Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I am saying exactly what it would cut. If the gentleman would tell me exactly what the dollars he is talking about would pay for, then we can relate. But I am talking about cutting essential travel to carry out the duty of NASA.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Let me say that the gentleman from Pennsylvania can make a simplistic argument like that, and it might sound like it makes sense, but it does not make sense unless the gentleman can relate it to reality, relate it to basic needs of a program. We can all pay with numbers. But unless those numbers make sense in reality, we are wasting other dollars.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I think that we need to coordinate the real basic needs for what travel it is and look at those figures rather than deciding we just want to slash something.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, my concern is not whether or not we bust the budget. My concern is not that we are cutting the budget; it is how we are cutting the budget. It does not add up when we say we are protecting the personnel and we take away all their tools. It does not do anything but cause for more inefficiency. It is a problem being created by this amendment of Mr. Weldon's, and that is why I think that the more sensible way is with the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. Jackson-Lee]. For example, when he cuts the travel budget by 30 percent, he will then jeopardize the ability of NASA civil service personnel to perform necessary project-related travel, like the trips to Russia to monitor Russian progress on the space station program, space station-related trips between Kennedy Space Center and the Johnson Space Center, travel to support launch operations of scientific payloads et cetera. I just do not think it makes sense the way that he is cutting. As my colleagues know, we can cut the budget, but if it does not coordinate, if we leave NASA without utilities, without money for custodial services, then we really have not done anything to improve operations; we have simply cut without thinking. And that is exactly what the Weldon amendment does. I do not think it makes sense. I think it does make sense to have a orderly downsizing, as they are doing now, that they have already accomplished, and they are continuing to accomplish. But when they say that they are protecting the personnel, they take away all their tools, then how irresponsible is that? I do not believe that we want to go that irresponsible way. I believe that the way we must go, and it does not bust the budget, it does not exceed what the Committee on Appropriations has recommended, is to adopt the Jackson-Lee amendment.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate my friends, constituents, and a great Dallas family for being honored by the Dallas Division of State of Israel Bonds on Thursday evening, May 30, 1996. The Stanley family is being recognized for their dedicated accomplishments which exemplify Jewish consciousness through ``Midor Lador''--``from generation to generation'' embodying Jerusalem, the spiritual heart and soul of the Jewish people. They will be presented with the Jerusalem 3000 Peter Max Award. Renee Stanley along with her late husband Paul, encouraged in their children an awareness of commitment to the local community as well as to the State of Israel. Many organizations benefit from the Stanley family efforts, including Temple Emanu-El, the Jewish Community Center, AIPAC, the American Jewish Congress, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, Dallas Center for Holocaust Studies and National Council of Jewish Women, Jewish Family Service, ADL, Simon Wiesenthal Center & Bet Hashoah Museum of Tolerance, National Holocaust Center in Washington, B'nai B'rith Kivtznich National Jewish Museum, and World Jewish Congress. I wish to extend my congratulations to Renee, Rich, David, Marc, and Wendy, and Roger Stanley who have all worked to improve the quality of life for their fellow citizens in our community and in the world. Keep up the great work.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I join Dallas, the State of Texas, and the Nation in expressing my profound sympathy for the loss of a world leader, Mr. Jerry Junkins, president of Texas Instruments, who died, untimely, of a heart attack while traveling in Europe. Mr. Junkins is well known throughout Texas, the Nation, and the world. He was a leader in trade policies, a leader in support of education, a leader in support of public-private partnerships and the creation of jobs, and a real leader in giving minority businesspeople opportunities. A very untimely death. Mr. Speaker, with great sadness, I rise to pay special tribute to a good friend, and a remarkable individual who has distinguished himself by his exceptional contributions to the Dallas business community. Mr. Jerry R. Junkins, the Chairman, president and CEO of Texas Instruments, passed away from a heart attack while on a business trip in Germany. He was 58. Jerry Junkins will be remembered for his many contributions in the international, national and state arenas, particularly as a leader in pushing for global trade expansion for the U.S. But for those of us in Dallas, he will be remembered as a champion for our community. He was a champion of early childhood education, especially for TI's support of the Margaret H. Cone Model Head Start Center. For many years, he chaired the Dallas Citizen's Council Education Committee. He was a guardian angel for Paul Quinn College, and he was the inspiration behind the TI Minority Business Development Program which grew to over $120 million in a very short time. Jerry Junkins joined Texas Instruments in 1959, and worked his way to its top position of president and CEO in 1985. He became chairman in 1988. Jerry Junkins served in a broad range of civic and industrial positions in Dallas, including: Member of the Board of Trustees of Southern Methodist University; and Member of the Board of Directors of Caterpillar Inc., The Procter & Gamble Company, and 3M. He was also a member of the Business Council, cochairman of The Business Roundtable, and chairman of its International Trade and Investment Task Force. Mr. Speaker, all of Dallas and the State of Texas grieve for Jerry Junkins' wife, Sally, his daughters Kirsten and Karen, his parents, and his brothers and sisters. Mr. Junkins was an extraordinary leader, an exemplary businessman, and a highly respected national and community leaders. He inspired those he worked with, won the devotion of his friends, and earned the gratitude of his Nation. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Jerry Junkins.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, as we consider the merits of H.R. 3322, the Omnibus Civilian Science Authorization for 1996, one large portion of the bill is noticeably absent. Members interested in the authorization levels for the Department of Energy's programs will not find a title authorizing those programs in this legislation. Although programs relating to conservation, renewable energy sources and fossil energy are of obvious importance to the Nation, they will not be considered as a part of this omnibus bill. Under the language of the omnibus science bill considered during the last budget cycle, the authorizations for DOE programs for this fiscal year were included. This was accomplished through an amendment offered by Chairman Walker and agreed to by the full House by a voice vote. It is unfortunate that the House will not have the opportunity to set policy guidelines for the Department of Energy through this bill. A separate bill dealing with DOE is scheduled for subcommittee considerations, but I suspect that the full committee will never see the legislation, nor will the House as a whole. I find this process objectionable. With regard to the language of the bill that is before us, I will be supporting an amendment offered by Mr. Tanner and myself to provide authorization to the Advanced Technology Program and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. These programs, which assist American companies in bringing new technologies to the marketplace, are critical for our economic development. Although the Science Committee leadership has been opposed to these programs in the past, calling them corporate welfare, the appropriators, and the Senate, have seen fit to fund both the ATP and the MEP. Many on the Republican side of the aisle have expressed their support for these programs, as a fine example of government-industry partnerships which help America stay competitive. Our overseas competitors have been continuing their investment in new technology, while America has moved away from this critical part of our economy. Large corporations which must constantly please stockholders are preoccupied with the bottom line, and are slow to invest in high- risk technology which can often have long-term rewards. Small businesses often do not have the necessary capital to invest in high-risk technologies. The ATP and the MEP are programs which assist both large and small companies with high-risk investment. The ATP, for example, is a program which has assisted many small businesses with new technology. Forty-six percent of ATP awards have gone to small businesses, or to joint ventures led by a small business. Public-private partnerships are a viable and effective way to keep America competitive in the global economy, and our support of the ATP and MEP is one way for this Congress to assist American business in the global marketplace. I urge my colleagues to think carefully about this issue, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Brown substitute. Unlike the underlying bill, the amendment authorizes the energy program of the Department of Energy at appropriate levels for 1997. Last year's authorization bill contained a 2-year authorization for the Department of Energy, and the bill before us today makes no mention of these programs. That leaves us with the authorization levels from last year's bill, and that is not good policy. Mr. Chairman, by allowing these authorization levels to stand, we are giving away our responsibility to provide program directions. The amendment makes the tough choices we need to fund energy programs. Fossil energy programs are scaled back while the overall level for energy R&D is funded at a higher level than the House budget resolution. The amendment provides full funding for fusion energy research and development on a bipartisan basis. Over 65 Members of the House signed letters to the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Walker] and the gentleman from Louisiana [Mr. Livingston], requesting full funding of these programs. The amendment also enhances basic research at the Department of Energy. This amendment provides almost $60 million more for high energy and nuclear physics research than the current authorization levels. The amendment also provides full funding for such crucial programs as the Environmental Technologies Initiative, the U.S. Global Change Research Program, and high-performance computing programs at the Department of Energy. These sensible authorization levels do not bust the budget. The figures of the Brown substitute are consistent with a balanced budget by year 2002 as presented by both the President and the Coalition, the blue dog's budget. I urge my colleagues to cast a vote for a reasonable energy policy.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Red Coleman and his family on the 50th anniversary of operating a successful, thriving business in Dallas. Red Coleman, a good friend and consummate businessman, has used his resources of leadership and education to operate 12 Red Coleman's package stores and 19 Red-E Mart convenience stores throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Mr. Red Coleman and his wife, Frances, started their business in 1946 with one store on Forest Avenue. Since that time, his stores have grown and prospered. Throughout all of his business dealings, Red Coleman has operated his stores with adherence to the highest ethical standards and a commitment to customer service. But Red Coleman's success in business is not only evident in the quality management of his stores, but in the community in which he lends his skills and time. He is someone who believes everyone has a responsibility to give back to our community--and he does it on a daily basis. Mr. Speaker, Red Coleman is a truly exceptional businessman and an outstanding person in Dallas. He, Frances, and their son Ronnie, when he joined the family business, are responsible for making so many contributions to our community. I wish Red and his family another 50 years and more of success and happiness with all their endeavors.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a great school in the heart of Dallas as the recipient of a recent award for unparalleled excellence. The Lincoln Humanities/ Communications Magnet High School recently received the distinction of being a ``Redbook'' school for overall excellence, and it is a well deserved honor for a school which has worked hard to improve and excel in education. Lincoln attracts students from all parts of Dallas and surrounding communities despite being in the center of the city. Many times I have visited Lincoln High School and each time I see the excitement on the students' faces as they study and participate in the learning process. The teachers and administrators are equally inspired as they instruct and counsel the students. Under the direction of Dr. Napoleon B. Lewis, Sr., the principal, this unique high school has outshone other schools in academics, the arts, music, and sports. Lincoln Humanities/Communications Magnet High School opened as Lincoln High School in January 1939. The school was built to serve Dallas' black children in the South, East, and Oak Cliff communities of the city. Recently, Lincoln High School has lived up to its commitment to students in the areas of communications and humanities with impressive showings in the National Merit and National Achievement Scholarship Program. The Redbook award for unparalleled excellence is another feather in Lincoln High School's cap, and it will give them even more incentive to continue to offer the best education in the arts, music, and humanities for students all over the Metroplex. Congratulations Lincoln High School. Keep up the great work.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to be able to add my congratulations for the recent naming of Dallas' Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts as a ``Blue Ribbon'' school. In addition to the ``Blue Ribbon'' designation, this special school has also received national acclaim as a prototype for subsequent magnet schools through the United States. The Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts was created about 20 years ago, as a result of a court order mandating that the Dallas schools desegregate and the realization by the Dallas Independent School District of the specific need to educate gifted artists with both the potential and aspiration for careers in the arts. Located in the Dallas Arts District, near the heart of the city, the magnet school attracts students from throughout the metropolitan Dallas area. The multiethnic student body includes approximately 650 students in grades 9 through 12. The instructional staff consists of 54 teachers. Approximately 88 percent of the faculty have more than 10 years of teaching experience while more than 83 percent have advanced degrees. The school is accredited by the Texas Education Agency and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The arts school was created to provide a program of excellence in the arts which meets the needs of the students and the community. Intensive training in the performing or visual arts allows students to explore the demands of an artistic career. A rigorous academic program offers all courses required for the State's three graduation plans. Students are selected through audition, interview, portfolio, or other demonstration of artistic aptitude. Congratulations to the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas on the 20-year evolution of a great idea.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, sadly today, I must report the loss of a friend, supporter, and committed citizen, Elsie Cohen Pearle. Mrs. Pearle, passed away at her Dallas home this past week following a battle with cancer. Born as Elsie Cohen in Pittsburgh, she graduated from Schenley High School. Shortly afterward, she met and married Stanley Pearle. The couple moved to Texas after Dr. Pearle graduated from optometry school and she became very involved in the family's optometry businesses, which preceded the founding of Pearle Vision optical stores. She worked as an executive for the firm and handled all of the advertising. Elsie Cohen Pearle was a charter life member of the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Dallas section and she has been described by her friends and associates as a tireless and inspiring leader in the fundraising efforts of that organization. In Dallas, however, Mrs. Pearle was best known for her love of art and her support of numerous organizations. She was a member of the Dallas Jewish Historical Society, the League of Women Voters, the National Organization for Women, and Emily's List. She also chaired the women's division campaign of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas. She has also been active in every national political campaign since 1960. She attended State Democratic conventions and cochaired breakfasts, luncheons, and art shows on behalf of many political candidates. In 1988 she was honored with the Israel Bonds Woman of Valor Award, and she and her husband were awarded the Torch of Conscience Award by the Dallas Chapter of the American Jewish Congress. Mrs. Pearle formerly served on the aesthetics committee of Temple Emanu-El, where she also served on the board of the music committee. She was to have been honored in November as the first honorary chairwoman of the National Council of Jewish Women's Gala Affair in Dallas. Elsie, you will be missed.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Oberstar amendment to H.R. 2149, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. This amendment, simply put, requires the public disclosure of the essential terms of contracts that could be secret and/or discriminatory. The authority to make secret contracts is particularly inappropriate when we bear in mind that under H.R. 2149 carriers, consortia of carriers, and their conferences will operate under antitrust immunity. Mr. Chairman, the combination of antitrust immunity and secret agreements undercuts the Shipping Act of 1984 which achieved a delicate balance between the competing interests of the ocean carrier and the shipper. Under the 1984 act, carriers were allowed to continue having conferences, but the essential terms of the contracts they entered into with shippers had to be publicly disclosed to ensure that they were not discriminating against shippers, ports, manufacturers, and freight forwarders. Without this amendment, Mr. Chairman, this balance will be destroyed. Carriers will be allowed to enter into confidential ocean transportation contracts and no one, not even the Federal Government, will know when these carriers or cartels choose to harm our ports or industries. Mr. Chairman, with the Oberstar amendment, significant but fair deregulation will still occur. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment that will ensure that true marketplace forces will be able to provide safeguards to protect our consumers, manufacturers, and ports from secret deals that discriminate against them. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in remembrance of a much respected family man who was a part of Dallas' business community and a part of Dallas' family, Mr. Francis A. (Frank) Maier. He was among the 35 people who died in a plane crash on April 3 while on a trade mission to war-torn Croatia with United States Commerce Secretary Ron Brown. Mr. Maier was 50 years old. Mr. Maier was originally from the Bronx in New York City. He attended college at Manhattan College earning a bachelor's degree in business administration. After graduation, he began his career at Westinghouse in 1967. Mr. Maier had a 20-year-long career with Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Pittsburgh, and held several positions at Westinghouse, including director of project finance. A recruiting firm lured him to Dallas from Westinghouse in 1993. As President of Enserch International, a subsidiary of Enserch Development Corporation, Mr. Maier dealt with trade issues for Enserch and represented his corporation and his country overseas. In the past several months, Mr. Maier had been to 10 Asian and European countries. This is a sad time as we mourn the deaths of all of the people who died on that ill-fated flight, but we must not forget all of the contributions that these people gave to our country. Everyone in Dallas feels the loss of Mr. Maier's family and all of Dallas grieves with them.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 842, the Truth in Budgeting Act. This legislation is critical to the viability of the Nation's highway program and to ensuring tax fairness. The transportation trust funds were created with a special obligation between Congress and transportation users--that these user fees would be used to construct, rebuild and maintain our Nation's transportation infrastructure. Currently highway users contribute over $5 billion annually toward deficit reduction. Further reductions in spending from this program will increase trust fund balances and ignore the commitments made to taxpayers. Mr. Chairman, while budgetary manipulation restrains investment, America's transportation needs continue to grow. The Department of Transportation recently reported that just to maintain current conditions would require an annual investment of $44.8 billion for highways, $5.1 billion for bridges and $7.3 billion for transit systems. Actual 1993 outlays for these purposes were $34.8 billion by all levels of government. Airport needs alone are estimated at $10 billion annually. It is argued that transportation should make a contribution to reducing the deficit. The truth is, that since 1990 transportation users already have contributed more than $30 billion to deficit reduction through diversion of part of the Federal motor fuels tax to the general fund. Both congressional and administration budget plans would result in transportation spending reductions and increases in trust fund balances to offset the deficit. Mr. Chairman, concerns have been expressed about the impact on the deficit and other programs of taking the transportation trust funds off budget. These concerns are unfounded. Removal of the trust funds from the unified budget itself will not increase the deficit, will not mandate cuts in other programs, will not restrict the Appropriations Committee's ability to set transportation spending levels. In a written cost estimate the Congressional Budget Office has ruled that taking the trust funds off budget would not result in any change to the deficit. Mr. Chairman, by passing this bill, Congress will retain its pivotal role in setting spending and policy priorities in transportation. Mr. Chairman, it is necessary only to drive to work these days to be reminded that America's transportation infrastructure needs some heavy duty work. The winter's lingering potholes and the traffic jams are only part of the evidence that not enough is being done to improve the Nation's mobility. It is time to make the situation right and surely not allowing more and more deterioration. But making it right means allowing the balances in the trust funds to be spent down in a responsible manner. It means helping to meet the billions of dollars in unmet needs on highways, bridges, transit systems and airports. Mr. Chairman, without this legislation it is likely that the balances in the trust funds will continue to increase and there will be fewer resources available for the Nation's transportation infrastructure. The transportation trust funds must be removed from the unified budget so that we can keep our commitments to the highway users and to future generations. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 842 the Truth in Budgeting Act. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note with appreciation the many achievements and inspirational life of Commerce Secretary Ron Brown. With his constant good will and hard work, he was able to build bridges where there once were valleys and hope where there was once despair. Secretary Brown used the power of the Commerce Department to find ways to give opportunity to ordinary Americans, to generate jobs for the American economy, and to build futures for American citizens. One could look at Ron's life as a series of firsts. That would be a disservice, for in fact, his life was a series of first place and solid accomplishments. Ron Brown always believed that we would succeed. Whether as a student at Middlebury, staff person to Senator Kennedy, or top campaign aide to the Senator, Ron was a success. As chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Ron was a success. A lawyer, a skillful negotiator, a pragmatic bridge builder, and past highly successful chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Secretary Brown strongly believed in the promise of America and aggressively advanced polices and programs to accelerate the Nation's economic growth and create new jobs and opportunities for all American people. Under his leadership, the Commerce Department became the powerhouse envisioned by President Clinton. Secretary Brown promoted U.S. exports, U.S. technologies, entrepreneurship, and the economic development of distressed communities throughout the Nation. He led trade development missions to five continents, touting the competiveness of U.S. goods and services. During his tenure, U.S. exports reached a record high, America regained its title as the world's most productive economy, and exports and technology were key contributors to the millions of new jobs created during the first 3 years of President Clinton's administration. Mr. Speaker, my prayers go out to his wife Alma, son Michael, and daughter Tracy. Their strength and courage were displayed during Secretary Brown's funeral service and they should be forever proud of their husband and father. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute today to my good friend and constituent, Mr. George Dutchie Miner on the occasion of his retirement, March 29, 1996, following 55 years of service to Northrop Grumman and its corporate predecessors-- including among other company names Hamilton, Chance Vought, Ling Tempco Vought and Vought. Mr. Miner started with the company on March 7, 1941, making aircraft propellers for what was then a division of United Aircraft. He made propellers from scratch out of aluminum alloy. Throughout his career, Mr. Miner has made dies for all of the company's aircraft, for Boeing programs and for military subcontracts. Most recently, as a die finisher, he has prepared 17,000 pound dies for use in creating components for the B-2 Stealth bomber. During World War II, Mr. Miner earned about 50 cents an hour as a tool and die maker, $28 dollars a week with overtime on the weekends. But he as able to provide for his family and put his two sons through college. He now enjoys the love and affection of three grandchildren. During a portion of his career, he served as the State vice president of his labor union. He also served as a Democratic precinct chairman for many years and a community leader extraordinaire. Congratulations Dutchie, Northrup Grumman and the country are grateful for your many years of service. I salute you for a job well done.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the sesquicentennial of the First United Methodist Church of Dallas. This church has seen the city of Dallas grow from the small town that Dallas was in the late 1860's to the booming metroplex of today. The history of the First United Methodist Church of Dallas begins in 1846 when the Methodist Church sent a minister to the small town of Dallas. The population of the city was about 200. The reverend from the Methodist church met with several resident, formed a small congregation and proceeded to build Dallas' first church on the corner of Commerce and Lamar. In 1879, the church was destroyed by fire. The second church resided at the corner of Commerce and Prather from 1894 to 1916. Then, the church purchased land on the corner on Ross and Harwood and began the construction of the church we know today. It was not completed until February 7, 1926, exactly 80 years after its formation. During the 1960's, the church was a meeting place for civil rights activists in downtown Dallas. No other church would let blacks meet in Dallas, but the First United Methodist Church has never discriminated and has always allowed groups to congregate nonviolently within their walls. They believe in accepting people into their church and not turning away people who need their help. The First United Methodist Church of Dallas, today, is a downtown church which has a distinct identity and culture all of its own and has been able to flourish. People come from as far as north Texas and Waco making the trek downtown, and they pass more convenient churches along the way. Music and the arts are the First United Methodist Church's outreach to its congregation. Many people attend the other activities at the church during the week as well as on Sunday. On Wednesday, the church holds a weekly midday music program where the music is free and a hot home-cooked meal is provided for $5. While downtown churches in many cities are shutting their doors, and are experiencing a decline or moving to the suburbs, the First United Methodist Church of Dallas is holding its own with no plans of abandoning its home in the inner city. The church is a spiritual landmark for anyone who has lived in Dallas, and everyone has come to know the First United Methodist Church of Dallas and the people who work there as friends. It provides a wealth of services in support to the community and should truly be congratulated for its commitment to Dallas and the people who attend this church. This 150th anniversary celebration recognizes all that the church has given to Dallas, and now it is our turn to give back to it. We wish the First United Methodist Church of Dallas a happy 150 years and many more.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the health profession to encourage my colleagues to support a comprehensive health care reform measure that would make appropriate health care accessible for all Americans. As we consider H.R. 3103, the Health Coverage Affordability and Availability Act, it is important that we realize that there is no clear consensus on the best means to attain universal coverage. Limitations on exclusions for preexisting conditions and guarantees for portability will help millions of Americans move away from job-lock and the terrifying prospect of losing health care coverage that comes with job loss or change brought about by corporate downsizing and other market forces. As a nurse, it is my opinion that this Congress needs to continue to foster high standards in the health care industry and promote the economic and general welfare of Americans in the workplace. All year we have heard that the Medicare hospital trust fund is about to go bankrupt and therefore we have to make massive cuts in Medicare to save it. Now they propose taking the easiest money in Medicare--the money gained from fighting fraud--and spending it to give medical savings account tax breaks to younger people who are likely to be in the highest tax brackets and the healthiest members of our society. Mr. Chairman, while considering health care legislation today, we as a Congress must keep the process simple. There is no place for adding on special interest amendments and pay backs that will sabotage the passage of good reforms. We must also remember the working poor of this Nation that are effectively priced-our of the health insurance market. Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to support the Democratic substitute to H.R. 3103 because the substitute does not contain any of the bill's highly controversial provisions--such as medical savings accounts--that would jeopardize any possibility of enacting health insurance reform this year. The Kassebaum-Kennedy-Roukema bill, which assures health insurance portability, enjoys broad bipartisan support in both Chambers, and the President has endorsed it. We should not let this opportunity for enacting meaningful health reform slip away by loading down this bill with a number of controversial provisions. The only way to enact health reform is to support the Kassebaum-Kennedy- Roukema alternative which the substitute embodies. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this misguided and deceptive legislation before us known as H.R. 1833, the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act. I believe this bill is both bad politics and bad policy. Mr. Speaker, it is critical to protect women's health and preserve the ability of these women to have future healthy pregnancies. H.R. 1833 prevents women from receiving the safest medical care in the rare cases when a wanted pregnancy has gone tragically wrong. Women need access to the safest medical procedure. Under Roe versus Wade and later reaffirmed in Planned Parenthood versus Casey the Supreme Court explicitly declared that States can ban late term abortions, unless the woman's life or health is endangered, and in fact 41 States have already done so. As passed by the Senate, and earlier by the House, H.R. 1833 is a direct constitutional challenge to both Roe and Casey because it fails to provide a health exception. Mr. Speaker, we must not be misled by the Senate's addition of language purporting to be a ``life exception.'' As drafted, the ``life exception'' language is so narrowly crafted that a doctor would still risk criminal prosecution to perform this procedure. It is important to note that the Senate, by a narrow margin, rejected a true ``life and adverse health'' amendment that would have protected women who face life and health threatening pregnancies. Mr. Speaker, since the House has considered this bill, public debate on the issue has shifted. The House acted to ban a specific abortion procedure and jail doctors after only brief debate and a prohibition on all amendments. When the far-reaching effects of this legislation were more fully debated both in the Senate and in the news media the bill passed the Senate by only a thin margin. The statements of the bill's proponents both in Congress and in anti-choice movements make it clear that H.R. 1833, far from being a moderate measure, is in fact the first step in an ambitious strategy to use the new congressional anti-choice majority to overturn Roe. I ask my colleagues to stop that from happening.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Women's Health Equity Act and, in particular, in support of the osteoporosis provisions of the bill. Most women find out that they have osteoporosis when it is too late, after a bone fracture or a curvature of the spine has occurred. The real tragedy is that for many women the disease is preventable and treatable. But this is a disease that has an underlying condition that affects 25 million Americans, most of them, 80 percent of them, women. All of us lose bone mass as we age, but people with osteoporosis lose an excessive amount, leading to weak and brittle bones. As I just said, 80 percent of those suffering from osteoporosis are older women, and a woman's risk for hip fracture alone is now equal to the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. It is time for us to give a little bit more attention to this disease, Madam Speaker.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose the repeal of the ban on assault weapons. It is my wish that a police officer never has to confront a suspect armed with a firearm fitted with a grenade launcher, which is outlawed as part of the ban. It is difficult to imagine a legitimate purpose in private ownership of a grenade launcher. The weapons identified in the ban are not uncommon on the streets of Dallas. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms estimates that there are two million military-style assault weapons on the streets today. Dallas narcotics officers have often encountered Intratec-9 firearms when executing a raid or apprehending a suspect. These firearms, with clips containing 32 rounds, have been the gun of choice for drug dealers. The Dallas Police Department has seized 24 Intratec- 9's, 66 AK-47's and 3 street sweeper shotguns during 1995. These firearms are explicitly named in the ban. Mr. Speaker, more than three-fourths of the American public support this ban. Adding provisions to this bill that increases penalties for gun related crimes is simply a gimmick to divert attention from this legislative payoff to the NRA, and will do nothing to stop those crimes if assault weapons are legally available again on the streets. Current law bans only a short list of specified semiautomatic assault weapons-- weapons used almost exclusively by organized crime, gangs, and drug cartels--while specifically exempting more than 650 sporting firearms from the ban. Statistics show that even though these assault weapons make up less than 1 percent of all guns, they are 18 times more likely than other guns to be cop-killers, and 16 times more likely to be traced to crime than other firearms. Police support outlawing assault weapons in order to protect the lives of police, as well as the general public. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to uphold the ban.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2202 as amended. Although I have long been, and will continue to be, a supporter of many of the initiatives contained in the bill to fight illegal immigration, I must vote against the bill because of some of the more extreme provisions. In my home State of Texas, illegal immigration is indeed a problem, and I support the strong border protection provisions of the legislation. I also want to acknowledge the Texan cosponsors of the bill. Mr. Smith and Mr. Bryant, for their hard work in crafting this legislation. I was most gratified that the House adopted an amendment which removed the legal immigration provisions of the bill, which allows this distinct issue to be dealt with under separate legislation. The Senate has already moved to divide the legal and illegal provisions, and I believe this is the wisest course for this House to follow. For just a moment, I would like to comment about legal immigration. I remain a strong supporter of legal immigration, which has a positive benefit on America. Not only does legal immigration assist our country culturally, it also helps our economy. Legal immigrants to the United States pay $25 billion a year more in taxes than they receive in services. Usually, immigrants are of working age, which explains their benefit to the overall economy. The United States admitted 7.5 million legal immigrants in the 1980's, yet in that decade the unemployment rate fell. Legal immigrants begin business in this country, which employ Americans. In sum, legal immigration is a tradition in America which improves our lives. With respect to the provisions of H.R. 2202, I have objections to the bill, which I hope can be worked out in conference. The House adopted a provision which will give States the option to deny public education to illegal aliens. This provision, which will be challenged in court and is likely unconstitutional, is mean-spirited and does not advance the goals of the overall bill. These children that seek an education will now be turned away, while educators will be turned into Immigration and Naturalization Service workers, adding to their burden unnecessarily. And what will these children do? Does the House really expect something positive from turning children out of the school house and into the street? This is one reason I oppose the bill in its current form, and I hope this provision is deleted in conference.