Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to confirm that the committee intends for the FAA to allow an airport applicant to use this provision for either a stand-alone terminal structure or for that pro-rata portion of a terminal to be used by any air carrier having less than 50 percent of the scheduled passenger traffic at the airport.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman. It is gratifying to have his confirmation of my understanding of the intent of this provision.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I simply want to say that I support this amendment. Clearly, they have been extremely responsive. I made a request Monday following the funeral, spoke very personally to the Director of the FBI as well as Ms. Ochi, who is the National Director of CRS. They have come to give dates, and they will continue to work in that community, and they have been responsive not only for that community but for communities all over the Nation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. In spite of the fact that the large companies make most of their contributions to Republicans, I rise in support of the ATP program because it is key to the economic growth. The capability to generate, diffuse, and employ new technologies in the face of rising technical competence and competition around the world will determine in a large measure the Nation's ability to succeed and prosper in the 21st century. These programs give these U.S. firms an incentive that accelerates the development of technologies that, because they are risky, are unlikely to be developed in time to compete in rapidly changing world markets. For Americans, the real payoff is the economic growth fueled by the introduction of future products and industrial processes based on the ATP-sponsored research. The ATP is a competitive, peer-reviewed, cost-shared program with industry. Their sole aim is to develop high-risk, potentially high- payoff enabling technologies that otherwise would not be pursued because of technical risks and other obstacles that discourage private investment. The ATP has proven to be an effective mechanism for motivating companies to look farther out onto the technology horizon. By discarding the ATP, we would destroy progress made in encouraging far- looking, risk-sharing research and development of new enabling technologies. We are fortunate that people long before us took a chance and made sure that that research was done that created the technologies that we are working with now. We have a responsibility to not eliminate the ATP because it would destroy the momentum created for a new type of industry-led industry, government, university partnership; a partnership with appropriate roles, appropriate goals, and exciting prospects for our U.S. economic gain. Government and industry have always made substantial commitments to ATP. Its demise would show the government to be a capricious and unreliable partner. But to ensure economic growth and jobs into the next century, the country depends on U.S. industry to put science and technology to work. Throughout this century, the United States has built whole new industries upon a flourishing science and technology base created by the Federal Government and private firms. Public-private partnerships have resulted in the birth of new industries such as computers and biotechnology, and world leadership in others such as aerospace, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals. However, times have changed. Today, Federal agencies are more focused on science and technology that is essential to their missions. Even though there is an even greater focus on technology transfer, there is greatly reduced spin-off from mission-related research. Company research and development has shifted to narrower, more focused work. Large firms no longer pour billions into the development of high-risk, broad-based technologies that other firms can build on, such as GE, AT&T, Bell Labs and IBM once did. While it may be true, as some would say, that large firms are able to pay for their own R&D, it is also true that they will not pay for longer-term, higher-risk, broadly applicable technology if other firms are going to benefit from the research without paying for it. ATP fills a critical niche in the Nation's science and technology portfolio. Large and small firms are an important part of the mix, along with universities and national labs. Part of the reason that large firms need to be involved with ATP partnerships is because, in large measure, that is where the technology is. The United States and its citizens stand to benefit more in this equation than the individual firms. In addition, small firms and universities, about half the ATP awards go to small firms, frequently want larger firms in the partnership to provide critical business and marketing skills or to provide complementary technologies needed for further development. So large firms also frequently ante up the extra funding that allows universities and others to participate and to provide the organizational staff for collaborations. A program like the ATP program sweetens the pot to induce firms to form partnerships to develop important technology that would not be developed otherwise. It is one element in a strategy to bridge the gap between public R&D, largely basic science and mission driven, and private research and development, largely focused on products and low- risk science and technology. Important, high risk, enabling technologies exist in large firms as well as small. Just as in small firms, many of these technologies will only be developed if the Government and industry share the risk and the benefits.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we are at a crossroads. All of us support cancer treatment and X-rays. For the most part, much of that is done in our large university hospitals and medical centers and urban areas. We need to put the waste somewhere. It cannot be outside every doctor's office door or every hospital door. We must pick places that are sparsely populated. There is no good answer, except we are not willing to sacrifice many of the scientific findings that we are using now to save people's lives. It is much more hazardous to have it scattered out all over very heavily populated areas. If I thought for a moment that this would endanger the lives of the people that live somewhere in the area, in a very sparsely populated area, I would not be standing here. It is never comfortable to stand and speak against people that you stand with most of the time. But they are not going to be happy. If I represented the area, I would be standing in the same place they are standing, but I am representing a whole lot more people who are not willing to sacrifice what creates this waste. None of us are willing to sacrifice cancer treatment, none of us are willing to sacrifice x-rays for diagnostic treatment. We are simply not going to do that. We must make hard choices, but we must find the best places that we can to deposit this waste. This is one of the best places we can come up with. It is sparsely populated, out in the middle of nowhere. Texas has more space than most States. But we are going to limit it to these two States. The best environmental Governor that Texas has ever elected is Ann Richards. She stands for this legislation. As a matter of fact, she was very progressive in looking out for the environment in Texas.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, Representative Sanford has offered an amendment to freeze NSF's appropriations for research awards, giving as the reason NSF's support for questionable grant awards. He has referred to several grants which he claims supports his action. Examination of the grants listed by Mr. Sanford indicate his assessment of the contents is based on title alone: ATM Research--This is not research on automated teller machines. Actually, it is research on Asynchronous Transfer Mode, a promising new network transmission protocol to enable the creation of very high speed computer networks. Social Poker--This refers not to a poker game but to the development of a theory of how individuals determine which of their resources they are willing to put at risk in order to gain the benefits of joining a group. This is basic research that may help explain what it would take to get a country to sign on to a treaty, or when it is a rational decision for companies to merge. Routing Trucks--This is an extension of what is known to mathematicians as the ``traveling salesman problem.'' This problem asks how to find the shortest possible route to a given number of cities without visiting one twice. The study in question develops and tests powerful new mathematical optimization algorithms. This subject has considerable practical value. Transportation costs account for 15% of the U.s. Gross Domestic Product, and a major element of transportation involves the routing and scheduling of fleets of trucks. Cheap Talk--Cheap talk refers to the cost of information in an economic model. Generally speaking, we must pay for information--in terms of procuring expert advice, the cost of publications or the time to gather data. The research explores the implications for economic and decision models when information is relatively inexpensive, such as that made available on the Internet. Video on Demand--The underlying research issues are related to using network protocols to transmit real time video, which has enormous data transmission requirements. These fundamental questions require high- risk research that HBO or Blockbuster are not likely to support. But if the basic research is successful, service providers and consumers (including those who may use real-time video for distance learning or telemedicine) stand to reap huge returns from the investment. Billiards--This research applies, not to pool playing, but to a complex mathematical theory of interest in geometry and physics. The scientific use of the term ``billiards'' originated over 100 years ago as a way of conceptualizing how atomic particles carom off each other. Mathematicians later on began to develop complex math theory, known as Ergodtic Theory, that attempts to predict the trajectory of idealized particles in confined spaces. This research is important for understanding many different types of non-linear or chaotic systems, such as airflow around an airplane, leading to an improved understanding of turbulence in fluids. Study of Jokes--This research at its core is not about humor. Rather, it is involved with the reasons for the perpetuation of inaccurate stereotypes and the promulgation of racism, sexism, and prejudice against people with disabilities and other distinguishing characteristics. Humor is used in the study as a research tool to investigate the cognitive processes that accompany and determine the interpretation of information conveyed in a social context. The proponent of the amendment has picked a handful of grants from the 10,000 or so that are funded each year by NSF and, on the basis of a title which is obscure or seems frivolous, proposes that the House freeze the research activities of the Foundation at last year's level. This proposed amendment represents an effective cut of $270 million to the nation's basic research enterprise, which is largely carried out at colleges and universities throughout the country. It will result in 760 fewer research awards. It will mean NSF supports 5,000 fewer scientists and students. The proposals funded by NSF have been subjected to a rigorous evaluation. They are chosen on the basis of merit through a competitive process: In a given year, NSF relies on the judgment of over 60,000 reviewers, each an expert in the field of a particular proposal. Each proposal is reviewed by between 4 and 11 experts, depending on whether a mail or panel review is used. The proposals are ranked on the basis of scientific merit, as well as on the broader impacts of the proposed activity. Only one in three proposals is funded, although more than half are rated as sufficiently meritorious to deserve to be funded. The proposal selection process is rigorous, but not perfect. Efforts are made continually to improve the range of representation of reviewers and to sharpen the review criteria. But the system is widely respected by the scientific community, and constitutes the most effective method yet discovered to identify meritorious research proposals and to prioritize among worthy proposals. The merit selection and prioritization process used by NSF has produced an academic research enterprise that is the envy of the world. The proposed amendment to freeze funding for NSF's research activities will result in harm to the nation's technological strength. Investment in R&D is the single most important determinant of long- term economic growth. According to economists, about one half to two thirds of economic growth can be attributed to technological advances. Although difficult to measure, there is consensus that the economic payoff from basic research investments is substantial. The importance of basic research can be appreciated by considering the technological advancements that have grown out of past NSF-sponsored work: Internet--Over the past decade, NSF has transformed the Internet from a tool used by a handful of researchers at DOD to the backbone of this Nation's university research infrastructure. Today the Internet is on the verge of becoming the Nation's commercial marketplace. Nanotechnology and ``Thin Film''--50 years ago scientists developed the transistor and ushered in the information revolution. Today 3 million transistors can fit on a chip no larger than the fingernail- sized individual transistor. NSF's investment in nanotechnology & ``thin films'' are expected to generate a further 1,000 fold reduction in size for semiconductor devices with eventual cost-savings of a similar magnitude. Genetics--What is often overlooked is the critical role played by NSF in supporting the basic research that leads to the breakthroughs of mapping the human genome for which NIH justly receives credit. Research supported by NSF was key to the development of the polymerase chain reaction and a great deal of the technology used for sequencing. Magnetic Resonance Imaging--The development of this technology was made possible by combining information gained through the study of the spin characteristics of basic matter, research in mathematics, and high flux magnets. The Next Generation Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imager, currently under construction, will allow for the identification of the 3-dimensional structures of the 100,000 proteins whose genes are being sequenced by the Human Genome Project. Buckeyballs--The discovery of buckeyballs, a new form of carbon won for the researchers a Nobel prize. Its discovery was the result of work by astronomers. This in turn led to the discovery of the carbon nanotube, which has been found to be 100 times stronger than steel and a fraction of the weight. Nanotubes may produce cars weighing no more than 100 pounds. Plant Genome--Research into the genome of a flower plant with no previous commercial value (Arabidopsis thaliana) led to the discovery of ways to increase crop yields, production of plants with seeds having lower polyunsaturated fats and to the development of crops that produce a biodegradable plastic. Artificial Retina--Researchers at NC State have designed a computer chip that may pave the way for creation of an artificial retina. Problems with bio-compatibility have been solved by researchers at Stanford who developed a synthetic cell membrane that adheres to both living cells and silicon chips. CD Players--CD players rely on data compression algorithms that were developed using a NSF grant. These algorithms were first used in the transmission of satellite data and now provide the foundation for new developments in data storage. Jet Printers--The mathematical equations that describe the behavior of fluid under pressure provided the foundation for developing the ink jet printer. Camcorders--Virtually all camcorders and electronic devices using electronic imaging sensors are based on charge-coupled devices. These devices, sensitive to a single photon of light, were developed and transformed by astronomers interested in maximizing their capacity for light gathering.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Capitol Hill community and our country suffered a personal loss of two fine Capitol Police officers on Friday, July 24, 1998. On that afternoon, a lone gunman invaded the People's House and put many visitors, staffers and Members of Congress in danger and peril. If it were not for the sacrifices of Special Agent John Gibson and Officer Jacob ``J.J.'' Chestnut, we would be mourning the passing of other human beings on this day. On behalf of the constituents of the 30th Congressional District, I would like to extend my personal condolences to the families and friends of Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut. While we take for granted the fact that such tragic incidents can happen to us, we must not take for granted the lives of those two Capitol Police officers who gave their lives so that we may live. Mr. Speaker, the spirit and dedication of those officers will live on and truly embody what this place means. Our Capitol symbolizes service, duty and honor. Both the life and death of those officers were examples of those qualities. It is because of their duty and service, our work can go on. Indeed, it must. We cannot let an individual who is distrustful of our Government to allow our democracy to cease. Officers Gibson and Chestnut would not want our business to stop because of real or perceived threats to our system. Officers Gibson and Chestnut would not want us to cower and hide in fear of any group or individual who would seek to disrupt the proceedings of our Government in such violent methods. One of the best tributes to those officers would be for all of us, staffers and Members, to be just as dedicated to service and duty as Officers Gibson and Chestnut were. I believe that this will be the finest remembrance that we can offer. Mr. Speaker, after the brief moments of chaos and tragedy, I received many calls from worried family members and friends inquiring about my whereabouts and safety at that moment. If not for the service of Officers Gibson and Chestnut, and the entire Capitol Police Force, I may not have been in the arms of safety, telling my family and friends that I was safe. We literally owe our lives to our two fallen officers, our friends whose heroism protected many others from harm and possible death. Mr. Speaker, along with my condolences, I offer the families and friends of Officers Gibson and Chestnut my prayers and ask that our Lord give them the strength to deal with such a terrible tragedy. Most importantly, I would like to give Officers Gibson and Chestnut my gratitude. It was once said that, ``gratitude is the memory of the heart.'' Therefore, my heart goes to Officers Gibson and Chestnut with the utmost gratitude.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to pay tribute to a constituent, Mr. J. Cameron Wade, better known as J.C. Wade of Irving, Texas who was awarded a long-awaited Bronze Star medal and restoration of rank for his valiant service to our country during World War II. Mr. Wade and four other African-American veterans of WWII were finally recognized for their heroic participation in the U.S. Army fighting both the scourge of segregation and Adolf Hitler. On Thursday, July 23rd, 1998, Mr. Wade was officially recognized for his efforts to halt fascism and tyranny and protect freedom for the United States and the entire world. Unfortunately, Mr. Wade's contribution to our country was overlooked for many years. While history recorded the service of thousands of soldiers, Mr. Wade and other black servicemen were literally erased from those annals of history. Indeed, they fought, and some died alongside white soldiers until the war in Europe came to a close in May 1945. However, Mr. Speaker, their work was neither acknowledged or rewarded. After their WWII service, they did not find a warm welcome or gracious thanks. Instead, African-American soldiers found an Army that returned to the practices of segregation. Because of the Army's return to segregation, those African-American soldiers were refused restoration of their rank status. These were soldiers like Mr. Wade, a sergeant who volunteered to be demoted to the status of private in order to fight on the battlefield for his country. Mr. Speaker, even worse was the fact that soldiers like Mr. Wade found that their discharge petitions omitted their combat service. These warriors were truly forgotten. In addition, upon their leaving the service, no one bothered to inform them that the Bronze Stars were available to them for service in the combat infantry. Mr. Speaker, we all agree that Mr. Wade and his colleagues were directly slighted and insulted. Their contributions were ignored, the Army refused to restore their rank and withheld information about the medals they deserve. As Mr. Wade said about the Army, ``When they enticed us to volunteer, they said that the units we were going into would be our permanent units when the war was over.'' However, this did not happen. Simply put, they were misled. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Wade endured years of misinformation and dishonesty by his Army, by his Government. While it is late, it is fitting that last Thursday, the 50th anniversary of President Truman's order to integrate the military, Mr. Wade was finally awarded his Bronze Star and had his rank restored. I would like to join our military in congratulating and honoring Mr. Wade. I join with a military that has changed for the better because individuals like Mr. Wade proved their worth and ability on the battlefield. Our servicemen and women of color can stand tall and move through their ranks because of people like Mr. Wade. We all offer him our thanks and gratitude. Most importantly, we all join our military in recognizing his being awarded the Bronze Star and being restored to the rank of sergeant.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is ironic that I stand here and know so well that every taxpaying American has paid for much of the research that persons now are denied the result of. I wish this was not such a partisan area, because we are dealing with the most basic need and right of the American people, and that is health care. No insurance company has the right to only insure young, healthy people. I have heard all kinds of rhetoric about the bureaucracy. The bureaucracy rests with the insurance companies who are doing everything they can to deny care so that health care premiums can be used as cash cows. That is most unfortunate. Can we imagine someone who goes to an emergency room, very ill, very confused and frightened, and then be told they have to wait to get permission to take care of them. That is where we are today. I do not understand, frankly, how we can become so committed to an industry, the insurance industry, that we forget that we are here to protect people. Mr. Speaker, I rise against this rule because I do not want it to continue to gag physicians who have been educated and trained to take care of patients. I do not want to support a system that only makes money for the insurance companies. It has been never intended that health care services be cash cows for insurance companies. This is a terrible rule. I hope we all understand that the people are crying out for help. They do not mean help the insurance companies. They want help themselves. We owe it to the American people to offer them this protection. We have failed to do it with this Republican plan, and I rise against this rule and ask everyone to vote against it until we can produce a decent plan.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to pay tribute to a great friend and a valued colleague. Louis Stokes has been a trailblazer and, indeed, he blazed the trail for me and many others who have struggled against racism, prejudice and economic injustice. Since 1968, Congressman Stokes has dedicated himself to fighting for economic and social justice for all Americans, regardless of race, creed, color or gender. While he has been a steadfast champion for the rights and welfare of his constituents in Cleveland, he has been no less dedicated in his pursuit of equality and fairness for all of America's--and the world's--disenfranchised, downtrodden and persecuted people. I looked to the example of Congressman Stokes' service in Congress as a guide during my service in the Texas House and Senate before I came to Congress. I took heart from his determination and perseverance in the face of long odds during my struggles to advocate for the poor and dispossessed. As an African-American, I owe Congressman Stokes a particular debt of gratitude. Louis Stokes exemplifies the finest qualities of leadership, dedication to public service and compassion for his fellow men and women. He has served with distinction in the House, including his chairmanship of the VA-HUD Subcommittee on the Appropriations Committee for 2 years beginning with the 103rd Congress and two stints as Chairman of the Ethics Committee during his 30 years in the House. Congressman Stokes stands as a living symbol of the American dream, rising from humble beginnings to the halls of Congress, the legislative body for the most powerful country in the world. It is noteworthy, that Congressman Stokes has never forgotten where he began, that he has remained committed and loyal to the community that nurtured him in his youth. Since my election to Congress in 1992, I have turned to Louis Stokes for advice and counsel, for guidance on how to increase my effectiveness as a representative of my constituents. Congressman Stokes has always been unfailingly helpful and generous with his time and support. Congressman Stokes possess an amazing ability to bring clarity to debates, to cut to the heart of the issue that is being debated. He possesses an equally special talent for offering fair and equitable solutions to problems that seemingly are intractable. His knowledge, wisdom and leadership will be sorely missed in Congress by Democrats and Republicans. In considering the sadness of Congressman Louis Stokes' retirement from Congress, there is only one bright spot. The Stokes family, who unselfishly surrendered husband, father and grandfather because of the demands of public service, will now have the opportunity to reclaim his time. It is my hope that, while he will be no stranger to Washington, that he will take a well-deserved rest and enjoy the luxury of having quality time to spend with his family. In closing Mr. Chairman, I thank Congressman Stokes for his leadership and friendship over the years, and I wish him all the best for the future.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. The first thing I want to do is thank the people of Cleveland for sending Lou Stokes here. I watched Lou Stokes many years before I had the opportunity to come here. When I came, I left the Texas Senate, where we had battles through debate. But Lou Stokes has taught me that that is not necessarily the way to get things done, and he has taught me that without ever saying a word to me on that issue. I simply had to watch him and that taught me. When you go before the committee where Lou Stokes is, it is the most wonderful experience because of his partner, Congressman Lewis, so kind and respectful, that even when you don't get what you go for, you can't even get angry because they have been so nice. But Lou Stokes has been steadfast. He has taken care of the very basics for every American. When it comes to housing, when it comes to education, when it comes to health care, there has never been a time when he has not had his finger right on the mark. Everyone in those areas throughout this country, notwithstanding their heritage or background or race, know Louis Stokes for those areas. There are very few Americans that cannot be very grateful for the many things that he has done. The veterans know about Louis Stokes and health care. And of course, every poor person and every African- American knows that Louis Stokes has spoken up for all of the persons who have not; and Louis has done it with class, dignity, integrity. Within our Congressional Black Caucus, we have a little private joke when we talk about the romance between the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) and Louis Stokes. She got there before I did because she was on the same committee with him. We are going to miss that. We are going to miss you, Louis. There is no replacement for him. There is not a single Member of this body who could tell us about any harsh word that Louis Stokes has ever spoken. There is not a Member of this body who could tell us that he ever disrespected them. I do not think there is even a Member of this body, even when he could not deliver on that committee, who would tell us that he has ever hurt their feelings. It is only once in a lifetime that we have such a giant in a body like this. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served with him after admiring him for so many years. And for a committee that pleases so few people, they have some of the greatest leaders, people that are kind and respectful, smiles on their faces. And I have a feeling that Louis Stokes helps to influence all of it. We are grateful for you, Louis. We thank you. We love you.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, during roll call vote number 301 on the Wicker Amendment I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted yes. amendment offered by mr. stearns to the amendment in the nature of a substitute no. 13 offered by mr. shays

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, I rise in support of H.R. 1273, which authorizes the programs of the National Science Foundation through Fiscal Year 2000. Mr. Speaker, the National Science Foundation is the only Federal agency with the sole mission to support basic research and engineering research and education in the Nation's schools, colleges, and universities. It signals strong support for the key role of the Foundation in developing and sustaining the academic research enterprise of the Nation. It is consistent with the importance of scientific and engineering research and education as a public investment that contributes to the Nation's economic strength and to the well-being of our citizens. The National Science Foundation programs support research in science and engineering, the operation of national research facilities, the acquisition of state-of-the-art scientific instruments, and science education at all levels of instruction. These wide-ranging activities underpin the technological strength of the Nation through both the generation of new knowledge and the education of scientists and engineers. Moreover, through its initiatives in K-12 science education, the National Science Foundation contributes to the important goal of improving the level of science literacy for all citizens. In light of the National Science Foundation's important role, I am pleased that H.R. 1273 endorses the President's request for a 10- percent budget increase for Fiscal Year 1999 and growth above inflation for Fiscal Year 2000. This funding level would provide real growth for sustaining the Foundation's core research activities in the major science and engineering disciplines which support individual investigators and interdisciplinary research teams. In addition, H.R. 1273 will allow the Foundation to pursue new initiatives in such areas as knowledge and distributed intelligence and the complex interdependencies among living organisms and the environments that affect and are affected by them. In terms of sustaining the human resource base for research in the Nation's colleges and universities, H.R. 1273 will provide support for nearly 27,000 senior scientists, 5,500 postdoctoral researchers, and over 21,000 graduate students. Mr. Speaker, the research investments made by the Foundation generate the new knowledge that fuels the Nation's technological innovation and, consequently, our economic strength of the future. I would like to describe some recent examples that show the breadth and potential technological value of results from the Foundation's sponsored research. The Foundation-supported scientists are participating in the sequencing of the genome for a model flowering plant. A coordinated network of databases has been established to facilitate study of the sequence information. Discoveries to date have included understanding of how to reduce polyunsaturation in seed oils and how to produce biodegradable plastic in crop plants. Researchers at MIT recently created the first atomic laser, a device that creates coherence among atoms, much like the photons in a light laser. This allows the control group of atoms which can be focused to a point or moved over large distances without spreading out. Atomic lasers may one day be used to fabricate extremely small electronic components that will form the basis for highly efficient navigation and communication devices. Forecasting techniques for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms currently can provide only 30 minutes' warning. Researchers at the University of the Oklahoma have now developed a computer model that has for the first time successfully predicted the location and structure of individual storms up to 6 hours in advance before the storms had begun to form. This forecasting tool has great promise for providing protection for lives and families. National Science Foundation support for a wide range of research has led to new ways to exploit the physical, chemical, and biological properties of small groups of molecules. The discovery of novel phenomena and processes at this so-called ``nano'' scale have led to minuscule transistors that use less energy; tiny medical probes that will not damage tissue; improved computer disk-drive heads to boost data storage density; and new ceramic, polymer and other materials with special properties. In addition to supporting basic research, the National Science Foundation's programs help to educate the next generation of scientists, engineers and technicians, and improve science education for all K-12 students. These outcomes are achieved through a wide range of activities, including graduate student support, research experiences for undergraduates, development of curricular materials for science courses at all levels of instruction, development of educational applications of computer and communication technologies, and in-service training for K-12 teachers. The goals of the Foundation's effort to heighten the achievement of all students in science and math are particularly important. The approach now being emphasized has been through partnerships that the Foundation has instituted with States and local school systems to reform math and science instruction and to provide opportunities for professional development of teachers. I believe that the National Science Foundation Urban Systemic Initiative is particularly important in that it focuses on inner city school systems, which often have low levels of student performance in science and math. Finally, the bill provides for several national research facility construction projects. In accordance with the recommendation of a distinguished panel of experts that review the facilities needs of the U.S. Antarctic Program, it authorizes the replacement of South Pole Station and needed upgrades at other Antarctic stations. These facility upgrades are needed to ensure that U.S. facilities in Antarctica are capable of supporting the most advanced research and can provide adequate safety for the scientists and support staff who must function in this hostile environment. H.R. 1237 will provide funding to complete other research facility construction projects and to initiate new projects, including the Polar Cap Observatory and detectors for the Large Hadron Collider. The bill also puts in place new reporting requirements to improve congressional oversight of such construction projects. I want to acknowledge the role of our former colleague, the late Representative Steve Schiff, the former chairman of the Subcommittee on Basic Research, for his efforts during the first session of this Congress to develop H.R. 1273 in a spirit of cooperation. And I also want to commend the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the chairman of the Committee on Science; and the gentleman from California (Mr. Brown), the ranking Democratic Member, for their leadership in this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I fully support H.R. 1273 and urge its approval by the House. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Brown) our distinguished ranking member of the full committee. (Mr. BROWN of California asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Stabenow).

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I just got back from home as well, and what I heard is that the people really want us to give attention to the Patient's Bill of Rights. They want to be able to choose their own physicians. They feel legislation has been introduced and it is time for us to hear it on the floor so we can vote it. It is the number one concern throughout this country. Patient care has totally left the hands of physicians and is in the hands of our insurance companies and our corporate leaders, who will not pay any more for coverage. It is time for us to address the issue, bring it to the floor, debate it and send it to the Senate. It is long past due. We have enough people to pass it, and I would simply call on our leadership to bring it to the floor.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I rise today in support of H.R. 3156, a bill that would give the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Nelson Mandela, the Congressional Gold Medal. Led by Rep. Amo Houghton, Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and minority leader Dick Gephardt, this bill would bestow the Nation's highest civilian honor on a much deserving candidate. It is an honor to be among the cosponsors of this bill. Mr. Speaker, since the first gold medal was given to George Washington in 1776 more than one hundred medals have been awarded. Most recently we awarded the gold medal to Mother Teresa, The Rev. Billy and Ruth Graham and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew. These honorable people along with all the recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal have been instrumental in the development of the societies and communities that span across the seven seas, helping to shape, the world as we know it. Nelson Mandela has lived his life within the confines of this longstanding tradition that the gold medal represents. Mr. Speaker, Nelson Mandela has made it his purpose in life to rid his beloved native land of the evil constraints of apartheid while empowering his fellow citizens with a democratic society. For three decades, Mr. Mandela was imprisoned for his efforts yet he never compromised his beliefs or relinquished his commitment to freeing South Africa from its racist torment. This was made obviously clear when he became the father of the nation that incarcerated him. Mr. Speaker, he is a rare human being who emerged from prison to become president. Mr. Speaker, this will be Nelson Mandela's final year in office. Along with my colleagues, I feel that honoring him at this time would be most appropriate.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this week, we have been revisited by an ugly period in the life of our country. We know that we have had this in the past, and most of us thought it was a thing of the past. I know that it can happen. It happened in Jasper. My sympathy goes out to the families, to that community, to my colleague who has stood up and been on target with the family and his district. It is clear that we cannot allow this kind of incident to go unnoticed. It is time for us to talk about it, educate each other, to alert all of America that this kind of act will not be accepted in this country. It is clear that this community should not be singled out as a community that perpetuates this kind of attitude. This is not that kind of community. But it is an alertness to this entire Nation that the time is here, that we must address this type of dastardly act.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. Much of my career was spent working with veterans at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Dallas, and I know full well the strides that they have attempted to make to improve services. The Veterans Integrated Service Network 17 serving North, Central and South Texas, has sought major construction assistance for over 10 years to replace its 58-year-old mental health facility at the Dallas VA Medical Center. The North Texas VA Mental Health Enhancement Project was originally authorized in 1996, and I am very pleased that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs saw fit to include this vital project in the major construction authorization bill for 1999. The Veterans Integrated Service Network 17 has the highest concentration of combat veterans in the U.S., as well as the highest proportion of POWs and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder treatment programs. The Dallas Medical Center is the primary veterans' mental health provider in the network, serving approximately 7,000 veterans with mental health needs each year. The Dallas VA has done an extraordinary job streamlining its mental health programs to better serve Texas veterans with mental health needs. But the age, limited space, and poor physical condition of the 1930s-era mental health facilities have severely limited its ability to treat many veterans seeking mental health services. Some of these buildings are literally crumbling around our veterans. All are functionally obsolete. Our veterans really do deserve better. The mental health enhancement project will consolidate all mental health inpatient and outpatient programs currently scattered around VA campus in makeshift sites into one new building located adjacent to the clinical building. This will allow the Dallas VA to expand its outpatient programs and reduce its inpatient nursing beds. As important, veterans will be able to go to one location for mental health and medical services rather than being run all over the campus. I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill. I know that this project, as essential as it is and just beginning to get some attention, I know how important the rest of them are, and I hope we can support all of them.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. Having functioned as a registered professional nurse, I have observed over the years persons who are afflicted and need frequent transfusions are more subjected to the risk of HIV than others on a normal basis. This has been one of the viruses that has come along in our history that we have not found any way to conquer it. That we must always be mindful of. Nothing is more important than assuring a family that when they have a loved one that needs a transfusion it is free of viruses and any other bacteria. We have gone a long way in that. We have had to deal with the virus of the 1930s for pneumonia and the virus of polio for the 1950s. Now we are having to deal with another major virus, the HIV virus. So many people are so unaware of their risk for this disease, for the disease which the virus will cause. We must do all that we can to protect the general public, and this bill goes a long way in protecting the hemophiliacs because they can not get around having the transfusions. I have observed too many families, heterosexual, intact families be destroyed by contamination from the young children and some young adults getting transfusions, blood transfusions. I do think, and I agree with the gentleman that there is a public health responsibility of our Federal Government, and this is one of those major issues that, until we find medical breakthroughs, we as a government need to take the responsibility of ensuring the availability of safe, virus-free blood.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, President Lee Teng- hui and Vice President Lein Chan of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will be celebrating their first anniversary in office on May 20, 1998. They have done an excellent job leading their country. Everything about Taiwan is forward looking. It has successfully weathered the current Asian financial crisis. In the last year, President Lee and Vice President Lien have maintained a steady economic growth, expanded substantive relations with a number of countries and sought a continuing dialogue with mainland China. On the eve of their second anniversary in office, I join my colleagues in wishing President Lee and Vice President Lien continuing success in leading their country.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of America's 2.6 million registered nurses to save lives and maintain the health of millions of individuals in the United States. May 6-12 is National Nurses Week. Using the theme ``Nursing: Healthcare With a Human Touch,'' the American Nurses Association and its 53 consitutent associations will spend this week highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses, the largest health care profession, are working to improve health care. From acute bedside nursing to long term care, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is rising to meet the challenges of the different and emerging health care needs of the American population in a whole new range of settings. Registered nurses' education and holistic approach is especially suited to meet the renewed emphasis on primary and preventive health care in the managed care environment. And with an aging American population, the demand for registered nursing services in the home care field will be greater than ever. National Nurses Week begins on May 6, marked as RN Recognition Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of nursing as a modern profession. Nurses, as a rule, do not work in plush or serene environments. Indeed, they often work long hours at relatively low pay, and with far fewer thanks for their dedicated work. During this week, I would like to ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the registered nurses who care for all of us and, further, celebrate the registered nursing professions' continuing commitment to improve the safety and quality of patient care and availability of health care services for all in our health care system. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I note that as a registered nurse myself, I am proud to be associated with a group of individuals who exemplify the highest qualities of selflessness, compassion and concern for others.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, thanks to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Kennelly) for yielding this time to me. Mr. Speaker, this bill for dialogue is something I really support and agree with. As a matter of fact, I have already had a public dialogue. But this bill is worded so that the surplus could be spent to create private retirement accounts, and that is favored by the gentleman from Georgia (Speaker Gingrich) and the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kasich). What they do not tell us is that they intend for these private accounts to replace Social Security benefits. In the State of the Union speech this year, President Clinton lost a national debate with the American people about what they want Social Security to look like in the 21st century. The President pledged to enter into negotiations with Congress by early next year on Social Security reform legislation. Now I do not believe that we should preempt the American people by spending the budget surplus on private retirement accounts before we decide how and if private accounts fit into a comprehensive Social Security reform package. There are inherent dangers in relying on the stock market as something as important as Social Security that really must be discussed and people must be clear on that. Everyone's retirement income would depend on the ups and downs of the market. Benefits for widows and children of deceased workers would be jeopardized, people would have to buy private disability insurance if they could find one to sell it to them for a policy that would be comparable to Social Security disability benefit at a price that they could afford. The fiscally responsible thing for Congress to do is to guarantee that all of any present and future budget surpluses be used for Social Security reform in whatever form it might take after we complete the year of dialogue. Saving this money will reduce the Federal debt as well as shore up the Social Security Trust Fund. Such action is a much more effective means of assuring future retirement security for future generations than spending the budget surplus to establish these private funds. I do not believe we ought to leave the people at the whims of the stock market.