audrey's commitment to help a worker who is out of a job or provide support and encouragement to a family who is down on their luck will only increase in the years to come. Please join me in wishing Wallace Clements the very best in his well- deserved retirement.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, we all aspire to make a difference in the lives of those around us. I rise today to thank my good friend and constituent, T. Tommy Cutrer, for making a difference in so many people's lives and to congratulate him for his many years of service to the working men and women of Tennessee and America. T. Tommy was born in Tangipahoa Parish, LA. In 1949, he met and married his partner for life, Miss Vicky Martin. T. Tommy declares finding Miss Vicky to be the highlight of his life. T. Tommy had the opportunity to enjoy several different careers. In 1954, he joined the Grand Ole Opry as a staff announcer and entertainer. His talents allowed him to become widely recognized by all Tennesseans for his Martha White Flour commercials. In 1978, T. Tommy was elected to the Tennessee State Senate. He represented his district until 1982. Later in 1982 he joined the International Brotherhood of Teamsters as an international representative of drive. T. Tommy retired from this position on June 30, 1995. During his tenure at the Teamsters, T. Tommy provided me with sound counsel and good advice. I can assure you that the betterment of the hard working men and women was always at the front of his mind. T. Tommy plans on spending his retirement traveling with Miss Vicky and visiting their 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild and another on the way. I want to wish them both the best of luck and prosperity in retirement.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous accomplishments of a group of Tennesseans that placed them among the best 25 manufacturing plants in the country. I am referring to the employees of TRW's Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc. plant in Cookeville, TN that recently found themselves at the top in Industry Week's sixth annual search for America's best plants. The 1995 finalists were chosen from over 150 nominations and 67 entries. Cookeville's TRW plant was thrust into the winner's circle for their increased productivity and decreased manufacturing costs. Specifically, the plant reduced those costs over the last 5 years by 77 percent while increasing plant productivity by 60.1 percent. The inflatable restraint systems division of the TRW plant in Cookeville began its operations in 1991. Since that time, employment has risen dramatically and the plant now employs close to 800 workers. Each day those workers are hard at work producing passenger airbag modules and inflators for Asian, European, and American companies such as Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Honda, KIA, Mazda, BMW, and Volkswagen. The plant produces an average of 70,000 passenger side air modules each week. Mr. Speaker, please join with me and Tennesseans all across the State in thanking these employees for their commitment to product quality and their true interest in customer safety.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my opposition to Food and Drug Administration [FDA] Commissioner David Kessler's unilateral move to regulate tobacco products. Thirteen Federal agencies already regulate the growth, manufacture, and use of tobacco. The President has said he wants to address the underage use of tobacco. Everyone is in agreement with this goal. But the answer is not FDA regulation. Instead, the President should use the tools he already has at his disposal. Congress has already spoken on the matter of youth access to tobacco products. The Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Administration Act of 1992 [ADAMHA], is the best mechanism to restrict minors' access to tobacco. The President should direct HHS to release the final ADAMHA regulations and allow the program to work. The statute was signed into law by President Bush. Draft implementing regulations were not promulgated until August 1993. It is now August 4, 1995, and HHS has yet to release the final regulations. All 50 states have put laws on the books prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors and ADAMHA is the vehicle to enforce these laws and discourage youth smoking. Clearly the answer to is not FDA regulation. Mr. Speaker, I encourage the President to take a very positive step toward restricting youth access to tobacco by releasing the final ADAMHA regulations. Congress has spoken on this issue and now it is time to implement the Federal policy set out in ADAMHA.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 5 minutes. The gentlewoman from New Jersey [Mrs. Roukema] and I have a common- sense and, I think, an uncontroversial amendment. In 1982, we had a $3 billion student loan program in this country and a 10-percent default rate. Ten years later, in 1992, we had a $7 billion student loan program and a 54-percent default rate. We were spending more money on defaults in 1992 than we spent on the whole program 10 years before that. Mr. Chairman, that resulted from a variety of reasons, one of which is the Department of Education simply was not doing a good job in overseeing the program and collecting, and the other problem was there were a number of schools that had extraordinarily high default rates, 50, 60, 70, 80 percent, because they were more interested in getting a student's money than in giving a student an education. With the help of a number of the folks here in this Chamber tonight, we instituted a number of reforms in the student loan program integrity provisions. One of the major reforms that was made in the student loan program was to kick out of the program those schools with high default rates, and the result has been, in the first year of that, last year, we saved $600 million for the taxpayers; this year it is estimated $1.2 billion; and that figure will continue to climb. What we found is that a number of those schools said, ``Fine, we will just get out of the student loan program, but we want to continue to get the Pell grants because there is no accountability for Pell grants.'' Right now, Mr. Chairman, we have $320 million a year in Pell grants going to schools that have been determined to be so irresponsible that they should not be in the loan program. The gentlewoman from New Jersey [Mrs. Roukema] and myself have a simple amendment that simply says that if you are a school that has been kicked out of the student loan program because of high default rates, then your school is not eligible for Pell grants. That is the bulk of the amendment. I know there will be some questions. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Jersey [Mrs. Roukema], and I ask unanimous consent that she be permitted to control that time.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, if I might just quickly close by saying we talked about saving the taxpayers' money, and we are going to do that. But what we are also going to do is save opportunities with this bill. We are going to save the opportunities of those individuals that are going to a high default rate school that really is not giving an education. They are going there under false pretenses, and they are not going to get a good education. Now they can take that Pell grant and have it directed to a good school and have their opportunities fulfilled too. So we know we save money, and we also save opportunities. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New Jersey [Mrs. Roukema].

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, let me repeat what I think Chairman Goodling put forth earlier. Mr. Chairman, what the gentleman is talking about is a valid situation. You will have some community colleges that may have four people there on loans and have 4,000 on Pell grants. You have a situation because there is such a small loan volume that you could have two of those four that have defaulted, and so they are in a high default rate situation. As was pointed out, this was never intended to cut that school off from Pell grants. It gives the Secretary of Education the authority, and encourages them, to waive this prohibition in that situation.

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to my friend, the gentleman from California [Mr. Miller].

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

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend, Don Moser, who has contributed much to my hometown of Murfreesboro, TN. He has been a wonderful source of advice and support over the years, and I wish him well upon his retirement. Don has served Murfreesboro for many years. From his undergraduate days at Middle Tennessee State University, to serving as president of the local chamber of commerce, Don has contributed time and time again. He cochaired the recent fund raising drive to secure funds for the chamber's new headquarters building and has been a long time member of the Murfreesboro Water and Sewer Board. Don's love for his community can be seen in his commitment to the Rutherford 20/20 Task Force, which is hard at work planning for the future of Rutherford County. Most in our community will tell you if you want something done and done right, call on Don and his wife, Jean; they are the busiest people in town. They complement each other well and make an unstoppable team. The banking community is sure to feel his absence after 38 years as an active leader and friend. He is retiring as regional president of Third National Bank in Murfreesboro. Don is an avid golfer and I feel sure that many of his free days now will be spent hitting the links. He and Jean plan to do some traveling, as well as spending time with their two grown children, Donald S. and Michelle. The bank's loss is the community's gain, for he will now have even more time to contribute, and we are grateful. Please join me in congratulating this outstanding individual.