Gene Green

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I have had the opportunity to visit Israel and meet with the leaders and also meet with Chairman Arafat both in 1995 and 1999. In the times I was there and even up until last year, the United States was engaged in the peace process to the point of putting the prestige of this country and the Presidency to try to bring peace to Israel and the Palestinian question. What happened, though, was that Chairman Arafat walked away. Whatever the reason, all of the reports from the United States is that he walked away from a peace process. The Government of Israel changed in response to that; and, of course, now we have been in the latest infatada with the loss of lives on both sides. I add my voice in support for this resolution because as we see the loss of innocent life in Israel it condemns terrorism, whether it is on the street of New York, on the streets of Washington, or in Ben Yehuda in Jerusalem. Our country is at war because of terrorism. We lost thousands of people because of terrorism. Killing and injuring innocent people should be stopped, and it should be stopped whether it is Washington, New York, or Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Our friendship with Israel has not even been considered. We have been a friend of Israel for many years, and that is strong. There is no way we can condone or encourage or be silent in the loss of the innocent people that happened this last weekend. I have an opportunity to walk the streets of Jerusalem at the very spot those bombs went off, and I think this resolution is mild compared to what should be done. I am proud of this Congress and the President of the United States in condemning the terrorism, again whether it is here in our country or anywhere in the world.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Medicare Regulatory and Contracting Reform Act. The legislation makes a number of important changes to the way that Medicare does business, and it comes not a second too late. For years we have been hearing from doctors and providers who complain that they are spending more time dealing with Medicare paperwork than they are treating patients. They express frustration where simple mistakes escalated into full-fledged investigations, where well-intentioned providers were penalized and accused of defrauding the system, and insufficient appeals process made it difficult for providers to make their case. Many are ready to stop treating Medicare patients altogether. The Committee on Energy and Commerce passed legislation earlier this year that addresses many of these issues and would have made improvements in the Medicare system. Working with the Committee on Ways and Means, we were able to come up with a consensus bill that addressed the problem and makes the Medicare program more navigable for our Medicare providers. This legislation streamlines key Medicare processes so that providers are not trapped in a maze of confusing regulations. It improves provider information and education so that doctors know who to call and what to do when they have trouble with a claim. The legislation also reforms the contracting system by giving the Secretary greater flexibility in selecting contractors, assigning contractor functions, and permitting competitive contracting. There are many significant changes in the bill that will improve the Medicare system for providers and beneficiaries alike, and I support the legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by complimenting the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frelinghuysen), the sponsor of H.R. 90, who did excellent work here in crafting this legislation. Consumers who want to exercise their right to be placed on a do-not- call list, or to take a telemarketer to small claims court after being called, are often frustrated when they cannot get the caller ID information from the telemarketer to identify them. This legislation prohibits telemarketers from interfering with or circumventing the capability of caller ID services. Telemarketers who solicit the public in their homes for commercial gains should not be permitted to evade the purpose and function of caller ID services. This bill will prevent the telemarketers from doing so, while further empowering consumers to control the communications going to and from their home. Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is the telecommunications revolution gives enormous opportunities for telemarketers, but it also gives opportunities for consumer power. These powers should include the ability, by using caller ID, to prevent information from going to their family which they deem and believe is inappropriate. I think this information strikes a good balance between the rights of consumers to protect their privacy and the rights of telemarketers to practice their trade. This bill allows consumers to use the best available technology to protect their privacy but does not allow telemarketers to start a de facto race to outsmart this technology. I congratulate the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frelinghuysen). Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I say in closing that this is a good bill. I especially appreciate the ability of individuals and the private cause of action that is in the legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague, our ranking member, and, frankly, a lot of the members of the Committee on Appropriations, and I rise in support of his amendment because I represent one of those security areas. This amendment would fully fund the emergency request of the U.S. Coast Guard. Since the attacks of September 11, the Coast Guard has been stretched to the breaking point as they attempt to increase their operations and tighten security at all our Nation's vulnerable ports. This amendment would have provided millions of dollars to increase security at ports along our coasts, including the Port of Houston which is the Nation's largest port in terms of foreign cargo. It is the eighth largest port in the world. Each year almost 7,000 vessels and 175 million tons of cargo transit the Houston ship channel on their way to the port. According to current Coast Guard estimates, approximately half of all dangerous and high-interest cargo travels along the Houston ship channel in our country. Along with the large volume of petroleum and other energy-related products that move through the Port of Houston each year, other top commodities include fertilizers, organic and inorganic chemicals. Each of these cargoes is a potential target for terrorism and any attack could kill or injure thousands, as well as create an enormous environmental impact in the greater Houston area and southeast Texas. Since September 11, the Coast Guard, despite its limited resources, has dramatically increased security at the Port of Houston and the ship channel along with other ports around the country, with water patrols in our channel and everywhere else at all times, and more frequent dockside and shoreline patrols. The Coast Guard is also boarding all ``high interest'' vessels before they transit the ship channel. They now receive 96 hours' notice of ship calls and receive all crew lists, which they share with the law enforcement community. While the Coast Guard in cooperation with local authorities have done an excellent job with the resources at their disposal, they will not be able to maintain their efforts without additional funding. We are wearing out our Coast Guard personnel. The President has requested only $203 million to cover 6 months of the activity. This bill today, without the Obey amendment, puts continuation of these increased activities in jeopardy, even falling $58 million short of the President's request. That is why, Mr. Chairman, I support the Obey amendment, and whether it is now or through the conference committee, we will see an increase in our funding to support our Coast Guard.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I will respond to my colleague from the other side of the aisle. I am not here for that purpose, but just to say that it took 3 weeks to get a bill on the floor of the House, and we were in a parliamentary situation where we did not have any choice but to try to keep it out of conference committee. We lost and so it is still in conference committee. It is almost 2 weeks now since it went in there. I do not necessarily think they all ought to be federalized either, but I think we should have moved on it a month ago, and we are not in charge. The Republicans are. And it took 3 weeks to get a bill on the floor of the House. Let me get back to what I really wanted to talk about, Mr. Speaker. This last week, last Monday on Veterans' Day, our holiday, I had a chance to go to one of our middle schools in my district, Burbank Middle School, and I rise to congratulate a young Burbank Middle School constituent, Cynthia Plascencia, for winning the Burbank Middle School essay contest on why tobacco is not for her. This contest is sponsored by the Texas Department of Health; and it is called A Week Without Tobacco or, in Spanish, Semana Sin Tobacco. I would like to submit a copy of Cynthia's essay for the Record. Cynthia's essay gets to the real reasons why she does not smoke and why she does not want to let anything come between her and her dreams. Cynthia is not swayed by statistics, but I think I need to mention just a few because they highlight just what we are up against. Tobacco: Why It's Not for Me Tobacco. A pleasant get away for some people, a disgusting habit for others. Now most 13 year old nerds, ahem, I mean, kids would argue that tobacco is bad. I'm cool with that, but when they are asked why it's bad, some would probably respond,'' Uh, I dunno. My dad told me it was.'' At least to me that isn't enough evidence to argue with. But I am not one of those kids who sit there and say, ``Well, 14,000,000 people die every day of lung cancer. 7,000,000 die every hour. 100,000 die every minute.'' That may be more evidence, but statistics isn't going to stop a 14 year old from smoking a cigarette. There's more to it than that. Enter my mind, and learn about what goes on in a kid's head; what we think, what we know, what we are. After all, no one knows what a kid thinks, but a kid. Maybe the main reason why I don't smoke is because of my family. Everyone thinks they should look out for number 1, but with me it's never been like that. My family has always been my main priority. I needed guidance, it came from my family. I needed family support, it came from my family. I needed money--Well you get the point. My family comes first, and I would never do anything that would disappoint them. By smoking I would make myself feel great for, what, 5 minutes. Then what? Mood swings, head aches, smelly breath, yellow teeth, asthma, and by the time you realize the mistake you've made, it too late. You're at the end of your rope. And I think the biggest devastation for me is seeing my parents mourn the death of their daughter. It pains me to see my family suffer. And for what? A cigarette? It's not worth it. My education. A biggie in my life. At times a burden, but it's all right. It's important that I finish my education and get a good career. You see, I come from a big family. I have about 19 cousins. All of my cousins that are older than me, and my brother, haven't succeeded in life. Either they don't have the economic support, or they just don't want to do anything with their lives. There's seven of them. What about the other 11? Who is going to be their role model? In the end I am the one they're going to look up to. And if tobacco ever got involved in my life, I don't think I would be able to carry out my purpose. No one in my family has graduated high school with honor. And I'm not going to let tobacco stop me from being the first. Now, I see that I have to be my own person. I'm not my brother. I'm not my father. I am me. If I smoked, I would be less than what I am. And I've never demeaned myself for anyone, or for anything. So, I guess what I'm trying to prove is that tobacco is not going to stop me from the best. And I don't need statistics to tell me that. Forty-seven million American adults are smokers. Ninety percent of them started smoking before they were 18. Three thousand teenagers will become regular smokers each day. So when we finish this day, we can count 3,000 more young people that will become smokers. Already this year more than 1 million kids, a million children, have become smokers. Three hundred forty thousand of those kids will die as a result of becoming smokers. Mr. Speaker, to look at these numbers, one would think we would never be able to win the battle against this dangerous and deadly habit. But I believe that Cynthia Plascencia and her friends are smarter than that. They know smoking not only causes them to have bad breath, stained teeth, and smelly clothes, they know it interferes with them achieving their dreams. They know they will not be able to reach for the stars if they have to be hooked up to a respirator. They know that cancer, heart disease, stroke and asthma will not help them reach their goals. They know they will never meet their athletic goals if they cannot catch their breath. And they know they will not do well in school if they cannot concentrate. After reading Cynthia's essay, I believe that teenagers today, when armed with the right information, will know better than to start smoking. We have learned that there are programs that work. Study after study have proven that anti-smoking education campaigns significantly reduce tobacco use among kids. Community-based programs, public education, school-based programs, assistance for smokers who want to quit, enforcement of youth access laws are all important components of an anti-smoking campaign. But most importantly, we must get to the children before they start smoking. We need to work to see that all students, like Cynthia Plascencia, know that it is just not worth it to start smoking. Cynthia is an example of the culture we must create in our children, where it is not cool to smoke. Because kids see friends, family, and movie stars smoking, they think it is a way to gain social acceptance. If that myth disappears, kids will be less tempted to start smoking. Everyone must realize that smoking is like crack or heroin, it is addictive and it will take a person's life at a much earlier age. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is the Great American Smokeout. Millions of Americans will stop smoking for the day. Let us hope that they take it a step further and give up smoking for life.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California. I know the gentleman served with him. I was a State Representative in the seventies when he was my Member of Congress. He was a man of integrity, honor, commitment, and service. He was a great man who gave himself selflessly for the betterment of others.

Mr. GREEN of Texas. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring the news that former Member of Congress Robert ``Bob'' Eckhardt passed away yesterday in Austin, Texas. He was 88 years old, and is survived by three daughters. Bob Eckhardt actually was in District 8 from Texas, which is now represented by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady), but I represent most of the population in the geographic area that in the 1970s was part of Congressional District 8. Bob Eckhardt served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1967 to 1981, representing the Eighth Congressional District. He was born in Austin, Texas, and he graduated from the University of Texas Law School, served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and prior to his election to Congress he served in the Texas House of Representatives. I can say it best, I guess, with quoting the Houston Chronicle editorial in this morning's paper about Bob Eckhardt: ``Known in Congress as a serious scholar and a fervent ideologue, Eckhardt immersed himself and associates in complicated formulas and details that made him a master of the legislative process. Articulate and loquacious, irreverent and eccentric, Eckhardt customarily traveled by bicycle wearing his trademark bow tie, white suit and Panama hat, even years after he left Congress. He could incorporate a quote from Shakespeare or the Constitution in almost any debate. . .. ``His anti-pollution initiatives for air and water sometimes chafed the oil and chemical business,'' industries in the district I now represent. ``The toxic Substance Control Act, a landmark for occupational health and safety, was one of his proudest achievements.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in expressing our sincere condolences to the family of Congressman Robert ``Bob'' Eckhardt, and we pay tribute to his very distinguished life.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the Chairman and Ranking Member for their hard work on this appropriations bill. I would, however, like to quickly discuss a program that the conference agreement did not fund. I am disappointed that funding for the disposal of obsolete ships from the National Defense Reserve Fleet by MARAD was not included in the final product, even though it was included in the House bill. MARAD is required by law to dispose of obsolete merchant-type vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet by the end of 2006. Currently, there exists a backlog of 115 ships awaiting disposal and more ships will be added to the list of disposal candidates. According to the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, the number of ships awaiting disposal is growing, and these ships pose an immediate environmental threat in Virginia, Texas and California. In an effort to increase the efficiency of the program and to save taxpayer money, MARAD employed a General Agent in 2001 to facilitate the timely disposal of vessels. The General Agent, utilizing approved commercial prime/subcontracting procedures, was tasked with acquiring all services necessary to dismantle and dispose of the ships in a manner which is safe for workers and the environment and that represents best value. I understand that the conferees have directed MARAD to develop plans to reduce the inventory of obsolete vessels on a cost recovery basis. I want to encourage MARAD to continue with the General Agent model. In addition, I want to encourage MARAD to use whatever discretionary funds it might have available to continue with the ship disposal program under the existing contracts. MARAD through its General Agent will have succeeded in scrapping six ships with the first $10 million of appropriated funds. The scrapping has been done in accordance with EPA hazardous material disposal standards; has proceeded ahead of schedule; and has been on budget. The Navy ship disposal program, in contrast, spent $13.1 million scrapping four ships within the NDRF, resulting in a substantially higher per ship disposal cost when compared with the MARAD program. I ask my colleagues on this subcommittee to support adding the $10 million that had been approved by the House to any supplemental appropriations bill that might be considered before the end of this Congress. Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member of this subcommittee for their hard work and appreciate any assistance they might be able to provide to deal with this important issue.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. I yield to the gentleman from Indiana.

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I would like to thank the chairman and my ranking member, and know that we will be back next year seeking a new start for Hunting Bayou, and with the cost- benefit analysis. I certainly will appreciate your support at that time.

Mr. GREEN of Texas. I yield to the gentleman from Alabama.

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank my ranking member and also our Chair of the committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the energy and water conference report, and particularly appreciate the hard work of my friend and colleague, the gentleman from my home State of Texas (Mr. Edwards), and appreciate his advice during the process. I also appreciate the chairman of the committee and our ranking member, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky). Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the conferees saw fit to boost funding for the Houston-Galveston Navigation Channel and the Port of Houston by $3 million, to $33,785 million. The Houston Ship Channel and the Port of Houston are vital not just to the economy of Houston but to our national economy. It is the second largest port in America and the largest in the Nation in foreign tonnage. It is also critical to our Nation's energy industry. In addition to this channel project, I appreciate the conferees' efforts on the flood control projects in my districts. The importance of flood control to Houston was highlighted by the disastrous flooding caused by Tropical Storm Allison in June 2001. Total damages from this storm are estimated to be $5 billion. One of these projects is Greens Bayou, which I wish I could say was named after me, but was there long before I came around, which the committee saw fit to fund at $377,000; and I appreciate the work of the committee to provide this continuing funding. Greens Bayou alone was responsible for nearly half of the nearly 30,000 homes that were flooded by Tropical Storm Allison's heavy rains. The other major project in my district is Hunting Bayou, which was unfortunately not included in the conference report; and I will take a minute later to clear up some confusion. Hunting Bayou was mistakenly listed by the Corps as a new start, and thus would have been funded out of the fiscal 2002 construction general account. What the Corps should have requested was the project continue to be funded under general investigation as it had been over the last 3 years. While Hunting Bayou is progressing at a reasonable pace, it is not ready for a new start designation until fiscal year 2003, and I want to make sure this point is clear because of the critical public safety implications that we have for East Harris County. Hunting Bayou, which flows through East Harris County, was again hit hard by Tropical Storm Allison. Approximately 7,500 homes were flooded, with damage estimated at $250 million. This total does not count the millions of dollars that were lost to businesses in the area through the loss of sales and cost of repairs. Currently, the Hunting Bayou project is 80 percent through its general evaluation phase; and when the construction on this project is finished, it will reduce the number of structures subject to the 100- year flooding from 7,300 to 1,000. According to the estimates, this project could deliver $8.2 million per year in flood protection, and the minimum estimated life of this project would be at least 50 years, so it makes good sense. I would like to engage in a brief colloquy with the chairman and ranking member to clear up any of the further issues with the project and seek commitment next year that we will continue to work on this important project. Mr. Chairman, I want to begin by expressing my deep gratitude for the hard work you and your ranking member and staffs put on this legislation. I know you each had difficult decisions to make, and the bill we have before us today is a fair compromise for all concerned. I just want to take the opportunity to clean up some confusion about the Hunting Bayou project created through the Corps of Engineers and maybe even our own problems. In my earlier statement, I mentioned the Corps mistakenly classified the project as a new start under the construction account, when in fact it should have been listed as continuing investigation. Is that your understanding, Mr. Chairman?

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the so-called airport security bill that my Republican colleagues have finally brought to the floor, and support the Oberstar-Ganske bipartisan substitute. This bill is weeks late. In ignoring the bipartisan efforts of our colleagues in the Senate, we are delaying the much-needed restructuring of our Nation's airport security. We are continuing the risk for the American flying public by simply going to conference committee for we do not know how long. We have seen the results of not taking security at our airports seriously. Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, security has been increased at airports across America; but we need to professionalize it. We continue to hear reports of passengers carrying weapons on planes, convicted felons serving as security screeners, and unauthorized personnel being allowed access to secure areas. It is time for the Federal Government to step in. We have resources that neither the air carriers nor the current security contractors possess. We need Federal air marshals, expanded anti-hijacking training for flight crews, fortified cockpit doors, X-ray inspection of all carry-on and checked bags. It is clear that the current system of contracting out this law enforcement function to the lowest bidder has created a workforce that suffers from high turnover, low pay and low morale. Congress should take this opportunity to create a professional, highly skilled, well- trained Federal law enforcement workforce. We do not want to privatize our Capitol Police, the U.S. Customs, the FBI, or the Border Patrol. They are law enforcement; and that is what law enforcement functions are, and that is what this is. To close, the comments that the only thing Democrats want to do is use Federal employees so they can be union members, I could not have heard it better yesterday from airline pilot that said the heroes of September 11 were union members: the airline pilots, the flight attendants, the New York police and firefighters. A free and strong union movement is vital to our Nation, if it is a public and police function at our airports. I urge my colleagues to vote now for the safety of the American public.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, as the author of this legislation, I would like to thank my colleague the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen), also the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), also former chairman of the subcommittee the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hefley) and also the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) and the staff of the Committee on Resources for their great work on this bill. H.R. 1776, the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area Study Act, begins a process of helping the people of Houston and east Harris County recognize the cultural significance of our community. The Buffalo Bayou waterway was the starting point for what is now the City of Houston. The Allen brothers, Houston's original founders, first came through this stretch of water on their way to a new settlement that would eventually become Houston, Texas. As Houston grew, Buffalo Bayou grew with it as the heart of the early Gulf Coast industrial complex. The legislation being considered before us today authorizes the National Park Service to study whether this waterway should be designated as a National Heritage Area. Although the National Park Service feasibility study does not in itself mark Buffalo Bayou as a National Heritage Area, it is the first step in that process. As a lifetime Houston resident, I believe that designating Buffalo Bayou as a National Heritage Area would further the redevelopment of the community by bringing more Federal resources to our area. Such a designation would highlight the historic significance of this waterway and the surrounding community. Buffalo Bayou is the original industrial spine of Houston and was the building block for what is now the Port of Houston, the Nation's second largest port. In addition, the numerous historic sites and events which have taken place in and around Buffalo Bayou makes this waterway a perfect candidate for a National Heritage Area designation. All these facts will be borne out as the National Park Service begins to contact our local sponsor, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Anne Olson, Executive Director of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, brings tremendous organizational and fund-raising abilities to this effort, and I will continue to work closely with her organization to incorporate this designation into the overall master plan for east Harris County. It is the strong public-private partnership already in place that will help gain a positive recommendation from the National Park Service on our designation request. I believe local support is vital for making a National Heritage Area work. Madam Speaker, I am working in close collaboration with our local elected officials to map out an action plan that will provide maximum local flexibility in determining how our local history will be told if we receive such a National Heritage Area. This legislation has the strong support of both our Harris County Judge Robert Eckles and our Houston Mayor Lee Brown, both of whom recognize that our community has a historic story to tell our visitors. Their help has been invaluable. I would like to thank them for their assistance in this endeavor. Madam Speaker, I again thank the committee and the staff for their efforts.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in the aftermath of the heinous attacks against our nation on September 11, we have discovered many things that our society has taken for granted. Foremost among these is the selflessness and dedication of our nation's fire fighters. These brave men and women who have for so long protected our homes, families, and communities, are now being asked to fill a new, expanded role beyond simply putting out fires. Fire fighters engage in search and rescue activities, respond to natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes, and are on the front lines in the fight against terrorism, especially the growing threat of chemical and biological warfare. However, two-thirds of all fire departments in America are inadequately staffed and do not meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)'s 1710 Standard, which recommends no less than four fire fighters per vehicle. My hometown of Houston, center of our nation's petrochemical industry, location of our nation's second- largest port and home to a former president, is a prominent target for terrorist attacks. Tight budgets have led to a shortage of fire fighters, and have put an increasing strain on the ability of the Houston Fire Department to respond. Other jurisdictions across America suffer from similar staffing shortages. That is why I am introducing the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Act of 2001. This legislation will ensure that we have an adequate number of well-trained fire fighters who can fill that expanded role as first responders to fires, emergencies, and terrorist attacks, including chemical and biological attacks. The SAFER Act would establish a seven-year grant program, closely modeled after the successful Community Oriented Policing, Services (COPS) program. This program would add an additional 75,000 fire fighters in departments across America. Under SAFER, the Federal government would cover 75% of the salary and benefits for a three-year period, with the grantee covering the remainder of the cost. The local departments would then be required to retain that position for at least one additional year. Based on the experiences of the COPS program, once an agency has invested four years in an individual, it is likely that they will be retained. In the wake of the attacks on the World Trade and Pentagon, Congress has the responsibility to assist states and communities in protecting Americans from future terrorist incidents. I hope that Congress will act quickly and pass this legislation that will strengthen our homeland defense by providing our fire fighters the manpower they need to protect us from this expanded threat.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my concern about this, and I do not serve on the Committee on Ways and Means, but this seems like we have returned to partisanship. We are back to it is either my way or the highway because the bill had very little Democratic votes. After September 11, the American people came together: Democrats and Republicans, rural or urban, geographically, racial and ethnicity. We put all that aside to fight the war that we have to. The American people wanted this and they demanded it of us, their elected officials; but to date, it is a different story. This so-called stimulus package is a partisan plan that is wrapped in our red, white, and blue; but it is a loot on the Treasury, a charade, and a Trojan horse filled for special interests. The American people are not and will not be fooled. They will reject false patriotism in the light of trying to give a tax cut for special interests and that does nothing for laid-off workers. We want them to have a job. We also know that those same Continental employees that I represent need to have unemployment. They need to have health care coverage, and they may not get it through the governor's office. This so-called stimulus package is a wish list of special interest tax rebates and cuts that will not stimulate our economy and has nothing to do with the tragedy of September 11. The wrapping of special interest legislation in the flag. It is wrong. It is despicable. And we should get back to our bipartisan spirit, and the American people will get us there.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker after September 11, the American people came together, Democrats, Republicans, rural, urban, East, West, North, South, white, black, Hispanic and Asian. The American people wanted this, and they demand it from us. But today is a different story. The so-called stimulus package that we have on the floor today is being presented wrapped in red, white and blue, but it is a charade. It is a Trojan horse for every special interest package that has come around for the last 10 years. The American people are not and will not be fooled. This so-called stimulus package is a wish list of every special interest tax rebate and tax cut that will not stimulate our economy and does nothing to help us from the September 11 tragedy. The wrapping of special interest legislation in our patriotic feelings is wrong, and it is not in the spirit of our bipartisan war effort. Do not wrap your special interest in our flag and expect the American people to accept it.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Houston Fire Department Captain Jay H. Jahnke. A 20-year veteran of the department, Jahnke, aged 40, died in the line of duty on the morning of Saturday, October 13, 2001. Captain Jahnke and the three other fire fighters were attempting to help residents trapped by choking smoke and flames escape a fire that had broken out in a high-rise apartment building. After carrying over 100 pounds of equipment up five flights of stairs, in full gear including breathing apparatus, they found themselves trapped by the blaze. The crew sent in to rescue Capt. Jahnke and his men were also temporarily trapped by the fury and intensity of this fire before being rescued. While no other fire fighters were killed, several others were injured. Due to the rapid response and quick action of the Houston Fire Department, only one resident died in this fire. Three fire fighters and 12 residents were hospitalized for smoke inhalation or burns. 300 residents were left homeless by this fierce blaze. As the grandson and nephew of fire fighters myself, I am familiar with the Jahnke name. For many years, Jahnkes have served in the Houston Fire Department with distinction. Currently, over a dozen Jahnkes answer the call and lay their lives on the line as fire fighters. Numerous other fire fighters are part of the Jahnke extended family through marriage. His father, Claude Jahnke, was a District Chief who died of a heart attack while training for the departmental Olympics. Three uncles, former District Chief Marvin ``Roe'' Jahnke, who died in 1991; retired Assistant Chief Eugene ``Duke'' Jahnke; and former District Chief in charge of cadet training, and namesake for the department's training center Val Jahnke, all protected our community for many years. Jay Jahnke died doing his job, trying to protect and evacuate Houstonians whose lives were in danger. The words of his cousin, District Chief Steve Jahnke, say it best: ``That early in the morning, you know there are people sleeping in. They had to get them out, so they took a calculated risk. That's what the job's about. We don't ever go in trying to commit suicide, but we do take calculated risks, and that's what Jay did. It's what all firemen do.'' Jahnke is survived by his wife, Dawn; daughter, Jayne, 11; son, Hunter, 8; mother, Katherine; brother, Jeff; and sisters Karen and Mary Ann. Mr. Speaker, across our nation every day, people like Capt. Jahnke put their lives on the line. Later this week, I plan to introduce legislation that would help not just the Houston Fire Department, but departments across America protect our lives and homes by providing Federal assistance for hiring additional fire fighters. The SAFER Act of 2001, which would be modeled after the successful Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), will provide direct funding in the form of grants to States or communities for the hiring of additional fire fighters. It will help fire departments meet industry minimum standards for staffing and enhance the ability of fire fighters to save lives, property, and effectively respond to emergencies. We can never replace Houston Fire Captain Jay Jahnke, loving father and husband, skilled fire fighter, and loyal friend. It is my hope, though, that we can provide the residents of Houston with a greater level of fire protection, and prevent incidents like this one from happening in the future.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I congratulate the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula), the subcommittee chairman, and the gentleman from Florida (Chairman Young) in support of the bill. I appreciate the funding for the Community Access Program which was placed in the bill, the CAP program. The Census Bureau estimates that for a second year running there has been a decline in the number of uninsured Americans, with 39 million Americans without health insurance. As the Census Bureau also reports, the slowing economy, higher levels of unemployment, and the uncertain future could cause significant growth in the number of uninsured Americans. The CAP program is used to support a variety of programs to improve access for all levels of care, for the uninsured and the underinsured. CAP helps fill the gaps in our health safety net by improving infrastructure and communication among agencies to ensure that care is continuous. With better information, agencies can provide preventive, primary, and emergency clinical health services in an integrated and coordinated manner. Each community designs a program which best addresses the needs of the uninsured and underinsured and the providers in their community. For example, in Florida in Broward County, they use CAP funds to form an informational health line and referral system to publicize health care prevention and points of access for health care services. They purchased new software so that various providers could improve eligibility determinations for public services. Chicago, Illinois, focused on a CAP grant which institutes disease management best practices because of the county's disproportionately high mortality rates from diabetes and cancer. The CAP program has worked, and is able to reach more than 300,000 residents in Chicago. Mr. Chairman, in its two short years in existence, this program is very successful; 75 communities around the country have received these funds. I thank the chairman of the full committee and the ranking member, and also the subcommittee for including this provision in the bill.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Visa Information Security Act of 2001 (VISA Act)--legislation that increase the security of the American people by closing some of the loopholes within our visa applicatiot system. This legislation requires that all non-immigrant visa applicants submit a biometric fingerprint as of the routine visa application process. Specifically, it would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to require that non-immigrant visa applicants provide a biometric identifier, such as a fingerprint, that is machine readable, to be contained the visa or other documentation required for admission at their port of entry into the United States. The recent terrorist attacks have highlighted the need to review the visa application process and we call improve the screening process used by U.S. Consular offices abroad. Usually, visa applicant names are checked against the State Department database for admissibility. However, some individuals use false information from their country of origin when they apply for a visa or use stolen visas to enter the U.S. As the Washington Post reported today, in the last few years, one country lost approximately 60,000 visas. While it is impossible to screen every single individual who enters our country, with advanced technology and better coordination with the intelligence community we can better secure our nations border. However, in order to effectively authenticate individuals, we need a method based on inherent characteristics of a person that cannot be lost, changed or duplicated. Through biometric fingerprints, we would have an accurate and clear idea of who is entering our country. This process is quick and efficient and can be run through our national criminal database to see if the applicant should or should not be allowed into the country. Additionally, when the individual enters the country through the port of entry, his fingerprints will be scanned to verif, authenticity. Adding this technology requirement would not add significant time to the visa application process. But it would certainly prevent known terrorists and criminals from entering the country, while at the same time decrease fraudulent visa requests. In addition, this legislation authorizes the Attorney General to impose a new fee on all visa applicants to cover the costs of implementing this important program. I want to note that my legislation will not apply to NAFTA participating countries and actually allows the Attorney General maximum discretion to decide what methods to utilize for those types of border crossings. Mr. Speaker, we need to collect more information about the individuals trying to enter this country, but we must do it in a way that does not overburden our consular offices and still allows for visitors to enter the United States. My legislation is an economical first step in increasing our national security and I intend to work tirelessly for its passage.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Geriatric Care Act of 2001, an important piece of legislation which will help our nation prepare for the health care pressures associated with the aging of the baby boom generation. Americans are living longer than ever, with the average life expectancy rising to 80 years old for women and 74 years old for men. While this is generally a positive development, there are costs associated with the aging of America. As seniors live longer, they face greater risks of disease and disabilities, such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Geriatricians are physicians who are uniquely trained to help care for the aging and elderly. By promoting a comprehensive approach to health care, including wellness and preventive care, geriatricians can help seniors live longer and healthier lives. It is critical that our nation have a sufficient number of geriatricians to help manage the aging of the baby-boom generation. Unfortunately, there are currently only 9,000 certified geriatricians, and that number is expected to decline dramatically in the coming years. Of the approximately 98,000 medical residency and fellowship positions supported by Medicare in 1998, only 324 were in geriatric medicine and geriatric psychiatry. We must do more to promote geriatric residency programs. Unfortunately, there are two barriers preventing physicians from entering geriatrics: insufficient Medicare reimbursements for the provision of geriatric care and inadequate training dollars and positions for geriatricians. A recent MedPac survey found that Medicare's low reimbursement rates serve as a major obstacle to recruiting new geriatricians. Due to their higher level of chronic disease and multiple prescriptions, seniors require additional care to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Medicare's reimbursement rates do not factor the complex needs of elderly patients. Because geriatricians treat seniors exclusively, they are especially affected by Medicare's low reimbursement rates. Additionally, the Balanced Budget Act placed limits on the numbers of residents a hospital can have, based on 1996 numbers. This cap serves as a disincentive for some hospitals, and has caused them to eliminate or reduce their geriatric Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs. The legislation I am introducing today would remedy both of these problems, so that America is prepared for the aging baby boom generation. The Geriatric Care Act would modernize the Medicare fee schedule to more accurately reflect the cost of providing care for seniors. It also would allow for additional geriatric residency slots, so that we can develop an adequate supply of geriatricians for the next generation. I urge all of my colleagues to join me as cosponsors of this legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Hear O' Israel, which is sponsoring the Listen to the Cries of the Children National Campaign 2001. Hear O' Israel International, Inc. developed the campaign to strengthen the unity of families and enhance public awareness of the negative effects that alcohol and drug abuse, family violence, child abuse, and gang activity have on children and their families across Houston. In October, Hear O' Israel will be celebrating the grand opening of their National Campaign Headquarters in Houston, Texas. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Hear O' Israel. Mr. Speaker, on February 22, 2001, Houston Mayor Lee P. Brown and the Houston City Council approved the following resolution: A Resolution: ``Listen to the Cries of the Children'' A non-profit non-denominational organization, Hear O' Israel International Inc., developed its ``Listen to the Cries of the Children'' national campaign to strengthen the unity of families and enhance public awareness of the negative side effects that alcohol and drug abuse, family violence, child abuse, and gang activity have on children and their families. The campaign has heard the cries of the children and parents, young and old, and the veterans who are crying out due to neglect, physical challenges; broken homes; and or lack of adequate food, shelter, clothing, health care, or education. The ``Listen to the Cries of the Children'' National Campaign 2001 will promote ``. . . wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and forgiveness that will break the suffering out of their prisons, visible or invisible.'' As part of its ongoing effort to help the suffering, Hear O' Israel International, Inc., has conducted community oriented programs, campaigning with former gang members who were shot and, after becoming quadriplegic, are presenting themselves as physical evidence to reinforce the negative consequences of gang involvement and experimenting with drugs and alcohol. As part of this year's campaign, Hear O' Israel International, Inc., will call for sixty seconds of positive communication between children and adults, in an effort to bridge cultural boundaries and unify a response to listen to the cries of the children. The campaign will also call for a ``stop to violence and a response to mercy, love and compassion for our fellow man; turning the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children towards the fathers; linking and strengthening the connection that should be present between every parent, child, American, and citizen of the worldwide.'' The Mayor and City Council of the City of Houston do hereby salute Hear O' Israel International Inc., for its efforts to improve and enhance the quality of life for children, and extend best wishes for continued success. Approved by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Houston this 22nd day of February 2001.

Mr. GREEN of Texas

Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues tonight in support of our Nation's working men and women who have been laid off as a result of the terrorist attacks. I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) for spearheading not only this legislation, but also tonight's special order. Just over a week ago, we gathered in the House and passed bipartisan legislation designed to take care of the critical needs of one of the most visible victims of the economic effects of these attacks, our national air transportation system. Due to the restrictions placed on air carriers in the aftermath of this tragedy as well as the understandable reluctance of Americans to resume flying, Congress passed the Air Transportation System Stabilization Act which provides critically needed economic assistance to our airlines. I believe that that bill was a necessary and responsible action to these attacks. I was hoping we could do it even the week of the tragedy, but it ended up the next week. I support other measures that will provide additional aid to additional industries that have been similarly impacted. However, in our rush to help out these companies across America, we must not forget the working Americans who are losing their jobs because of these attacks. Even with the aid that Congress provided, layoffs at the airlines since September 11 have passed the 100,000 mark. For example, Continental Airlines, our hometown airlines in Houston, the largest employer in my hometown of Houston, has announced that they are laying off as many as 12,000 workers systemwide, 3,000 of them locally in Houston. These layoffs, combined with a decrease of close to 100 flights a day into Continental's hub at Intercontinental Airport, will have a substantial impact that will be felt throughout our local economy. That is just the tip of the iceberg. It is still possible that additional layoffs could happen in the airline industry. Further, other transportation-related businesses, such as restaurants, hotels and car rental agencies have all begun laying off significant portions of their workforce. That is why I feel that the Displaced Workers Relief Act is so crucial. This legislation will provide needed relief to hardworking Americans and families as they deal with this difficult time. At the same time, this relief will serve as a stimulus for our economy. The bill would extend unemployment and job training from 26 weeks to 78 weeks for these workers. This is the same amount provided to workers under the trade adjustment assistance program. For workers not otherwise qualified for unemployment insurance benefits, the bill would provide 26 weeks of unemployment insurance. More importantly, it would provide up to 78 weeks of federally-subsidized COBRA premiums and provide optional temporary Medicaid coverage for these workers without COBRA. COBRA is the part where if you are laid off, you can continue to buy your insurance from your group insurance, your employer. The problem is oftentimes that it is so expensive, you are laid off, you do not have any income, you cannot even afford the insurance. That is why we need to pass this legislation as a package. Hopefully the airline security is immediately adjacent to it so we can do it. All airline and airport workers, including transit workers as well as employees who work for airline suppliers, such as service employees and plane manufacturers, will be eligible for these benefits. That is why I urge the House quickly to do that. Mr. Speaker, I am proud that Continental Airlines was one of the airlines that said that they would not abrogate their union contracts, they would pay their employees under their union contract and not have the emergency provisions in their contracts. I am proud that they are our hometown airline and they are treating their employees well. Other airlines were not. That is why today I was disappointed when I heard that Reagan was reopening and that Continental was not getting some of the slots based on being the fifth largest airline. We are working on that as a delegation from Houston. I thank the gentleman for this bill. Hopefully there are a lot of things we can do, and this is one of the things we need to do for our employees.