Steny Hoyer

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank the chairman for his comments, not only about my work, but on behalf of the minority staff regarding the role that they have played in this. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 84, and I urge my Democratic colleagues to support it, as the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), has urged his colleagues to support it. The process through which this resolution was developed, and the concern demonstrated by the majority leadership to meeting the minority's legitimate needs, was in my opinion, a very positive process. House Resolution 84 goes a long way, Mr. Speaker, toward achieving the minority's longtime goal of controlling one-third of each committee's total resources and staff slots. While it does not reach this goal in every single case, the ranking minority members of the 19 committees covered by the provisions of this resolution agree that substantial progress has been made over the levels of the 106th Congress. They have expressed to me their confidence that additional accommodations will occur over the course of the 107th Congress to deal with any remaining issues. Even the handful of committees that had been most visibly deficient in the past, in meeting the minority's legitimate needs, have come a long way, and most have met their target. In the past, we have had representations which have appeared to hit the targets, but which have not. The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the Speaker have been diligent in trying to make sure that those devices are no longer used, and I thank them both for their leadership. Mr. Speaker, we have approximately a $1.8 trillion budget that the elected representatives of this House, and the elected representatives of the other body, are charged with overseeing. We are given the responsibility to ensure that the funds are spent as they are intended to be spent, and are spent effectively on behalf of the American people, whose funds they are. That is a weighty responsibility. The budget for this body to carry out that task represents approximately one ten-thousandth of the dollars spent for the activities which we have the responsibility of overseeing. So it is a relatively small amount. Mr. Speaker, I think that the amount authorized by this resolution, which is substantially less than the amount requested by the committees, is nevertheless an amount that will responsibly enable our committees, both the majority and the minority, to effectively carry out their responsibilities to the American people. It is not easy to oversee budgets in the billions of dollars. It requires staff who are talented, diligent, and conscientious. To hire and retain such staff requires sufficient sums to compete in the marketplace. This budget allows the committees to do that, so I am very pleased to support this budget. I also want to say that the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Ney) has done yeoman's service on behalf of this institution--not just his party, and not just the minority--but on behalf of the whole institution, in creating an atmosphere in which we can come together, look at a problem, discuss it rationally, reasonably, and fairly, and come to a conclusion that I think all of us can support. I think the leadership of the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Ney) will redound, both now and in the future, to the benefit of this institution, and I thank him for his consideration and his courage in confronting some who perhaps did not want to move quite as far toward the target that had been set. I also want to thank the Speaker, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert). He made it very clear that he was committed to the target of one-third of the slots and one-third of the resources for the minority. The gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Ney) and the Speaker, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert), through their fairness and leadership helped accomplish this objective, and have set a powerful example. Seven years ago, Mr. Speaker, when the majority was in the minority, a former Member of this body, Pat Roberts, now a member of the other body, promised, and I quote, ``If lightning strikes and the sun comes up in the West and Republicans take over Congress, we are going to do that for you. You will at least get one-third.'' Mr. Speaker, with the adoption of House Resolution 84, it would seem that something very unusual indeed has occurred in this body: Lightning has struck, and the sun has come up in the West. It is my hope, Mr. Speaker, that this body continues to experience such wonders of nature. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), a member of the Committee on House Administration and a gentleman who has worked very hard to accomplish this result.

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) knows, it was our position on this side that every ranking member of the 19 committees had to be in a position of being treated fairly for us to support the resolution. Again, through the work of the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the work of the ranking members and the chairmen, we have accomplished that objective. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce), the ranking member of the Committee on Financial Institutions, who worked very closely with the new chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley), to reach agreement. (Mr. LaFALCE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I will make the representation, as I said before, that all 19 ranking members are going to support this resolution. They will do so because we have come together, sat down at the table, reasoned together and come up with what we believe to be a fair resolution. Like the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) said, it is not perfect from anybody's standpoint, but perfect was not possible. But fair was possible, and it was achieved. It was achieved because I think the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert), Speaker of the House of Representatives, believed it appropriate; the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), our chairman, fought hard to achieve that result. It was not always easy. There were obviously some who felt that they did not like the shift that was being made, but because of the commitment to fairness of the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), fairness was achieved. I appreciate that. There have been times, obviously, when on our side of the aisle, some thought that fairness was not achieved. We still are concerned about the ratios on committees. We are concerned from time to time with the processes that the Committee on Rules adopts, which precludes us from, we think, putting forward our propositions in a fair way. It is good for the public to know, Mr. Speaker, that there are more times than not when we can sit down and come to agreement, knowing full well that all of us serve the American people, and they expect us to work together in as positive and productive a fashion as we can. The leadership of the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the leadership of the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert) have provided the opportunity for that to occur, and our ranking members have worked hard with their chairmen to accomplish that objective. Mr. Speaker, I think we have done it, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, Calvin Coolidge once said that, ``Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not . . . genius will not . . . education will not. . . . Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.'' Mr. Speaker, the country finds itself on the edge of its seat, waiting with baited breath, as March Madness unfolds. The Final Four is just around the corner, and for the first time in history, the Mighty Maryland Terrapins will be there to show what persistence they've possessed, and what talent they exude. Words can not possibly describe the poise and teamwork that the Terps exhibit. Their performance is to be applauded; their spirit imitated. What a deep sense of pride they have instilled in all of us for their hard work. Under the tremendous coaching of Gary Williams, the Terps performance during this tournament has not only exceeded expectations, but has set a new standard for excellence. We can only hope that Terrence Morris mystifies, Steve Blake bolts, Juan Dixon dominates, Lonnie Baxter bounds, and Byron Mouton maneuvers the way they have so far. This will be the fourth meeting between the Terrapins and the Duke University Blue Devils. Each game has been an instant classic, and this contest shall truly be a game for the history books. I stand before you today, an alumnus of Maryland, with the support of the entire State of Maryland, in praising the mighty Terrapins team, Coach Gary Williams and Athletic Director Debbie Yow. I encourage all in the Washington metropolitan area to join in saluting the Maryland Terps and wishing them success this weekend in Minneapolis. Nuthin' but Net, Mr. Speaker . . . FEAR THE TURTLE!!!

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 802. This important piece of legislation will authorize our President to award the Medal of Valor to an outstanding public safety officer who has demonstrated valor above and beyond the call of duty. The Medal of Valor, which would be awarded to an outstanding firefighter, law enforcement official or emergency service provider, will shed a positive spotlight on professionals who risk their lives so that we can have a civil and safe society. Their achievements also are a reminder of the many ways in which public safety professionals are making our communities safer and better places to live every day. Mr. Speaker, each day the brave men and women in the areas of public safety serve every neighborhood, city, and state without looking for any recognition or awards, Although serving the public can be a thankless existence at times, I believe the time is long overdue to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our public safety officers. As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and an active member of the Law Enforcement Caucus, I have the privilege of working with these modern-day heroes and heroines on issues that will ultimately assist them in making each and everyone of our communities a better place to live. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to send a strong message to our public safety officers by supporting this legislation.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) for her very cogent comments, for her contribution to this body, and to enhancing the history of the contribution of African Americans to the House and to this country. Mr. Speaker, in closing, let me thank the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito) for her contribution to this debate and her participation in passing this resolution, and again to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), the chairman of the Committee on House Administration, and his staff for working so diligently to ensure the rapid passage of this resolution.

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

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I have one additional speaker, the distinguished representative from Texas who has the distinct honor of succeeding Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland in representing their district of Texas. Barbara Jordan was one of the most compelling and articulate voices on behalf of the Constitution of the United States and the principles that it set forth. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, obviously I rise in strong support of this resolution. I was delighted to introduce this legislation just over 3 weeks ago in conjunction with the chairman of our committee, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), who has been an example I think for all the Congress as to how to work in a bipartisan, productive, positive fashion; and I thank the gentleman for that. I see some of the majority staff on the floor as well. I want to thank them as well for the very cooperative way in which they are working with our minority staff to make sure that we do our business in a very productive, positive way. I very much appreciate it. Mr. Speaker, this resolution authorizes the printing, as the chairman has said, of a revised edition of the House document last printed in the 101st Congress, 11 years ago, entitled ``Black Americans in Congress, 1870-1989.'' I thank my distinguished colleague from Ohio for facilitating and cosponsoring this resolution. His support has been critical in bringing this resolution to the floor so quickly. I also thank my 43 other distinguished cosponsors, including the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, who hopefully will be here in just a few minutes; the entire caucus membership; and the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts), chairman of the House Republican Conference himself, and a distinguished African American, who have cosponsored this legislation. The first edition of Black Americans in Congress, Mr. Speaker, was published in 1976 during our country's bicentennial. This was just over a century after the first African American to serve in Congress, Hiram Revels of Mississippi, was elected to the Senate. That election, of course, came after a great civil war was waged to ensure that African Americans not only were considered to be full persons, but also would be considered among those included in the ringing phrase in the Declaration of Independence that we hold these truths to be self- evident, that all men, and we should have added, but had not at that time, and women, are created equal, and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, and among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We fought a great civil war to address the grievance of non-inclusion of those of African descent. It was not until the last century, in the 1920s, that women were given the full franchise in America. It is appropriate that we recognize inclusion. We are going to have today the passage of this resolution, to recognize those of African American descent who have served in this Congress and made an historical contribution to this country. Next week I expect us to bring forward out of our committee another resolution which will recognize all of the women who have served in Congress to the present date. The second edition of this document, which was published in 1990, contains brief biographies, photographs, and other historical information about Senator Revels and the 65 other distinguished African Americans who had served as of January 23, 1990. The volume is a treasured resource in libraries across America. It is through this document, Mr. Speaker, that not only can young African Americans, but young people of all races, colors and creeds can be inspired by the biographies it contains, so that irrespective of who they might be, they can aspire to be honored by their neighbors and constituents and serve in the Congress of the United States. This book explores not only the lives and careers of Members, but also provides a window on the many obstacles that have confronted African Americans as they made their way to the halls of this Congress. For example, Mr. Speaker, the biography of Senator Revels reveals how, having been born to free parents in 1827, he pursued a career of religious work in several States, including my own State of Maryland. Settling in Mississippi after the Civil War, Revels won election to the State senate. After his colleagues sent him to Washington to complete Jefferson Davis' term in the United States Senate, an irony that I am sure is not lost on any of the readers of this biography, some Senators bitterly opposed his seating, arguing, among other things, that he did not meet the 9-year citizenship requirement, having just secured full citizenship with the ratification of the 14th Amendment in 1868. Think of that argument, Mr. Speaker. ``We have prohibited you from being a citizen. You are now free and a full citizen because we have adopted a constitutional amendment, but you do not qualify for membership in this body because, as a result of us not according you full citizenship, you have not met the 9-year requirement.'' Fortunately, however, the Senate rejected those arguments and seated Mr. Revels on February 25, 1870, by a vote of 48 to 8. The first African American Member of this House, Representative Joseph Rainey of South Carolina, was born the son of slave parents who managed to buy their family's freedom. When the Civil War began, Rainey was drafted and compelled to serve on a Confederate blockade runner, but he escaped to Bermuda. Returning to South Carolina after the war, Rainey was elected to the State senate, and later to complete an unexpired term in this body, taking office in December of 1870. Rainey served five terms with distinction and became the first Member of African ancestry to preside over this House. Since Senator Revels and Representative Rainey took their oaths as Members of the 41st Congress, 104 additional African Americans have trod the path they so courageously blazed. A total of 40 additional distinguished African Americans have served since publication of the 1990 edition, 32 of whom are serving today. Mr. Speaker, one need only to look around the House to see a new generation of African American leaders serving the American people ably and proudly. It is important, Mr. Speaker, that we recognize their contribution and chronicle their service, not for them individually, not to aggrandize them or to expand their egos. It is to recognize the hallmark of America, diversity and inclusion. It is our strength, and it is our promise to all our people. Even more importantly, it is crucial that we continually seek to inspire young people, as I said earlier, all across America, that they can aspire to public service, whatever the color of their skin and however humble their circumstances might have been. Adopting this resolution is yet another way to do that. Mr. Speaker, the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson) has noted that the 1990 edition was dedicated to Representative Mickey Leland of Texas, a colleague with whom I had the honor of serving. He perished in a plane crash in August 1989 while on a humanitarian mission in Africa. The gentlewoman has suggested that this next edition be dedicated to our late colleague Julian Dixon who died just last December, shocking and saddening us all after 22 years of service in this House. It was my privilege to serve with him for almost two decades. He was a wonderful human being and a great Member of this body. I cannot think of a more appropriate thing to do. Mr. Speaker, I know that the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) joins me in that sentiment. Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to support the motion. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, our next speaker is a member of the Committee on House Administration who has served with great distinction, a leader in one of the great cities of the world in which we articulated so compelling our belief that all men were created equal. We did not live up to the reality of that statement, as compelling and profound as it was, because I think we did not realize the full ramifications of what we said. It took Martin Luther King and thousands of other courageous African Americans to call our attention to the shortcomings between our actions and our words. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), who has been a great leader and a great supporter on the Committee on House Administration.

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to myself simply to introduce the next speaker. I indicated that we are passing this resolution today, and next week I expect the House will pass a resolution sponsored by the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) and co-sponsored by every other woman Member of the House to recognize the contribution of women. We have a distinguished African-American woman who now chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, an outstanding leader in the State Senate in Texas for many years, and an outstanding leader in this House. She is not only a Texas leader, she is a national leader as well. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I represent the 5th Congressional District of Maryland which is home to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Dr. Robert Hutchings Goddard who, 75 years ago this month, launched the world's first liquid propellant rocket. Indeed, the flight of Goddard's rocket on March 16, 1926, at Auburn, MA, was a feat as epochal in history as that of the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk. During his lifetime Dr. Goddard designed, built, and launched 35 rockets of increasing sophistication. Dr. Goddard was the first scientist who not only realized the potential of missiles and space flight but also contributed directly in bringing them to practical realization. Mr. Speaker, on September 16, 1959, the 86th Congress of the United States authorized the issuance of a gold medal in honor of Dr. Goddard. When measuring the importance of Dr. Goddard's innovative contributions, there is no greater proof of his originality than his United States patents. In addition to the two patents issued in July 1914, 56 more would be issued to him in his lifetime. Thirty-five patents pending were issued after his death in 1945. An additional 131 patents, based upon his notes, sketches, and photographs, were applied for by his widow, Esther C. Goddard. In 1960, the U.S. Government acquired the rights to use these 214 patents. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Goddard created the building blocks which others would later invent independently. Dr. Goddard considered both manned and unmanned vehicles to explore the moon and planets, solar power, electric propulsion, and even flight to the stars. Today, the Armed Forces, NASA, and many others in the science community are able to construct rockets, missiles, weather instruments due to Dr. Goddard's vision. On this day, I would like to honor and recognize one of the greatest scientists and the father of modern rocket propulsion, Dr. Robert H. Goddard.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. I thank the leader for his information.

Mr. HOYER. I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), the distinguished majority leader, for the purposes of apprising us of the schedule for next week.

Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman for that response. Would I be correct, however, in concluding from the gentleman's remarks that there would not be anything controversial coming to the floor next week?

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, when does the leader expect the next tax bill to come to the floor? Do we have any information on that?

Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman, particularly for his observation that if something came that we did not hear about today, the probability is it would not be controversial.

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for that information. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Texas, the majority leader, indicates that there are some possibilities of discussions with some of the committees resulting in bills being reported to the floor. Would the gentleman be able to inform us as to what those possibilities are, realizing they may or may not come to the floor? Do we know what the possible bills that might come to the floor would be?

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to inquire about next week's schedule.

Mr. HOYER. I said I would yield to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), the majority leader, for the purposes of informing Members about the schedule.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, the majority whip has the same tired bogus argument. Let me remind my Republican friends that from 1981 to 1987 the Senate was a Republican United States Senate. Let me remind my friends, if they have forgotten, that Ronald Reagan was President of the United States. Let me remind my colleagues further that not one bill was vetoed by Ronald Reagan and had his veto overridden to spend more money. Not one. So get rid of this bogus argument as to who upped the debt of this Nation.

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, welcome to the Great River Boat Gamble of 2001. Today our Republican friends are urging the American people to take a luxurious vacation into the tax cut casino. But let us remember, we have not even written our budget yet and do not have any idea whether or not we can afford it. Everyone agrees that we ought to have a tax cut, and in 1997 I voted for that bill to which the gentleman referred. We need tax relief. It is clear from this fiscally irresponsible bill, however, that the GOP has not learned a thing from the mistakes of the past. Twenty years ago, President Reagan assured America we could have it all, a huge tax cut, a major defense buildup, and a balanced Federal budget, which he guaranteed us in August of 1981 when he signed the tax cut. He said it would be balanced by October 1, 1983. We had about a $100 billion deficit that year alone. George Bush, our current President's father, said that was voodoo economics. He was right. It is the taxpayers' money; and, my friends, the debt is also the taxpayers. Let us be responsible. Let us vote for the Democratic alternative. Let us make sense for America.

Mr. HOYER

Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman. We are all looking forward to that opportunity, or at least some few of us are looking forward to that opportunity, hopefully more than the last. In any event, Mr. Speaker, if I can ask the gentleman from Ohio another question. Ergonomics came up this week. As he knows, we were somewhat concerned because that had not been on the calendar and we expressed that concern. Does the gentleman know of any possible items like that that might come up next week that are not noticed at this point in time that may or may not be up?

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) for the purpose of apprising us of next week's schedule.