Robin Hayes

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time, and I rise today for eighth district farmers in North Carolina to support H.R. 2213, the 2001 Crop Year Economic Assistance Act. I want to thank the chairman for his continued leadership and diligence in bringing assistance to our Nation's farmers who are in need. I am supportive of this bill, though I support the $6.5 even more; and I hope it will bring some relief to our farmers plagued by low commodity prices, rising energy costs, drought, and a slow world economy. USDA estimates that without government assistance, farmers' income could drop to historical lows, so it is imperative we act now. H.R. 2213 does not provide the same level of assistance as previous years but I urge my colleagues' support and it is my sincere hope that we can provide more adequate assistance as we move through the legislative process.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Edward Tyson of Kannapolis, North Carolina for his years of service to the parents, students and educators of Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Dr. Tyson has been the Superintendent for Kannapolis City School since 1992. He has also served as a teacher, principal, and associate superintendent in the Cabarrus County School System. Dr. Tyson has made a positive and profound impact on the students and faculty of Kannapolis City and Cabarrus County Schools. He has worked hard to improve the opportunities for all students throughout Cabarrus and Rowan Counties. Dr. Tyson has been a tremendous leader in our community, serving on the Board of Directors for Cabarrus Bank, the Salvation Army, Cannon Memorial YMCA, and Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. He has also represented North Carolina on education issues as a member of the American Association of School Administrators, the North Carolina Association of School Administrators, and the North Carolina Committee of the Southern Association of College and Schools. Dr. Tyson's accomplishments in education have been recognized. He has received numerous awards including: 1995-1996 Southwest North Carolina Superintendent of the Year, 1999-2000 Professional Educator of the Year by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and the 2000 Time- Warner Distinguished Educator. Mr. Speaker, while I have only touched on a fraction of Dr. Ed Tyson's many accomplishments and the impact he has made on his community and profession, I proudly join his friends and colleagues in thanking and saluting him for his years of service and commitment to education and wishing him well in his retirement.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House bill 1388 to authorize funding for the National 4-H Program Centennial Initiative. For 100 years 4-H programs across the United States have been producing exemplary citizens. I believe that programs such as 4-H that promote healthy lifestyles, good decision making skills, and loyalty to one's self, community, country and world are vital to the development of our nation's youth. The program has successfully reached our youth in over 3,000 counties in all 50 states. Through conferences, exchanges, and camps in North Carolina, 4-H is making a difference in the lives of young people. Through federally-funded grants, this bill will make it possible to conduct meetings and seminars to determine what youth development programs are needed and/or currently working and allow this important program to succeed another one hundred years. 4-H participants in North Carolina and across the country benefit from the relationships formed and the timeless values taught through the program. The 4-H program teaches young people skills that will last a lifetime, and reaches students in both rural and urban areas, while not misplacing the values the organization was founded upon. Thank you and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, Impact Aid is a crucial element of the basic financial support for schools in my Congressional District in North Carolina. Just as local taxes support other school districts, Impact Aid bridges the gap in counties where the Federal Government is a major landowner. In some cases, Impact Aid supplies a significant portion of school districts' operating budgets. As one of the over 150 members of the Impact Aid Coalition, one of the largest bipartisan coalitions in Congress, we have worked together to support our local school systems. Full funding for this program will fulfill the federal government's commitment not only to our local school systems but the families of our military men and women and those citizens who are affected by Federal properties. I will continue to work with the appropriators for full funding for this crucial education program and I commend my colleague from Illinois for continuing to support this program.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I enthusiastically support the Vitter- Sessions amendment. It is hard to believe that recruiters do not have access to our young men and women, but this is an opportunity for character education. It is an opportunity for national security. This brings to our schools, through ROTC, character, honesty, integrity, core values of the military. I appreciate the gentleman bringing this to our attention, and I strongly support the Vitter-Sessions amendment and recommend my colleagues do the same.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the men and women at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, who once again have earned the Commander- in-Chief Award for the Army Communities of Excellence program. For those who might not know, this is an award similar to the civilian Malcolm Baldridge Award for Quality. Today, Fort Bragg personnel, both military and civilian alike, will be recognized for a superior level of performance in meeting the needs of its soldiers, family members, and employees. I have visited a number of military installations throughout the world, and nowhere have I seen better morale than at Fort Bragg. The Commander-in-Chief Award recognizes officially what many of us living in the 8th District of North Carolina already knew: Fort Bragg is the crown jewel of the Army, the epicenter of the universe. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding the men and women who make Fort Bragg the finest facility in the Nation and in the world.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the town of Spring Lake, North Carolina on May 5, 2001. The entire town will be celebrating at the Golden Anniversary Parade, which is to be one of the biggest parades in the town's history. Over 100 entrants, including antique cars, high school marching bands, and floats and cars sponsored by local businesses and civic groups, will participate in the parade. An Arts & Crafts Bazaar, petting zoo, and a fireworks finale will round out the celebration. In addition to the revelry and excitement of the parade, a new 50- acre industrial park, the first in the town of Spring Lake, will be dedicated and shall be open for business soon. Also joining members of the town that day will be senior officials from Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base, along with members of several veterans' organizations, to dedicate the first-ever military memorial in Spring Lake. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the all-American town of Spring Lake, North Carolina on its 50th anniversary, and I would ask all of my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the hard-working, patriotic men and women who make Spring Lake such a great place to live and work.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe) and to our Duke Blue Devils who exhibited team work, sportsmanship, scholarship and a family of young men and women working together that achieved remarkable things. Congratulations to the Blue Devils.

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price) lives in Chapel Hill. We defeated the dreaded Tar Heels several times on the way to this victory. I say to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), we are not gloating here. We are just here saying how proud we are of those young men, the coaching staff, the students and others.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fayetteville Fire Chief Duke J. ``Pete'' Piner, who will retire on April 1, 2001, after more than 37 years of service. Chief Piner, 63, joined the Fayetteville Fire Department in 1964, following his father into the firefighting profession after a stint in the United States Navy and working briefly as an electrician. Almost 25 years to the day, on March 22, 1989, Piner became chief of the department. In the words of Fayetteville City Manager Roger Stancil, Chief Piner quickly established himself as a team player among city management. ``His leadership extended throughout the city,'' said Stancil. ``He was someone you could call on to accomplish a mission anywhere within the city government.'' Chief Piner's vision led to many innovations for the fire department. During his tenure, the Fayetteville Fire Department built new stations to expand its service area, successfully merged with volunteer fire departments in neighborhoods annexed by the city, developed a state-of- the-art hazardous materials response team, and began to utilize more modem technology. In fact, Chief Piner played a key role in modernizing the city's communications capabilities so that various city departments, state, and county agencies could communicate with one another during a crises or disaster situation. I ask that all my colleagues join me in honoring Chief Duke J. ``Pete'' Piner for 37 years of remarkable public service to the people of Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow but with great honor to rise before my colleagues today and to speak about a man that I had the privilege of knowing. The North Carolina delegation has joined unanimously together to honor the life and the accomplishments of Dale Earnhardt, and we will hear from a number of our Members. I was asked particularly by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble), who is unable to be here, to relay his best wishes, condolences to the Earnhardt family. He has been detained at a charitable event. I would like to identify myself with the remarks of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) and thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) for her kind remarks. Thousands and thousands of people were touched by Dale Earnhardt. One of the things that has come out of this week of mourning and memorialization are a number of facts. On Dale Earnhardt's dashboard was Proverbs 18:10, which says, ``The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe.'' This was on his dashboard, placed there by another driver's wife. This is what Dale Earnhardt believed. As the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) said, his faith was a tremendous part of his life, his career, and his witness to the public. He has left unmatchable marks on history for his skill as a driver, his reflexes, his coordination. He could do things with an automobile that no one else could do. He was said to be able to manage an ill- handling race car better than anyone else who has ever driven. It has been remarkable this week in Kannapolis and Concord, the home of Dale Earnhardt, the outpouring of sympathy, of grief, but again of celebration for what this man, his family and the sport stands for. Last week, a memorial service was held in Charlotte for the NASCAR family. It was very, very remarkable. The chaplain of Motor Racing Outreach, which is the ministry of NASCAR, gave a wonderful testimony about the man who is often known as the Intimidator, but the man whom, when he met the first time, he met as the father, the father of a daughter Taylor, son Dale, Jr., Kelley. Also he has a son who was at the memorial service on Sunday night, Kerry, in Kannapolis. But, again, telling the story about Dale Earnhardt gave more about the life of the man than any of his racing career, which is remarkable in and of itself. He knew the Father. As Dale Beaver said, he has gone to a better place to be with that Father because he knew the Son. The Son was the relationship that he had that made it possible for him to be with the Father. As that service closed, Dale Beaver said to the audience, which covered millions by television, do you know him, the Son that Dale knew? Hundreds, thousands of people have come to know Christ because of Dale Earnhardt's witness even in his passing. One sports writer even said many, many people are going to want to go to heaven now so they can get to meet Dale Earnhardt. It was a remarkable service Sunday night. 5,000 people gathered at the Kannapolis baseball stadium to pay homage to a fallen NASCAR hero. A man whose son said he praises his God, he loves his family, and he enjoys his fans, a remarkable, remarkable witness. The gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) was here a moment ago. As I left the stadium that night, a man and his wife in the parking lot next to me were from the district of the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton). The folks on the other side were from Florida. They came from everywhere, again, to pay homage to a man whose honesty, integrity, straightforward speaking of the truth speaks volumes of his life, but gives us examples as we go forward regardless of who we are and what we do, examples of the kind of leadership we can exhibit because we have either known him or known of him. My sympathies to his family and my regards to all of those who know and remember Dale Earnhardt.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the legislation offered by the gentleman from Wisconsin, the Veterans' Oral History Project, because it encompasses American pride and patriotism. Our veterans are the heroes who helped preserve our American heritage. They are living evidence that freedom is never free, and they carry the honor of hundreds of thousands who breathed their last breath on the field of battle. Some months ago, I introduced legislation to recognize the American G.I. as the most influential figure of the 20th century. I was proud that my legislation passed this House unanimously, and I believe the legislation we debate this evening is critical to our effort to recognize and preserve a record of the sacrifices of every man and woman who served our Nation. The importance of documenting the personal accounts of our country's veterans cannot be understated. For generations, American troops have served to ensure freedom and democracy in all corners of the world. Their contributions are woven not only into the history of a grateful nation but also the history of a peaceful world. Over the course of the last few months, I have asked veterans throughout my district, the 8th District of North Carolina, to share with me their wartime experiences. Their response has been amazing. Every American should have the opportunity to read the brave accounts of veterans like James Holt, James Wells, and Willie Monday--to name just a few. Crew Chief Holt recounts his WWII missions and America's contribution in defeating Hitler. Similarly, Mrs. Shuping writes on behalf of her father, James Archie Wells, who fought to liberate Okinawa, and Captain Monday recalls his reconnaissance missions over the Philippines. This, Mr. Speaker, is the best of American history--and there is an abundance of it. That's why this legislation is so very important. The memory of those we lost and the sacrifice of those who lived to tell the tale must be preserved and held in high esteem by a Congress and a country that extends our veterans its utmost respect and heartfelt gratitude. I commend my colleague from Wisconsin for his initiative on this issue and urge my colleagues support for this worthy legislation.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, today it is my privilege to recognize the Standard Register Company's facility in Monroe, NC, for successfully completing over 600,000 hours of operation with no lost time. John Q. Sherman formed Standard Register Company in 1912 in Dayton, OH. Mr. Sherman and his company introduced Theodore Schirmer's paper- feeding invention, the autographic register, to the industrial world. Today, Standard Register is a member of the Business Forms Industry, and is a $1.4 billion company with approximately 8,200 associates nationwide. The plant in Monroe was formed on August 6, 1996, when Standard Register Company acquired Piedmont Pninting. Since that date the employees at the Monroe facility have worked a total of 667,613 hours with no lost time, no work-related injuries. This great accomplishment is proof of the excellent work habits of all of the members of the Monroe plant. I would like to extend special congratulations and commendations to a few of Standard Register's corporate officers and managers, Harry Seifert, Dave Fehrman, Rick Miller, Dan Buchholtz, Earl Ammons, and Terry E. Sizemore. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the employees at Standard Register for their superior achievements, and I would ask all of my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to them.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the legislation of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) to revoke this charter. This type of Federal charter is issued to organizations with patriotic, charitable, and educational purposes. There is no organization in this country that lives up to these principles more than the Boy Scouts. The motto of the Boy Scouts is ``God, Country, Honor, Helping Others.'' Boy Scouts confirm that character counts. These are values that are learned by young men and carried with them throughout their lives. Mr. Speaker, let us tell it like it really is. This ridiculous legislation is meant to shame an organization just because it does not conform to the extreme left wing's view of the world. Over 3 million young men in the Boy Scouts nationwide are being taught values, values such as duty to God and country, honor, respect, honesty, community service. By revoking the charter of the Boy Scouts of America, the supporters of this legislation are saying that those values do not matter. They are saying that what is important is forcing the Boy Scouts to adopt their agenda, which is clearly wrong, counterproductive to community values and destructive to traditional families. Mr. Speaker, I urge my fellow Members to vote against this scurrilous attack on American values.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I might recall for the gentlewoman the remarks of the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Talent), that this does not in any way impose faith-based treatment on anyone. It simply gives the opportunity for very successful efforts to be available to a wide cross-section of individuals. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full and enthusiastic support of this bill. I want to commend my colleagues who have worked so hard to bring this legislation to the floor, the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Talent). Mr. Speaker, while this bill is meant to address faltering local economies around the Nation, I want to address the situation in our rural areas in North Carolina's eighth district. Washington is finally waking up to the fact that success on Wall Street does not automatically translate into success on Main Street. In fact, while many in our Nation reap the benefits of a record economy, in the rural communities they continue to suffer with few local jobs and opportunities. Mr. Speaker, the first bill I introduced after coming to Congress was the Rural Economic Development and Opportunities Act. This bill was meant to spur employment in rural areas by extending a modest tax credit for job creation in these areas. The Community Renewal and New Market Act captures and implements the spirit of that bill, and I am proud to support this legislation today.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of the Richmond County Senior High School Beta Club Quiz Bowl Team. Competing in the 20th Annual National Beta Club Convention in mid-June, team captain Joey Moree, John Bream, Allen Hodges, William Morgan, and alternate Mary Catherine Knight placed second in the nation and nearly came home to North Carolina with the National Championship. The Richmond Senior High team was one of 18 teams from southeastern and midwestem states. Some 2,500 Betas participated in the 3 day tournament in Arlington, Texas. Having placed second in the North Carolina State Beta Quiz Bowl with the help of team member Montgomery Morris, the quiz bowl team earned the right to attend the national convention. The other five team members traveled to Arlington accompanied by advisors Judy Harrelson and Robert Graves. The Richmond team cruised through the first three rounds of the tournament. In the first round, Richmond Senior High defeated Martin County, Florida 185 to 95. The students breezed to a 250 to 140 victory over Koshkonong, Missouri in the second round. However, the semifinals proved to be more challenging. After trailing Pendleton Heights, Indiana 80 to 75 at halftime, the team roared to life and dominated the second half, winning with a resounding 265 to 105 tally. Drawing a crowd of over 2,000 Betas, the final round was a close contest throughout the match. Battling Southside, South Carolina, the finals came down to the very last question, with Southside pulling ahead of Richmond Senior High with a single bonus to win the championship 155 to 150. Mr. Speaker, the accomplishments of the Richmond Senior High School Beta Club Quiz Bowl Team deserve recognition. The hard work and dedication of Mr. Moree, Mr. Bream, Mr. Hodges, Mr. Morgan, Ms. Knight, and Mr. Morris have made their peers, teachers and parents proud. These six students have set an example for others to follow by challenging their minds outside the classroom. Their hard work has been duly rewarded with their strong second place performances in both the state and national competitions. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the efforts and achievements of the Richmond Senior High School Beta Quiz Bowl Team.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McIntyre), who has been a tireless worker in his efforts to honor a remarkable man. A number of people, men and women alike, have been honored in the well of the people's House, but I think there is no one any more appropriately deserving recognition than the man about whom we speak today. The man whom we honor today, J.L. Dawkins, was born on Thanksgiving Day in 1935 to Johnnie Lee and Lucille Dawkins of Vandemere. He graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1953. He was a star on the football and basketball teams, and the unanimous choice for senior class president. Mayor Dawkins' devotion and commitment to service for all citizens of Fayetteville is demonstrated by his quarter century of humble and dedicated public service. His intense love for people and for his city motivated him to strive for quality development enhancement and beautification of his beloved community. We had the joy and privilege of his public service for 25 years, 12 on the city council and mayor since 1987. He was elected to the city council in 1975 and never lost an election. After serving six terms on the city council, Mr. Dawkins set his sights on an office that he always aspired to hold, the mayor. He won his first mayoral election in 1987 and was elected a record six times. Mr. Dawkins was affectionately and appropriately dubbed Fayetteville's ``mayor for life.'' The passion of J.L. Dawkins for his city is evident in his untiring efforts to make Fayetteville a better place for all. The mayor was known for his warm, friendly and gracious manner. He was known as a devoted husband and father and as someone who deeply loved his hometown of Fayetteville. I would also like to offer my sincere thanks and best wishes to J.L.'s partner and wife of 42 years, Mary Anne Dawkins, and their two children, Johnny Lee Dawkins and Dawn Dawkins. The designation of a post office is just a small but one appropriate way to honor J.L. for his tireless efforts as a public servant. He brought honor to our form of government. He also is a man to whom we can look with respect and honor as a role model for the type of leadership that spoke volumes of him, his family, his city, his State, and his country. There are many people who pass through this life, some come and go, but others leave footprints on the hearts of those around them. J.L. Dawkins left footprints on the hearts of his community, of his State, and all of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Mr. Speaker, I recommend strong support for this resolution honoring mayor J.L. Dawkins.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. This amendment jeopardizes the appropriations authority granted to Congress by the Constitution and will set a precedent that the administration and the President will determine spending instead of the U.S. Congress. I ask my colleagues to consider the precedent that this amendment will set with respect to our authority in Congress to determine spending levels for our country. This amendment is not about tobacco companies, it's about protecting funds for veterans' health care and whether or not you believe in the rule of law. Don't take $20 million from veterans' health care or any other agency to pay for a lawsuit that history and legal precedent say you will not win. That would be a tremendous disservice to our veterans and our taxpayers. In today's Washington Times, Professor Michael Krauss argued the very same thing. ``In 1997, Miss Reno herself testified before the Senate that the Federal Government had no legal basis to recover health care expenditures from tobacco companies.'' The Master Settlement Agreement between the states and the companies was supposed to remedy this situation. Mr. Krauss continues, the ``White House had failed to enact its desired 55-cent-per-pack federal cigarette, Miss Reno shamelessly filed the very same lawsuit she had explicitly admitted was groundless.'' As Mr. Krauss continues to argue, ``the tobacco manufacturers never duped the Federal Government. Washington has known for decades that smoking is dangerous. Since 1964, every pack of cigarettes sold in the United States has carried a federally mandated warning of the health risks of smoking. So Washington has no direct fraud suit against Big Tobacco.'' In 1997 the Department of Veterans Affairs rejected former soldiers' allegations that they were sickened by cigarettes which were given to them by the government at no cost until 1974; a full ten years after Washington required health warnings. Krauss asserts that the Federal Government cannot assume the rights of individual smokers to sue for damages. In 1947, the United States Supreme Court, in U.S. v. Standard Oil, concluded that the Federal Government may not, unless it has expressed statutory to do so, sue third parties to recover health care costs. Following the ruling, Congress passed the Medical Care Recovery Act (MCRA), which allows the Government to recover the medical treatment costs given to individual military and federal employees injured by a third party's negligence. MARA, however, does not allow the recovery of general Medicare costs. Since its passage, not once has Washington made claims for costs incurred by Medicare. The Secondary Payer provisions added to MARA in 1980 and 1984 give the Federal Government authority to recover Medicare costs previously promised to be paid by insurance companies. However, as noted by Krauss, the Secondary Payer provision has never been interpreted to allow the Federal Government to sue alleged wrongdoers, only insurers are allowed. To make recoveries under the Secondary Payer provisions, the Government must be able to prove the sales of tobacco, alone, are responsible for wrongdoing. Considering that Washington has played an active part in regulating, subsidizing, promoting and profiting from tobacco products while completely aware of its health risks, such proof of autonomous wrongdoing is difficult to find. Krauss concludes his article, describing the federal tobacco lawsuit as a ``thinly veiled quest for billions in federal revenue,'' unobtainable through the U.S's constitutional taxing process. For my friends on the other side who bemoan any kind of reduction in government spending, it's almost amazing they are working to cut funding for veteran health care and for military families, just to advance the political agenda of the administration. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment which is about existing benefits resulting from research. It is also about badly needed health breakthroughs which are dependent on future research using the tobacco plant. Recently I, along with the senior Senator from North Carolina and the senior Senator from Indiana, sponsored an appropriation for $3 million for North Carolina State University and Georgetown University Medical School to conduct cervical cancer research using the tobacco plant. There are high hopes and optimism that a preventive vaccine and ultimately a cure can soon be produced. These institutions have written letters outlining the goal of this research, which is to develop a preventive vaccine for this terrible cancer. In addition, other institutions, such as Virginia Tech, are conducting similar health and pharmaceutical-related research on such diseases as Parkinson's, Gaucher's disease, providing clot dissolving drugs and even preventing tooth decay, all uses from tobacco plants. The potential benefits to medicine, health and industry are limitless. Mr. Chairman, I am going to ask that letters from these institutions, as well as a letter of support from the North Carolina Farm Bureau, a press statement from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, who are supporting this type of research, be placed into the Record at the appropriate time. We are on the verge of a number of critical breakthroughs which are so vital to our Nation's health. There is language in the present bill that prohibits money from being spent on tobacco research. Although possibly well-intentioned, this language prevents medical, agricultural, and industrial research that is vital to our Nation's health and the economic health of our farm families. I want to make clear the types of research that I am speaking of are new breakthroughs. Research that can affect the lives of millions of Americans and provide life-saving vaccines and countless other medical, scientific, and economic benefits. The tobacco plant has unique characteristics which allow it to produce large volumes of high-quality proteins which are vital to medical, pharmaceutical and scientific research. The potential for new pharmaceuticals is unlimited. The ability to reduce the costs of new and existing drugs is also unlimited. It is this type of research I seek to preserve and expand with this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues' support.

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

Mr. HAYES. I yield to the gentlewoman from North Carolina.

Mr. HAYES. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Clayton) for her very thoughtful comments. I also have supporting comments from the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham), which I will ask them to insert in the Record later. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues' support. Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, June 27, 2000. Hon. C.W. Bill Young, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Young: I am writing in support of Congressman Hayes' amendment to the agriculture appropriations bill that would allow money to be spent on research for alternative uses for tobacco. Your support of this amendment will allow funding for an alternative use of a genetically modified version of the tobacco plant capable of producing a vaccine for the potentially prevention and cure cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. Every year in the United States, approximately 15,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 5,000 women die of this disease. Worldwide, cervical cancer affects 500,000 women annually, and, after breast cancer, it is the second most common malignancy found in women. Clinical studies have confirmed that the human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the primary cause of cervical cancer. In order to develop a vaccine, large quantities of HPV fragments are required. Unfortunately, this virus does not grow under normal laboratory conditions. The tobacco plant, however, shows tremendous promise to serve as a vessel in which an HPV fragment could be cultivated. Recently, it has become feasible to biologically engineer tobacco to produce high-value foreign proteins, including a potential vaccine for the papillomavirus. Once developed, this detoxified version of HPV fragments can then be injected into the human body. These genetically engineered proteins would trigger our natural immunization defense system and create a resistance to the harmful strain of HPV. This treatment could also serve as a cure for existing HPV. We greatly appreciate the recent appropriation of $3 million funding for this study that will permit North Carolina State University (NCSU) and Georgetown to explore this promising new vaccine. While this appropriation was not included in the FY '01 agriculture appropriations, we appreciate your attention to this matter and appreciate your support. Your support is critical for finding a cure to cervical cancer. Thank you. Sincerely, Kenneth L. Dretchen, Ph.D.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the many veterans from the 8th District and across North Carolina who served in the Korean War. June 25 marks the 50th anniversary of the Korean War, which is also called ``the forgotten war'' by many historians. On June 25, 1950 Communist forces invaded South Korea and two days later, American military forces were called to intervene. Over the next 3 years, there would be a tremendous toll of sacrifice: 5.72 million Americans answered the call to service, more than 92,000 were wounded; 54,260 Americans died; and 8,176 were either prisoners of war or missing in action. Last year, I had the opportunity to visit with our troops who are stationed at the 38th Parallel. They continue to bravely defend freedom for South Korea and the world. They remind us of the bravery and sacrifice made by the men and women in our Armed Forces 50 years ago. We should take time out of every day to thank all veterans for the service they have given to our nation. I hope, however, that we will make a special effort to thank our Korean veterans and mark the contribution they made to defeat communism 50 years ago.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, there is strong bipartisan opposition to this bill and I absolutely recognize my friends' right to take their position, but let me focus on the facts for a moment. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. This amendment jeopardizes the appropriations authority granted to Congress by the Constitution, and it will set a precedent that the administration, the President will determine spending instead of the Congress. I ask my colleagues to consider the precedent that this amendment will set with respect to our authority in Congress to determine the spending levels for our country. Attorney General Reno herself testified before the Senate that the Federal Government did not have the authority to bring the very lawsuit that my colleagues are advocating today. The law says the suit cannot be won, the money will be wasted, money that should be spent on veterans health care. In 1997, again, I say Ms. Reno testified that there was no legal basis to recover. The States have the authority and have a recovery of $246 billion that will be jeopardized by this amendment. The White House has failed to enact its desired 55 cent per pack Federal cigarette tax increase. The Attorney General shamelessly files the very same suit she explicitly admitted was groundless. This is ridiculous. Tobacco manufacturers never dupe the Federal Government. Washington has known for decades that smoking is dangerous. Since 1964, every pack sold in the United States has carried a mandated label warning of the risk of smoking. Nobody wants people to be harmed by smoking, especially no one wants children smoking, nor can Washington claim that it somehow acquired individual smokers right to sue. In 1997, the Department of Veterans Affairs rejected on the grounds that veterans assumed risk of smoking, a claim allegedly by former members of the Armed Forces in Washington freely distributed cigarettes 10 years after placing warning labels on the packages. Mr. Chairman, in 1947 a law was granted saying the Supreme Court in the United States may sue third parties to recoup health care costs but this is about insurance companies saving veterans health care money. To sum up, history and legal precedent do not support this amendment. The law and history say we will lose, save this money for health care, for veterans and any other group supported by this Congress. Strongly oppose the Waxman amendment on legal ground.

Mr. HAYES

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Chairman, I was unavoidably absent from the vote earlier this evening. Had I been here, I would have voted against the motion to rise--rollcall vote 292.