Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, let me express my appreciation to our ranking member and to our chairman for the careful work that has been orchestrated in this bill. I rise in opposition to the Graham amendment, and rise in strong support of Air 21 and especially the provision raising the passenger facility charge cap from $3 to $6. This provision complements Air 21's prime focus to ensure that our aviation system receives the funding it needs to be safe, efficient and able to meet its needs as we enter the new millennium. All of us want to have safe planes and I do not think there is anyone here who would work for anything less than that. Also, in my particular area, our Dallas-Fort Worth airport has been the economic beacon for that entire area. We simply do not have the dollars in any other way but to continue to try to get the assistance of this fund for the expansions and improvements that are needed. By paying a price equal to the cost of a cup of coffee in a terminal, each passenger flying out of an airport can help make that airport faster, safer, and stronger. Instead of making everyone pay for these improvements, the PFCs charge only those people who use and benefit from the airport. The PFC provision provides flexibility to airports in using the PFCs for airport expansions and improvements. The provision in AIR21 allows airports to use PFCs in the construction of gates and related areas, which is defined to include the basic shell of terminal buildings. This will allow airports to use the PFC funds to finance expansion projects, which will increase competition and reduce congestion at our Nation's busiest airports. Further, this provision gives local officials the ability to use funds generated by local airports to build terminals at that particular airport. This, in conjunction with Federal aviation planning, will bring us fully into the 21st century. Raising the cap on PFCs give airports flexibility in revenue production. For example, I have the pleasure of representing part of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. D/FW's customers would receive great benefits if the PFC cap were raised. The tax on aviation fuel, which is traditionally passed on to the passenger, is part of the aviation funding system. For every dollar D/FW customers pay in aviation fuel taxes, D/FW receives 11 cents in Airport Improvement Program funds. In contrast, for every dollar in PFCs paid by D/FW customers, D/FW Airport receives 97 cents. PFCs are the most cost-effective way for airports to make improvements to benefit those who use the airport. Mr. Chairman, PFCs make a difference. This attempt to strip the PFC provisions is short-sighted and politically motivated. I urge my colleagues to look toward the future. I urge my colleagues to look at PFCs in context and see that this minimal charge makes a world of difference. Please vote against the amendment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, June 9, 1999, I was unable to cast a vote on the House Journal, because I was involved in an important meeting to bring the E-rate program to the nation's school children. Had I been present I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me express my appreciation to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) for taking the leadership and making sure that we get a chance to discuss such an important issue. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to participate tonight in this special order. This is a very, very important issue. As I have sat and listened to the various presentations here, it occurs to me that, when a patient is admitted to a hospital, one of the first things that happens is that we take the history, and we want to know all of the individual signs and all of the individual differences of that patient. I wonder how the HMOs and the insurance companies can reconcile deciding that one size fits all after one goes to the extent of trying to determine what the individual differences are. Because it makes a difference in the way one begins to treat that patient. We have forgotten that in this industry. As a matter of fact, I am beginning to wonder if we have forgotten the patient altogether, because the insurance companies will place the physician out there with their instructions and almost dare them not to do anything else. The physicians are held accountable, not the insurance companies that dictate what they must do. That is not American. Nothing in the history of medicine in this country has allowed something like that to happen. In the past, when a physician graduated and met the standardized test and assured the Nation that they had that body of knowledge mastered, they had permission to practice medicine. They no longer have that under the HMOs. They have to take the dictation from that HMO. Yet, they can be held accountable by the patients and the patients' family, but not the HMO that dictates it. That is the most unfair thing that I have heard of. I cannot even imagine this being something that is happening as a routine way of doing business in health care delivery in this country, the super nation, the number one nation in the world, the 911 for the rest of the world, the Nation that every other nation expects to come to their rescue, and yet we cannot respect the patient as an individual. That is beyond my comprehension. This really has gone too far. The mere fact that we do not have the opportunity to bring back a course of doing business, this measure to the floor for honest debate is again un-American. It is unfortunate that we have to sign a discharge petition. I do not like the process of signing a discharge petition. We are placed in a position to do that. All 435 Members of this body will acknowledge that this is a problem in this Nation; and yet, we have to go to discharge petition signing to bring this measure to the floor. That is very difficult to believe. But, yet, I will proudly join the group next Wednesday and sign this discharge petition because this is a number one concern of the people of this Nation. No one wants to feel that, if they had an emergency and go to the emergency room, they might be rationed in what might be the approach if it is felt that it might cost the insurance company too much if they began a procedure that might be too expensive. We have had testimony that there have been times when physicians were actually complimented because a patient died in the emergency room which saved money for the insurance company. Does this sound like America? Does this sound like the Nation that has brought forth some of the most innovative measures and approaches to any disease, more so than anywhere else in the world; and, yet, the people of this Nation have no access to that success. Yet, all of us have participated in paying for it because all of us pay for medical research. We simply must address this issue for what it is. If all of us went into a department store to get a suit, we would not want a suit that would fit anybody, we would want a suit that would fit us. That is what we want when we get sick. We do not want a one size fits all. We do not want it to be just a diagnosis that must follow the script verbatim. We have to get back to looking at patients as individuals and making sure that they get the treatment they deserve. All that we can say about this when it comes right down to it, people pay for their care. They pay for their care, and they do not pay for it for the purpose of insurance companies having a lot of money to invest so they can take a lot of money home. They pay for it because it is a service, a service that members of that insurance company of that particular plan should have access to the needed care. We are not talking about abuse of care. There are many measures that can determine that. We are talking about essential basic care that an individual deserves to have when that individual becomes ill. We are talking about looking at that patient's history and making sure that that is considered when the doctors orders are written, not just to pull out a preprinted sheet and follow it simply because that is what the insurance company dictated. Yet, the biggest frightening scare is to be held accountable for what their dictating brings about. There is something simply not right. This is a basic fundamental right that every patient ought to have is access to care where they are considered as an individual. There is a difference between a 25 year old and a 75 year old; and, therefore, often the approach to that patient's diagnosis, although it might be the same, might be a little bit different. When we get away from that as a Nation, we have forgotten where we started, what this really is. This is really the health care industry. This is the industry that we are supposed to be able to have confidence to put our very lives in the hand of professional providers and feel certain that we can trust it, not just a simple sheet of paper that, if the doctor not follow it verbatim, then they are out a good stead with the insurance company. It is out of control, and we simply must do something about it. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) very much for having this special order. I do not think we can talk enough about this subject. This is basic and fundamental to every human being being seen as a human being in this country.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the responsibility is still there, but they cannot make an independent decision.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in a time of new R&B artists and young rap and hip-hop stars, Jonnie Taylor is an R&B artist whose music keeps up with, and even moves ahead of many of today's young artists. His soulful songs like ``Who's Making Love'' and albums like ``Good Love'' have influenced many artists. His successful career as an R&B artist spans three decades, and where many present-day artists move from record label to record label, Mr. Taylor has been an example of commitment and consistency by recording exclusively for Malaco Records for the past ten years. Jackson, Mississippi, the headquarters for the label is tremendously proud of his accomplishments and contributions to the world of music. I join many of the constituents of the 30th Congressional District of Texas, a district that boasts a huge Jonnie Taylor following, in sharing that pride with the people of Jackson and Malaco Records. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Taylor is a rare breed of R&B artist that has been able to produce albums and songs that instantly receive tremendous sales and airplay on radio stations throughout the country. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Taylor was recently honored by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation at their Seventh Annual R&B Pioneer Awards Ceremony in Hollywood. This honor effectively puts Mr. Taylor in the esteemed company of the Isley Brothers, Bo Diddley, Bobby Womack and other pioneer R&B artists. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Taylor's work ethic, commitment to R&B and love for entertainment, have paved the way for many of today's new artists. In fact, many will tell you that Mr. Taylor had a tremendous influence on their careers. I would like to wish him continued success.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Pvt. Malcolm Barnes Sherrod of Irving, TX, regarding his recent graduation of the Young Marine Training Course in Tarrant County sponsored by the Young Marine Corps League. His successful completion has promoted him from recruit to private. I join with his proud family and the constituents of the 30th Congressional District of Texas in commending his achievements. His completion of the course and subsequent promotion are testimonials to his leadership abilities, focus, and dedication to service. I trust that these abilities will continue to serve him well for what appears to be a successful career. Mr. Speaker, Private Sherrod certainly has the motivation and the lineage to be a great marine and serve his country. His mother, Ms. Jeane Sherrod was a woman marine, serving as a corporal. In addition, his father, Lewis Barnes is an Active Reserve lieutenant colonel officer in the Armed Forces. Private Sherrod will continue the legacy of a family serving and protecting their country. Private Sherrod was inducted into the Marine Corps in January 1999. With the completion of his training, Private Sherrod has been selected for survival school where he will hone his skills and abilities. He will also enter into leadership school from July 14 to August 14. Mr. Speaker, all these activities that I mentioned are demanding and challenging for any young man or woman. It is an understatement to say that such training is not for everyone. Indeed, it takes a determined and motivated individual to master these challenges and demands. Mr. Speaker, I am confident that Private Sherrod will take on the challenges at both survival and leadership school with tremendous focus and effort. Mr. Speaker, Private Sherrod plans to serve in another capacity after the Marine Corps as a lawyer. His training and time in the Marine Corps will definitely prepared him for such an endeavor. His goal to be a lawyer is an example of his desire to succeed in life. Mr. Speaker, again, I join the constituents of the 30th Congressional District of Texas in congratulating the wonderful achievements of Pvt. Malcolm Barnes Serrod.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is interesting. I have listened to all the speeches, and I can tell the Members that we do have a number of issues that are pressing that we need to address. Gun violence certainly is one we need to address, and not just talk about the issue, but also talk about what it takes to correct it. We are correcting the Chinese situation because it was discovered, and it is being addressed in this administration. It has been going on for 20 years. I rise today to talk about another issue of great concern to the flying public. We hope we can address it soon, and not look up 20 years and find all of these planes are crashing that are connecting with ours. It is called international code-sharing agreements. Code sharing agreements are agreements between air carriers, most often a U.S. carrier and a foreign flag carrier, whereby the U.S. carrier can sell seats on the other carrier's flight while identifying it as their own. What this means in an international market is that while the passenger's ticket may say he or she is flying on a U.S. carrier overseas, in reality it is an overseas flight, and they do not meet the same safety standards. I will continue to work to get this issue addressed.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my heartfelt sadness on the recent passing of an individual who provided tremendous service to our country and in particular, to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, May 22, 1999, Ms. Sandra Chavis passed away after suffering a heart attack. She was 50 years young. Mr. Speaker, I join many individuals in my district and the Washington area in mourning Ms. Chavis. Her dedication to our Nation's fair housing laws and her commitment to public service are recognized and cherished by many. Indeed, there are many families throughout our Nation's cities who have equal access to home ownership because of her tireless efforts to open the doors to homes everywhere, for everyone. Her dedication in this area is as well-known as her gracious demeanor and her love for her family. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Chavis first showed her dedication to public service in San Francisco in 1973, where she worked for the Social Security Administration. In 1978, she joined the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Fair Housing and Office of Human Resources. She joined the Department at a time when fair housing laws were still in their nascence. At the time of her unexpected death, she was serving as Director of the Department's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity in Washington, DC. Her cumulative work at the Department of Housing and Urban Development represented a career of fighting for fairness and equality for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, her life and work were held in such high esteem that the Department of Housing and Urban Development led by Secretary Andrew Cuomo are opening their hearts and doors with a memorial service at HUD headquarters. This is truly because she touched and moved so many lives. Mr. Speaker, it was once said that ``nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion.'' I truly believe that Ms. Chavis had a great and intense passion to serve others and promote fairness. That great passion allowed her to accomplish so many great things that we are indebted to her now and forever. Particularly, I want to recognize a host of family and friends she left behind: her husband, George Anderson; her son Jamie Chavis; her parents, William Ira and Arlanda Chavis; four brothers, William Ray Buston, Gerald Patterson, Ira Rudolph, and William Randolph; two sisters, Ruth Bryant and Linda Coley; three grandchildren, Carlton, Jamillya, and William Patrick Chavis; nine nephews, and six nieces; three close friends; Vyllorya A. Evans, Evelyn Okie, and Shirley Wells. I join them in celebrating the life of a great human being, public servant, and American.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to participate in today's special order to highlight the high cost of prescription drugs for seniors in America, and I wish to compliment the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Allen) for first organizing this special order and, secondly, for introducing the Prescription Drug Fairness for Seniors Act, H.R. 664. Sooner or later every American will be affected by Medicare. Like death and taxes, the coming of old age is inevitable for the living. The need for affordable and quality health care for seniors, therefore, is in everyone's best interest. When one's resources are limited like many of our constituents, we know we need to give this attention. Mr. Speaker, Texas is no different from anyone else. Its health care, the need for health care, becomes even more acute. Currently, Medicare offers health care insurance protection for 39 million seniors and disabled Americans. The program provides broad coverage for the cost of many primarily acute health services. However, there are many gaps in program coverage. The most glaring shortcoming is the fact that Medicare has a very limited prescription drug benefit. Most beneficiaries have some form of private or public health care insurance to cover expenses not met by Medicare. The reality is that many of these plans do not offer coverage or offer very limited protection for drug expenses. The result is that Medicare beneficiaries pay approximately half of their total drug expenses out-of-pocket. For many seniors, the existing system imposes quite a financial burden, and for many it means choosing between medication or food or utilities or other essentials. The average drug expenditure for Medicare enrollees living in the community was $600 in 1995. Total spending for persons with some drug coverage was $691 compared to $432 for those with no coverage, according to data compiled by the Congressional Research Service. The average expenditure per person varied widely depending upon the type of insurance coverage. In every category, spending was significantly higher for those who had supplementary drug coverage than those who did not. Higher spending reflects higher use rates. In 1995, persons with coverage used 20.3 prescriptions per year compared to 15.3 prescriptions for those with no supplementary drug coverage. One inference that the Congress and the President should take to heart from these figures is obvious. Based on their limited income, some seniors are foregoing the purchase of needed prescription drugs so that they can eat, pay bills or submit their rent checks on time. It is absolutely amazing to me that the U.S. Government would foster a Medicare policy that directs seniors to choose whether they have prescription drugs or whether their electric bill is paid on time. That is a choice without a favorable outcome. Based on this problem, the Congress and the President should be spurred into action to approve the legislation of the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Allen) or some legislation that brings additional prescription coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. Obviously, this benefit will be expensive, but I am confident that the Congress and the President, working with the drug manufacturers and health care community, can achieve this goal. A second concern that exists in the current Medicare system, that does not feature a drug benefit, is the difference between what seniors pay versus what other purchasers of health insurance paid. It affects them as their limited income begins. Studies by the staff of the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), who is on the Committee on Government Reform, have revealed that pharmaceutical companies are taking advantage of older Americans through price discrimination. These studies show that in Texas and other States seniors pay for prescription drugs, on average, nearly twice as much as the drug companies' favored customers, such as the Federal Government and large health maintenance organizations. This price difference is approximately 5 times greater than the average price difference in other consumer goods. I intend to work with the Committee on Government Reform to determine the extent of this problem as we complete the study in my district. In the meantime, the Congress and the President need to address the lack of Medicare prescription drug benefits. As a cosponsor of the bill offered by the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Allen), I would urge all Members to cosponsor it. This is not a partisan piece of legislation. This is for all seniors. This legislation allows pharmacies to purchase drugs for Medicare beneficiaries at the best price charged to the Federal Government through programs such as the Veterans Administration or Medicaid. The legislation has been estimated to reduce prescription costs for seniors by more than 40 percent. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for allowing me to participate this evening.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in a time where our young African-American males are depicted in the news as at-risk youth, criminals, drug dealers, and high school dropouts, we forget that there are positive young men among them who are changing their environment for the better. As a matter-of-fact, many young African-American males are succeeding in our society and are making their communities both proud and strong. Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous pride that I rise to pay tribute to eight young African-American gentlemen in my district who are using their energy, talent, and intelligence to serve others in their community. I truly believe that their accomplishments have cut through the dark and gloomy media depictions of African-American males. Mr. John Kemp, Mr. Brandon Collier, Mr. Clayton Redmon, Mr. William Hudson, Mr. B.J. Armstrong, Mr. Rodrick Coaxum, Mr. Zandrian Harp, and Mr. Andre Griffin are all members of ``Black Original Individuals.'' Better known as BOI, they formed this organization from a part of an entertainment group already established called Dream Entertainment. BOI has been designed by these young men to take the social and financial benefits of hosting parties and turn them into a business practice that serves them and their community in a positive manner. Besides teaching them successful business skills, their operation is a great example of teamwork, strategic planning, communications skills, and volunteerism. I am confident that these young men will continue to apply these lessons throughout their lives. Mr. Speaker, what is particularly notable of their work is that they have been using the profits to fund future enterprises and use the rest of the money to set up a scholarship fund that will be open on a community-wide basis for minorities. This is a great example of humble and positive individuals giving back to others. Mr. Speaker, not too long ago some high school students in my area had an experience contrary to the gentlemen I cite today. During the fall, hundreds of students disrupted parts of the Dallas area with dangerous underage drinking, noise violations, littering and basic disrespect for our community. I would like people to focus on these gentlemen as a contrast to the youth that I just mentioned. Instead of destructive parties, BOI has controlled and safe settings where fun is the focus. Instead of violating the law, BOI works within the parameters of rules. Instead of littering our community with beer cans and spreading bottles across lawns, BOI is spreading a message of positive change and service throughout our community. Mr. Speaker, some of these young men, Mr. Collier and Mr. Redmon in particular, will be heading to college. As they prepare to write what I am sure will be another successful chapter in their lives, they are also passing down their business lessons to the youngest of their members. I commend Mr. Collier and Mr. Redmon for teaching the young for the benefit and sustenance of the group as a whole. Quite often we hear about the successful, both young and old, forgetting to pass their lessons and experiences to those who will come after them. I am pleased that this is not the case with the members of BOI. On behalf of the constituents of the 30th congressional district, I thank BOI for their service to our community and wish them continued success.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the accomplishments and work of Mrs. Matrice Ellis-Kirk of Dallas. Mrs. Kirk is of course known as our city's first lady, wife of Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk. However, it is an understatement when I say that she is a respected individual in her own right. Dallasites hold her in high esteem and regard because while being the Mayor's closest and strongest political ally, she is an Executive Search Consultant for an international executive search firm in Dallas and the mother of two beautiful children. I join many men and women in Dallas in being particularly impressed by her commitment to serving the greater Dallas area community. She is focused in strengthening our city as she is in strengthening opportunities in her field and for her family. Amid her great accomplishments as an executive, mother and first lady, Mrs. Kirk's personality is as such that she would not like us to focus on her contributions and service to Dallas. This attitude was instilled in her by her family growing up in Cleveland, Ohio and to this day, she continues to adhere to the qualities of humility, style and class. In this case, she is truly a good example of this city which is inherent of style and class. Mr. Speaker, in addition to those qualities, she took the lessons of achievement and excellence with her to the University of Pennsylvania, double majoring in Economics and Finance. Keenly focused on success as a woman in our society, she moved to a city that is a blueprint of success in Dallas. Before coming to Dallas, she spent time in New York until she learned where the real ``first-class'' city was in America. Mr. Speaker, since that move, she has been a vigorous advocate of many community and social causes. Not only has Mrs. Kirk made her mark in her career, she has given back to a city that has yielded her opportunities. She recently chaired the 15th Annual African-American Museum Gala, which was a successful event under her stewardship. She is also Chair Elect of the Texas Business Hall of Fame, an organization that awards scholarships to MBA's. As a model to young women in our area, she is a member of the Advisory Board of Girls, Inc. and recently completed service on the YWCA Board. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Kirk was recently the cover story of an area magazine that focused on her three-pronged approach to life: Family, service and career excellence. In the article, Mrs. Kirk mentioned that she is blessed and has a lot to give. It is clear through seeing her great children, community involvement and strong support of her husband and this city, that Mrs. Kirk has truly given back to us and blessed us with a great example for all women.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great American leader, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. He is one of our true leaders in civil rights and the protection of freedom for those around the world. Having already proven his leadership during the Civil Rights movement, Reverend Jackson has been instrumental in gaining the release of prisoners in several instances. Most recently, he secured the release of three U.S. servicemen, including S. Sgt. Steven Gonzales from my home state of Texas, captured in Macedonia and held captive in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. On April 29, 1999, Reverend Jackson led a delegation of religious and civic leaders to Yugoslavia to achieve this successful mission. This is only one of many delegations Reverend Jackson has led to free prisoners from Iraq, Syria and Cuba over the past two decades. These missions have enhanced his reputation as a leader in humanitarian and civil rights efforts around the globe. Reverend Jackson's diplomacy and skill in negotiation serve as a model to all. I stand today to pay tribute to his accomplishments.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Fire Administration has long enjoyed the bipartisan support of the Congress because of its vital mission: to improve safety for all of our citizens. I would like to acknowledge the collegial approach taken by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Basic Research, in developing H.R. 1550. It has been a pleasure working with him on the bill. I also want to thank the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), and the ranking Democrat member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Brown), for their efforts in moving the bill through the committee and in bringing it expeditiously before the House for its consideration. The Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 was intended to address a serious problem affecting the safety of all Americans. Much progress has been made during the past 25 years in public education about fire safety, improvement in the effectiveness of fire services, and the wider use of home fire safety devices. Nevertheless, the United States still has one of the highest fire death rates among advanced nations. In 1997, 4,000 Americans died and 24,000 were injured in fires. Moreover, the approximately 2 million fires reported each year result in direct property losses estimated well over $8 billion, with total direct and indirect costs reaching $100 billion annually. The bill before the House seeks to reinvigorate the efforts of the Fire Administration. I am pleased that it endorses the President's fiscal year 2000 proposal for a 40 percent funding increase and provides an additional 7 percent increase in the second year. Although these increases will raise the fire budget nearly $50 million, it still pales compared to the scale of activity originally contemplated for the agency. The landmark report, ``America Burning'', which was the genesis for the 1974 act, recommended an initial budget for the Fire Administration of $124 million in 1974 dollars. H.R. 1550 is a good start for providing the level of resources the Fire Administration needs to carry out its important mission. In addition to resources, the bill provides for the agency to develop a management plan and establish the program priorities that will help to ensure the increased resources are used to maximize effect. H.R. 1550 will enable the Fire Administration to increase support for its critical responsibility of firefighter training through the National Fire Academy. Moreover, the budget growth will enable the agency to reverse the steep decline in support for fire research and for public education programs. Greater research is absolutely necessary so that we can help prevent firefighter injury and death nationally, including those that claimed the lives of three firefighters from the Dallas-Fort Worth area earlier this year. Regarding public education, the Fire Administration must enlarge and improve its efforts to reduce losses for the population groups most at risk from fire death and injury. We know that the elderly, the very young and the poor are most vulnerable. I included language in the report accompanying the bill tasking the Fire Administration to carefully assess whether research and additional data collection activities could improve understanding of the factors that lead to increased fire risk. Effective targeted fire prevention campaigns can be developed only from a sound base of knowledge. Also, I asked the Fire Administration to look into the current use of security bars, which are often called burglary bars. These devices offer protection from criminals but can become fire traps in the event of fire, as has recently been the case in Texas and other States. The Fire Administration could help prevent such tragedies by disseminating information about ways to install the security bars properly that also will allow for easy departure from a building in a fire emergency. In addition to funding authorizations, H.R. 1550 establishes the requirement for a 5-year program plan for the agency. This plan will constitute the formal documentation of Fire Administration's response to the recommendations of the blue ribbon panel convened last year by FEMA Director Witt to review the agency's management and programs. I am particularly concerned about the recent decision the FEMA director made to create the position of chief operating officer for the Fire Administration. The incumbent for this position, a civil service employee, would report directly to the FEMA director but assist rather than report to the administrator. I understand the reasons that led to the creation of this new position and generally support the position. The problem lies in the tangling of lines of authority within the Fire Administration and confusing the roles of two officials. This arrangement, in my view, will create confusion in the line of authority within the Fire Administration that may be harmful to the functioning of the agency. I believe the fire administrator is committed to carrying out reforms at the agency consistent with the blue ribbon panel's recommendations. I will be following this situation closely to be sure the fire administrator plays an important role in developing and implementing the FEMA director's final response to the blue ribbon panel report. One part of the process required by H.R. 1550 for developing the 5- year will include consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the fire service organizations to establish a prioritized set of research goals. I am particularly interested in seeing that this research prioritization places adequate emphasis on development of firefighter protection equipment. Firefighters put their lives on the line every day. It is only right they have the equipment that will allow them to do their jobs effectively and as safely as possible. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1550 is a useful bill that comes to the floor with bipartisan support and that authorizes programs that advance public safety. I am pleased to recommend the measure to my colleagues for their approval. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 118, legislation that would name the federal building in Austin, Texas in honor of former Representative Jake Pickle. The building is located at 300 East 8th Street in Austin. It houses district offices for Congressman Pickle's successor, Representative Lloyd Doggett, and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, as well as local offices for the IRS, FBI and other federal agencies. It is all together appropriate that these offices be named for Representative Pickle since they are where he worked for 28 of his 31 years in Congress. For those of us fortunate enough to know him, former Representative Pickle is a very skilled storyteller and a man steeped in Texas and U.S. history. One can not speak with him for any amount time without departing having heard one of his ``yarns'' about the legislative process or his work with President Johnson. James Jarrell ``Jake'' Pickle was born in 1913 in Big Spring, a small town in the northwest part of Texas represented today by Congressman Charlie Stenholm. He is a product of the Big Spring public schools and the University of Texas at Austin, where he received his BA in 1938. After working as Area Director for President Roosevelt's National Youth Administration, Jake served 3\1/2\ years in the navy in the Pacific during World War II. Upon returning to Austin, he entered the radio and public relations business, later serving as director of the Texas State Democratic Executive Committee and as an appointee to the Texas Employment Commission. He resigned from the TEC to run for Congress in a special election called after the resignation of Homer Thornberry. He began his Congressional career in December, 1963. Congressman Pickle wasted little time in demonstrating what sort of Member of Congress he intended to be. Despite well-founded fears that his actions might end his fledgling political career, Representative Pickle joined only five other Southern members who voted in favor of Lyndon Johnson's Civil Rights Act in 1964. Looking back on it, Representative Pickle says that is the one vote of which he is most proud and recalls with great fondness a personal phone call at 2:00 a.m. after the vote from President Johnson to thank him. Jake followed this vote a few months later with a vote in support of the Voting Rights Act and then spent the next 30 years working on behalf of civil rights and equal opportunity for minorities and women. This was not the first or last time Representative Pickle faced the challenge of being the President's Congressman. He was a close friend and ally of both President Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson. His friendship with the former First Lady remains strong to this day. Naming this federal building in Jake's honor is particularly appropriate because it houses his friend LBJ's apartment and office suite, preserved in all its early 1970's splendor. Jake's stories of working with Johnson on the Great Society, often in these rooms, are the stuff of Texas political legend. Jake stands as one of the few remaining personal historians of one of the greatest American Presidents. Representative Pickle also distinguished himself as Chairman of the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee. From that post, Jake worked tirelessly to rid the Medicare system of waste and fraud, constantly laboring on behalf of those who rely on the Medicare system for their basic health care. In addition, former Congressman Pickle served as Chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee in the 98th Congress and is widely credited with shepherding through Congress a legislative package that has extended the life of the Social Security system by decades. His work on behalf of the poor and the elderly complements perfectly his long-time commitment to civil rights. Based on his long service to Texas and the nation, I believe H.R. 118 is a fitting tribute to Representative Pickle's legacy. I urge all Members to support its passage.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, many of us are aware of the contributions that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has made to the sport of football. His focus on excellence in sportmanship and successful stewardship of the Dallas Cowboys will be forever cemented in the history of the game. However, Mr. Jones has also made a significant contribution to the history of our country and the ideas of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, who drafted the Declaration of Independence. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Jones along with his wife Gene, donated $1 million to a Library of Congress program that is currently rebuilding Thomas Jefferson's personal book collection that was lost in a fire. This gracious gift allows the Library of Congress to obtain lost copies of books destroyed in 1851. It will be a labor and financially intensive undertaking that will be helped by Mr. Jones's assistance. Cicero once said that ``to be ignorant of the past is to remain a child.'' Mr. Speaker, the donation by Mr. Jones will assure that we will be able to hold onto history and be less ignorant of it, while being wiser. Thomas Jefferson was not only the drafter of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. President, he was also an enlightened thinker whose ideas helped us build this country and guide her through dark times. His ideas and thoughts were shaped and influenced by books. It is appropriate that the gift from Mr. and Mrs. Jones will help restore Jefferson's rare books as he helped found the Library of Congress. As this country still wrestles with issues of equality and freedom well into the 21st century, it is incumbent upon us to refer to the high-minded ideals of our Founding Fathers. The $1 million donation to the Library of Congress will help this country locate those books and remind us of our collective vision and history. On behalf of the residents of the 30th Congressional District and all Americans, I would like to thank Jerry and Gene Jones for their donation to the Library of Congress. For me, this also represents their service to our country, support of democratic ideas and persevering history.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, ``It's kind of sad that it's not surprising anymore.'' Mr. Speaker, these are the words of a high school sophomore at Irving High School in my district. She was speaking about the brutal and horrific rampage where two high school youngsters armed themselves and began a violent killing spree at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO. When their campaign of terror finally ended, 16 students and teachers were dead. In addition, some 20 other students were wounded. Mr. Speaker, not only did I find myself naturally shocked by this incident, I was even more shocked by the aforementioned response to it by this high school student. Indeed, violence has so penetrated the lives of our youth that the shock value over events like those in Littleton, CO, has worn off. Between ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and young gunmen targeting minorities and athletes at Columbine High School, we certainly find ourselves in an environment where violence is expected, is the norm, and is not surprising anymore. Mr. Speaker, I would ask this mourning Nation to be more attentive to the thoughts and words of our young people. We must come together and address this deadly mix of violence and racism. If we do not, then our young people will become more jaded, disenchanted, and numb over the loss of life. If we do not address the root causes of hate, then violence will rule the day and cease to be surprising anymore. Unfortunately, we have been lacking in our commitment, zeal, and work to combat hate and violence. That is why I understand the words of this high school student and others throughout the country that look at this loss of life through such a bleak prism. I certainly cannot blame them. Although the madness perpetrated by the assailants was unexplainable, the hate that motivated them was not. Mr. Speaker, what must be explained to our youth is that we will make a concerted effort to understand them, teach them better ways to resolve their problems, and present more opportunities before them while removing guns from their lives Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in the House of Representatives, my constituents of the 30th Congressional District of Texas and the entire Nation in sending my prayers and thoughts to the families and friends of those people taken away from them in this tragedy. Mr. Speaker, I also pray for other young people who may feel shunned by society and filled with misunderstanding, hate, and a feeling of being losers. I pray that we can all instill in these youngsters a better sense of self-esteem and purpose. The two students who gunned down their classmates before killing themselves at Columbine High School felt that they were losers. It was that feeling of being losers that motivated them to create such a loss.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I have no objection to the amendment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I have no objection to this amendment; and I have no further requests for time, so I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Traficant).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Brown).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson).