Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great American and civil rights pioneer who died last Thursday. Mr. Speaker, Robert C. Weaver, had a life of many firsts. The great- grandson of a slave, and the son of a postal worker, Robert Weaver earned undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees in economics from Harvard University. Dr. Weaver served as a college president, State rent administrator, this Nation's first Secretary for Housing and Urban Development--and first black member of any Cabinet--Presidential adviser, and chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Before the landmark decades of civil rights advances, Weaver was one of a small group of African-American officials in the New Deal era who, as part of the ``Black Cabinet,'' pressured President Franklin D. Roosevelt to strike down racial barriers in Government employment, housing, and education. Working for the U.S. Department of the Interior, and copious experience as an educator and economist led to Weaver's appointment as New York State rent administrator, making him the first African-American with a State cabinet rank. Through a host of government and private jobs, Weaver emerged as a preeminent candidate to head a national cabinet department. But when President John F. Kennedy sought congressional support to create the Housing and Urban Development Department in 1961, and named Weaver to head it, the President encountered strong southern opposition and the plan was shelved. From the time he became an aide to Interior Secretary, Harold Ickes in 1933, through his tenure at Housing and Urban Affairs in the late 1960's, Dr. Weaver was a crusader for civil rights, housing, and education. He was regarded as an intellectual, both pragmatic and visionary, who worked to improve the lives of blacks and other Americans both by expanding their opportunities and by bettering their communities. After being a catalyst in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, Dr. Weaver turned to education in 1968. He taught at Hunter College, Carnegie-Mellon University, New York University, and even became president at Baruch College. He was honored for his hard work and dedication with at least 30 honorary degrees from elite institutions like Columbia University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Weaver was known as a man who was only interested in doing his job, rather than promoting himself. His lifelong toil got urban legislation on the books and nurtured our country's first commitment to improve the quality of life in our Nation's cities. All of us who believe we can build an even greater society, are forever indebted to him. Dr. Weaver served as a beacon of light, wisdom, and fairness. His appointments paved the path for numerous African-Americans and were monumental to many other African-Americans who found lower barriers and increased opportunity in the last third of the 20th century. He will always be remembered as a distinguished public servant, having always used his keen intellect and common sense to attack complex social problems. For this, Mr. Speaker, the entire country will mourn Robert Weaver's passing, but we will also celebrate his extraordinary life.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Speaker, I fully concur with the gentleman's resolution and am entirely in support of same, reminding all of us that the Lincoln catafalque is reserved for giants in our history, as it was for former Chief Justice Warren Burger, retired, on June 28, 1995. We anticipate that Justice Brennan will lie in repose at the family's request possibly for 24 hours, beginning on Monday, July 28, 1997. As we have indicated, the majority leader, working with the minority leader, we are hopeful that they will make arrangements for those of us desirous of attending the funeral. One final thing is to join my colleague in saying that our Nation has lost a great leader, one who wrote over 1,200 opinions and shaped a large portion of the history of this country in the 1960's, particularly the one-person, one-vote decision of Justice Brennan. On Monday night the Congressional Black Caucus and other interested Members are going to hold a special order, and I would ask all our colleagues to support the concurrent resolution and to participate in the special order, and as many as possible to attend the funeral.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to engage the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. McDade] in a colloquy. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the Section 107 program allows the Army Corps of Engineers to engage in small navigation construction projects absent a specific authorization. According to Section 107, the sand transfer plant project at Lake Worth Inlet, which requires just $354,000 in funding for preliminary design and engineering, is eligible for funding under this authority and indeed should be so funded with monies made available in this legislation. Mr. Speaker, would the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. McDade], the chairman, be willing to consider this in conference?

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman in advance for his help.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, this issue is about American jobs, not about highfalutin Congress speak. I live where these people grow this sugar. I live with the pain of those who think for a moment that they may not have a job at some point in time. We stand around here and talk about jobs in my districts and your district. Let me tell my colleagues about the 44,000 jobs that are produced by the American sugar industry. I can assure my colleagues of this, the argument about who makes profits, do we penalize Bill Gates for owning Microsoft? Hell no. What we do is we support those efforts of manufacturers and businesses and so does the sugar industry. If you do not get it here, you are going to get it there. And if you get it there, it is going to cost more and it is going to cost more in American jobs. Please know that this is an important program not just to Members but to people and to hospitals in these rural areas and to the little bitty stores and to the little bitty businesses that crop up as a result of this. Completely defeat this amendment.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to associate myself with the remarks of the gentleman from New York [Mr. Houghton], which I find very poignant. In addition thereto, I appreciate him so very much for originally being a cosponsor of this effort. Assuredly, I thank the chair of the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from New York, [Mr. Ben Gilman], the subcommittee chair, the gentleman from California, [Mr. Ed Royce], and the ranking member, the gentleman from New Jersey, [Mr. Robert Menendez], who have produced not only in this instance but in several a plethora of activity dealing with the continent of Africa in a very positive way. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to express my continued support for this resolution that was offered by the gentleman from New York [Mr. Houghton] and myself to condemn the coup d'etat in Sierra Leone. We certainly must stop the violence in Sierra Leone now. I urge my colleagues to vote for this necessary and timely legislation which, first, condemns the Armed Forces Ruling Council members for ousting the democratically-elected government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and second, orders an immediate cessation to the violence in this nation, and encourages the AFRC to negotiate a return to power of the elected leadership. The military coup led by Johnny Paul Koromah in Sierra Leone on May 25, 1997, was a savage assault on an emerging democracy in this African nation. Just 15 months prior to the coup democratic elections were held and President Kabbah was chosen to lead his country into a new era, one which promised liberty and constitutional order for Sierra Leonians. International election observers were there and the citizenry declared this election to be free and fair. The people of Sierra Leone signified their determination to vote, even if it cost them their lives, and they were successful. But this country's march towards democratic government was suddenly stopped by those who wanted to end its forward strides by undertaking violence. With their coup came chaos marked by fighting, and killing, and looting. We must speak out forcefully with one voice against the travesty and tragedy being played out in Sierra Leone. If we do not, we are sanctioning the blatant robbery of the freedoms of the people of Sierra Leone. This legislation is especially timely. In response to events in Sierra Leone, ECOMOG has imposed an air, land, and sea blockade in response to an ECOWAS decision to impose economic sanctions on this military junta. These interventions have given way to negotiations. According to the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, negotiations between four foreign ministers of ECOWAS and representatives of the AFRC are now taking place in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. A strong message by the U.S. Congress at this point then could be helpful in restoring power to the democratically elected government. I urge adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 99.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today regarding United States foreign involvement with India. Last December I visited India and spoke with some of the country's business leaders, and I discovered that businesses in India are entrepreneurial, active, and growing. Due to India's undying spirit to be a participant in the world's economy, Indo-United States relations and bilateral trade have grown during the past year. The United States is now India's largest trading partner and foremost foreign investor. Many U.S. companies are looking for opportunities for further expansion. Both the Indian market and government are working to secure a place for United States business in India. The economy, markets, and infrastructure are being reformed and liberalized. India needs foreign investment and technological development. Foreign aid from the United States is instrumental in implementing programs that help solve problems in the areas of health, family welfare, and education. In light of India's current reforms, its strong democracy, and its devotion to the welfare of its people, it is clear that India has and will continue to put United States aid to good use. On August 15, India will be celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence and democracy. It is imperative that the United States recognize India's achievement at this time and renew its commitment to the country. I recently received a letter from the Ambassador from India, Naresh Chandra, who explained in detail India's past achievements and current goals. I have included the Ambassador's letter with my statement, and I encourage my colleagues to read it. India is growing and expanding, and now it is time for the United States to participate in that expansion. Ambassador of India, Washington, DC, July 11, 1997. Hon. Alcee Hastings, U.S. House of Representatives, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Hastings, Almost a year ago when I had just about started my assignment as Ambassador to this great country, I had occasion to write to you on an amendment moved by Congressman Dan Burton on the Foreign Operations Bill. This amendment was not approved by a vote of 296 to 127. It now appears that the House would be moved to consider a similar amendment to the Foreign Operations Bill for FY 1998. First, I would like to say that my year in Washington has been a most interesting and rewarding experience, the highlight of which has been the encouragement and support that I have received from Members of Congress, like yourself. We have witnessed during this period a further upswing in Indo-US relations and in the growth of bilateral trade making US our largest trading partner as well as the foremost foreign investor in India. US trade with India which was a mere $500 million in 1991 is now around $9.5 billion. Many US companies are considering further expansion of their operations in India. Enron which had to cross many hurdles to commence the $1.2 billion Dabhol power project is so interested in the opportunities emerging in the Indian market that it has plans to invest an additional $10 billion over the next decade. Many processed foods with American brand names have become very popular in the Indian market. Automobiles of US design are increasing their presence on Indian roads. Banks and financial institutions too are taking advantage of recently created business opportunities. In the insurance sector also, the door has been opened for starting joint ventures in the field of health insurance. The coalition of parties ruling at the Centre have not only continued with economic reforms but expanded it into many more areas. Custom duties and other taxes have been further liberalized to encourage foreign investment in infrastructure and other areas of the economy. The US Administration has included India among the 10 most important emerging markets and this is borne out by the number of major US companies operating in India. A list of these companies is enclosed. There is now in India much greater understanding and acceptance of the need for foreign investment and technology collaboration for meeting the vast needs of India's developing economy. All sections are agreed that this is necessary to maintain and increase the growth rate of around 7 per cent that we have been achieving in recent years. While US aid funds are relatively much smaller than the inflow of capital into business and industry, they do serve the purpose of enabling very important programmes to be implemented in backward areas for the benefit of the disadvantaged in the field of health, family welfare and education. These programmes involving interacting of American experts and officials with NGOs and Indian volunteers is of great help in enhancing people to people understanding between the two countries. In a month from now we would be celebrating the 50th anniversary of India's independence and democracy. While we have achieved much during this period by way of consolidation of the nation state, providing adequate food security for the people, and setting the base for economic development, there are still many challenges that we have to face and overcome for providing the desirable level of living to large sections of our people. At this time of review and introspection, we are conscious of the benefits that we have derived by way of bilateral cooperation with the US in the important areas of agriculture, education, science and technology. At this time when we are looking for much greater cooperation in these areas, it is unfortunate that we might have to tackle something of a negative nature in the House. It was gratifying to see in the debate on the House floor that took place in June last year on a similar amendment, that several Congressmen very ably put forth the following points: (i) India has made a success of its democracy and established powerful institutions like an independent judiciary, a free press and vigorous political parties providing for consultation and participation in Government in accordance with the rule of law. (ii) India, which like the US has a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society, has resolved conflict situations in a lawful, democratic manner and taken concrete steps to further improve the human rights situation, including the setting up of an effective National Human Rights Commission. (iii) Indo-US business and trade relations have improved considerably with the US companies taking good advantage of the opportunities emerging in the Indian market, as borne out by the large number of US companies operating successfully in India. (iv) The situation in Punjab had been resolved and the situation in Jammu & Kashmir has improved. All the above points continue to be not only valid, but have acquired even greater force. Investment approvals pertaining to US companies are now for the order of $8.5 billion. The opportunities existing for US companies in infrastructure sectors like telecom, roads, ports and power have a potential for fruitful investment of over $20 billion per year. The US Administration has acknowledged the improved situation with regard to human rights and also cited the problems created by the trans-border support for terrorist activities in India; the most recent example of which was the explosion caused in a train in Punjab which killed thirty- four civilian passengers on July 8th with serious injuries to many more. This highlights the need for not doing anything to encourage front organizations created for the sold purpose of mobilizing support and funds for essentially terrorist outfits. Since last year there have been general elections to the State Assemblies in Punjab with a voter turn-out of over 69% and which brought the Sikh-dominated party, the Akali Dal to power in association with another party, namely, the Bhartiya Janata Party. There could not have been a clearer rejection of the separatist movement in the State of Punjab. In Jammu & Kashmir too, general elections recorded a good voter turn-out of around 55% and resulted in Dr. Farooq Abdullah gaining majority not only in the Kashmir valley, but also in the regions of Jammu and Ladakh. This democratically- elected State Government has revitalized the Government machinery despite the strains created by terrorist gangs on the law and order machinery with the help of agencies across the border. Initiatives taken by Prime Minister I K Gujral from the time he was the Minister for External Affairs have greatly helped in improving bilateral relations between India and its neighbors. As part of this policy, special steps have been taken to initiate discussions with Pakistan to tackle all outstanding issues. Agreement has been reached in the talks held so far to set up Working Groups for seeking solution to specific problems including the State of Jammu & Kashmir and terrorism. The House was good enough to applaud these efforts. It is our hope that progress at these talks would help create a better climate for tackling terrorist activity. This letter has become much longer than I intended, but the subject being very important and your consideration and support of great value to us, I had to put the relevant facts before you. I am confident that with your goodwill and encouragement we shall build upon the strong foundation that has been laid in recent years in our bilateral relations. As always, I and my staff at the Embassy are available to assist you in any way possible. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Yours sincerely, Naresh Chandra.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I yield to the gentleman from South Carolina.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Taking back my time, Mr. Chairman, that is disingenuous. I do not know that Embassy, but I know the one in Prague, in Paris, in England. Many of those buildings were purchased some time ago, sometimes at almost crazy costs that they were sold for. So surely American citizens do not live in $20 million homes, but American citizens benefit by low-cost products, American citizens benefit by safe and inhabitable environments that are sometimes produced in circumstances where our Embassies and consulates, which we have already cut immensely around the globe, have caused them to benefit greatly. That is where I think a part of the mistake is. It is as if we take $16 billion and throw it, poof, up in the air and nothing comes back to us. One whole lot comes back to this country. In Angola, I heard them discussing how Chevron and how Texaco use our Embassy in helping them to be expedited. I can tell the Members, safety and security is a vital concern. The gentleman's measure would ignore that.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I cannot say that the morale is high in Argentina, I do not know that. I can tell the gentleman about Angola and about Zaire, the former Congo. I can tell the gentleman about the Ukraine, where 25 percent of all of what the Embassy does is expedite U.S. business problems. That is where the gentleman is shortsighted, Mr. Chairman. The gentleman is thinking that the money just goes out and the residual does not leave an impact in the United States of America. It has a tremendous impact, what Embassies do to help American businesses; but even more important, American citizens. We cannot have people, either in tourism or in business, all over the world and not have our facilities to help them.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose the Sanford amendment, the amendment of my colleague. Really, honestly, I would say to the gentleman from South Carolina, I will say that he misconstrues foreign aid and foreign assistance and what we do in the United States. Further, the gentleman's amendment guts foreign affairs spending levels that we agreed to last week in the budget resolution. Even more important, I think the gentleman ignores the fact, and I heard him in his comments say that we have increased our foreign affairs funding in the last decade, when in fact the last 2 fiscal years we have reduced our foreign affairs funding by 14 percent. Let me put a human face on this. In January I went with a congressional delegation, the largest one ever to leave the United States to go to China, led by the gentleman from Arizona, Jim Kolbe. Subsequent to that I went with the Speaker of the House again to China in March. In each instance it was extremely cold in China, particularly in January. We met at our Embassy in China for what is referred to as a country team briefing. That place was leaking and dilapidated. All I can say to Ambassador Sasser and the people that are there is that it must be exceedingly difficult to keep their morale up in just that particular country alone. I went home in March with a youngster that works at that Embassy who lives in a facility that does not have hot water, did not have heat, and his electricity is off more than it is on. The morale of people in foreign services then, would, of course, be reduced if we find these circumstances. My colleague, the ranking member, just spoke about being in Angola. I was with him in Angola just 2 weeks ago. When we got there, I do not know whether the gentleman remembers, I would say to the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Menendez], but we were told a body was found out on the street the Sunday before we were there. The building next door to the Embassy had been rafed with bullets. Here we have a dilapidated structure, again, with our Ambassador living in it, with potable water being a difficulty, that Ambassador having had malaria seven times, he reported, in addition to others that I have heard that complaint about. I have talked to the people in the Embassies, and their morale is low. What the gentleman would do is cause that to be a problem.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I would say to the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Paul], my distinguished colleague, those 100 countries the gentleman asserts we have troops in are not all under the aegis of the United Nations. Many of those are our bilateral responsibilities, and some are unilateral.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, most respectfully I rise to oppose the gentleman's amendment, and I share with him a recent travel with reference to the actions of the United Nations. The chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa [Mr. Royce], along with the ranking member of that committee, the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Menendez], myself and three other Members of the House of Representatives were just in South Africa and in Angola and in Zaire and in Zimbabwe. We needed to get to Zaire, and we were ferried there on a United Nations airplane. While there we saw United Nations efforts ongoing, and I remind the gentleman from Texas to not give the impression that only United States troops are involved in our methods of the United Nations, but the largest United Nations contingent in the world today is in Angola, and they have saved millions of lives and have kept the peace, at least momentarily, in that country. I need not carry my colleague around the world, but this amendment in the final analysis would require, as the gentleman says, the United States to withdraw from the UN how much does he feel that we should contribute to peacekeeping efforts? How much should we be involved in ensuring that the vital interests of the United States around the world are protected? I am glad the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Paul] offered the amendment because it offers us the opportunity for a real debate on the United Nations. This amendment clarifies that debate. Simply put, do we stay in the UN and work to reform it, or do we just get out? And that is sort of really in the final analysis an isolationist view, getting out of this world as this economy globalizes. I would hope that some Members of this body remember and recognize that for all of its warts the United Nations does also serve important United States interests around the world. Many of us often express doubts about the United Nations, but at the end of the day every United States President has decided that United States participation in the United Nations is in the interests of the United States, and I might add every means every since its inception. I believe that the United Nations is indispensable as one of many tools of United States foreign policy. As the only superpower, and my colleague so rightly points that out, the United States will be called upon more and more often to intervene in conflicts around the world to protect our vital interests. Unless we want to carry this burden alone, my distinguished colleague, and I do not think we can or should, we must be prepared to shift some of the responsibilities, as well as the costs, to other nations. Do I favor a reformed United Nations? You bet. And have I told all persons with whom I have come in contact, including the Secretary of State of this great country, that? Yes, I have. I believe this means we must help to strengthen institutions such as the United Nations so that it can take the lead in peacekeeping operations and the United States can benefit from burden sharing. I hear that term used often. Mr. Chairman, I would like to note that other United Nations programs also serve the United States interests. The World Health Organization, for example, led in the successful fight to eradicate smallpox from the face of the Earth and are busying themselves now working throughout the world in a variety of disease containment circumstances. The International Atomic Energy Agency helps enforce crucial safeguards on nuclear materials. The International Civil Action Organization helps maintain safe air travel. Our payments to these agencies help to build a better and safer world. Should we, as I say, work for major reforms in the United Nations? Yes. This amendment prejudges that question by saying we should just get out, wash our hands and turn our backs on the world. I urge all Members to vote against the amendment offered by the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Paul].

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I offer a segue off of what the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Smith] said, and refer to the assertions of the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Paul] with reference to oil and Desert Storm and carry him back to my remarks regarding Angola, which we just visited under the aegis of the gentleman from California [Mr. Royce], chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa. I would say to my colleague from Texas [Mr. Paul] that we get 7 percent of our oil in the United States from Angola. The U.N. peacekeeping mission there does not have one American soldier involved at all, and that helps us to maintain that level of civility. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the accomplishments and achievements of the Deerfield Beach High School Concert and Jazz Band. Under the direction and guidance of Mr. Dean Calmer and with the assistance of Deerfield Beach High principal, Dr. Joe Melita, these young people have illustrated skill accompanied by an unyielding work ethic and commitment. As a result of their perseverance, the Deerfield High Band became the only musicians selected from the State of Florida to participate in the ``American Musical Salute to DC'' which commemorated the 75th anniversary of the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial. The band preformed superbly and represented the State of Florida in an honorable fashion. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of the Deerfield Beach Concert and Jazz Band, and the young people involved who in an era of violence and disparity have still managed to remain focused and as a result make beautiful music.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Goss]. (Mr. GOSS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss important information on the issue of colorectal cancer screening. Earlier this year, I introduced the Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, H.R. 1128, which would provide Medicare coverage for all available colorectal cancer screening procedures including the fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, the barium exam, and colonoscopy. I hope that Congress will soon consider colorectal cancer screening as part of a package of preventive benefits to be included in Medicare reform legislation. The purpose of my remarks today is to share with my colleagues important recent statements in support of the colorectal cancer screening approach taken in H.R. 1128 by the American Cancer Society, former Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder, and the Washington D.C. Chapter of the NAACP. The Colorectal Cancer Screening Act is the only legislation in the House which provides coverage for all available colorectal cancer screening procedures, including the barium exam, allowing doctors and patients to choose procedures, rather than the Federal Government. H.R. 1128 is also important because it is the only House legislation which assures that adequate screening options will be available to meet the screening needs of African-American Medicare recipients. In remarks submitted last Congress, I cited several medical studies which show that African-Americans disproportionately develop cancer in the right side of the colon, the portion of the colon that is beyond the reach of sigmoidoscopy, a common screening procedure. These studies make clear that a procedure, such as the barium exam, which can screen the entire colon, must be made available to meet the needs of African- American patients. The barium examination is the safest and most cost- effective way to screen the entire colon, and is one of only two procedures which can image the entire colon. The studies also indicate that colorectal cancer screening programs that do not include barium exams are inadequate for African-Americans. The American Cancer Society recently released its new colorectal cancer screening guidelines. These screening recommendations were produced as a result of a comprehensive examination of all available information regarding the cost and availability of various screening procedures. One of the significant changes from earlier versions is that the ACS now recommends the barium enema as one of the options for the initial screening of average and moderate-risk individuals over age 50. The American Cancer Society recommendations are as follows: * * * the National Board of the American Cancer Society recently approved new colorectal guidelines which provide clear guidance to practitioners and their patients for the early detection of colorectal polyps and cancer at various levels of risk. These guidelines include the following: For average risk individuals (65 percent-75 percent of cases), the American Cancer Society recommends annual fecal occult blood test plus sigmoidoscopy every 5 years; or colonoscopy every 10 years or double contrast barium enema every 5 to 10 years. Testing should begin at age 50. For moderate risk individuals (20 percent-30 percent of cases), the American Cancer Society recommends colonoscopy or a total colon exam, which includes colonoscopy or double contrast barium enema, depending on family history and the size of the polyps. Testing interval and age to begin depend on initial diagnosis and family history. For high risk individuals (5 percent-8 percent of cases) with a history of familial adenomatous polyps, the Society recommends early surveillance with endoscopy, counseling to consider genetic testing, and referral to a specialty center. Testing should begin at puberty. For high risk individuals with a family history of hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer, the Society recommends colonoscopy and counseling to consider genetic testing. Testing should begin at age 21. In addition, former Governor L. Douglas Wilder recently wrote a commentary in the Richmond Times Dispatch, which discussed the importance of prostate and colorectal cancer screening procedures. His comments support the colorectal cancer screening approach adopted in H.R. 1128. Governor Wilder's commentary follows. Finally, the Washington Branch of the NAACP wrote a letter to the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee on the importance of colorectal cancer screening for African-Americans. The letter written by the NAACP supports the screening provisions of H.R. 1128 and barium exams. The letter follows. I commend Governor Wilder and the Washington Branch of the NAACP for their involvement in this issue, and I urge my colleagues to read and examine all of the aforementioned statements. Mr. Speaker, colorectal cancer screening is an important part of providing preventive services to our Nation's seniors, a concept which I strongly support. However, it is also important that colorectal cancer screening legislation meet the needs of our Nation's seniors. There is an emerging consensus that barium exams must be included in colorectal cancer screening legislation. I urge my colleagues to join this consensus by supporting the provisions of H.R. 1128, the Colorectal Cancer Screening Act. [From the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Apr. 6, 1997] Blacks Need Better Access to Screening Tests for Cancer (By L. Douglas Wilder) Richmond.--A recent symposium on ``Race and Health Care as We Approach the Twenty-First Century'' at Virginia Commonwealth University was the first of what will be annual topical discussions on matters of utmost concern to all of us. I was privileged, in my post at the Center for Public Policy, to convene the two-day meeting. Participants included scholars who have achieved national acclaim for providing solutions to the problems; they represented a broad spectrum of women, minorities, academicians, practitioners, and others. The participants discussed not only the unique challenges faced by African Americans in health care, but also the obstacles they face in gaining access to adequate screening for certain kinds of cancer. At a time when President and Congress are considering measures to provide preventive screening to the Medicare population for certain cancers, it is essential that we consider the differences in how cancer manifests itself in American Americans, and what this means to appropriate screening. The challenge is particularly acute for prostate and colorectal cancers. The data on these diseases are clear and simple: While the nation's focus has been on the 40,000 deaths each year from AIDS and the more than 44,000 deaths each year from breast cancer in the United States, it is important to recognize that colorectal cancer will claim more than 50,000 and prostate cancer more than 42,000, Americans in 1997. For African Americans, the statistics are particularly frightening, as African Americans are struck more frequently than, and differently from, other Americans. And surprise, surprise, there are no genetic or hereditary deficiencies that account for this. For prostate cancer, African Americans males have the highest incidence in the world--66 percent higher than white men, with a mortality rate more than two times higher. If detected while localized, the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is 99 percent. For colorectal cancer, the mortality rate among African Americans continues to rise, even as the American Cancer Society reports declines in colorectal cancer among other segments of the population. African Americans who get colorectal cancer are 50 percent more likely to die of the disease than others in this country. In addition, the disease affects African Americans differently from the way it affects white Americans: The National Cancer Institute's Black/White Cancer Survival Study found that African Americans have a greater tendency to get colorectal cancer in the right colon--the portion not reached by sigmoidoscopy--than other Americans, explaining, at least in part, the higher mortality rate from the disease. These data illustrate the special importance of regular prostate and colorectal screening for African Americans to detect these cancers at the earliest stages and, to the extent possible, correct the disparity in the incidence of the disease. What can be done to meet the challenge of reducing the mortality rate for these cancers among all segments of the Medicare population? I am pleased to see that Medicare coverage for preventive screening benefits is one area where President Clinton and Republican congressional leaders appear to agree. President Clinton has recognized the importance of preventive screening, and his FY 1998 budget proposes to extend Medicare coverage to including screening for prostate and colorectal cancer, as well as other preventive benefits. In addition, a group led by Republican Congressmen Bill Thomas and Mike Bilirakis, who head the two key Health Subcommittees in the House of Representatives, has introduced legislation to provide similar benefits under Medicare. Similar efforts are underway in the U.S. Senate as well. With bipartisan support, these important screenings will be available to all elderly Americans served by Medicare. The extension of Medicare coverage to include these new benefits may screening of the entire colon--with colonscopy or barium enema--possible for early detection of colorectal cancer. Key members of the U.S. Congress have adopted an approach that provides appropriate choice for patients in the Medicare population, including the African Americans population and other Medicare recipients who prefer a comprehensive screening option. Congressman Norman Sisisky of Virginia, himself a colorectal cancer survivor, has taken a leading role in advocating regular preventive screening and has indicated that his ``mission in the 105th Congress [is] to enact Medicare coverage for colorectal cancer screening.'' Congressman Sisisky has supported the excellent work of Congressman Alcee Hastings and Senator John Breaux, who in the 104th Congress introduced legislation in the House and Senate to provide Medicare coverage for colorectal cancer screening and who are likely to do so again in the 105th Congress. Their approach has also been supported by a number of members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including the distinguished Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Charles Rangel. Caucus members know and understand the special needs of the African American population and are personally committed to providing appropriate screening options to accommodate those needs. Legislation alone will not be enough to persuade Americans--including African Americans--to undergo preventive screening. A broad public education campaign is needed to foster serious discussion about the benefits of these screening procedures for all Americans. I hope part of this campaign will provide African Americans with information about the special impact of these cancers on our population, and about our special screening needs. I am pleased that the American Gastroenterology Association recently published recommendations for regular colorrectal cancer screening, which recommended procedures appropriate for the African American population. I understand the America Cancer Society will also be issuing its recommendations for preventive colorrectal cancer screening. It is vitally important that preventive screening be covered by Medicare and that all Americans--have access to affordable, appropriate screening methodologies. Now is the time to act. I challenge President Clinton and the Republican-led Congress to make good on their promise to the American people that the next two years will be ones of action rather than delay and partisanship. In this instance, the lives of tens of thousands of elderly Americans could be saved and their quality of life improved if President Clinton and the Congress have the courage to meet the people's challenge to work together for the common good.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I recently had the privilege of traveling with the Speaker of the House on a congressional delegation trip to Asia. We had the opportunity to meet with some of the most dynamic leaders of the Pacific rim. I wanted to share with the rest of our colleagues the important remarks of Lee Teng-hui, President of the Republic of China on Taiwan. President Lee Teng-Hui's Address to the Speaker's Delegation to the Republic of China on Taiwan on April 2, 1997 Honorable Speaker Gingrich, Honorable Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen: Good morning. This is a very important moment. On behalf of the people and the government of the ROC on Taiwan, I would like to extend my heartiest welcome to all of you. Particularly, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to you for your decision to visit my country out of such a busy schedule on your Asia evaluation tour. The time of your stay is very short, but the most important thing is that you didn't forget this island ROC on Taiwan. It has at least two very significant meanings: First, the ROC on Taiwan is the best friend of the United States in the world and the symbol of American value system and idealism, Freedom and Democracy. Second, the island is geographically important for US military strategy in the West Pacific area, and particularly in North-East Asia. Domestically, the ROC on Taiwan is now considered a fully free country by the Freedom House based in New York City following our first direct popular presidential election in March 1996. In order to improve our competitiveness, we are now in the process of streamlining the government structure through constitutional reform and establishing an Asian Pacific Regional Operations Center here. Our mainland China policy remains unchanged. Eventual reunification of China under freedom, democracy, and social justice is still our future goal, but the fact remains: China is divided. We in the ROC in Taiwan would like to use the next thirty years to build an even more free, democratic and prosperous country, so that when the opportune time arises, we can hold talks of reunification with the other side on an equal footing. In the interest of time, I would like to listen to you; any questions put forward to me are welcome. As to the purposes of this trip, you already mentioned in the news conference on the 23rd of March. We have already prepared answers to those questions, and will provide the materials to you for your convenience. Thank you very much for your attention. Now, I would like to listen to your comments and advice.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Jackson amendment. Mr. Chairman, when I was growing up my grandmother insisted that I learn one new word every day. Interestingly, I learned that the word volunteer means ``one who enters into or offers himself for a service of his own free will.'' His own free will, Mr. Chairman. This bill mandates volunteerism. Only Republicans could think of something like this. Congressman Jackson's amendment simply prevents residents from being evicted for failure to comply with the community work requirement. As the gentleman from Chicago has already so eloquently expressed, mandated volunteerism just does not make sense. Additionally, it very well could be unconstitutional according to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Mr. Chairman, we place no termination dates or work requirements on middle and upper class recipients of homeowner deductions. Why do we impose such restrictions on those most severely affected by our Nation's affordable housing crisis--especially when they are already required by welfare agencies to work toward self-sufficiency? Frankly, this is absurd. We don't require community work from other recipients of federal assistance--agricultural subsidies, LIHEAP, corporate welfare, loan guarantees, and the list goes on. Chairman Lazio points to medical school scholarships which require work in low-income areas. The major difference, however, is that these doctors are paid for their work. They are not forced to work for free. I ask my colleagues to support Congressman Jackson's amendment and return volunteer community service to its proper meaning.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on a matter of great personal importance--yesterday was a very bittersweet day in the lives of some of my constituents. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, 3 years ago a bright, young man who had interned in my office died a tragic and most untimely death. Robert McIntosh, a rising sophomore at the University of Florida, was on a camping trip with friends in the summer of 1994 when he was swept over a waterfall near Seattle. Robert was one of the most thoughtful and hardworking young men I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He, like his parents and siblings, was born in Jamaica and came to the United States to pursue the American dream. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to report that yesterday Tomas and Marilyn McIntosh--Robert's father and mother--became American citizens. Robert's brother and sister, Thomas and Natalie, also became citizens yesterday. The McIntoshs' wish was to have their children become Americans and live out the American dream. Tragically, there was one member of the McIntosh family who will never get that opportunity. Robert has been missed and thought about by me and all of those of us who cared for him since the day of his death. I come to the House floor today because yesterday should have been one of the happiest days in the lives of the McIntoshs. Yet, it was bittersweet and that is unfortunate. Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate four of the newest citizens of our country and also to let them know that their son's spirit continues to inspire all of us who knew him.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Nebraska for yielding, and I thank him for perpetuating this particular special order. We are all indebted to the extraordinary work that was done by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and, as one Member of the House of Representatives, I was honored and privileged to have the opportunity to travel with this delegation to the areas of Asia that we traveled. A lot has been made about this particular trip, and I was asked when we were in China why it was that I had visited China twice in three months. I had the good fortune of going to China in January with Congressman Kolbe from Arizona and the delegation that he led of 22 Members of the House of Representatives, and in each instance we had a variable type program that allowed for further information. I am going to come back to that, but I would like to answer the media by saying what I said, and that is that China is a happening. Now that could be construed as China is a party. That is not the happening that I was speaking of. The happening that I was talking about is the fact that China is the vortex of the dynamism that is going on in economic development in that area of the world, and assuredly what our trip did was underscore the principles and values of this great country, and as I look about this gallery and I see children that are here on this day as this special order is being held, I cannot help but think that many of us will long have since passed, and yet we laid the groundwork for their future in the various delegations and those that have preceded us in this rather extraordinary work that Congress does in international relations. The vortex of dynamism does not mean that China is old. We visited Korea, we visited Taiwan, we visited Japan, and of course Hong Kong and Shanghai inside China as well as Beijing. In each instance in a bipartisan fashion those things that have been said by my colleagues can be underscored with the fact that all of us supported the values and principles that are enunciated in our great democracy. And you know the Speaker made the comment often that America is a Pacific nation, and some folks would quarrel with that, but I ask anyone that wishes to quarrel with that, ask the citizens of California or Oregon or Washington or Hawaii or Alaska, ask them where they live. And speaking of Alaska, let us just compliment the extraordinary military people that handle all of our security matters as it pertains to that area of the world in a more than admirable fashion. Travel further into the demilitarized zone where speakers before me, the gentleman from Louisiana [Mr. Livingston] and the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Dingell] and others, have pointed out the 37,000-plus troops that are in that demilitarized zone, many of whom we had an opportunity to see, all of whom are extremely sharp, well commanded, young individuals, and they have a slogan that says in front of them all it means simply that in the deteriorating posture of North Korea, if some insanity prevails and war occurs, they will be the first ones to see it. We need to support those individuals. And what I came home with, as we get ready to talk about foreign aid authorization, and you lead us in that effort as you so ably do, and the Chair of the Africa subcommittee, my friend, the gentleman from California [Mr. Royce], does so with Africa, is I came home with legislation. People say these trips sometimes are useless and we are criticized for taking them. I now know about the need for 4-way talks in Korea in a meaningful way. I know now more about nuclear proliferation in a meaningful way, in the dumping that was about to take place or still may contractually with Taiwan and North Korea, and the potential dangers not only to the environment but to the security of that area of the world. I know now about the reversion of Hong Kong in a meaningful way that I think I can stand with any American with the same background and argue forcefully why it is that we have to insist that there be no sedition provision in China's law, that they do not revoke the civil liberties and civil rights of those that for 99 years now have had that opportunity. I know more about Taiwan, its democracy, how it has managed its economy. I know about the interrelated areas of economic and political and human rights, and all of that will lead me to three pieces of legislation that I plan to offer during the authorization process in addition to legislation that will support our military in a meaningful way, since many of them pointed out the horrors that they have visited. And I want to say one final thing and thank you again for the time. The staff that accompanied us are unrivaled on either the Republican or the Democratic side, and they are effusively to be complimented by those of us that had the opportunity to work with them. In addition thereto, I think it is abominable that the foreign services of the United States of America are in the critical posture that many of them are. In spite of the fact that we have these enormous financial constraints that all of us know about, it is pitiable to leave our children and our adults who work in the foreign services in circumstances where they do not have electricity, they do not have water, the embassies are run down, such as the one in Beijing, and I am not here to apologize for anybody in that regard. I take full responsibility for my remarks and say that this is an observation that I think is a mistake for us. Those children in this gallery need to learn languages, and they will be very wise to learn the languages of Asia since Asia is going to be a coming. As regard freedom and my final remarks, Mr. Speaker, as you well know we had an opportunity to go to church in Shanghai. That was a moving experience. Some of us went to Catholic services, others of us went to Protestant services. But the fact is that we went to services and symbolically it let China know that we are going to stand for religion as we said and were told by those persons that are in Hong Kong with whom we met that are the religious leaders of that area. I want to say to the world, I want to say to China, I want to say to America and say to all of my colleagues that freedom marches to a steady beat. China cannot stop freedom. Freedom once tasted is sweet enough to cause individuals to rise above oppression. Announcement by The Speaker Pro Tempore