Rush Holt

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, last week, Microsoft's Bill Gates and other leaders of the high-tech industry came to Washington and they came to tell us, among other things, that we need to do a better job of preparing today's youth for tomorrow's jobs. Bill Gates is not alone. I hear the same message everywhere I go in my district from CEOs of pharmaceutical companies in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, to managers of local restaurants in West Long Branch. We literally cannot afford to wait to help our schools recruit, retain, and train qualified teachers. We cannot postpone work any longer in making sure Federal aid provides more flexibility conditioned on more accountability for results. Now is the time to work in partnership with our communities to ensure that we have a school infrastructure that we need for the 21st century. The number of school children is growing at a record-setting pace. More than 52 million students are in school today, an all-time high. In my home State of New Jersey, we are experiencing very rapid growth. That is why New Jersey communities need assistance to help pay for the bricks and mortar required to have the smaller class sizes so our kids can learn and compete with students throughout the world. Last week, I joined with other freshmen Democrats in writing a letter to our Speaker asking that we bring willing school construction legislation to the floor of this House for a vote. We look forward to his answer. And even more, we look forward to legislative action. We are investing billions in new prisons. We are investing billions of dollars into our military installations. But should we not also be voting on providing the resources to help our communities build schools, as well? I think so, and so do the families of Central New Jersey. Together with my colleague, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge), I am working to help New Jersey towns afford modernized and new schools by providing tax credits to the holders of school construction bonds, in effect paying the interest on those bonds. Under this bill, the local entity will still be responsible for paying the principal. The interest-free capital will leverage the amount of money available to meet the need to modernize our educational infrastructure in fast-growing communities, as we have in Central New Jersey. But ``infrastructure'' does not just mean classrooms, desks, and chalk boards. It means technology. One of the areas I am most concerned about is technology education. It is changing our lives. Today, with the touch of a key, we can send billions of dollars of capital around the globe, where the cars we drive have more computing power than the Apollo spacecraft. There are no unskilled jobs. Even entry-level jobs demand basic computer knowledge. Yet there is a move underway here in Congress designed to rob hundreds of thousands of Americans from developing the computer skills they need to compete in an increasingly competitive technological world. The e-rate, the popular program that provides discount telecommunications and Internet technologies to elementary and secondary schools and libraries, may fall victim to politics. We simply cannot allow this to happen. Telecommunications and computer technology are effective in helping students master complex skills that the business community sees as critical for the future workforce. According to a recent study, students who actively use the Internet for classroom projects submit more ambitious and more complete project. Other studies are also showing that on-line resources boost student interest and student motivation. Students are learning more and in greater depth because they have access to resources beyond their classroom, resources that are more current than their textbooks and sometimes more knowledgeable than even their teachers. However, we need teachers who can teach these subjects. A recent survey published by the Department of Education tells us that only 20 percent of teachers feel qualified to use the technology that is available to them now. That is why I have joined my colleagues the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Rothman) and the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Roukema) in cosponsoring legislation to help teachers teach technology education. Teachers deserve to be treated like the professionals that they are so they can continue to grow in their profession. We need to ensure that they are receiving the training they need to perform the miracles we ask of them. Of all the important jobs in our society, nothing makes more of an impact on our children than a well-trained, caring, and dedicated teacher and no job is ultimately more important to our society. Across the Nation, recruiting and retraining high-quality teachers is becoming a major concern. Topping our list should be better targeted and more effective professional development programs. It is time we encourage partnerships with other school districts, universities, labor unions, and the business communities. My colleagues, Mr. Davis and Mr. Roemer, who will be speaking with us shortly, have introduced legislation to give grants to colleges and universities to help them train these professionals as a second career. This is patterned on the very successful ``Troops to Teachers'' programs, and I recommend strongly that we support this legislation.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Jean G. Larson, Ed.D., a member of the Freehold Township Schools' Child Study Team. Dr. Larson will be retiring this month after serving our public school system for 30 years as a teacher and learning consultant. Dr. Larson's colleagues describe her as a ``constant and tireless advocate for the children and for good, effective teachers and teaching methods.'' She began her career as a reading teacher, and went on to work primarily with elementary school children who have learning and/or other disabilities. In addition, Dr. Larson assisted in curriculum development as a consultant to other teachers within the district. For the last 27 years, Dr. Larson has been on staff at Freehold Township School District in several capacities. During that time, she received her doctorate in education from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Her commitment to the district and to her students has been complete and unwavering. Teachers are our nation's greatest commodities because of their instrumental role in shaping the future of America. Skilled and dedicated educators like Dr. Larson make it possible for students to succeed and become productive, knowledgeable citizens. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Larson for her many achievements and for her contribution to the education of our children. I wish her well in future endeavors.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Ladies Auxiliary of the West Trenton Volunteer Fire Department. Over the last half-century, the women of this organization have made a tremendous contribution to their community by lending both financial and moral support to the members of the Fire Department. Founded on June 8, 1949, the Ladies Auxiliary focused from the very beginning on innovative and creative fundraising ventures. The first year, members assisted the firemen with a Block Dance by volunteering as food stand operators and Bingo judges. They also threw a Halloween Party in the fall. By December 1949, the Auxiliary was able to present the Fire Department with a check for $200. In the years since, the Auxiliary's yearly donations have grown. The first $5000 check was presented in 1972, followed by a record $17,600 check in 1976. Fundraisers including organized trips to dinner shows, pasta dinners, and flea markets have continued to garner large sums in recent years, and the annual Dinner-Dance has become a township tradition. The funds collected over the years have helped ensure that the West Trenton Fire Department can serve the community effectively. The Ladies Auxiliary has had a long and rich history on the county and state levels. They have marched in the State Fair and at July 4th parades, are a part of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Mercer County Firemen's Association, and have several Life Members who have joined the State Auxiliary. At their 50th Anniversary Dinner-Dance on June 19, they honored three still-active original charter members: Kitty Canulli, Edith Guadagno, and Grace Diesel Wilwol. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the past and present members of the Ladies Auxiliary to the West Trenton Fire Department on their 50th anniversary. Their dedication to the community is to be commended, and I send them my warmest wishes for another successful 50 years.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the accomplishments of Dr. Robert Angelo and his contributions to the community. Over the course of the last twenty-five years, Dr. Angelo has worked as a consultant, teacher, advisor, and advocate. Dr. Angelo served for eight years as the International Director of the AFSCME International Union, the largest public employee organization in the AFL-CIO. As director, he worked throughout the United States organizing campaigns, negotiations, and public events. Dr. Angelo continues to work as a labor arbitrator for the New Jersey State Board of Mediation, and is called upon by private and public sector management to adjudicate disputes arising from collective bargaining agreements. An educator with a long and commendable career, Dr. Angelo received his B.A. in Economics from Colgate University, an MBA from Drexel University, and has been recently conferred with a doctorate from Rutgers University in Education. He began his career as a college administrator at Middlesex County College in central New Jersey where he was responsible for directing the nationally recognized Occupational Safety and Health training project. At Thomas Edison State College, Dr. Angelo served as a mentor and consultant in the Labor Studies and Organizational Behavior departments. He later was a lecturer and extension faculty member in the School of Management and Labor Relations at Rutgers University, where he taught graduate and undergraduate-level classes. In 1993, Dr. Angelo founded Capitol Ideas, a multi-service consulting organization dedicated to organizational advocacy and promotion. Capitol Ideas works with a variety of private, public, and non-profit groups to design and implement political, educational, and promotional programs. Dr. Angelo lives with his wife, Meryle, in East Brunswick, New Jersey. He currently represents SEIU State Council, SEIU Local 510, and IFPTE 195, and continues to work as the CEO of Capitol Ideas and a Professor of Labor Studies at Rutgers University. Dr. Robert Angelo has demonstrated dedication to his goals and to the community. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Angelo's accomplishments.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Project '99 at Shore Regional High School, which serves West Long Branch, Sea Bright, Oceanport, and Monmouth Beach, New Jersey. Project '99 is an innovative 4-day pre-graduation program that combines public service events with seminars on self-improvement. The schedule contains activities that will be held throughout the community from June 21-24, 1999. To be eligible to participate in Project '99, students must maintain exemplary discipline and academic records, and also be involved in the planning and development of two different events. The first three days of the project focus specifically on community service. Participants engage in dune grass planting, school beautification, and mural painting projects. In addition, students host a senior citizen breakfast, organize and run a field day at the Monmouth School for Children, and work with Habitat for Humanity. On the final day of the program, students turn their attention towards preparation for life after high school. Events include classes in self-defense, personal finance and car maintenance, and a special health and fitness session. Project '99 concludes with a motivational speaker and a barbecue send-off. At a time when most seniors are involved only with celebrations and awards ceremonies, it is admirable that these students are choosing to take time and rededicate themselves to helping others. The personal qualities of compassion, awareness, and a commitment to public service emphasized by the Project '99 program are essential for the next stage of the students' lives. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in honoring the creativity of the students, teachers, administrators, and parents at Shore Regional High School who are finding ways to make even the last days of high school a valuable educational experience.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the McCarthy/ Roukema/Blagojevich amendment, which matches the common sense gun control language sponsored in the Senate by my New Jersey colleague Senator Frank Lautenberg. Mr. Speaker, this debate is very simple. It's about keeping dangerous guns out of the hands of criminals and juveniles. And our choice tonight is equally clear: We can side with the NRA and the special interests, or we can vote to protect our children and our communities. The recent tragedy at Columbine High School is a reminder that we must take strong action to keep firearms out of the hands of our children and criminals. All four guns used in that shooting were purchased at a gun show, making passage of the McCarthy Amendment more important than ever. The McCarthy amendment would bring common sense reforms to the nation's 5,200 annual gun shows by simply imposing the same requirements on gun shows as are currently required at gun shops and sporting goods stores. Hunters, sportsmen and law abiding gun owners have nothing to fear from this common sense measures. Criminals and gun traffickers do. The McCarthy Amendment would ensure that thorough background checks are performed on every firearms purchaser by professional, licensed gun dealers so that juveniles and criminals can't acquire firearms at these events. It would also require that sales records be maintained in the same way that they are at a gun store to help police trace weapons used in crimes. And it would give police the tools they need to enforce existing gun laws. Mr. Speaker: Central New Jersey families are tired of a system so riddled with loopholes that it allows convicted felons, gang members and the seriously mentally ill to buy unlimited amount of weapons with no limits, no checks and no questions asked. We need to close the gunshow loophole. Support the McCarthy Amendment.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, I know an important part of controlling youth violence is controlling the violence that children are exposed to. These days a lot of violence is hitching a ride on the information superhighway. Parents are concerned about the violent influences of the Internet. A recent poll shows that 75 percent of high school students believe the Internet responsible for the shootings in Littleton. I propose that Internet service providers be required to provide their customers with the necessary filtering software. The other body has already approved legislation to that end. I urge my colleagues in the House to do the same. In the interim, I would like to draw Members' attention to my web site. It is Family Internet Toolbox, which offers software, tips, and links to safer surfing at www.house.gov/rholt. I hope Members and their constituents will find it useful.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Lambertville, New Jersey's sesquicentennial. Lambertville is a historic town, which has been and continues to be a source of pride for the state of New Jersey. I am proud to represent it in Congress. Lambertville first grew to prominence as a key stop along the Old York Road, the main route from Philadelphia to New York, in the early 1700's. At the beginning of the 19th century, the building of the Delaware and Raritan Canal helped the town become a leading industrial center for manufacturing. Railroads began to take on much of the canal traffic in the late 1800s, and Lambertville retained its importance as a trade center by serving as the headquarters of the Pennsylvania- Belvidere Railroad. By the turn of the century, more than 3000 factory workers produced such items as wooden wagon wheels, rubber boots, railway cars, bottled beer, and ceramic white ware within the town's borders. Although Lambertville's factories and mills are closed today, the town continues to thrive. The historic downtown district offers art galleries, antique shops, and a variety of wonderful restaurants. Lambertville retains a colonial charm, with Victorian, Colonial, and Federal styled buildings housing its 4,000 residents. The annual Shad festival in April, a two-day event that marks the arrival of spring and the run of the shad fish upstream to the Delaware River, salutes ongoing efforts to revitalize and maintain the quality of our water. Lambertville's celebrations of its anniversary will be taking place throughout the summer. In the spring, a documentary on the town will be released. Lambertville, New Jersey represents the best of small town life. As we look for ways to control development and to create livable communities, Lambertville offers a vibrant, positive example. I urge all my colleagues to join me in recognizing the town of Lambertville on its sesquicentennial.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Harold P. Furth who has been appointed an Emeritus Professor of Princeton University, effective July 1st. Dr. Furth, who served for 10 years as the director of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, has been a world leader in our nation's effort to recreate on earth the fusion process that powers the stars. As Dr. Furth has long understood, fusion can provide an abundant, safe, and environmentally attractive energy source to meet America's long term needs. Dr. Furth conceived of the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR), the world's most successful fusion experiment, and oversaw its design and scientific program. TFTR achieved all of its research objectives, including the production of world-record amounts of fusion power in 1994. Discoveries made on TFTR increased substantially the basic understanding of fusion. These results are providing the insights necessary for the success of advanced fusion experiments now underway. Beyond his renowned scientific prowess, I have for years admired his adept leadership in the science community. During the last year in which Dr. Furth was the Director of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, I was privileged to serve as the Assistant Director. As a scientific director, he established the right symbiotic relationship between theory and experiment. Dr. Furth's knowledge of all aspects of the field of fusion science and plasma physics and his erudite manner have made him a truly outstanding leader of the fusion community. As a Congressman now, I deeply appreciate his ability to lead both in the details of a major scientific program and his ability to provide direction for the field as a whole. His shrewd judgment allows him to be an effective steward of our nation's resources. He continues to show extraordinary ability to gauge all aspects of the fusion program, scientific, political, and economic, and to see the proper direction of the program. We will continue to rely on the outstanding contributions of Americans such as Harold Furth as the foundation for our national security and economic well-being in the 21st century.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, earlier today, I was unavoidably detained on official business in my congressional district in central New Jersey. During that time, I missed three rollcall votes. Had I been here, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall No. 185 and ``no'' on rollcall Nos. 186 and 187.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to join my colleagues, the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky), and thank my colleague from New Jersey for highlighting this issue and for pushing to get a comprehensive Patients' Bill of Rights to the floor, not bits and pieces but a whole thing, an integral piece, and that is what we want. That is what the public needs. Each of us would like to have a relationship with a Marcus Welby kind of physician, a kindly understanding doctor who really ministers to our whole being, and works with us on medical decisions that often include ethical decisions as well as scientific decisions. I have spent a lot of time, particularly since I have been in office now, talking with doctors, and it is interesting to think of it from their point of view. What doctors are about to lose or what they feel in many ways they have lost is the reason that they became doctors, the doctor-patient relationship; the ability to make medical decisions with the patients. And a lot of people say, well, the Patients' Bill of Rights, as it is set up, will just bring lawyers into the picture and we will end up having a medical system that is run by lawyers. Well, I do not think that is true at all. And the way it is now, who has the last word? It is not the doctor. If a patient can sue a hospital and can sue the doctor but cannot sue the insurance provider, the insurance company, who has the last word? Who can make the medical decisions? It is not a doctor-patient decision. And doctors feel that they have lost the reason that they went into that profession. There is a lot at stake here, and that is why I think it is important that we have a comprehensive Patients' Bill of Rights that provides emergency room access and makes it possible for doctors to talk about all of the treatments that are available, not just the cheapest ones, and that lets the medical decisions rest with the doctor and the patient. I hear that over and over again from doctors. An interesting, I guess political sidelight is that it was not very many years ago that doctors around the country by and large were very much afraid of what Congress might do. Now they are very much afraid of what Congress might not do. Doctors and their patients are looking to us to act to protect the patients rights.

Mr. HOLT. If the gentleman would yield. In our State of New Jersey many of them are, in fact, provided. New Jersey has, in many ways, good doctor-patient regulations and laws. And much of what we are calling for in various parts of the country is provided. But what we need, I think, are good standards all across the country.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and celebrate the achievements of the 24-high school students of the United States Physics Team. This is a wonderful opportunity to extol the best in American education which these students represent. They inspire us as they learn to ask the questions of science to explore, investigate, and discover. Let us keep these students and their accomplishments in mind as was we discuss the future of American education in the coming months. I am proud to be the Representative of one of the members of the team--Katherine Scott from Belle Mead, NJ. Katherine already holds her own patent and helped her Science Bowl team from Montgomery High School perform well in the National Science Bowl competition in April. She plans to study aerospace engineering and hopes to work for NASA someday. I am proud to know that Katherine represents the future face of science. I hope that my colleagues in the House will join me in extending our congratulations to the United States Physics Team and wish them well as they travel and compete in the International Physics Olympiad this summer. On this day as we celebrate the scientific achievements of our students, I would like to direct the attention of my colleagues to a statement endorsed by national science, math, and education societies. Statement to Congress From the Undersigned Scientific Societies Representing More Than Half a Million People This year, when Congress considers the future of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the undersigned societies wish to emphasize the following: science and engineering drive our economy, extend our lives, ensure our security, and preserve our environment. Congress can help secure our nation's future by investing today in tomorrow's scientists, engineering and mathematicians. A key component of this investment is the continued federal support of our nation's science and math educators. We urge Congress to continue to support program which benefit K-12 science and math education, particularly professional development programs for teachers. The American Associaiton of Physics Teachers, the American Institute of Physics, the American Astronomical Society, the National Science Teachers Association, the American Geological Institute, the American Chemical Society, the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the accomplishments of Richard Fletcher and his contributions to his community. Ricky has been awarded the Boy Scouts of America's Eagle Scout Award--the highest award in Scouting. Ricky is assistant senior patrol leader with Troop 1776 from Titusville. He has been a Boy Scout since 1997 and had his Eagle Scout Board of Review in February of this year. Ricky, who is 12 years old, is one of the youngest Eagle Scouts in the United States. Fewer than 2 percent of all Boy Scouts receive the Eagle Scout Award, making Ricky's age in relation to his achievement all the more impressive. Ricky's accomplishments and contributions to his community are many. In addition to his Eagle Scout Project, which consisted of building benches, boardwalks, and a handicapped picnic table for a local park, Ricky has earned 41 merit badges. Only 21 are required to attain the Eagle Scout award. Ricky is an honor roll student who is involved in several clubs at school. He has received awards and honors from numerous organizations. Ricky also participates in his church youth group, volunteers his time for litter pick up, and plays ice hockey. Ricky Fletcher has demonstrated dedication to his goals and to his community. He has worked to improve himself and his environment. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ricky's accomplishments.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the contributions of Ruth Hyman to the Jewish Community Center of Monmouth County. Ruth has been involved with the Jewish Community Center's Capital Campaign since its inception. The Community Center will be holding several events to honor Ruth's work. The Capital Campaign's building will be named after her to recognize her commitment. Ruth's efforts to help the Jewish Community Center have made her a leader to the community. She is a member of the Board of Trustees, Board of Governors, and a Benefactor on a variety of committees. Ruth is President of Hadassah. Her insight and encouragement provide an example and inspiration to many. Ruth is a Life Member of B'nai Brith and has received awards from many organizations, including the Jewish Federation Women's Campaign. The Jewish Federation selected her as ``Lay Leader of the Year''. In addition to her community work, Ruth Hyman worked for four decades on her own clothing business. The quality of her merchandise and her concern for each of her customers helped her gain a loyal base of customers, many of whom became her close friends. Ruth Hyman has demonstrated dedication to our community. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in recognition of her work.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the accomplishments of Barry Fisher and his contributions to our central New Jersey community. Mr. Fisher has been active in his community for many years and continues to give his time and efforts. Mr. Fisher was recognized by the Marlboro Jewish Community Center at a ceremony on June 5, 1999. Barry Fisher has been active and involved in many civic organizations. He is on the board of the Federation of Greater Monmouth County and the Western Monmouth Advisory Board. He is vice president of the Freehold Hebrew Benefits Society, vice president of the New Jersey branch of the United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism, and he is on the board of trustees of the Western Monmouth Jewish Community Center. He held the position of president of the Marlboro Jewish Center and served on the board of directors of the Freehold Center Partnership. Mr. Fisher also maintains his business, Ace Aluminum, which his family opened when they moved to Monmouth County in 1953. He and his wife Rose have raised four children, including twins. Barry Fisher's work over the years has contributed to the growth and well being of the central New Jersey community as a whole. I urge all my colleagues to join me in recognizing Barry Fisher and his accomplishments.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Moakley) for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1927, legislation that I wrote with my colleagues, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Lucas) and the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore), and which will be offered today by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) as the motion to recommit. Our legislation will safeguard two of our Nation's most important programs for the elderly: Social Security and Medicare. The Holt-Lucas- Moore Social Security and Medicare lockbox would require that every penny of the entire Federal budget surplus, not just the Social Security surplus, would be saved until legislation is enacted to strengthen and protect Social Security and Medicare first. This we need to do. We cut into the surplus as recently as last week's spending bill, which brought forward a new definition of the word ``emergency.'' Any new spending increases would have to be offset until solvency has been extended for Social Security by 75 years and for Medicare by 30 years. These requirements would be enforced by creating new points of order against any budget resolution or legislation violating these conditions. Spending any projected budget surpluses before protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare would be wrong. We are offering this proposal now because we are concerned about the haste with which some Social Security lockbox proposals are being brought to the floor and, I might add, being brought to the floor without possibility of amendment. The proposals to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare deserve thorough examination and careful consideration. Congress should not take shortcuts when considering changes of these hallmark programs for America's seniors. The Herger-Shaw lockbox bill attempts to protect Social Security surplus. Merely doing this does nothing to extend the solvency of Social Security and it does nothing at all for Medicare. The Holt-Lucas-Moore bill is superior to the Herger-Shaw lockbox because our lockbox is more secure and has more money in it. The Holt- Lucas-Moore saves the entire surplus, not just the Social Security surplus, by establishing two new points of order under the Congressional Budget Act. A point of order would lie against any budget resolution that would use any projected surplus. This is defined to mean, in effect, reduce a projected surplus or increase a projected deficit. Further, a point of order would lie against any legislation that would use any projected surplus. In the Senate, 60 votes would be required to waive either of these points of order. Holt-Lucas-Moore differs from Herger-Shaw in one important respect. Holt-Lucas-Moore locks up all projected surpluses: Social Security, Medicare and anything else. Herger-Shaw locks up only Social Security surpluses. Mr. Speaker, Social Security and Medicare are the most important and successful programs of the Federal Government of the 20th century. We must not forget that they provide vitally important protections for America's seniors. A majority of workers have no pension coverage other than Social Security, and more than three-fifths of seniors receive most of their income from Social Security. Let us put the needs of America's current and future retirees first.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Florida for yielding me this time. I would like to talk about the importance of the motion to recommit. We are talking about the fundamental programs of Social Security and Medicare, the two great accomplishments of the Federal Government in the 20th century that have removed the fear of destitution from old age and have made a major difference in the lives of the people of this country. We have before us now a lockbox that we cannot debate fully and that is imperfect, with a hole in the bottom. The gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Lucas), the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore) and I have proposed a stronger lockbox that would preserve Social Security and Medicare. Let me point out that I have just received, addressed to the gentleman from Kentucky Kentucky, the gentleman from Kansas and to me a letter from the Concord Coalition saying, and I quote: ``The Concord Coalition,'' watchdogs of budgetary sanity, ``is pleased to endorse the motion to recommit on H.R. 1259 which would add to that bill the protections of your bill''--that is, our bill--``H.R. 1927. With this bill you have raised an important issue in today's Social Security lockbox debate.'' They go on to say: ``The Concord Coalition is very concerned that these `on-budget' surpluses, which are now mere projections, will be squandered before they even materialize. ``Doing so would waste an important opportunity to prepare for the fiscal burdens of the baby boomers' retirement by increasing savings, that is, paying down our national debt. Worse, it would risk a return of economically damaging deficits if the hoped-for surpluses fail to materialize. ``The nature and extent of the surpluses to be locked in the box is thus a very necessary debate and we commend you for raising it in the form of your motion to recommit.'' That, I say to my colleagues, would give us an opportunity to really accomplish what my colleagues say they want to accomplish, and that is to really preserve Social Security and, I would add, Medicare.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer, along with my colleagues, Representatives Lucas and Moore, legislation to safeguard two of our nation's most important programs for the elderly, Social Security and Medicare. As I travel around my central New Jersey District, I hear constantly from people who rely on Social Security and Medicare. Congress has no greater domestic priority this year than strengthening and protecting Social Security and Medicare. Our bill would ensure that that priority is recognized in law. The Holt-Lucas-Moore Social Security and Medicare ``lock-box'' would require that every penny of the entire budget surplus, not just the Social Security surplus, be saved until legislation is enacted to strengthen and protect Social Security and Medicare. Any new spending increases would have to be fully offset until solvency has been extended for Social Security by 75 years and for Medicare by 30 years. This requirement would be enforced by new points of order against any budget resolutions or legislation violating this condition. My colleagues and I believe that spending any projected budget surpluses before protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare would be wrong. Projected budget surpluses over the next decade offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for addressing the challenges that Social Security and Medicare face. This hard-won achievement resulted from responsible steps that were taken in the past. We should not deviate from the path of responsibility now, with problems looming over the horizon for Social Security and Medicare. In fact, we should follow the old adage to ``fix our roofs when the sun is shining.'' This is in keeping with what the President has proposed. Some portion of the surpluses outside of Social Security and Medicare will be needed to address the challenges that those programs will face. Thus, we should save Social Security and Medicare first before squandering any of the Social Security surplus, the Medicare surplus or any other government surplus. Furthermore, paying off the public debt can make an important indirect contribution to the sustainability of Social Security and Medicare. Virtually all economists, including Federal Reserve Chairman Greenspan, argue that paying down the public debt would increase national savings, promote long-run economic growth and create a larger future economy to support a larger, retired population. Fiscal discipline has served our economy well in recent years by helping to sustain the longest peacetime expansion in United States history. We are offering this proposal now because we are concerned about the carelessness with which some Social Security ``lock-box'' proposals are being brought to the floor, completely bypassing the normal committee process. Proposals to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare deserve thorough examination and careful consideration. Congress should not take short-cuts when considering changes to these hallmark programs for America's seniors. For example, Congress is expected to consider this week the Herger- Shaw ``lock-box'' bill, which offers only the minimum protection for Social Security and Medicare. While Herger-Shaw does attempt to protect the Social Security surplus, merely doing this does nothing to extend solvency for Social Security, and it does nothing at all for Medicare. The Holt-Lucas ``lock-box'' is superior to Herger-Shaw because its lock-box is more secure and has more money in it. Holt-Lucas saves the entire surplus, not just the Social Security surplus. Mr. Speaker, Social Security and Medicare are some of the most important and successful programs of the 20th Century. We must not forget that they provide vitally important protections for American seniors. A majority of workers have no pension coverage other than Social Security, and more than three fifths of seniors receive most of their income from Social Security. Let's put the need of America's current and future retirees first

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Central New Jersey District of United Parcel Service, which has been named the best operating district within the UPS worldwide organization. This district was chosen because of its effective balance in regard to customers, employees, shareholders, and internal practices. UPS employs over 13,000 people in New Jersey and services approximately 99,000 New Jersey customers. The Central District serves much of my 12th Congressional District, including all or part of Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer, and Hunterdon Counties. The district will be presented with the Chairman's Award for excellence at a celebration on May 21, 1999, in Edison, NJ. Mr. Speaker, the Central New Jersey District of UPS is an excellent example for all New Jersey businesses. I hope all my colleagues will join me in recognizing their accomplishment.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Asian-American Heritage Month and the many diverse accomplishments of Asian-Americans. I also recognize the Asian American Heritage Council of New Jersey, an organization dedicated to celebrating, integrating, and uniting Asian culture in America. Asian-Americans have a long history of meaningful contributions to the United States. On may 22, 1999, the Asian American Heritage Council of New Jersey will sponsor a statewide Asian-American Heritage Celebration in Edison, NJ. This organization, which incorporates various Asian-American groups in New Jersey, was founded by Dr. Stephen Ko in 1992. Each year a different ethnic group organizes a celebration in May; this year the activities are being planned by Chinese-Americans and will include dancing and shows by various organizations. The Asian-American Heritage Celebration's keynote address will be delivered by my colleague from Oregon, the Honorable David Wu. Congressman Wu is the first Chinese-American to be elected to the U.S. Congress. The contributions of Asian-Americans to the society and culture of New Jersey and the United States are a vital part of the American fabric. I hope all my colleagues will join me in recognizing the Asian American Heritage Council of New Jersey.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith) for highlighting these issues. Of course, the gentleman has made very clear that what we are talking about here is not just a sector of the economy. We are talking about the economic growth for all people. In fact, to borrow from a campaign slogan of a few years ago and modify it, rather than saying it is the economy, stupid, I think we would say, it is the productivity, stupid. In order to have the kind of productivity growth we have had in recent years, it calls for just what the gentleman has been laying out. The gentleman and some of our colleagues here may have heard a speech by the Chairman of the Fed, Chairman Greenspan a week or so ago marveling at the productivity growth of the United States. We know to have good growth in productivity we need a well-trained workforce and we need new ideas, and we need to have systems for exchanging ideas rapidly. We need the kind of openness that the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith) has been calling for. We need the kind of high technology that is not, as the gentleman says, just one sector of the economy, but that is found throughout the economy and throughout all sectors. And, we need training and education to make it work. The gentleman has laid out the ingredients, no doubt about it. High technology has fueled so much of our Nation's economic growth in recent years, and whether it is in New Jersey or in Washington or in Michigan or in California; in fact, in all of the States of this country, it explains why our economy is doing so well compared to many other countries around the world. In order to keep it going, we need to maintain an education system that is as good as the technology demands. There are no unskilled jobs in today's economy in America. The car one drives no doubt has more computing power than an Apollo spacecraft. It demands good education; it demands openness of ideas and exchange of ideas, freedom of exchange; and it also demands an investment in research and development. The gentleman spoke about the R&D tax credit. It was created nearly two decades ago in 1981. It has been extended nine times, but it has only been extended year by year. An R&D investment decision, a research and development investment decision requires years of advanced planning. If a company cannot count on an R&D tax credit in the future, it is hard to do the necessary planning. So I wanted to join with my friend here and commend him for highlighting these points and join him in talking about the importance of these issues for all people in America.

Mr. HOLT. I thank the gentleman. It is my pleasure to join him in this special order, and I thank the gentleman for doing it.

Mr. HOLT. But those that do can change our lives.

Mr. HOLT. If the gentleman will yield, Mr. Speaker, my district in New Jersey, and as the gentleman knows, New Jersey is indeed a research State, going from Thomas Edison to Albert Einstein to the biotech companies of today, I have two biotech companies in my district, of the many, many dozens around the country, two that have actually started to generate a profit. They have started to generate a profit after, one is 18 years and the other is about 14 years, and they have some very clever, I think probably very desirable, and ultimately very successful products. But it took a long time and a lot of work to develop those, and there are many, many biotech companies that are not turning a profit, they are living on hope and investment at this point.