Walter Jones

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey as well as the gentlewoman from North Carolina for introducing this resolution. I must say, as many of my colleagues from North Carolina and also from New Jersey and Virginia and elsewhere have said, that this is probably one of the worst natural disasters that we have seen, certainly in my State, and I cannot speak for New Jersey and Virginia. But when you have a gentleman from the State of Maryland who was a volunteer during America's help in Turkey with the earthquake, and he comes back and he goes down to eastern North Carolina and he is quoted in the paper as saying that it reminded him of the Third World, that maybe tells you better than what I can say just how bad things are in eastern North Carolina. But I will tell you that the resolve of the people in North Carolina and the people of eastern North Carolina is such that when they have been devastated by this natural disaster, they have come together and they take care of their brothers and sisters, as the Bible says, and I can assure you that the outpouring of help, not just sympathy, but help that has come from people within the State of North Carolina, as well as from all over America, is just what America is about. When people are hurting and when people are in need, we as Americans come to each other's aid. That is what makes this country what it is today. I want to also say that FEMA I think has done an excellent job. It is a tough job. When you have people that are frustrated and stressed and have lost so much, and they are anxious for help, I do want to say that I think FEMA has done an excellent job. Certainly they are overwhelmed by this disaster, but, again, they are doing their very best to help the American taxpayer and the citizens of eastern North Carolina, as well as Virginia and New Jersey. I do want to say, Mr. Speaker, that when farmers and business owners and individuals have lost everything, then, as I said earlier today in a morning speech, I think sometimes that we need to reconsider foreign aid. We need to reconsider, that the American taxpayer, the American that has been hurt, should come first. In closing, I know that this Congress will do everything within its power to help its neighbors in North Carolina, as well as New Jersey and Virginia.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Centennial of Flight Corrections Act of 1999. S. 1072 allows for certain technical corrections to be made to the Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act of 1998, which was passed into law last year. This Commemoration Act honors the 100th anniversary of the historic ``First Flight.'' In 1903, from the windy sand dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Orville and Wilbur Wright secured their place in aviation history. With a great deal of courage and determination, the Wright brothers were able to successfully sustain the first-ever power-driven flight, which forever changed the face of transportation. Arguably, ``First Flight,'' the dawn of air travel, is one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century. This amazing event is particularly important to North Carolinians who have remembered and honored the Wright brothers' achievements for nearly a century. On our Nation's highways, North Carolina's license plates proudly display the motto ``First in Flight.'' In 1998, the Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act established a federal commission to properly celebrate the Wright brothers' accomplishments and coordinate the activities surrounding the centennial in 2003. The Centennial of Flight Commission will develop a calendar of events, circulate information on the Centennial, help in publishing scholarly works related to ``First Flight,'' and sponsor civic and educational programs in both North Carolina and Ohio. S. 1072 makes in order certain technical corrections to the original Commemoration Act, which are necessary for the Commission to carry out its mandate. I believe the Commission will prove invaluable to the effective coordination of commemorative events as the 100-year mark of the historic ``First Flight'' quickly approaches. Please join me in honoring the achievements of Orville and Wilbur Wright as well as an unforgettable century of aviation by supporting this bill.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week America lost a legendary figure in the game of baseball. The town of Hertford and the State of North Carolina lost a friend and a hero. Hall of Fame pitcher Jim ``Catfish'' Hunter passed away, just one year after being diagnosed with ALS, the same disease that took the life of former Yankee first baseman Lou Gehrig. Mr. Speaker, Jim ``Catfish'' Hunter is a grand example of what a sports hero should be. He played baseball because he loved the game. The success he gained was secondary. During his career, no matter how impressive his accomplishments or how great the public recognition, he never forgot his family or his community. In fact, he lived the kind of life that movies are based on. Jim Hunter was raised in rural eastern North Carolina as the fourth of eight children. As a boy, he excelled in sports. In high school, professional scouts began taking interest in his pitching skills. Hunter's natural talent and dedication to the game led to a remarkable career which elevated a young country boy to a national sports hero. He was given the name Catfish in 1964 when former Oakland A's Charlie Finley signed the 18-year-old to play baseball. Hunter admitted that he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and the A's owner apparently insisted on the name Catfish. Jim Catfish Hunter went on to win five world championship rings and a plaque in baseball's Hall of Fame. As an 8-time All Star, he pitched in 6 World Series, helping to win three championships in Oakland and two more with the Yankees. His 15- year baseball career ended in 1979, but not before he won 224 games, pitched a perfect game, and in 1974 received the American League's Cy Young Award. Jim Catfish Hunter gained the kind of superstardom that could have changed most men, but he remained the same unassuming man he was when he left Eastern North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, John Ruskin once said, ``The first true test of a truly great man is his humility.'' Mr. Speaker, if this is the test, then Catfish Hunter will certainly be remembered as a great man. At age 33, Jim Catfish Hunter retired from baseball and moved back to North Carolina, not far from where he was raised, to concentrate on his family. He had married his high school sweetheart Helen, and together they had three children, sons Todd and Paul, and a daughter, Kim. Hunter has been quoted as saying he would have given up all of his money and fame for the health to watch his grandson Taylor grow. But Jim Hunter was a fighter. Instead of shying away from the disease, he worked to raise awareness of his illness in hopes of finding a cure. In fact, last May, Hunter attended the opening of the Jim Catfish Hunter ALS Foundation in Hartford, North Carolina. The event fell on May 8, the 31st anniversary of his perfect game. Mr. Speaker, we remember him as more than just a great ball player. He was a wonderful man who loved his family and his community. In fact, I imagine he would like to be remembered as Jim Hunter, the husband, father, grandfather, and friend, rather than Catfish Hunter, the Hall of Fame baseball pitcher. Today we celebrate his life and the legacy that he has left for future athletes. Mr. Speaker, the Nation and the game of baseball are better off because Jim Catfish Hunter passed this way.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 410, I was inadvertently detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 409, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, prior to the district work period, I came to the floor to discuss an issue on the minds of many Americans as well as myself, the issue of Chinese espionage at our Nation's weapons laboratories. Over the last month, I spent time with the constituents of the third district of North Carolina, which I am proud to represent, and they gave me further confirmation that the American people are outraged over the loss of our sensitive national security information. But what my constituents expressed even greater concern with, as I am sure many across this country have, is the potential for continued loss of our sensitive nuclear technology. In response to their concerns, I gave my word that I would do everything as a Member of Congress to ensure the accountability of those who have jeopardized the security of our Nation and protect our security information for the future, and, Mr. Speaker, I mean it too. In July, I had the opportunity to meet with the former director of Safeguard and Security for the Department of Energy, Colonel Ed McCallum. The Office of Safeguards and Security governs protection of the Department of Energy's national security assets including nuclear weapons, nuclear material, highly classified information and personal clearance. It also investigates security incidents involving the loss of nuclear materials and the unauthorized disclosure of classified information. Colonel McCallum served as director of the office for 9 years under former Energy Secretary Hazel O'Leary and then under current Secretary Bill Richardson. I first heard Colonel McCallum reveal his side of the nuclear spy scandal on the O'Reilly Factor on the Fox News Channel. Colonel McCallum was telling of how he and members of his staff made continued efforts, Mr. Speaker, to approach both O'Leary and Richardson to alert them to the lax security at our weapons labs and the need to take measures to prevent possible theft. Mr. Speaker, Colonel McCallum reported that time after time he hit roadblocks in trying to bring this issue to the attention of both Secretaries. Neither O'Leary or Richardson took interest in his findings, and neither worked to tighten security. It is little surprise then to find out that security secrets were easily targeted by the Communist Chinese. To prevent similar situations in the future my colleague, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), and myself had called for a hearing to have Colonel McCallum and members of his staff brief the House Committee on Armed Services on the instances in which U.S. security was compromised. I am confident the information the colonel and his staff can provide will be critical in assisting Congress in its efforts to eliminate leakage of sensitive military secrets in the future. Mr. Speaker, despite what the administration is willing to bet, the American people care about the loss of nuclear technology. In fact, after I had the opportunity to appear on the O'Reilly Factor to state my commitment to pursue this issue I have received a number of supportive letters from men and women across the country. One soldier in the Army wrote, and I quote: I cannot figure out why there is so much apathy among the American people regarding this very serious threat to the security of our country. I further quote: There are a lot of people like myself who recognize the gravity of this situation and wish to see those responsible held fully accountable for their actions. I do not care how well the economy is doing. It won't mean a thing if China or one of its allies decides to launch a missile strike against this country. That is from a member that served in the United States Army. Mr. Speaker, a couple wrote another letter I want to share with you. It reads, and I quote: This is a tragic road America is heading down. We are both grateful to you and others who are working with you to bring light, order, and some justice to what we see as a complete incompetence, lack of integrity, and dishonesty shown by this administration. Mr. Speaker, I have a stack of letters just like these I have read to you tonight. The message is clear. The American people want you and I to stand up to this administration. We are a Congress. As a Congress, we must demand that those responsible are held accountable for compromising our national security, and we must work to prevent future leaks. Mr. Speaker, I have offered my commitment and urge my colleagues and this Congress to join me in working to protect the security of every American citizen because America is special, and we must do everything we can to protect our national security of this Nation.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, earlier today, a number of my colleagues joined me in a press conference to discuss an issue that I believe may jeopardize the readiness of our military--the Department of Defense Anthrax Vaccination Immunization Program. Mr. Gilman, Mr. Burton, Mr. Filner, Mr. Metcalf, and Mr. Hayes all joined me to express our shared concerns over the mandatory anthrax vaccination program. I wanted to take a few moments to share some of my thoughts on the press conference and the anthrax issue as a whole. In March of this year, I met with a number of reservists from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in the Third District of North Carolina, which I am proud to represent, to hear their concerns about the mandatory anthrax vaccination program. After listening to their concerns, I contacted Secretary Cohen and requested the program be halted until the questions surrounding the program could be answered. The Department denied my request. It also failed to address my concerns. Mr. Speaker, all branches of the military are currently experiencing great difficulty in recruiting and retaining quality military personnel. Since the announcement of the mandatory vaccination program in 1997, growing numbers of military personnel--particularly Guard and Reservists--are choosing to resign rather than take what may be an unsafe anthrax vaccine. Now, military personnel across the country are struggling with their options: take the vaccine or leave the service. Unfortunately, too many are choosing the latter. At Travis Air Force Base alone, 32 pilots in the 301st Airlift Squadron have resigned or are planning to do so because of the anthrax vaccine. That is more than a fifty percent attrition rate. The Air Force estimates it costs $6 million to train each pilot. If this figure holds true, the United States is losing over $190 million dollars worth of training and over 450 years worth of combined experience in the cockpit! These statistics are not isolated to one unit or one base. A recent Baltimore Sun article reported that as many as 25 F-16 pilots of 35 pilots in the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Indiana National Guard might refuse the vaccination. This could effectively ground the squadron. At least one-third of the F-16 pilots in the Wisconsin National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing is expected to refuse the vaccinations. Another Air National Guard unit in Connecticut reportedly lost one- third of their pilots for the same reason. The active duty force is also plagued by this problem. Fourteen Marines in Hawaii and at least a dozen in California have refused the vaccine and are awaiting likely court-martials and dishonorable discharges. Other reports indicate that even the Department of Defense estimates several hundred active personnel have refused the vaccine and are awaiting disciplinary action. In a time when all branches of our military are faced with severe challenges in recruiting and retaining quality military personnel, we should be looking for ways to recruit and retain these men and women, not drive them away. For this reason, Mr. Gilman and I each introduced separate pieces of legislation to address the problem. My legislation, H.R. 2543, the American Military Health Protection Act, would make the current Department of Defense Anthrax Vaccination Immunization Program voluntary for all members of the Uniformed Services until either: (1) The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new anthrax vaccination for humans; or (2) the Food and Drug Administration has approved a new, reduced shot course for the anthrax vaccination for humans. Mr. Gilman's legislation, H.R. 2548, stops the vaccination program until the National Institutes of Health has completed additional studies. However, today's press conference was not about pushing a single bill. Instead, we were there today because despite our respective differences, there is solidarity in our goals. Each of the men and women at the press conference represented differing views on how to best deal with the anthrax vaccination program. Yet, we all agreed on one point: The mandatory anthrax program must be changed! For that reason, today Mr. Gilman and I were able to announce our joint efforts to secure a hearing in the Armed Services Committee on our respective legislative proposals. If our American men and women are willing to risk their lives to defend this great nation, the least we can do is ensure their questions of safety have been adequately answered before requiring them to take it. It is important to respond to this issue before a small readiness problem affects the entire force. I am hopeful that all of our colleagues will join us in working to achieve that goal.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, 3 weeks ago I first learned the story of a lieutenant colonel working for the Department of Energy whose job had been threatened. Colonel Ed McCallum was the director of the Office of Safeguards and Security for the Department of Energy. He and his staff were responsible for the policy that governs the protection of the Energy Department's national security assets. This includes nuclear weapons, nuclear materials, highly classified information, and personnel clearances. In his position within the Department, Colonel McCallum was responsible for evaluating and working to prevent security challenges with regard to our Nation's most sensitive technology. In his 9 years as director, Colonel McCallum worked under Clinton appointee Secretary Hazel O'Leary and then under current Energy Secretary Bill Richardson. Under both, he worked to highlight security lapses within the Department. Unfortunately, he faced a steep uphill battle getting anyone in the department to listen to his concerns. Instead, his reports and memos were ultimately carelessly set aside. Even after gaining the attention of the Secretary, little or no action was taken. Time after time, his efforts were stonewalled. Now Colonel McCallum is speaking out about the Department's efforts to ignore the great breaches of national security at our weapons laboratories. Since coming forward with the truth, Colonel McCallum was placed on administrative leave and his career was threatened. Now with the help of Bill O'Reilly and Fox News, I have been working to draw attention to the subject of China and other nations' efforts to steal American military secrets, as well as the administration's treatment of the men and women who are coming forward with the truth. Colonel McCallum and members of his staff are working to protect the security of each and every American citizen. Rather than being rewarded for their patriotism, they are being punished by this administration. After appearing on the O'Reilly Factor last month, my office has received numerous calls and letters from concerned citizens asking that we continue working to address this issue. Mr. Speaker, the American people care that our national security has been compromised. The American people care about what other sensitive U.S. information China and rogue nations have been able to access. Our potential adversaries may have been able to steal information on our most advanced stealth technology. Our military space research or information on our most advanced communications equipment. Each of these technologies by themselves pose real risks to the security of the American people. For that reason, I am concerned not only for the safety of our generation but also that of the future generations. My friend and colleague, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), and I have asked the Committee on Armed Services chairman, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence), to hold a hearing allowing members of Colonel McCallum's staff to testify. The information they can provide will be critical in assessing Congress' effort to halt the leakage of sensitive military secrets. Mr. Speaker, we must take action to protect those individuals who are willing to come forward with the information that will keep our sensitive national security information protected and secret. We must take actions to ensure the safety and security of all Americans.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.J. Resolution 57. For the last 5 years, I have opposed extending Most Favored Nation status to China. Every year the administration promises that our relations with the Communist country will improve, and every year China proves us wrong. In 1995, Congress extended normal trade status to China. The conditions were to stop abusive human rights practices and stop exporting lethal weapons. China has not stopped these practices. The CIA reported in 1996 that China was the greatest supplier of weapons of mass destruction and technology to foreign countries. China has not put an end to its long and established history of human rights abuses, like forced abortion and sterilization. China never lives up to its end of the bargain. The Chinese citizens who seek democracy are often jailed, tortured, and even killed. Religious leaders are harassed and incarcerated, and places of worship closed or destroyed when the faith and church are not sanctioned by the Chinese Government. Mr. Speaker, what is more frightening is that our own government seems unconcerned about the security of America. This administration turns a blind eye when China sells technology to our enemies and steals our nuclear secrets. Mr. Speaker, before we extend this economic advantage to China, we must see proof that China is serious about extending freedom to the Chinese people and becoming a partner in this world. Mr. Speaker, I support H.J. Resolution 57 and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week I came to the floor to talk about Chinese espionage, something that seems to be missing in media coverage. A couple of weeks ago, an interview on The O'Reilly Factor caught my attention. Bill O'Reilly spoke with Lieutenant Colonel Edward McCallum, the director of Security and Safeguards for the Department of Energy. After 9 years serving in this position, Colonel McCallum has been placed on administrative leave and his job has been threatened. Mr. Speaker, Colonel McCallum has a long and distinguished military career. The colonel is an individual who takes his job as a defender of our Nation and our constitutional rights seriously. Colonel McCallum has dedicated his life to protecting the citizens and the critical national security interests of America; and now, he is being punished because he came forward with facts surrounding espionage at our research and weapons laboratories. Mr. Speaker, when President Clinton appointed Hazel O'Leary Energy Secretary, a dangerously casual attitude invaded the Department of Energy. Colonel McCallum has said that as security was relaxed and even cut, he and members of his staff repeatedly contacted Secretary O'Leary's office urging her to take measures to protect our sensitive technology. Unfortunately, their efforts were ignored. This destructive management style began with Secretary O'Leary, but similar efforts to urge Secretary Bill Richardson to protect the security of our weapons laboratories has been stonewalled. Mr. Speaker, it is bad enough to think that our national security has been compromised. Now the same government that fails to recognize the gravity of stolen national security secrets is penalizing individuals like Colonel McCallum who fought and continued fighting for the safety and protection of our Nation. This is outrageous and completely unacceptable. It was Colonel McCallum's responsibility as the director of Security and Safeguards to make the Department aware of how to better protect U.S. technology; and yet, when he and Members of his staff tried to bring attention to the issue and make changes, nobody listened, or worse, chose to ignore his warnings. This begs the question: What else could have been stolen and who else could have gained access to this information? What new information is now available to other nations that threaten each and every citizen, and why are we not more concerned? Mr. Speaker, the safety and protection of our national security is an issue of critical national importance. We must commend, not penalize, men and women like Colonel McCallum whose dedication and commitment to this country is so strong that they would risk losing their jobs and their livelihood to protect America. We know this administration is responsible for compromising our national security. At the very least, that is unforgivable. In administrations of greater accountability, these acts would have been labeled treasonous. Instead, they would like to quiet Colonel McCallum and bury this messy espionage issue. This is an issue with serious consequences for each of us. When our national security is compromised, so too is the safety of each and every American. Unfortunately, this concern is lost on many Americans. The advances gained by other nations make all Americans more vulnerable. As such, we should all be concerned; we all must be concerned. Mr. Speaker, last week I had the opportunity to appear on The O'Reilly Factor to talk about Chinese espionage and Colonel McCallum's quest for the truth. As Mr. O'Reilly and I discussed, something must be done for the colonel and the American people who rely on the government to protect and defend them and their way of life. Like all Americans, Colonel McCallum deserves protection. While the administration is threatening his job simply for telling the truth, they threaten security and safety of us all. Mr. Speaker, it has become clear that the President and the administration are not committed to our national security, nor are they committed to the individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting it. Therefore, my good friend and colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) and I joined together to send a letter to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence), the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, asking the colonel to testify before the committee about this grave matter. With help from Fox News and Bill O'Reilly, we have aggressively followed and reported on this subject. We can continue informing the American people how this administration has compromised our national security. Since my appearance last week, Mr. O'Reilly and I have heard from scores of average citizens from across our Nation. Each e-mail, letter or phone agreed on two basic points: first, to protect this country, we must act to address past occurrences of espionage while ensuring that it does not happen in the future; second, we must protect patriots like Colonel Ed McCallum who continues fighting to protect our national security. Mr. Speaker, I agree with the citizens who contacted my office: the security of our Nation is precious.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on a recent Monday night I watched the O'Reilly Factor on Fox News. Lieutenant Colonel McCallum, director of the Office of Safeguards and Security for the Department of Energy, joined Bill O'Reilly to discuss Chinese espionage at our Nation's weapons laboratories. Colonel McCallum revealed very important information about the Energy Department's mismanagement of our sensitive national security information. In fact, after listening to Colonel McCallum's firsthand accounts, I felt compelled to share his story. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor of representing four of our Nation's military bases, Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base, Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and the Elizabeth City Coast Guard station, as well as 77,000 of our Nation's brave veterans. I was home in eastern North Carolina over the July 4 recess, and a number of my constituents asked me what Congress was doing to rectify one of the country's worst breaches of national security in our history? Unfortunately, I had very little to report. That is why I am here today, Mr. Speaker. The security of the United States is an issue with a critical impact on the citizens of this country, yet it has been swept under the rug by this current administration, and it is not surprising. President Clinton appointed Hazel O'Leary Secretary of Energy, a position she held from 1993 to 1997. The Department of Energy is in place to support our Nation's environmental quality, economic policy, energy security and national security, but when President Clinton appointed Hazel O'Leary head of the Department, she had no experience with nuclear energy or weapons technologies. Now she has been accused of directly compromising our sensitive national security information. Mr. Speaker, Colonel McCallum served under Secretary O'Leary in the 9 years he has served as security director. During the interview, Mr. O'Reilly asked Colonel McCallum if the allegations against Ms. O'Leary were correct. He replied, and I quote, the Secretary shut down our counterintelligence program, stopped our ability to follow leads and largely opened doors to the Chinese and other adversaries who would want our secrets and our nuclear materials. Mr. Speaker, this is a direct quote from the security director for the Department of Energy. Colonel McCallum confirmed that Mrs. O'Leary was more concerned with helping the Russians and Chinese with their economics, which is what President Clinton wanted her to do, than she was with the security of the United States of America. Mr. O'Reilly then asked the colonel his response after witnessing these grave breaches of national security. Colonel McCallum replied, we raised the issue to the Secretary's office on a routine basis to try to get to the Secretary to allow us to protect our highest secrets, to protect our nuclear material and nuclear weapons in the appropriate way and, frankly, we were unable to get in the front door or get her staff to focus on the issue. Mr. Speaker, that is a direct quote. This is an outrage. The director of security repeatedly contacted the Secretary's office asking her to do something to protect our sensitive nuclear technology, and she ignored him. Colonel McCallum is not just a disgruntled employee. He served two tours in Vietnam and has a distinguished military career. So why would he risk losing his job with the Department of Energy, his livelihood, by speaking out against his employer? Because, Mr. Speaker, he is telling the truth. After a 28-year career, Colonel McCallum has been placed on administrative leave and his job has been threatened, simply because he has tried to come forward with the facts. Mr. Speaker, Colonel McCallum comes from a military family and has a long history of service himself. Yet he is willing to sacrifice his own job by coming forward with concerns based on his faithful dedication to this country. He is a true patriot. He can confirm that under the leadership of President Clinton's appointees, the Department of Energy has ignored the concerns of its security staff and allowed for a Communist nation to steal our nuclear secrets. Mr. Speaker, Colonel McCallum is right. America must help the administration wake up to the reality that we need to make real and effective changes now to tighten security at our Nation's weapons laboratory. The security of our Nation and the security of every citizen in America may depend on that.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue of vital importance to our men and women in uniform. Since the end of the Cold War, the Army and Air Force have been reduced by 45 percent, the Navy by 36 percent, and the Marine Corps by 12 percent. At the same time, our military operations commitments around the world have increased by 300 percent. The Army alone has participated in 33 separate deployments since 1992, and has troops in over 70 nations. Our military readiness is stretched thin, our reserves of critical missiles and spare parts have eroded, and our military's quality of life is diminishing. Retention rates are reaching historic lows and aircraft accidents are climbing. For too long we have been asking our military to do more with less. In recent years, this Congress has taken many steps to reverse these trends and provide adequate training and equipment for our Armed Forces personnel. We must continue to do more. Despite these difficulties, our men and women remain the premier military in the world. Their devotion and commitment to serve is without question. Time and again, they risk their lives in the defense of our nation and our interests around the world. Without their selfless dedication, our nation would not be the great place it remains today. As such, we in Congress and as a nation, have a responsibility to those military personnel and their families. We owe them the strongest commitment to their safety and well being we can provide. However, I am concerned our government may be violating that very principle. Two years ago the Secretary of Defense announced plans to implement a mandatory anthrax vaccination program for the 2.4 million members of the Armed Forces. Since that time, I heard from a rapidly growing number of military personnel and family members who believe this vaccine may jeopardize their long-term health and safety as well as that of their families. The lack of a single, conclusive independent study regarding the long-term health effects of the anthrax vaccine on humans have created additional concerns among our nation's uniformed personnel. Despite Department of Defense assurances of minimal adverse reactions to the anthrax vaccinations, the standards that the Department uses to determine adverse reactions are insufficient to support their claims. According to a June 29 article in the San Diego Union-Tribune, Secretary of the Army Louis Caldera acknowledged in a September 1998 memo that the vaccine ``involves unusually hazardous risks associated with the potential for adverse reactions in some recipients and the possibility that the desired immunological effect will not be obtained by all recipients.'' The article went on to report that the Secretary concluded, there is no certainty that the anthrax used in tests to measure the vaccine's effectiveness ``will be sufficiently similar to the pathogen that U.S. forces might encounter'' during warfare. If the Secretary of one of the services raises these concerns, how can we as a nation expect the most junior soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine to accept the vaccine without question? As a result of the lack of conclusive data on the long-term effects of the anthrax vaccine, many of these military personnel are being forced to make decisions between the safety and security of their families that their dedication and commitment to serving our nation. In a time when all branches of our military are faced with severe challenges in recruiting and retaining quality military personnel, we should be looking for ways to recruit and retain these men and women. Instead, over 200 personnel have chosen to resign from the armed services rather than accept the risks associated with a questionable vaccination program. In one Connecticut Air National Guard Unit alone, eight pilots resigned their commissions because of the mandatory anthrax vaccination. There are growing reports of large numbers of other Guard units whose ranks are shrinking for the same reason. In my own state of North Carolina, I have heard from numerous active duty and reserve Air Force pilots who have tendered their resignation after many years of service. However, I am particularly troubled by the recent court-martial of five Marines for their refusal to accept the anthrax vaccination. As the representative of one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the country, Camp Lejuene, I have learned how much they value their creed: ``Corps, God, and then Country.'' For the Marines, it is not just a saying; it is a way of life. Yet, because of the great uncertainty surrounding the anthrax vaccine, a growing number of Marines are also choosing to leave their beloved Corps, their livelihood, to ensure their long-term health and that of their families. All of these matters have led me to a single conclusion. Until the questions surrounding the anthrax vaccine are answered, I cannot in good conscience support the current mandatory Department of Defense vaccination program. I feel as though I would be failing in my responsibility if I did not take action to protect the troops who willingly sacrifice their own lives in defense of this nation and its citizens. As a result, today I am introducing the American Military Health Protection Act. The legislation is simple. It would make the current Department of Defense Anthrax Vaccination Immunization Program voluntary for all members of the Uniformed Services until either: 1. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new anthrax vaccination for humans; or 2. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new, reduced shot course for the anthrax vaccination for humans. It does not eliminate the program or remove the ability of the Department of Defense to provide anthrax vaccinations. It simply ensures before a member of our military is required to take the vaccine, their questions about its safety and long-term effects are answered. It is the least that Congress and the Department of Defense can do. I hope my colleagues here will see that and join me in protecting the great men and women of the United States Military.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a truly outstanding Marine, Lieutenant Colonel Stanley ``Ski'' Wawrzyniak, a native of Gary, West Virginia. Although Lieutenant Colonel Wawrzyniak passed away in 1995, his legacy is still felt in the ranks of the Marine Corps, particularly in the Marine community of eastern North Carolina, where he made his home. His courage and discipline as a dutiful Marine served as an inspiration to all that knew him. Even now, his courage under fire, fighting expertise, and leadership skills are widely remembered and respected. Stanley's 35 years in the Corps and his record of valor distinguish him as a Marine Corps hero. He was awarded two Navy Crosses, one Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and four Purple Hearts. Although highly decorated, Stanley loved the Marines he served with and always gave 110 percent in every situation. Mr. Speaker, after dropping out of high school, Stanley enlisted in the United States Navy. After serving 23 months, he was released from active duty in September of 1946. Three days later, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He went to China in the late 1940s and entered the Korean War. In two tours with the 5th Marines in Korea, he was awarded two Navy Crosses, a Silver Star, and three Purple Hearts. In 1953, as a Master Sergeant, Stanley was commissioned a Marine Second Lieutenant while serving at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In the years between his commissioning and his time in Vietnam, Stanley went through the Basic Officers School, Underwater Demolition and Mountain Leadership Training Course, where he broke his spine on a mountain drop, yet hiked out unassisted. He also went through Evasion, Escape and Survival school, where he led his team in avoiding capture and finished first in his class. As a matter of fact, he finished first in a lot of things, such as Army Airborne School and Army Ranger School. Mr. Speaker, in July of 1965 then Major Wawrzyniak embarked for Vietnam. He served in the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and was awarded two Bronze Stars and his fourth Purple Heart. During his time in the Marine Corps, Stanley demonstrated his great love for his country and his fellow Marines. However, his accomplishments did not end with his military career. Perhaps his proudest legacy remains with the strong relationship he held with his wife Adaline, his two daughters, Bernadette and Paula, and his sons Michael, Andrew and Stanley. With a career that, although distinguished, would have strained even the strongest of family ties, Stanley took the time to mend the relationships that were most important to him. Mr. Speaker, shortly after his retirement and until the time of his death, Stanley's two youngest sons were living in the Swansboro, North Carolina, area and working in the building trades. He went to work as a foreman with the same contractor who employed his sons. This gave him the opportunity to accomplish two things that were very important to him. First, he was able to work side by side with his sons and rebuild relationships with them that had suffered during his long service- related separations. Second, he was able to build homes. For a man whose entire life had been spent at war in foreign countries, he felt a great sense of accomplishment from building homes. The fact that he did it side by side with his sons made it that much more important to him. Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Wawrzyniak's life can best be described by the quote from General Chesty Puller, perhaps the most famous of all Marines. He said, and I quote, the real rewards of military service are not the medals you wear on your chest. The real rewards are the looks in the eyes of men who have served with you, men who understand the nature of your service, men who have observed your actions in the most stressful of conditions and have seen the depth of your character. Mr. Speaker, Stanley Wawrzyniak is a man who served as an example to all of us. He is sorely missed, but his remarkable service to this country is something that will ensure his memory will live on. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the life of a truly exemplary Marine, LtCol Stanley ``Ski'' Wawrzyniak, a native of Gary, West Virginia. Although LtCol Wawrzyniak passed away in 1995, his legacy is still felt in the ranks of the Marine Corps, and particularly in the Marine community of eastern North Carolina where he made his home. He was one of the last of the old fashioned, hard charging, hill taking sort of Marine. The sort of men who fought without laser guided weapons, global communications, or spy satellites. His courage and discipline in living his life as a Marine and in carrying out his duties was an inspiration to all those who knew him. Even now his memory is widely known and respected for his courage under fire, his fighting expertise, and his leadership skills. LtCol Wawrzyniak's thirty-five years in the Corps and his record of valor, distinguish him as Marine Corps hero. He earned two Navy Crosses, one Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and four Purple Hearts. Although highly decorated, LtCol Wawrzyniak loved the Marines he served with and never rested on his laurels, always giving one hundred and ten percent in every situation. After dropping out of high school, LtCol Wawrzyniak enlisted in the US Navy. After serving 23 months in the Navy he was released from active duty in September 1946. Three days later he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He went to China in the late `40's and entered the Korean War. In two tours with the 5th Marines in Korea he was awarded two Navy Crosses, a Silver Star and three Purple Hearts, by the end of the war he was a Master Sergeant. In 1953, MSgt. Wawrzyniak was commissioned a Marine Second Lieutenant while serving at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In the years between his commissioning and his time in Vietnam, ``Ski'' went through the Basic Officers school, Underwater Demolition, Mountain Leadership Training--where he broke his spine on a mountain drop, yet hiked out unassisted. Evasion, Escape and Survival school-- where he led his team in avoiding capture for the entire four day period, and where he finished first in his class. As a matter of fact, he finished first in a lot of things, such as Army Airborne School and Army Ranger School. LtCol Wawrzyniak's experience in Airborne Training (Jump School) illustrates his personality. Then Captain Wawrzyniak arrived at Jump School at the ripe old age of 35, at least 10 years older than most of his classmates. I'm sure his Army instructors must have thought that they had an easy drop out in Captain Wawrzyniak. They must have been quite surprised a month later when he left Jump School not only with jump wings on his chest, but with the IRON MIKE trophy in his fist-- graduating number one in his class. Stan's logic was that he should graduate at the top of his class from these demanding schools because he was older and more experienced than his cohorts. That was typical Wawrzyniak logic. In July, 1965 then Major Wawrzyniak embarked for Vietnam where he served in the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment where he was awarded two Bronze Stars and his fourth Purple Heart. His accomplishments did not end with his career in the military. Perhaps his proudest legacy from his post-Marine Corps history were the strong relationships he had with his wife Adaline, his daughters, Bernadette and Paula, and sons Michael, Andrew and Stanley. With a career that although distinguished, would have strained even the strongest of family ties, Stanley took the time to mend the relationships that were most important to him. Shortly after his retirement and until the time of his death LtCol Wawrzyniak's two youngest sons were living in the Swansboro, North Carolina area and working in the building trades. Stan went to work as a foreman with the same contractor who employed his sons. This gave him the opportunity to accomplish two things that were very important to him. First he was able to work side by side with his sons and re-build his relationships with them that had suffered during his long service related separations. Second he was able to build homes. For a man whose entire life had been spent at war in foreign countries, the sense of accomplishment he felt from building homes was enormous. The fact that he did it side by side with his sons made it doubly important to him. LtCol Stanley Wawrzyniak's nature can be described by the quote from perhaps the most famous of all Marines, General Chesty Puller: ``The real rewards of military service are not the medals you wear on your chest. The real rewards are the looks in the eyes of men who have served with you, men who understand the nature of your service, men who have observed your actions in the most stressful of conditions and have seen the depth of your character.'' It is my honor to have such men and women serving in the United States Marine Corps, and residing in my district. Stanley Wawrzyniak is a man who is sorely missed, and greatly appreciated.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, America has a long-standing fascination with baseball. Perhaps only apple pie and the American flag can compete with its association to this country. And with good reason. Baseball, like many team sports, is beloved in part because of the unity it brings to our nation's communities. Poet Walt Whitman once wrote, ``I see great things in baseball. It's our game--the American game. It will take our people out-of-doors, fill them with oxygen, give them a larger physical stoicism. (It will) repair these losses and be a blessing to us.'' Throughout times of hardship and strife, baseball has been a constant source of entertainment and pride, on both a local and national level. In towns and cities across the country, friends and family gather together to pull for the home team, play baseball together in their backyards, or gather around their televisions to cheer for their favorite players. In the Third District of North Carolina, which I am proud to represent, a group of young men recently gave their community and the entire state a reason to celebrate. The Rose High baseball team from Greenville, NC had an undefeated season this year, winning 28 games and capturing the second 4-A State title in three years. These 29 young men embody the spirit of teamwork. They have proven that with enough hard work and dedication, success is within the reach of every young person who dares to achieve it. Mr. Speaker, I have no doubt that every one of these outstanding baseball players can appreciate their victory. But what they have learned on their path to success may be even more valuable than a perfect 28-0 season. One of the greatest lessons that I learned growing up, playing team sports, is the ability to work together to accomplish a goal. Playing baseball and basketball in school, I learned to work hard because I knew that my teammates were depending on me to always do my best. This work ethic is something that I have carried with me throughout my life. I use it now in Congress to face the challenges of working with 434 other Members of the House. Sometimes we have disagreements, but our greatest successes come when we work together as a team. The Rose High Rampant's have already mastered this lesson. And all the while, they have let us watch and cheer from the sidelines. Mr. Speaker, part of the enjoyment in watching these young men play and succeed is watching the families and the community that rally behind the players. Baseball is a team sport and its instills a sense of excitement and enthusiasm to all that watch and participate behind the scenes. Because of the community spirit that baseball inspires, when Rose won, we all won. I salute the players, coaches, families, and fans that made this championship possible. To the players . . . James Bengala, Jr., Kenneth Biggs, Jeffrey Blick, William Brinson, Ashley Capps, David Creech, John Finch, Brian Flye, Michael Gordon, Matthew Grace, Michael Harrington, Kelly Hodges, Dylan Jackson, John Landen, Vincent Langston, Jefferson Lea, Vincent Logan, Demond Mayo, Julian Morgan, Adrian Moye, James Paige, IV, Bryan Pair, Justin Phillips, Robert Riggs II, William Teel, Reid Twine, Adam Tysinger, Joseph White, and Jesse Williams III. Coach Ronald Vincent and assistant coaches . . . Paul Hill, Marvin Jarman, Steven Lovett, Ryan Meadows, and Eric Jarman and coaches, congratulations. You brought together your community. And through your dedication and hard work, you have made us all proud. Thank you Rose High State champions for letting us share in your success.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Joint Resolution 33, and I commend the gentleman from California for bringing this forward. Madam Speaker, it was on June 14, 1777, that the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act, calling for the symbol of the United States of America to bear its Stars and Stripes. Over the years, the flag has grown to become a symbol of freedom and a faithful tribute to those, living and deceased, who have fought to protect and preserve peace both here and abroad. Madam Speaker, we stand and pledge our allegiance to the flag every day, but it is our United States soldiers who salute and serve beneath the flag who truly bear the burden of ultimate allegiance. They sacrifice their lives to protect our freedom and our liberty. Madam Speaker, I want to share with Members a poem by Father Denis Edward O'Brien, United States Marine Corps, that shows the special relationship our soldiers have with the flag of the United States. I quote Father O'Brien: It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag who allows the protester to burn the flag. Madam Speaker, when we allow our flag, the very essence of our country, to be destroyed, in my opinion we dishonor the men and women who gave their lives serving under that flag so that every one of us could live free. I know, Madam Speaker, that many of my colleagues will raise important constitutional questions about adding an amendment to protect the flag. But when it comes down to it as a representative of the people, I believe that we have the support from the majority of the American people on this issue. Madam Speaker, I have had the honor of serving the citizens of the Third District of North Carolina for 5 years. I can say with absolute honesty that I have never personally spoken with any citizen on this issue who did not express support for congressional action to protect and preserve the integrity of the United States flag. With many of our United States veterans and a majority of the American people backing this measure, it has my full and absolute support. Madam Speaker, I hope this House will support House Joint Resolution 33.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in recent weeks we have learned that the United States military recognizes witchcraft as a religion. Witchcraft, or wicca, as it is often called, professes no belief in the Christian concept of God. While I find this fact disturbing in itself, it was on my drive back to Washington yesterday that my attention was called to something that I find much more upsetting. The Washington Post ran an article on June 8 on the military's religious tolerance. It points out that the Army chaplains' handbook lists religious choices open to soldiers that include wicca, black Judaism and the Church of Satan. While I might not agree that such belief systems ought to be recognized or ought to be encouraged by the United States military, I accept the diversity of thought and opinion. What I cannot understand is what the article reports, that Army Chaplain John Walton, who served at Fort Hood for 5\1/2\ years was admonished for mentioning Jesus in his sermons. According to the article, in the interests of maintaining religious tolerance on base, Walton was allegedly sent to sensitivity training where he was asked to refrain from mentioning the name of Christ so that he would not offend others; this, at an Army base that officially sanctioned the practice of witchcraft years ago. Mr. Speaker, I hope what I read is not true. If it is, I am incensed. America is a Nation of many faiths, but to ask that a Christian chaplain deny Christ by asking him or her to drop His name from their sermons is like asking them to reject the essential nature of their beliefs. Doing so would stray from the religious principles this great Nation was founded upon. Mr. Speaker, it was Thomas Jefferson who called the Bible the cornerstone of liberty and our country's first President, George Washington, said, and I quote: ``It is impossible rightly to govern the world without God and the Bible.'' Those same ideals apply to the men and women who defend and protect this country. Our Nation's soldiers risk their lives for my colleagues and for me and for this country. Those who choose to practice Christianity deserve the right to hear Jesus' name spoken by their chaplains. Mr. Speaker, I am a man of strong religious convictions. My faith is an extremely important part of my life, and I respect others' right to practice their beliefs. But if the United States military begins removing fundamental tenets of the Christian faith this great Nation was founded upon, it is clear that we have gone too far in our effort not to upset. Mr. Speaker, the instructions given to our military chaplains to offend no one can be easily viewed as religious bigotry to those with deeply-rooted beliefs. Perhaps this anti-religious attitude is simply reflective of the times. Just weeks ago, the Washington Post featured a front-page article about a Calvert County, Maryland high school graduation ceremony in which students ignored a school ban on prayer and recited the Lord's prayer. The reporter called the students a defiant group, as if to imply that the peaceful inclusion of God in the ceremony caused harm, but it received front page coverage simply because one young graduating student took offense at the prayer and left the building. Mr. Speaker, have we become so sensitive to being insensitive that we can no longer say what we think or question other ideas? It is our diversity of opinion and diversity of culture that makes this country great. But if we continue down a path of religious intolerance from banning our Nation's students from praying in school, or asking our United States Christian ministers from uttering the name Jesus, we as a Nation accomplish nothing. For that reason I have called upon Defense Secretary William Cohen to provide me with an explanation of how and why the military goes about training its chaplains to suppress such fundamental religious beliefs. In the words of William McKinley, and I quote, ``The great essential to our happiness and prosperity is that we adhere to the principles upon which this government was established and insist upon the faithful observance.'' Mr. Speaker, this Nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. When we start forcibly suppressing those beliefs and principles, we threaten the very foundation and strength of this country, and if this trend continues, America is in deep trouble.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Graham amendment. In providing both adequate and fair funding for our Nation's aviation infrastructure to carry us into the 21st century, I believe that costs to individual airline passengers must not be increased. Under current law, local airports are authorized to collect a $3 per passenger per flight segment charge, with a maximum of $12 per round trip ticket. This legislation proposes to double this charge to $6, breaking the current $12 cap and allowing a maximum of $24 per round- trip ticket. According to CBO, this airfare increase will cost American taxpayers, Mr. Chairman, $475 annually for each $1 increase in the passenger facility charge. If each airport decides to double their PFC, as AIR 21 proposes, this charge will ultimately cost taxpayers over $1.4 billion annually. I believe this cost increase is both unnecessary and unfair to American airline passengers and taxpayers. Further increasing the PFC negatively impacts the growing low-fare airline industry which provides both competition and reasonably priced air transportation. The passenger facility charge essentially functions as a tax, hitting hardest those who can least afford it, such as families, leisure travelers and those operating small businesses. As we all know, summer is a highly traveled time, when affordable air travel is vital for Americans traveling across the country to visit their family and friends. The amendment of the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Graham) ensures that the current $3 passenger facility charge will not be doubled to $6. Mr. Chairman, let us remember the taxpayers and vote for the Graham amendment.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the amendment offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay). I commend him for bringing attention to this extremely important national security issue. I first learned last summer that the Pentagon was considering a plan for our elite special forces to engage in joint training exercises with Chinese PLA troops. At the time, I was outraged because our lax U.S. policy of constructive engagement toward China had already proven too dangerous. Mr. Chairman, that was before the advent of the Cox report. What once seemed outrageous is now beyond belief. We have known for years that China cannot be trusted. In 1995, the United States made a futile agreement to extend most-favored-nation status to China, providing it would stop exporting nuclear weapons, and it would stop its abusive human rights practices. It has failed on both accounts, Mr. Chairman, and yet the administration continues to turn a blind eye to China's blatant suppression of human rights and its role as a global supply of weapons of mass destruction and technology to foreign countries. We have learned the hard way that we have no reason to trust China. Last year the CIA reported that China had at least 13 missiles targeted at United States cities, and the Rumsfeld Commission indicated that China's proliferation of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction threatens the security of the United States. Mr. Chairman, while China was busy selling technology to rogue nations and amassing its own nuclear stockpile, the Defense Department was drawing up a game plan to engage the United States in military-to- military contacts with China in hopes of establishing a relationship of trust and confidence. How much more can we afford to give? The Defense Department even developed and implemented a United States-China military exchange program for 1999 that includes visits from PLA officials to tactical and strategic facilities in the United States. Encouraging such exchanges is another way to potentially expose U.S. military information to a communistic nation. Mr. Chairman, China has proved itself a threat to United States national security. The DeLay amendment would prohibit military exchanges involving U.S. forces training PLA forces and help prevent China's capability for invasion and long-range operations. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the DeLay amendment. The security of our Nation may depend on it. I repeat, Mr. Chairman, the security of our Nation may depend on it. Vote for the DeLay amendment.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent who has rendered great service to his country and his community and who will turn 80 on June 19. His family and friends will honor him at a surprise fete on Saturday, May 29, in Duck, North Carolina. Robert (Bob) Cook worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 26 years before he retired in 1980. While there, he managed Price Support programs in honey bees, potatoes, turkey, milk and wheat. What that really means is he ensured that farmers received government assistance when they were economically devastated by a disaster. For instance, in the 1960s, our Western states were hit by a pesticide disaster which affected milk. All milk had to be poured down the sewer. Bob wrote the program to assist the farmers whose livelihoods were threatened by the loss. Bob was born and grew up in Texas in a small farming community called Lampasas. He was the youngest of eight children, all of whom helped their parents who were ranchers raising sheep and cattle. After graduating from high school, Bob enrolled in Texas A&M but he felt his duty to serve his country before he could graduate. He left in his senior year to fulfill his duty to his country. He joined the Army where he served in Europe in World War II as a Quartermaster, supplying the front lines with food and other necessities. After the war, he returned to Texas A&M where he graduated. Bob then taught GIs returning from the war to become farmers and ranchers. He had an acute interest in raising sheep and soon he received a Masters Degree from the University of Wyoming which had an outstanding program in this area. He began his tour with the Department of Agriculture in San Francisco but was soon transferred to Boston. There he met his lovely bride to be, Dorathy Holmes, and married her 45 years ago. They moved to Washington, DC in 1954, both working for the Department of Agriculture. They lived in Alexandria, Virginia where they were active in community life, most particularly in their Jewel Street neighborhood. The ``Mayor of Jewel Street and Aunt Doe'' helped raise and supervise neighborhood children, many of whom have adopted them as grandparents. Many of those parents and children will be present at the celebration honoring their beloved ``Uncle Bob'' Memorial Day weekend at the Duck home of Mary and David Gordon: the Gordons' son Scott, daughter Jenifer and her husband Dave Tran; Eleanor Scott; Jean and Dick Donnelly and their son Jamie; Rosemary and Johnny Perdue; Joy and Don Earner; Ray Bailey and Alice Rowan and their two sons William and John; and Francis Urban. In addition many of Bob's friends in Duck will be in attendance. For years Bob and Doe kept their house on Jewel Street and split their time between Alexandria and Duck. In 1993, they moved to Duck permanently. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have Bob and Dorathy as constituents and I ask that my colleagues in this chamber join me in thanking Bob for the many contributions he has made to his country and to his community and in wishing him a very happy birthday.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the business in order under the Calendar Wednesday rule be dispensed with on Wednesday next.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Monday next for morning hour debates.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I have the privilege of representing the Third District of North Carolina. The Third District covers most of the eastern part of the State, including five military bases: Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, New River Marine Corps Air Station, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Elizabeth City Coast Guard Station, and Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base. In eastern North Carolina we are also proud to be the home of 77,000 thousand of our Nation's 25 million living veterans. Madam Speaker, these are the men and women who courageously served to protect this country and preserve the principles that it was founded upon. Out of respect and appreciation, we must ensure the sacrifice these brave soldiers made is something we never forget and that the vital role they play in this country's history remains as unmistakable as our commitment to their continued well-being. As President Abraham Lincoln said in his Second Inaugural Address: ``Let us care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.'' This statement is said to reveal the government's promise to provide lifetime health care for our veterans and their families, a promise that many of my colleagues in Congress and I continue fighting to fulfill. Madam Speaker, today I am here to share with my colleagues good news, to tell them of two successful efforts by the government to provide our Nation's veterans with the health care that they need and deserve. Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the dedication of a new community-based outpatient clinic in Jacksonville, North Carolina. For the veterans of Onslow County, this is a tremendous victory and the result of a great deal of work and determination. It has been a priority of mine for some time to find a way to see that a satellite facility was built in eastern North Carolina. For too long, many veterans were forced to travel to Fayetteville, North Carolina or Durham, North Carolina to reach the closest VA hospital. Madam Speaker, as my colleagues can see, we were in desperate need of health care services that were more accessible to the veterans of eastern North Carolina. The journey was long, but we now have two reasons to celebrate. The Jacksonville facility marks the second outpatient clinic in eastern North Carolina. It has just been joined by a third. Earlier this week, an additional VA clinic opened in Greenville, North Carolina. They both serve as tributes of the commitment to duty, God, and country that each of our soldiers accept. Madam Speaker, I am proud of the efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs to reach out to veterans across this country, especially considering the drastic cuts they have suffered. Since the end of 1994, the Department of Veterans Affairs has cut 20,000 medical care employees, eliminated half of its acute-care hospital beds, and merged many neighboring hospitals. Following such extreme fiscal cutbacks, the Administration's budget request for Fiscal Year 2000 was worth little more than the paper it was printed on. Fortunately, I am proud to stand here today to report that a Republican Congress has increased the VA budget $1.7 billion over the President's recommendation. And I only wish that it could be more. Madam Speaker, today I came to the floor to reaffirm my commitment to the men and women who answered their call to duty and protected the freedom my colleagues and I enjoy today. I urge my colleagues to join me in fighting to make sure our Nation's veterans have access to quality, accessible health care, a promise made to them by the government they pledged to protect. Again, I want to quote Abraham Lincoln when he said it, and he said it best: ``Let us care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.'' Madam Speaker, it is the least we can do to thank our Nation's heroes, our United States veterans. God bless America, and God bless those who have served and those who are serving America today.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, 56 days ago President Clinton launched a massive offensive air campaign against Yugoslavia. Over the past few weeks we have witnessed the capture and release of three United States soldiers. We have seen destruction, lives lost, and hundreds of thousands of men, women and children forced to leave their homes and seek refuge. Most would call this a war. But Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution grants Congress, not to the Commander in Chief, the authority to declare war. Approaching two months of repeated air strikes, President Clinton has never asked for congressional authorization. Now, in order to proceed with Operation Allied Force, President Clinton must either ask Congress for authorization or remove our troops from the region. Unfortunately, he has made no indication that he is eager to do either. Mr. Speaker, I am disappointed that President Clinton has violated our Constitution as it pertains to the declaration of war. Therefore, I join the efforts of the gentleman from California (Mr. Campbell) and 15 of our colleagues in the House in filing a lawsuit against President Clinton in order to clarify Congress's constitutional war authority. I regret that we are forced to call upon the courts, but until we do, further administrations will continue to violate the Constitution and the War Powers Act. Mr. Speaker, I agree with many of my colleagues who have very grave doubts about the United States involvement in Operation Allied Force. While I agree that the situation in Kosovo is a tragic one, our national security is not threatened. Our armed services already suffer from years of neglect under this administration. When we continue to commit troops in our limited resources on peacekeeping operations, we undermine our military's primary goals, to protect and defend the citizens of this great country, and we leave ourselves vulnerable in an unstable post-Cold War climate. Mr. Speaker, a constituent of mine recently forwarded to me a letter from Charles Hunter, a military Reservist who served in Bosnia for nine months. I want to share with my colleagues some of what he observed. I feel very strongly that his words and observations will prove much more powerful than my own. In an open letter to Congress, Mr. Hunter wrote, ``It would be interesting to note what light further history will cast on the actions currently being implemented by this administration and enabled by this Congress.'' Mr. Hunter further states, ``It is interesting to note that this is the first time that we have attacked another sovereign nation unprovoked and uninvited by a host or exiled government.'' He further states, ``To me, this is a huge and pivotal point, the possible effects of which are frightening.'' Mr. Hunter further states, ``Should we some day have a revolution in our land that is an affront to some sort of world entity, we have now forfeited the right to handle things as we as a Nation see fit. If we continue down this road before us, we will be handing national sovereignty, for any Nation, over to some nonelected multinational body.'' Mr. Hunter further states, ``My oath as a soldier and yours as a Senator included the phrase, `to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.' Never has there been a vow made to an international constitution or treatise, so why the concern over the honor of NATO? Why is Congress not concerned with the honor of the United States?'' Mr. Speaker, these are words of a United States soldier who spent nine months in the Balkans, and he is absolutely correct. We need to restore the honor we once valued and treasured. President Clinton, my colleagues in Congress and I took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. Especially now, we must keep that oath. Once again, I urge the President to seek congressional authority to declare war or bring our troops home. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I will submit the full text of Mr. Hunter's letter for the Record. God bless our troops and God bless this Nation. A Balkans Soldier's Open Letter (By Charles W. Hunter) I am a reservist. I have served in Bosnia for nine months. I am a linguist and interviewed between 100 and 200 people each day while I was there. I have also had the unique experience of losing a job due to my reserve commitment. I do hope that you will take these following points into consideration as you think about the possible future commitment of ground forces to, and our general involvement in, Yugoslavia. As a point of clarification, I refer to the leader of the United States as ``impeached'' President Clinton, because that is the title that the House of Representatives voted to give him. I am not demeaning the office of the president or the person of William Jefferson Clinton. They, not I, put him in a classification different from recent past presidents. 1. the yugoslav people do not think as we do Due to the unique position and job which I had while I was in Bosnia, I had the opportunity to interview between 100 and 200 people each day for nearly 8 months. These people were mostly Croats and Muslims. However, during the last month of my tour my focus was with the Serbs. Because I had learned the language, these people felt that I was different than the majority of British and American soldiers they met and as a result they opened up to me. All of these people told me that as soon as we leave, if it is in one year, five years, or fifty years, they will go back to killing each other. All of the sides committed mass executions, as is the case in Kosovo now. Look at the history of the region. I think that you will find it was not too long ago that the KLA was viewed to be a terrorist organization. They were raping, executing, burning and looting the Serbs in an attempt to drive them out of Kosovo. This was not that long ago. Our response at the time was probably tempered by the fact that our Secretary of State was not Serb, as now Mrs. Albright is Albanian. These people do not forget the wrongs done to them. Unless a firm handed dictator is in power, like Tito or perhaps NATO, these people will not live together. Period. 2. humanitarianism is a poor excuse for military diplomacy If we are to use the humanitarian crisis in the region as a reason for this gunboat diplomacy, then we are setting a dangerous precedent, as well as an inconsistent one. Millions of people have been killed in Sierra Leone in the past couple of years. The ethnic cleansing in Rwanda and Burundi has created over 1 million dead and 3 million refugees. Turkey has been killing the Kurds for years. The list could go on, as you well know, yet to these tragedies a blind eye is turned. With this current administration it is even blasphemy to mention the abuses occurring in China. Yet, in all of these areas we do nothing. These examples serve only to show the glaring inconsistency of this as U.S. foreign policy. It also sets up a dangerous precedent. China will not renounce the possible use of force in relations to Taiwan. Tensions are still high between Iraq and Iran, India and Pakistan. What of the Taleban in Afghanistan? Will this foreign policy change dictate our future involvement in these areas? Why not? 3. forgotten lessons of history It has been well quoted, ``Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.'' I am afraid that we are at such a crossroads now. Some critics of this administration feel that all actions done by Impeached President Clinton are done so to create a legacy for history. It would be interesting to note what light future history will cast on the actions currently being implemented by this administration and enabled by this Congress. It is interesting to note that this is the first time in the history of our once great nation, that we have attacked another sovereign nation unprovoked and uninvited by a host or exiled government. To me, this is a huge and pivotal point, the possible effects of which are frightening. Should we someday have a revolution in our land that is an affront to some sort of world entity, we have now forfeited the rights to handle things as we as a nation see fit. If we continue down this road before us we will be handing National Sovereignty, for any nation, over to some non-elected, multinational body. My oath as a soldier and yours as a senator included the phrase ``. . . to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.'' Never has there been a vow made to an international constitution or treatise, so why the concern over the honor of NATO? Why is Congress not concerned with the honor of the U.S.? The specter of Vietnam is all over this operation. Vietnam started with U.S. bombing, so did this Yugoslav operation. The politically correct response to this is that this is a NATO mission. Yeah, right! 90 percent of the flights are U.S. aircraft, not to mention the cruise missiles. If this is the proportion of U.S. involvement now what precedent is being set for when a ``permissive environment'' is achieved? This is a U.S. mission. Vietnam had a gradual escalation with no thought-out plan of execution. This is paralleled here as the nation witnesses the AH-64 debacle. No ground troops were to be committed to Vietnam, and then were. Newspaper headlines today are saying the same thing. Congress was misled and half-informed in the '60s with lies and half-truths. Many Congressman from both parties have expressed their frustration over these same problems in this situation. In Vietnam, a war was waged without the understanding of the psyche, intent and motivation of the enemy. By even being optimistic of peace happening between these peoples, a lack of understanding of them is being exemplified. None of the lessons learned in Vietnam are being applied to any of this administration's military endeavors. From the police action in Southeast Asia three major lessons of military doctrine were learned. These pearls of military doctrine were to: (1) have defined, accomplishable objectives; (2) have a defined or structured period of involvement; (3) have a planned exit strategy. The last two parts of this doctrine are predicated by the first. These lessons were played out to grand effectiveness during the Reagan and Bush years (outside of Beruit). From Grenada to Desert Storm, even Somalia, these three points were practiced. If one recalls, the U.S. involvement in Somalia was to be ended at a specified time. When Impeached President Clinton was elected, he extended the U.S. withdrawal indefinitely. Several Rangers had to die before Congress forced the end to that mission. U.S. forces are still in Haiti, as was I in '95. What is interesting, is that for the average Haitian all is as it was. Those who have the guns still have the power, yet we are still sending troops and dollars there. For years Impeached President Clinton has been playing with the Iraqi President. Suddenly, he starts a bombing campaign to force compliance with U.N. weapons inspectors. ``To what end?'' I ask. Are there now, or will there be, U.N. inspectors in Iraq? To gain congressional approval for the operation in Bosnia, Impeached President Clinton outlined a plan for a one-year occupation. He held this claim until the day after his re-election. The day after his re-election he announced an additional 18 months of occupation, then it became an indefinite extension. Where is Congress and why is Impeached President Clinton not held accountable for his word? Now the U.S. is faced with a police action in Yugoslavia. The Media labels this a war. Only Congress can declare war on another country. A police action can be stopped by Congress by not authorizing funding. In this action against the sovereign nation of Serbia, objectives and conditions for victory have never been defined and have been ever changing. One element which has been consistent is for an indefinite, multinational peace keeping force to be placed on the ground. The people of this region of the world have a long and great history of hating each other. This hatred is not restricted to the Serbs. I mentioned the atrocities committed by the Albanians against the Serbs earlier. That was only one decade ago. As I would talk to the people in my AO while in Bosnia, I would ask them how the Bosnian conflict started. For an answer I received a history lesson that often started prior to WWII and sometimes would start back with the Ottoman Empire. To a person, everyone I spoke with said that as soon as we leave they will start at it (fighting) again. This is the problem for the current administration. If the U.S. forces are withdrawn, war in Bosnia will erupt again, highlighting a bad foreign policy. In order for the illusion to be maintained, U.S. presence in the region must be passed on to the next presidency. If that administration were to remove our forces, again, war would start and that administration will get the blame, so the illusion will be maintained. In the end, there might be an administration with enough honor to end the illusion. However, because all of the time, resources and lives spent which will have been wasted, that administration will be through. Again, look at history. Impeached President Clinton says that the current campaign against Serbia is based upon lessons learned from Bosnia. What is clear to me, and to every other soldier who has served there, is that nothing was learned--otherwise we would not now be engaged. Many historians believe that if Hitler had listened to the advice of his general staff, the war would have gone in favor of Germany. The Washington Times reported that the U.S. military advisors to Impeached President Clinton advised him that this mission would not be successful, but rather, would only exacerbate the conflict. Impeached President Clinton chose rather to listen to the advice of Mrs. Albright. Once so ordered, the military advisers were bound by oath to carry on. In a fashion which has not been seen since the fall of the Soviet Union, history is being rewritten by this administration. Another reason that Impeached President Clinton gives for this action is the preservation of U.S. interests in Europe by preventing another world war; after WWI and WWII both started in this region. This is false. WWI started here, that is true. I walked the bridge where the Archduke was assassinated. The real cause of the war was the entangling alliances throughout the region. No such alliances exist today outside of the growing relationship of Russia with Serbia. WWII did not start in this area. In truth, Hitler could have done what he wanted if he had not attacked Poland. The attack on Poland brought England into the war. WWII escalated from there. One point about WWII, which is quite valid, is that the Serbs were the best friends a U.S. pilot had. In addition, ill clothed, ill fed, and ill armed the Serb partisans pinned down 24 German Divisions. The power of the Luftwaffe and the might of the Wehrmacht was all but lost in the terrain of Yugoslavia. Something to consider as you go to cast your vote on the escalation of this conflict and the introduction of U.S. ground forces. Indeed, ``Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.'' 4. our position in yugoslavia is morally wrong In setting up this government and finding the principles upon which this Republic was established, the Founders of this country took great inspiration and insight from the Holy Scriptures, among other sources. In his Farewell Address, George Washington wrote, ``Of all the disposition and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports.'' Up until the early '60s, primers and many secondary school language texts were based on the Bible. So powerful was the union of this country with Scripture, that in 1805 a man was convicted of treason against the United States for blaspheming the name of Jesus Christ. The founders understood well the Sovereignty of God. It was that understanding by which our Constitution was conceived. By that same great Tome, which so inspired our Founders, our aggression towards Yugoslavia is wrong. Throughout Scripture this is made very clear. In the book of Daniel we are instructed that successions of governments are determined by God. The book of Romans states that ``There is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.'' If one believes in the Sovereignty of Almighty God, then in the course of that same belief, in light of Scripture, as long as Molosevic is acting within his own borders then the only correct position to take is one of neutrality. As was pointed out by the Chinese Premier, President Lincoln used force to hold this country together. In that war more Americans died than in any since. Both England and France were considering entering the war, but on the side of the South. What would have been the result if that had occurred? Freedom and a living form of democracy cannot be instilled in another people. It must be won by those for whom it is meant. 5. the overshadowing of other real issues The people of this nation by course of the mainstream media are so preoccupied, and thus our elected officials, with the plight of the Albanians that real focus is being lost. One of the problems with the Gulf War was that victory there was a cheap victory. One hundred thousand casualties and 100,000 prisoners were afflicted upon Iraqi forces while the U.S. suffered only 149 dead in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While I have no intent to minimize the sacrifice those brave and proud men gave, or the effect upon the conscience of this country. Desert Storm, like Vietnam was waged in the living rooms of America. However there is one great difference. Instead of seeing men dying from limbs blown off or sucking chest wounds, the people of this country saw something like a video game on their computer. Bombs guided into windows with amazing accuracy. Deserted tanks being demolished in live- fire exercises. Here, the human element was removed. War became acceptable. What a tragedy. Our attacks on Serbia are causing untold suffering for the general population of Serbia. This is acceptable because they are the villains, the evil Serbs, the scourge of the world. Has the lust for blood become so strong that we have become that which we hate? Of greater national interest and security, but that which is all but off of the radar screen, is the ongoing Chinese/ Impeached President Clinton saga. Impeached President Clinton opens trade through which missile guidance technology is transferred to the Chinese thereby allowing them to deliver the MRV technology stolen in the late 1980s to the shores of the United States. In 1995, Neutron Bomb technology is stolen by the Chinese. Problems are reported to the Administration in 1996. The suspected individual is allowed to continue working and even given a promotion in the facility. The Justice department head and Impeached President Clinton appointee, Janet Reno tells her agencies to leave it alone. In 1999 the story breaks, the individual is arrested. Impreached President Clinton initially states there were security problems, inherited from the Republicans, but that no technology has been stolen by the Chinese on his watch as President. Once the story breaks in full, he denies any knowledge of the events. Subsequently, in a press conference with the Chinese Premier, impeached President Clinton jokes before national news media over the incident. China refuses to commit to a non-military resolution to the Taiwan issue. Impeached President Clinton rebuffs critiques of Chinese human rights policies. In a news conference the Chinese Premier states that there has been enough talk of human rights. He further says that the Chinese just have a different way of looking at things. The media and, apparently Congress, buy off on this as a valid explanation as to the ongoing and increasing human rights atrocities being committed in China (as reported by Amnesty International). Put this together with the campaign fund-raising issue with the Chinese and an interesting puzzle starts to form. why are we bombing the serbs and courting the Chinese? possible answer: Mrs. Albright is Albanian and lost a grandfather and two cousins to Serb cleansing after WWII, as was reported in the New York Times. China was a staunch ally of Albania during the period of the cold war. Impeached President Clinton and China have a strange involved relationship, which is under investigation. Impeached President Clinton has always hated the United States Military. He is quoted as having stated that he loathed the military. Through the course of the policies and practices of the current administration: morale of the military is at a 25-year low; deployments are at an all time high; Reserve and National Guard units are being used on a regular basis in places such as Haiti, Bosnia, Central America and the Sinai; cruise missile and other munitions stores are being completely depleted and not replaced; all branches of the military are under manned; service members are leaving in record numbers; recruitment is at a two-decade low and China has gained 40 years worth of nuclear technology in the last six years. I believe that the U.S. involvement in Yugoslavia is for only two real reasons: 1. Mrs. Albright's ancestral hatred of the Serbs. Now she is in power as an impeached President Appointee to seek revenge for her people--the Albanians. 2. Impeached President Clinton's ongoing relationship with the Chinese and his M.O. to use the military to divert and confuse the already short and anemic attention span of the American people. I am not by nature a conspirator. I am a patriot. I am a critical thinker. I doubt that you will agree with my bold answer to my bold question. However, as to my five main points, I do hope that you will muse on them. As a soldier, I will go to wherever I am sent. As with all soldiers, I will do my duty to the best of my ability. I have had a terrible three years of employment since I lost my job due to my military service in Haiti. I was shot at and could have been killed as I stopped a Croat from blowing up his car at my base in Bosnia. I volunteered to go to Desert Storm; as a soldier I felt that I should be with my brothers in arms. I do not want, however, to see my children in a Vietnam-like situation. A situation in which at the end of the day, after the waste of lives, material, resources and National Honor, no difference will have been made. Would you be willing to possibly die for the United States of America? Impeached President Clinton has clearly answered that question, in a manner quite different from the way the proud men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces today have answered that question. How would you, Senator, answer that question? How about your sons and daughters, would you commit them to possibly die for Old Glory? Would you be willing to possibly die for Kosovo? When it was Vietnman, many did. In 1974 their deaths became meaningless? If we continue down the present path the same will be true for those who will lose their lives in Yugoslavia. Is this what you want, if it were your son who could die on the Field of the Blackbirds near Pristina? Is this what you want for the lives of the sons and daughters of your constituents? Congress has not declared a war. Congress can stop this before it becomes a U.S. tragedy. I urge you, for the sake of this country, stop the conflict in Yugoslavia. Pull our forces out of the Balkans. You have the power to either end this or escalate it. It is not unlike riding a bike up a road that is increasingly getting steeper. One either has to pedal harder, or get off of the bike. Let's get off. At the top of this hill is a cliff.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today, May 11, is Tax Freedom Day, which means, if the government began taking every dime of one's paycheck on January 1 of this year, one would have spent, on average, the last 131 days working just to pay one's local, State, and Federal taxes. We call it Tax Freedom Day, but this year we really do not have much to celebrate. We have spent more days working for the government than we did last year. A later Tax Freedom Day indicates an ever-increasing national tax burden. Mr. Speaker, the citizens of this country cannot afford any more taxes. The typical American family already spends more than 38 percent of its income on taxes. That is more than most families spend on food, clothing, shelter, and transportation combined. In fact, the average American spends almost 3 hours of a typical 8-hour day working for the government. Mr. Speaker, we cannot continue to expect our hard-working families to shoulder the debt of a big government that routinely spends outside of its means. It is unacceptable that Americans must work at least 5 months of the year just to pay their taxes. While taxes have continued to mount, so, too, has the Tax Code. Growing more complex, the Tax Code now totals nearly 3,000 pages. Mr. Speaker, the tax burden on our American families is out of control. Since gaining the majority in 1994, this Congress has continued working to put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Americans. We balanced the Federal budget. We passed the first tax relief in 16 years, and now we have the first budget surplus in generations. Today, the current tax rate is between 1.2 and 2 percent lower than just 2 years ago. Now it is time, Mr. Speaker, to build upon that momentum. Mr. Speaker, I have supported legislation to abolish the current Tax Code in hopes of establishing a flat tax or a national sales tax. In addition, I supported legislation to abolish some of the most outrageous and unfair taxes in our American families, like the death tax, marriage tax, and capital gains tax. Personally, I have introduced legislation to offer a tax credit for our military personnel. Mr. Speaker, the Republican Congress continues to prove to the American people its commitments to lower taxes. But we cannot stop now. Lower taxes always should be a top priority. That requires cooperation between Congress and the administration. This Congress and Congresses of the future must always remember that this money belongs to the people, and we must make every effort to return it to the people. I hope that the next person elected to serve as President of the United States makes a commitment to simplify the Tax Code to ensure its fairness for the citizens of this country. Mr. Speaker, today we observe Tax Freedom Day. Let us now continue working to make sure that next year Tax Freedom Day falls on a day we can all celebrate.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, May 2 through 9 is the National Parent Teacher Association's 14th annual ``Teacher Appreciation Week.'' A week to celebrate the selfless dedication of our nation's teachers and educators who work every day to help our students gain the skills they need to prepare for the future. Today, our nation's teachers accept many challenges in the classroom. George F. Will once cited two surveys of the top discipline problems in public schools to emphasize the tremendous change in our nation's schools over time. Those top problems listed on survey from the 1940s included students chewing gum, making noise, getting out of turn in line, and not putting paper in the wastebaskets. The 1980s survey lists the top problems as drug abuse, alcohol abuse, pregnancy, suicide, rape, robbery, and assault. Mr. Speaker, as the role of our teachers continue to evolve, the importance of having quality educators in the classroom is absolutely critical. Today, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to recognize three very special educators from the Third District of North Carolina, which I am proud to represent. While I only have time this evening to mention three, I must emphasize that this week is a tribute to all teachers. Not just in Eastern North Carolina, but teachers across the country who selflessly dedicate their time and energy to help our children challenge themselves and achieve their educational goals. Audra Singleton is one particular teacher who uses a unique and successful mixture of discipline and encouragement to motivate her students to learn. Mrs. Singleton is an eight-grade language arts teacher at Wellcome Middle School in Greenville, North Carolina. A veteran of the Gulf War, Mrs. Singleton was nominated by her students to receive the Channel One Network's Teacher of the Year. Channel One produces educational programs for middle and high school aged students. About 12,000 schools nationwide, including Wellcome, subscribe to Channel One as an educational resource. In an effort to recognize the efforts of our nation's teachers, Channel One asked students to videotape their teachers in the classroom. Mrs. Singleton, with the faithful support and encouragement of her students, was selected Channel One's Teacher of the Year. Ralph Cole is another educator who deserves recognition today. Mr. Cole has been educating the children of Chowan County, North Carolina for the last thirty-seven years. Now principal of D.F. Walker Elementary School in Edenton, Mr. Cole has dedicated his career to ensure that all students have equal access to a quality education. While Mr. Cole is retiring at the end of this school year, I wanted to acknowledge him during Teacher Appreciation Week for his efforts to inspire all children to learn and to reach their full potential. Mr. Speaker, each year the state of North Carolina selects a teacher to serve as ambassador for public schools and the teaching profession. The teacher then goes on to compete for the honor of National Teacher of the Year. Rebecca Hoyle, a veteran of North Carolina public schools for 26 years, has been named North Carolina's 1998-1999 teacher of the year. Ms. Hoyle is a music teacher at Jacksonville Commons Elementary School in Jacksonville, North Carolina. I had the opportunity to visit with her briefly a couple weeks ago when she was in Washington. In addition to her dynamic personality, Miss Hoyle has received praise for embracing diversity in the classroom. She has also worked to emphasize the valuable resource our communities can play in the education of our nation's children. Mr. Speaker, our nation's teachers are forced to wear many hats in today's classroom. Not only do they prepare our children and help them to learn, but they serve as role models as well. Former Education Secretary William Bennett once said, ``What we do to children, they will do to others. There is nothing like the moral power of example. But above all, we as a society, as a common culture, have to respond to the call of our national history, and to the responsibility it imposes upon us of instilling in our children an informed appreciation of American principles and American practices.'' During Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to thank Mrs. Singleton, Mr. Cole, Ms. Hoyle, and teachers across the country, who prove their dedication to our children daily by accepting these roles and making an investment in the lives of our children. As you continue your efforts in our classrooms, we will do everything we can in Congress to continue ensuring that you have access to the resources you need to challenge the minds of our nation's children.