Rush Holt

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I spent much of my career in research and development and there is no question, one has to take a long-term perspective. We cannot lose sight of the day-to-day activities, but one has to take a long-term perspective. A permanent extension of the R&D tax credit would be very valuable to industries that engage in research and development. I should say that as a scientist I do understand, in fact, the jet engine concept that the gentleman was describing earlier. In fact, it is becoming widely used now in so-called cogeneration plants to generate both heat and electricity that can be used for powering say a research campus or a cluster of apartment buildings or a small community, and it came about because of research in an area that was not directly related to energy generation. It was research in aerospace. And as a result, in fact, we were talking about it today in connection with the NASA authorization. There is a need for investment in research in such things as jet engines. In this case, the benefit came not only in providing better commercial aircraft, better military aircraft, but it also turned out to be a more efficient way of generating electricity. That is providing savings throughout the country, throughout the economy. So research and development does not always pay off the most in the area where you expect it to.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to direct the attention of my colleagues to the celebration of Ocean Township's sesquicentennial and the re-enactment of the historic first town meeting. Created by enabling legislation on February 21, 1849, Ocean Township is a community located in central New Jersey between the mouth of the Shrewsbury South River and the river to Eatontown Landing Creek. The precise boundaries, however, were originally described in relation to farms and properties that no longer exist. In honor of Ocean Township's founding and its first town meeting on March 13, 1849, the Council sponsored festivities reminiscent of that day a century and a half ago. The mayor and council members dressed up in period costumes while elementary and intermediate students sang songs and recited accounts of life in the mid-nineteenth century. Mr. Speaker, Ocean Township is just one of the historical treasures in central New Jersey that continues to thrive to this day. I know that the people of the community, by observing and respecting their history, will be well-equipped to face the challenges of a brand new century. I hope that my colleagues will join me and other central New Jerseyans in extending our congratulations to the people of Ocean Township and wishing them another successful one hundred fifty years.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a late friend and colleague, Dr. Henry Kendall. Dr. Kendall was foremost a great scientist. He received the Nobel Prize in 1990, along with two colleagues, Dr. Richard Taylor and Dr. Jerome Friedman, for experiments that confirmed the existence of quarks. As a physicist, Dr. Kendall constantly sought to break new ground, searching for new scientific phenomena and effects. Dr. Kendall, however, was not content to remain solely in the laboratory. Concerned about governmental issues like nuclear proliferation and the safety of nuclear reactors, he helped found the Union of Concerned Scientists. This public interest group presses for control of technologies which may be harmful or dangerous. Dr. Kendall served as Chairman of the UCS from 1974 until his recent death. A strong advocate of public safety, Dr. Kendall devoted nearly every minute outside of his laboratory to campaigns to curb the nuclear arms race and alert the public to the most pressing environmental threats of our time. Through his efforts, Dr. Kendall was a living testimony to how scientists and politicians can work together to further the public welfare. He testified numerous times before Congress about issues of technological safety, as he firmly believed that scientists could--and should--play an important role in public policy debates. His leadership of UCS was deeply rooted in the belief that, given accurate and credible information, the public and policy makers would ultimately make the right choices about the future. He had a rare gift for taking the long view and understanding how human activities and natural systems are intricately intertwined. He encouraged his co-workers to never shy away from the big problems facing the future of humanity and the natural world. In his leisure time, Dr. Kendall was an avid outsdoorman, with a love of scuba diving and mountain climbing. His adventures took him to the Andes and the Himalayas, where he took pleasure in the beauty of our world. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Kendall was an exemplary man in both his work as a scientist and as a public advocate. It is a rare man who can excel at such widely differing fields, and work to bring them closer together. Years from now Dr. Kendall may simply be remembered as a Nobel Prize Winner. But to pay tribute to this one facet of his life would be to deny the completeness of the man, and all that he attempted to do to help the people of this nation. I hope that my colleagues in the House will join me in extending this tribute to Dr. Kendall.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to talk a little bit tonight on technology issues. But first I would like to commend the preceding speakers, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak), for their important remarks about our police officers. I was pleased to be with the President earlier today when he announced that, as of today, we are announcing grants for the officers that will bring the total up to 100,000 officers on the streets, in the neighborhoods, in the schools as part of the community-oriented policing program. I think it has been a great success, and today is a fine day to pay tribute to our police officers. I would now like to turn to the subject of technology in our society and science and research and development. I am a scientist and a teacher, and before coming to Congress, I was Assistant Director at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. I hold a patent for a solar energy device. I have been using computers since the days that they were room-sized mainframes; and that is why I feel strongly about the role that technology plays in our lives, whether in education, in medicine, or in trade; and that is why I have spent a good deal of time in my first 4 months here on the job in Washington working on science and technology issues. We live in a world where investment capital races around the globe at the touch of a key; where cars that we drive have more computing power than an Apollo spacecraft; where, in our economy today, there are no unskilled jobs. Technology advances our society and opens up exciting new worlds of opportunity. Over the past century, Federal investments in computing, information, communications, and other sorts of R&D have yielded spectacular returns. Yet our Nation is underinvesting in long-term, fundamental research. The fact is that, on the whole, Federal support and corporate support for research in technology and in science is seriously underfunded. Research programs intended to maintain the flow of new ideas and to train the next generation of researchers are funded at only a fraction of what is needed, turning away hundreds of excellent proposals. Compounding this problem, Federal agency managers are often faced with insufficient resources to meet all the research needs and, as a result, they are naturally favoring research that has short-term goals rather than long- term, high-risk investigations. While this is undoubtedly the correct short-term decision, the short-term strategy for each agency, the sum of these decisions threatens the long-term welfare of our Nation. In one area, the President's Information Technologies Advisory Committee recommends that Federal investment in information technologies research and development be increased by more than $1 billion over the next 5 years, something that I support. We need to invest in our future and in our citizens. For example, there are today more than 340,000 high-paying information technology jobs open. They are open right now in the United States despite efforts in the past year to relax our immigration regulations in large part to fill those positions. We cannot seem to fill these jobs fast enough. Our educational system has not caught up to the demand for high- technology workers. As a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on the Budget, I have begun work to enhance our Nation's technology education programs so we can have students who are ready to enter the workforce with the skills they need and to have teachers who know how to teach them. Only 20 percent of teachers say they feel qualified to use modern technology and to teach using the computers that are available to them. Only 20 percent. How can we expect students to learn if teachers are not up-to-date on what to teach? I make a point of visiting schools in my district, schools like the Hi Tech High in Monmouth County that I visited last week. I know that we are making progress, but we have a ways to go. I believe when it comes to technology, and for just about any other issue, the Federal Government should help, not hamper, innovation. One of my first acts after taking office was to round up the New Jersey delegation and, together with my Republican colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frelinghuysen), send a letter to the House Committee on Ways and Means chairman, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Archer), supporting the Federal R&D tax credit, the permanent extension of that tax credit. How can we in Congress expect business to plan for the future, especially in a technology-driven State like New Jersey, unless they know that they can count on this deduction permanently? We have renewed the R&D tax credit nine times. It is high time now that we make it permanent. Mr. Speaker, this is important. Making these crucial investments will help our people in areas like education in the workplace and in solving the problems in everyday life.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, later today the Department of Justice will award a grant for its 100,000 new police officers hired under the COPS program. For 6 years, in neighborhoods all across the Nation, the COPS program and the idea of community-oriented policing have been creating a breakthrough in law enforcement. COPS have helped local police fight crime, upgrade their equipment and crack down on school violence. COPS has empowered citizens and made our streets safer and more livable. In New Jersey, the COPS program has helped hire over 3,500 police officers and contributed $213 million to our law enforcement agencies. In my own district, communities in Hunterdon, Monmouth, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset Counties have all benefited from the COPS program. Most importantly, COPS has created a partnership between citizens and police joining them together in efforts to fight and prevent crime. Mr. Speaker, community policing has been a tremendous success for our Nation and the people we represent. Congress should reauthorize the COPS program.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, since World War II, the American dream has been a house in the suburbs. But in many places in our country, that dream is turning into a nightmare--traffic, air pollution, lost farms and parks and higher taxes. Suburban sprawl is one of the fastest growing threats to America's environment as prime farmland is replaced with malls, parking lots and housing developments. Unplanned suburban growth means increased traffic jams, costlier public services, wasted tax revenue and increased pollution. Most importantly, it means a deteriorating quality of life for ourselves and our neighbors. How do we explain to our children that their neighborhood wasn't always housing developments and shopping malls? And how many hours with family have been lost in traffic? How far do we have to drive to see and enjoy open, naturally preserved acres? We need to change the way cities think about growth and plan their development. It is for those reasons that I support the Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot program, otherwise known as TCSP. The TCSP program was created by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. It is an initiative consisting of research and grants that to communities as they work to solve interrelated problems involving transportation, land development, environmental protection, public safety, and economic development. Of the 35 projects selected from an initial pool of 524 applications, two grants were awarded to New Jersey. One project in Northern New Jersey will prepare modern intermodal freight infrastructure to support brownfield economic redevelopment. The completed plan will address needed transportation access to brownfield sites and effectively market the sites for freight related activities. In addition, it will provide new employment opportunities for residents, reduce the volume of trucks on regional roads, and safeguard the environment. The second project, Transit-friendly Communities for New Jersey, will work with diverse community partners to develop specific ways that New Jersey towns can become more ``transit friendly.'' By building on both New Jersey Transit's initiatives to make train stations themselves ``passenger friendly'' and on statewide ``smart growth'' initiatives to reduce sprawl, we can encourage new development within walking distance of transit stations. It also allows New Jersey Transit leverage the resources of its non-profit and government partners to shape the future of communities around transit stations well into the future. The results will be models for other New Jersey communities to follow in future projects. In addition, the project will ensure that communities understand how transportation investments can enhance the environment, create strong downtown centers, and improve quality of life. Moreover, New Jersey Transit is committed to using the process developed under this program as a way to change innovative efforts from ``pilot projects'' to ``the way we always do business.'' With its diversity of station types and communities, this program will be a model for the nation. By funding innovative activities at the neighborhood, local, metropolitan, state, and regional level, the TCSP program will increase our knowledge of the costs and benefits of different approaches to integrating transportation investments with community preservation efforts, land development patterns, and environmental protection. These strategies will help New Jersey grow according to their best values by: improving the efficiency of the transportation system; reducing environmental impacts of transportation; reducing the need for costly future public infrastructure investments; ensuring efficient access to jobs, services, and centers of trade; and examining private sector developmental patterns and investments that support these goals. The reason for this initiative is clear. Across America, we are discovering that livable communities--places with a high quality of life--are more economically competitive communities. The way we build and develop determines whether economic growth comes at the expense of community and family life, or enhances it. By helping communities pursue smart growth through initiatives such as the TCSP program, we can build a better America for our children.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call the attention of my colleagues to a great humanitarian from central New Jersey, Victor V. Scudiery. Born and raised in Newark, NJ, Victor graduated from Seton Hall University, then served his nation in the U.S. Army on both active and reserve duty. In addition to his duties as president of Interstate Electronics, which is located at Airport Plaza in Hazlet, he can be found six or seven days a week at his corporate offices where he oversees the duties of several other business ventures located throughout the State and in Florida. In addition to his civic activities, he has always found time for other worthwhile causes. Victor is a tireless advocate for numerous charities, particularly for our State's oldest citizens, where he serves on the board of seven organizations. Mr. Scudiery is the chairman of the Bayshore Senior Day Center board of advisors. This organization is the lifeline to many area senior citizens, providing meals, companionship, and daily activities as an outlet for their loneliness. As chairman of the Buck Smith Memorial Foundation, he has overseen the granting of scholarships to deserving students. The Bayshore Hospital Health Care Center selected Victor as chairman of the Board of Trustees. His duties include acquisition of land and construction facilities for use in the health care field. Plans are well underway in the construction of a 75-unit assisted living facility. His devotion to these and many other worthwhile organizations has been recognized by countless honors by civic and charitable organizations throughout the State for his devotion to them. Browsing through his office you can find honors from such organizations as the Bayshore Senior Center, Brookdale College, Knights of Columbus, Society of St. Anthony of Padua, NAACP, numerous townships, and political organizations to name a few. Yet he is too humble to ever acknowledge the impact his contribution has made on these clubs and organizations. However, the pride of his life is his beautiful and talented daughter, Vici. Mr. Speaker, Victor Scudiery is an amazing man who sets an example of hard work, community involvement, and dedication that all of us can take a lesson from. I hope all of my colleagues in the House will join in recognizing Mr. Scudiery.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Stemler III of Ewing Township, who is being honored by the Ewing Kiwanis Club as the Police Officer of the Year on Friday, May 7, 1999. This award is bestowed upon him by his peers in recognition of his constant willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. In February of 1994, he began his employment with the Ewing Police Department as a Communication Operator. After graduating from the Trenton Police Academy Basic Training Course, he was sworn in on August 16, 1994. After being sworn into office, Officer Stemler was assigned to the Patrol Bureau where he rose to become a Field Training Officer. Officer Stemler is also a member of the Police Department Tactical Response Team. He has excelled with many letters of commendation for his outstanding work as a police officer. Officer Stemler is a graduate of the Ewing Public School system and a lifelong resident of Ewing Township. Mr. Speaker, Officer Stemler is a great example for Central New Jersey. I ask all my colleagues to join me in recognizing him.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure on behalf of my colleagues today to recognize National Teachers Day and National Teacher Appreciation Week. We know the old bumper sticker that reads, ``If you can read this, thank a teacher.'' Well, tonight I would like to thank teachers. The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez) organized this special order, but was unable to be here tonight because he had to attend a funeral. But on his behalf and my colleagues', I would like to talk a bit about teachers. According to the National PTA, the origins of National Teachers Day are somewhat unclear but it is known that Arkansas teacher, Mrs. Mattie White Woodridge began corresponding with political and educational leaders around 1944 about the need for a national day honoring teachers. One of the people Mrs. Woodridge wrote to was Eleanor Roosevelt who persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day in 1953. In the late 1970s, the National Education Association as well as many of its local affiliates persuaded Congress to create a national day celebrating the contributions of teachers and such a day was established in 1980. In 1985, the NEA and the National PTA established a full week of May as National Teacher Appreciation Week, and to make the Tuesday of that week National Teacher Appreciation Day. It is only right that we take a moment to honor the dedication, hard work, and importance of teachers in our society. As a teacher myself, I know that teaching is a hard and sometimes unrecognized job. But 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. No job ultimately is more important to our society. Each of us has had teachers who have made marks on our lives who have pushed us to achieve more and challenged us to excel. While these teachers may not command the celebrity of a sports star, they continue to work every day often under difficult circumstances to guide our children to a better future. We here in Congress, on both sides of the aisle, continue to debate ways to improve our public schools and to boost the educational achievement of our young people. Experts have suggested all kinds of ways to strengthen our education system. But as we talk about these programs and policies, we may forget that one of the best ways to improve our education system is to show respect and support for our teachers. Teachers across our Nation are doing an outstanding job. As I have traveled around my central New Jersey district, I have met hundreds of teachers who are working hard every day to prepare students to succeed in this economy and it is not often easy. Compared with many professionals, teachers are underpaid and overworked. The Education Testing Service pointed out in a recent report that despite the importance of the work they do, teachers still earn less in median weekly wages than doctors, lawyers, accountants, public relations professionals and even many service workers. Studies consistently show that teachers earn less than other professionals with similar educational requirements, and that is just not right. As long as this country continues to pay teachers less than it pays others, we will not get all we need. In the next decade we Americans must hire two million new teachers to fill vacancies and to keep up with student school growth, and we need the best people. Teachers often perform miracles in the classrooms, which too many of us take for granted. We forget many times teachers are called on to undertake other tasks in addition to teaching. Teachers today often have to enforce discipline and guide troubled children to the help they need. Our Nation can improve its education system by showing respect for teachers and by letting them know how much we value their work. All of us should take time to thank our teachers. Later this week, when I return home to New Jersey, I will visit a teacher at West Windsor Plainsboro School on Friday morning, the first morning I am back, and I will teach a class in physics. But we need to do more than simply reflect on teachers' contributions and drop in occasionally. We need to undertake policies that will make their jobs easier. We need to work together to find ways to support teachers, to help them continue to grow professionally, to help our school districts hire more qualified teachers, to help our school districts modernize and update their classrooms with technology. That is how we thank our teachers. That is how we show respect for our teachers. That is how we show respect for our children.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call the attention of my colleagues to a remarkable example of community service and civic responsibility that is occurring in my Congressional District in central New Jersey. Two years ago, alarmed at low voter turnout, local parent Candace Mueller, of Ewing, New Jersey, formed ``Extraordinarily Ewing'' a group of PTA members, parents, business people and taxpayers committed to getting the word out about the importance of participating in school board elections and being involved in local education issues. This community-based effort to educate citizens about the importance and responsibility of voting, and in taking part in other matters relating to local elections, has been a remarkable success. Since the program was started, voting turnout has increased and residents have taken more interest in issues like the local school budget. The effect of this involvement has been contagious, leading to a more informed, more involved citizenry, regardless of their position on the issues. At the urging of the citizens of ``Extraordinarily Ewing,'' today in Ewing has been designated ``Take Your Child to Vote Day.'' The campaign, which urges parents and guardians to take twenty minutes out of their busy schedules to go to the polls with their children to vote is an important lesson in civic responsibility. By seeing their parents voting, young people understand very clearly the importance of being involved in their community and its decisions. The efforts of ``Extraordinarily Ewing'' have been recognized by Ewing Mayor Al Bridges, the Town Council and by County Executive, Robert Prunetti. ``Extraordinarily Ewing's'' efforts have also been spotlighted by the Ewing Weekly Times and The Trenton Times. Mr. Speaker, at a time when voter participation and involvement is on the wane, the efforts of ``Extraordinarily Ewing'' are a refreshing reminder of the importance of being involved. The efforts of these parents and business people offer a valuable lesson in civic responsibility for all of us. I hope that my colleagues will join me in recognizing this group and these efforts.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, over the past 2 weeks I had the opportunity to hold a series of town meetings in my district in central New Jersey. Everywhere I went I heard the same message, from parents, from teachers, from students. We need to invest in education. In Plainsboro, educators talked to me about the importance of having teachers who are well trained in academic subjects like science and math. In Clinton, I spoke with parents who want their children to be taught in small classes, where they can get personal attention from teachers. In Freehold, I heard from high school students who are concerned about how to pay for college. The budget resolution that was passed by the House yesterday does not do enough for these New Jerseyans. It will not help hire more teachers. It will not help districts modernize their schools. It takes money away from higher education. Madam Speaker, if we are going to prepare our children for the future, we have to do better. We have to make education our top priority.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, last year the House budget resolution was so controversial that House and Senate Republicans never even convened a conference. This year the budget resolution, as passed by the House, is as unrealistic as last year's plan, and even more irresponsible. Some in Congress, because of their fixation on exploding tax cuts, have presented unworkable appropriations bills, and they do nothing to extend the solvency of social security and Medicare. As opposed to the fiscal responsibility demonstrated by Democrats, the budget passed by the majority party returns us to the unrealistic fiscal policies of the 1980s. Although it claims to shore up social security, to finance a large tax cut, to dramatically increase defense spending and keep government spending down, the truth is much different. The majority's budget, as in the resolution, simply cannot keep all the promises made. Democrats, on the other hand, have aimed to produce future economic growth through debt reduction and investments, exactly the mix of priorities that a successful business would adopt in good times. Republicans have voted to reserve virtually the entire bounty of economic growth and fiscal discipline for tax cuts that will likely benefit only those who are already doing very well in the current economy. It is simple. The majority budget resolution may well burden future generations because of tax cuts and spending obligations made today, and they rely on surplus projections well into the future. What does this mean for the people we represent? Little will be left for our urgent needs. Our national need to invest in social security and Medicare solvency, in education, in research and development, and in the environment will remain unmet. The budget resolution that was passed by the House yesterday does not do enough for Americans when it comes to investing in education. It will not help hire more teachers, it will not help districts modernize their schools. It takes money away from higher education. If we are going to prepare our children for the future, we have to do better. We have to make education a priority. The problems go beyond education. Consider, for a moment, the implications of our budget resolution on the environment. America's public lands, wildlife, fish, and plants are assets that belong not just to us but to our children. We must allow for an increase in funding for protecting the environment and improving our communities. What will our children say if priceless resources disappear to suburban sprawl? Will future generations have the opportunity to see ancient forests or wildlife in their natural habitat? Furthermore, we need to do more to support and encourage research and development. As a scientist, I understand the importance of increasing funding for both the National Science Foundation and for the National Institutes of Health. Today's research is at the threshold of major scientific advancement, which can dramatically improve the quality of life for the American people. All of us have seen the benefits, the actual benefits and the potential benefits of research. Whether it is new discoveries to help fight AIDS and breast cancer, initiatives to improve our understanding of how ecosystems interact, or investing in teacher training to help students get the mathematics and science skills they need to succeed in today's and tomorrow's society, each action leads us to the doorstep of breakthroughs in improving the quality of life. We need to make a stronger commitment to the future, and increasing funding for research and development should be part of that commitment. We simply need to make an investment now. It will benefit all of us and future generations. Waiting until later only delays the improvements in quality of life. The President has proposed that we use the surplus to strengthen social security and Medicare, and to extend the lives of those programs. I will continue to work with other Members of Congress to use the surplus to pay down our national debt, to strengthen social security and Medicare, to encourage investments in education, and to meet our other long-term needs for environmental protection and research and development.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Unlike the Republican budget, the Democratic alternative does not cut higher education, training and social services in order to increase elementary and secondary education programs. That is a key difference.

Mr. HOLT. If the gentleman will yield further, indeed, these are connected. Simple math will tell us, we cannot have more teachers and get the smaller class sizes in the early years unless we have the classrooms to put them in. And so this Democratic budget does allow for both of those, continuation of the hiring of new teachers, the 100,000 new teachers that we are calling for, we will continue down that line with the Democratic budget, in addition to providing for the loans for the construction and modernization of facilities.

Mr. HOLT. The Democratic budget does indeed provide for modernizing schools. In fact, it would provide tax credits that would allow modernizing of up to 6,000 public schools.

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the very distinguished gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) for yielding. I rise to oppose H.R. 4. The national missile defense as proposed would not be effective. It would be costly to deploy and easily circumvented. My colleagues, we do not have to read much history to be reminded of the Maginot Line, the so-called impenetrable wall that has become the symbol of misguided defense policy. The proposed missile defense system probably would not work as designed, and wishing will not overcome physics. It could be confused with decoys. It could be bypassed with suitcase bombs and pickup trucks and sea-launched missiles. It would be billions of dollars down the drain. But it is not just a diversion of precious resources that we are told are not available for health care, for smaller class sizes, for modern school facilities, for securing open space for taking care of America's veterans. No, it is worse than a waste. Simple strategic analysis will tell us that provocative yet permeable defenses are destabilizing and they lead to reduced security. In fact, the more technically affected the system turned out to be, the worse the idea would be because of its increase in instability and the damage done to our efforts to reduce Russia's weapons.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to direct the attention of my colleagues to the induction of central New Jersey's Bruce Springsteen into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last Monday. From central New Jersey to central Europe, you need only mention the name ``Bruce,'' to gain immediate recognition of this man's work. From classics like ``Promised Land,'' ``Backstreets,'' ``Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out,'' and ``Thunder Road,'' Bruce Springsteen's songs hold special memories for all of us. He is a storyteller whose songs are about loyalty, friendship, and remembering the past. Most of all, his songs are about--and are part of--the real lives of Americans. In 1973, Bruce released his famous ``Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.'' album. It was followed by ``The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle.'' In 1975 Bruce followed up with ``Born to Run'' which is widely acclaimed as one of the finest rock and roll albums ever made. In the late 1970's and early 1980's Bruce and his band continued with a string of modern rock classics--``Darkness on the Edge of Town,'' ``The River,'' and the multi-platinum album ``Born in the USA.'' In the past few years, Springsteen recorded his most successful solo song ever, ``Streets of Philadelphia,'' earning himself more Grammy Awards and an Academy Award. Springsteen's most recent record, ``The Ghost of Tom Joad'' won a Grammy Award for best contemporary folk album, and builds on the work that Bruce began in the 1980's with his critically-acclaimed album ``Nebraska,'' in calling attention to, and building on, America's rich folk music heritage. Despite his incredible success and worldwide fame, Bruce Springsteen has always stayed true to his central New Jersey roots and to the interest of music fans everywhere. Indeed, in an era of high ticket prices and prima donna stars, Bruce Springsteen has always dedicated himself to providing his fans with affordable, consistent entertainment. He has been dedicated to seeing that his music makes its way into the lives of people. That dedication has rightfully earned him the nickname, ``The Boss.'' Mr. Speaker, Bruce Springsteen has given a lot to New Jersey, to the lives of music lovers everywhere and to our nation's rich popular culture. We in central New Jersey are rightfully proud to call him a native son and take tremendous pride in his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I am proud to say that Bruce Springsteen is a constituent of mine. I hope that my colleagues in the House will join me and other central New Jerseyans in extending our congratulations to Bruce Springsteen for this well-deserved honor.

Mr. HOLT

Mr. HOLT. Yes, Mr. Chairman; that the gentleman is not addressing the amendment.

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Michigan. I just want to reiterate what the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) has called for, which is no restriction on the schools' flexibility in accomplishing their ends, and my amendment to his does not add to that, either. I frankly am surprised that the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers), and the others have not accepted my amendment. It seems to be very much in the spirit of his, just trying to look at this matter from the point of view of a local school and how that local school will recognize the intent of the Eisenhower funds, the intent of the legislation.

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Indiana for yielding to me. Mr. Chairman, I just want to point out that I think the points with regard to the amendment and the amendment to the amendment have been made thoroughly, and a local school, in satisfying what I call for in this amendment to the amendment, in other words, an explanation of how the training of teachers in science and education will be met, would take less time than we have spent already debating this this afternoon. Mr. Chairman, I include the following letter for the Record: National Science Teachers Association, Arlington, VA, March 9, 1999. Dear Member of Congress: On behalf of science teachers nationwide, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) urges you to support an amendment to be offered by Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ) during debate on H.R. 800, the Education Flexibility Partnership Act. One of the programs which can be waived under Ed-Flex is Part B of title II, the Eisenhower Professional Development state grants. Many science and math teachers rely on the Eisenhower grants to pursue training; in fact for many teachers, it is their only source of funds for professional development opportunities. The NSTA is greatly concerned that the ability to waive Eisenhower grants under Ed Flex undermines the federal focus on science and math education. Rep. Holt's amendment does not attempt to rescind the Local Education Agency's ability to waive the Eisenhower program. We believe it introduces more accountability to the bill, by requiring that LEAs which are applying for a waiver of the science/math priority under the Eisenhower Act (Part B of Title II) must first document how the professional development needs of science and math teachers in their district or school will be, or already are being, met. As a physicist, Representative Holt understands the critical need to keep our science teachers abreast of cutting-edge science content. Eisenhower funds do this; they also help our teachers to teach to state standards, to develop hands-on teaching techniques, and to foster a love of science in young children. Eisenhower Professional Development state grants will be greatly weakened under H.R. 800 as reported out of the Education and Workforce Committee. We ask that you support science and math education by supporting Rep. Holts amendment. Sincerely, Gerald Wheeler, Executive Director.