Paul Kanjorski

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. I yield to the gentleman from Iowa.

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to have a colloquy with the gentleman from Iowa, the chairman of the committee. Mr. Speaker, I commend him for bringing this important consumer legislation to the House floor today, and I particularly commend our colleague, the gentleman from Utah [Mr. Hansen], for introducing it. This bill provides meaningful financial relief of $50 or $100 a month to millions of American families. Best of all, Mr. Speaker, it provides us relief at no cost to the U.S. Treasury. I also commend the chairman for the genuine bipartisan way this legislation was considered by the committee, which is why it was reported out of the committee 36 to 1. The entire Democratic membership of the House Committee on Banking and Financial Services enthusiastically supported this bipartisan initiative and hopes that the bipartisanship that was demonstrated on this legislation will be a model for subsequent legislation from our committee. I do have one question for him however. Since the legislation was reported out of committee, it has been brought to my attention that there are mortgage products in the marketplace that may require mortgage insurance of a different type or for a period of time that is not prescribed in statute. I am not aware of all the products, and since the products in the marketplace are evolutionary in nature and we cannot always anticipate what tomorrow may bring in the marketplace, I hope that as the process goes through, the chairman and the members of the conference pay very close attention to this so that in the final end the private mortgage insurance disclosure that we are requiring and the cancellation we are requiring under this act does, in fact, accomplish the best results for the consumer and for the consumer in the marketplace by lower interest rates that will be provided.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, the newspapers are replete this week with IRS browsing of confidential information of American taxpayers' earnings. Recently, we read that Social Security is trying to outdo the IRS by putting on the Internet individual Americans' total lifetime earning records and making it easily accessible. Putting lifetime earning records of American citizens on the Internet is not user friendly, but abuser friendly. Mr. Speaker, I am preparing to introduce on April 15 a piece of legislation that will inhibit the Social Security Administration from carrying on this process and establish a commission to study what confidential information should be put on the records held by the Government, so that abusers cannot invade the privacy of American citizens. Imagine, anyone today can put a name, a Social Security number, a date of birth of that individual, the place of birth of that individual, and the mother's maiden name of that individual and get the information of lifetime earning records of that individual. That is abusive. This Congress must attend to the work of the privacy of American citizens. I urge my colleagues to join me in this legislation.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Pittston, PA, in paying tribute to the Honorable U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas M. Blewitt. The judge will be the recipient of the W. Francis Swingle Irishman of the Year Award at their 83d annual St. Patricks' Day banquet. I am extremely pleased to have been asked to participate in this annual tradition. Judge Blewitt was appointed on February 21, 1992, to an 8-year term. From January 1, 1986 through February 1992, he served as assistant Federal public defender in the Scranton division. From May 1984 to January 1986, he was assistant district attorney for Lackawanna County. From December 1972 to October 1980, he was a special investigator for the Pennsylvania Department of Justice, Bureau of Consumer Protection. A graduate of Scranton Prep in 1968, he went on to the University of Scranton, Marywood College and earned his juris doctorate from Temple School of Law in 1983. Mr. Speaker, Judge Blewitt is well deserving of this prestigious award not only for his professional accomplishments but for his sincere commitment and involvement in his community. He has served on the board of directors for the Friendship House Children's Center, Family Services of Lackawanna County, and is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association as well as the Federal Magistrate Judges Association. Once again, I am pleased and proud to have the opportunity to bring judge Blewitt's accomplishments to the attention of my colleagues. I congratulate the judge on this fine honor and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick on their 83d year.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a close personal friend and colleague from my congressional district in Pennsylvania, State Representative Keith McCall. Representative McCall will be honored by the Panther Valley Irish American Association as its 1997 recipient of the Shamrock Award. I am pleased to have been asked to participate in this prestigious event. The youngest son of the late Representative Thomas J. and Mary Ann McCall, Keith began his career in the Pennsylvania State Auditor General's office in Harrisburg while he was attending Penn State and Harrisburg Community College. His father's untimely death in 1981, while serving his fourth State legislative term, brought Keith to succeed his father in the Assembly. Now a high ranking Representative in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, Keith has followed in his father's footsteps by serving his district for 15 years. Keith McCall is one of the finest legislators that I have had the privilege to work with during my years in Congress. He has been responsible for helping numerous local constituents and bringing millions of dollars in economic development to his district. Keith's hard work and tenacity on numerous issues of importance to his district demonstrates his commitment to his constituents. His attention to the needs of the residents of his legislative district is unsurpassed and manifests itself in the strong results he receives. Keith has consistently worked closely with me on numerous projects for Carbon County, from flood control to highway projects, I can always count on Keith to be an energetic ally with all the projects that involve the state. A few of his major projects and accomplishments include Lehigh Gorge State Park, rail infrastructure improvements, a visitors center for Delaware and Lehigh Navigation Canal National Heritage Corridor, and preservation of historical buildings. In the State Assembly Keith wrote the Pennsylvania Enhanced Automobile Emission Inspection law and is now considered an expert on this issue. Along with his work in the State assembly, Keith builds upon his dedication to his community by being an active participant in community service organizations. Keith's community involvement includes the Elks, Summit Hill Fire Company, Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Pennsylvania Emergency Management council, and his work as past president of the Panther Valley Irish American Association. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join with the community, his friends and family in paying tribute to an exemplary legislator and public servant. I congratulate the Panther Valley Irish American Association on its 50th year, for the work they do in the community, and for their outstanding choice for this year's Shamrock Award.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Abigail Bauman, a 7-year-old second grader in Sciota, PA. Abigail is a student at Hamilton Elementary in Sciota. Abigail was one of 41 honorable mentions in this year's poster contest sponsored by Reading is Fundamental [RIF]. Abigail's poster was chosen out of over 300,000 entries. The theme of this year's National Poster Contest was ``Read! Imagine!'' Abigail's poster showed a tremendous effort to display this message to the youth of America. Her efforts in this endeavor earned her a commemorative certificate along with a dictionary and gift books. In this year's State of the Union Address, President Clinton touched on the importance of literacy in America. Teaching children to read at a young age, and getting them interested in books is fundamental to improving literacy in the United States. Using posters as a tool to achieve this is a creative vehicle to do so, avidly conveyed through Abigail's drawing. It is essential for our children to read and love books if they are to compete, as well as excel in tomorrow's world. The key to the high paying jobs and opportunities of tomorrow is for each and every American citizen to be able to read. Aibigail's colorful poster helps to make reading more fun and interesting for elementary school children. I contgratulate her on using art to communicate such an important message.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Lindsay Washick, daughter of Bob Washick of Conyngham, PA, for winning first place in a contest sponsored by Parade Magazine and the Times-Leader newspaper of Wilkes-Barre, PA. Lindsay is a 14-year-old ninth grader at MMI preparatory school in Freeland, PA. Lindsay's article, entitled ``Our President's Greatest Challenge,'' was chosen from six finalists. As a reward as part of the Young Columbus Program, Lindsay will act as a young ambassador on a trip to Ireland in April. Lindsay is an example of the fine quality of students who are dedicated to learning and expanding their knowledge of the world they live in. The youth of today are tomorrow's future and I congratulate Lindsay on winning first prize. I am inserting her article into the Congressional Record. Text from Lindsay Washick: With November fifth long and gone, the votes have been counted and tallied, and the leader of our country has been decided. Mr. William J. Clinton will be our president for the next four years. With a new term starting, many people are anxious to see what he'll be concentrating the most on. Will it be drugs, health care, the environment, our involvement in foreign countries, or balancing the budget? All of these issues are very important but every time the very important issues do come up, there is always one that's overlooked--The Young People of America. I think that the greatest challenge to our new President is to be getting in touch with our young people, and getting them involved. I just recently turned 14, and am therefore an adolescent. I'm, involved in, and have a wide variety of liking, but when it comes to government, and politics, I'm always the last one to know and/or care. The rest of the nation is in such a tizzy about everything else, that they're overlooking us too. The President goes where the people go, and that's always away from us. But, every now and again, when we are lucky enough to be brought up, the only things the politicians have to say, are, ``Don't do drugs'' and ``Stay out of trouble.'' Nothing exciting about that. We hear it from our parents everyday. If it worked, there'd be a lot more happy people in the world. But, seriously, the President has to get more in touch with the times. He's lacking the excitement we need to keep us interested, and he's boring us to death. A great example of this would be the voter turnout among our youth. Very, very few young people vote, and why do you think that is? I know why; because we don't care about the politicians. Because we don't think they care about us. Why should we support them if they don't support us? It's not like I'm just gonna wake up one day when I'm 30, and just go, ``WOW! I love politics! I think I'm gonna run for President!!'' With so many teenagers with this attitude, it's gonna take a lot to get them to turn around and start getting involved and interested. With no signs of Mr. Clinton even pondering to make any changes, it's not looking too good. I don't want our President to run around listening to Rage Against the Machine, or go to a Smashing Pumpkins concert, or dye his hair blue. That will get our attention, but in the wrong way. He just has to focus more on us. He's always preoccupied with something else, and since we don't vote that much anyway, why should we waste all that time? It's a sad and vicious cycle that keeps turning and turning. The President's greatest challenge this term is to get that cycle to stop. he has to--for the future of you, and your country. But since no one has said anything to him yet, it should, unfortunately, take a while.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to have the opportunity to congratulate Maternal and Family Health Services Inc., on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. On October 3, 1996, the community will gather to commemorate this milestone and I am honored to have been asked to participate. Maternal and Family Health Services was established in 1971 to address the needs of healthcare for the women of northeastern Pennsylvania. In the beginning the focus of the Maternal Health Services was to provide subsidized family planning services to women in need in northeastern Pennsylvania. In June of that year, the agency received its first funding from title X of the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Since 1971 the scope of the agency has progressed to encompass a variety of women's healthcare issues. Addressing the need of quality prenatal care for economically disadvantaged women, the agency began its Maternity Services Program. Adequate prenatal care has been proven to minimize health care complications in pregnancies and later on in the life of the infant. Located at Mercy Hospital Wilkes-Barre and Mercy Hospital Scranton, the program works with expectant mothers by providing prenatal healthcare and ensuring healthier pregnancies and births. Maternal and Family Health Services also administers the important WIC [Women, Infants and Children] grant for the largest geographic area in Pennsylvania. Over 54,000 people depend on this program for supplemental nutrition at forty clinic sites. Mr. Speaker, the list of programs of this important health service is lengthy. Another important service offered is the Healthy Women 50+ Program. This project is a breast and cervical cancer screening program funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The program provides important preventive cancer screening to economically disadvantaged women over the age of 50. Today, the workers of MFHS are challenged to provide more services to more clients with less funding. Considering the mission statement of the agency, ``To provide quality health and social services including, but not limited to, general health care, technical assistance and educational services provided primarily in the areas of reproduction, obstetrics and nutrition, delivered in sixteen northeastern Pennsylvania counties to persons in need,'' this has not been an easy task. In light of this mission statement it is easy to see that the agency has met and surpassed all of those challenges put forth by its original founders. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with the northeastern Pennsylvania community in recognizing the important work done by the dedicated staff of the Maternal and Family Health Services. The agency is under the capable leadership of my good friends Executive Director Mary Lou Schaefer, as well as Public Relations Director Rose Tucker. Both of these women have committed their lives and careers to improving the lives of women and bringing issues of women's health to the attention of our community. I congratulate these hardworking, dedicated professionals on a job well done.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5267 of Hanover Township, Pennsylvania. The post is celebrating its 50th anniversary and I am pleased to have been asked to participate in this milestone event. On November 5, 1945 thirty veterans returning from overseas duty in World War II accepted the invitation of the late Edward Dozyk, a WWI veteran, to formulate initial plans for a V.F.W. post in Hanover Township. Application for a charter was sent to the National Headquarters and the charter was granted in 1946. The first group of officers were founder of the post Commander Edward Dozyk, Senior Vice Commander Nelson Gray and Adjutant and third year Commander Michael Juls. During the next few years the post spent time moving from one location to another. In 1967 the post purchased its current home. Mr. Speaker, since its beginning in 1946 the post has grown from 30 members to over 700. The post provides valuable community services to the active veterans community in the Wyoming Valley. During its history members of the post have participated in over 2100 military funerals as well as numerous Veterans Day Celebrations. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor these dedicated men and to join the Hanover Township Board of Commissioners and Commission President Pat Aregood in proclaiming the week of September 22nd as V.F.W. Post 5267 week in Hanover. I send my best wishes on their 50th anniversary.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring an important event to the attention of my colleagues. On October 19, 1996, Dr. Victor Greco will be installed as the 147th president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society at a ceremony in Hershey. Dr. Greco's resume is long and distinguished. His many accomplishments throughout his long career in medicine began with his graduation from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1951. He interned at Philadelphia General Hospital and spent his residency at Jefferson. By 1963, Dr. Greco was chief of surgery at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Hazleton, PA, his hometown. Following this he became chief surgeon at State General in Hazleton. During his career Dr. Greco has been a member of the advisory council to the Director of the National Institutes of Health, vice chairman of the board of trustees of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and a member of the State Board of Medicine appointed by then Governor Casey. Dr. Greco was also nominated to serve on President Clinton's National Health Board and was asked to serve on Speaker Gingrich's Medical Care Reform Advisory Committee. During his many years of practice, Victor Greco was responsible for developing the first prototype cancer screening clinic in the country, which is still operated by the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Greco trained under Dr. John H. Gibbons, professor of surgery at Jefferson Medical College and Hospital, and assisted in the development of the heart and lung machine. He was a member of the operating team that performed the first successful case of open heart surgery in the world in 1953. He was chairman of the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine in 1994 and is now president elect of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Greco's medical accomplishments speak for themselves and are a testament to this outstanding and distinguished surgeon. I am proud to have a close personal friendship with this accomplished man. It is with the greatest pleasure and pride that I rise today to bring just a few of these accomplishments to the attention of my colleagues. I send my heartiest best wishes to Dr. Victor Greco on his new leadership position in the Pennsylvania Medical Society and join with his lovely wife Mary Jean, his family and his many friends in congratulating him on this achievements.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to congratulate Mr. Tony English on his 25th anniversary with the Catholic Youth Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The community will gather to honor Tony on October 20, 1996, and I am honored to have been asked to participate in this event. Having attended local schools, Tony began with the CYC as a volunteer fundraiser in 1962. After starting with the CYC he also joined the membership committee and the capital improvement drive committee. In 1966, Tony was hired as assistant to the athletic director. Under his direction, the CYC basketball league was expanded and the diocesan boys basketball tournament was initiated. He held one of the first area karate tournaments and founded the Junior Basketball Officials Club and was its first advisor. This club trained young people in officiating basketball games. In 1967, Tony left the CYC to become the program director of the Wilkes-Barre City Recreation Board for 1 year. He then became superintendent of recreation for the city, supervising 23 playgrounds and 4 swimming pools. Tony found the position challenging as he supervised more than 300 students in leadership positions. In 1971 Tony left the superintendent position to return to the CYC as its executive director. For the next 25 years, Tony worked to expand the center's many services. He helped acquire land from Wilkes-Barre to build outdoor basketball and tennis courts. The center obtained money through the National Park Service to open a health center. The center went on to develop a firstrate child care and senior citizen program. The center's programs now benefit everyone including infants to seniors. Under Tony's leadership, the center has also been a strong antidrug policy supporter and has numerous antidrug programs in operation today. Mr. Speaker, Tony English is a valuable member of the Wyoming Valley community. His youth programs have set the standard for excellence in our area. The CYC has grown and prospered under his able leadership. I am pleased to congratulate Tony on this milestone in his career and send my best wishes for continued success.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the American Legion Brookside Post 837 on its 50th anniversary. In commemoration of this special event, it is my pleasure to bring the history of this post to the attention of my colleagues. The dedication of the members of Brookside Post 837 and its many members have brought it to this proud moment. Fifty years ago in 1946, a group of World War II veterans from the Brookside and North End sections of Wilkes-Barre gathered to begin plans to organize a chapter of the American Legion. Contact was made with Commander Renfer of District 12. He advised the group and provided charter application information. The application was submitted with only 20 signatures and the charter was granted. An election of officers was conducted, and the group chose Nick Maliborsky as the first commander. Over the years the membership declined and the charter was in jeopardy. A reorganization of the post began. Paul Makuch was elected second commander of the post. Commander Makuch's resilience and good leadership were instrumental in bringing a number of members back to the post. There are now approximately 185 members. Brookside Post 837, ``The smallest Post that does the most,'' is known for its support of Legion affairs such as; military wake services and funerals, parades, community sponsored activities, and strong comradeship. Their history would be incomplete if not for the dedication of the women of the Ladies Auxiliary. These ladies must be acknowledged for their tireless efforts on behalf of the post and their spouses. Mr. Speaker, the beginning years were difficult for this post, but due to the solid foundation of loyal members past and present, Brookside Post 837 now proudly celebrates 50 golden years of dedicated service to God, country, and the community. I am pleased to have been asked to be a part of this milestone celebration and send my best wishes to these proud Legionnaires for a prosperous future.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of my colleagues the 10th anniversary of the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre, PA. I am pleased to have been asked to join in a community salute of this milestone and to pay tribute to two outstanding community leaders, Mr. F.M. Kirby and Mr. Albert Boscov. The Kirby Center was originally the centerpiece of the Comerford Theater chain. The state of the art movie theater was the first in the United states to offer air conditioning to its customers. Up until the 1950's the theater remained the focal point of motion picture entertainment in northeastern Pennsylvania. As television gained in popularity, attendance at the Comerford Theater began to suffer. In 1972, the Wyoming Valley was hit by Hurricane Agnes. The storm caused the Susquehanna River to overflow its banks and devastate downtown Wilkes-Barre with dangerous flooding. The flooding caused extensive damage to the Comerford Theater which was eventually reopened. The flooding caused considerable damage to the downtown retail community and shoppers dwindled. In 1976, due to a lack of attendance the theater was forced to close. The Comerford Building sat unused and in disrepair for the next 10 years. In order to avoid the destruction of the building, a group of concerned citizens took the first step of having the building placed on the historic register. This initial attempt at preservation was done with hopes of future development. In 1985, Albert Boscov, the owner of Boscov's Department in downtown Wilkes-Barre became interested in renovating the theater. Mr. Boscov had a dream of turning the theater into a centerpiece performing arts center which would host local and national talent. He began a fund- raising campaign which in a little over a year and half raised $4.3 million from thousands of members of the community, in large and small contributions. A major benefactor of the project was F.M. Kirby II, the son of the cofounder of the Woolworth's Department Store chain. In March of 1986 work was underway on what was to become the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. In September 1986, the theater hosted opening night with a gala performance attended by local dignitaries and community leaders. Mr. Speaker, the 10 years since that opening night have had many high and low points. Like most artistic institutions in our country, the members of the Kirby Center board have endured some economic hardship. In response to diminishing funding for the arts, patron memberships were established and the board of directors forged a profitable alliance with local business leaders to make the center a vibrant and active facility. Demonstrating its commitment to the Wyoming Valley community, the center provides quality entertainment to over 15,000 school children a year. The center underwrites ticket costs to children's social service agencies and each year introduces a new class of children to the wonders of the arts through its International Children's Theater Festival which draws thousands of children to experience this spectacular event. As the home of the Northeast Philharmonic Orchestra to its hosting of ballet, Broadway and Sesame Street Live, the Kirby Center has become the center for cultural activity in northeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the entire community of the Wyoming Valley owes a debt to Mr. Al Boscov and Mr. Fred Kirby for their financial generosity and visionary thinking. They are responsible for taking a forlorn theater and converting it into the vibrant arts center it is today. They believed in the promise of downtown Wilkes-Barre and its long-term economic growth. I am proud to join in the tribute to these outstanding community leaders and to be part of this anniversary celebration.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of my colleagues a very important anniversary which will be commemorated in my district in October. The Domestic Violence Service Center [DVSC] will observe the 20th anniversary of its founding. I am pleased to have the opportunity to commend the center for its tireless dedication to helping women and children in crisis. Originally called Womencenter when it was first conceived in October 1976, the DVSC began as an assessment agency to focus on the needs of area women. The pleas for help from battered women in the first 6 months was overwhelming. Because of this the Womencenter refocused its purpose to address the issue of domestic violence and how it affects women and children in the Wyoming Valley. A task force was formed to study the issue. The result of that meeting was the founding of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence [PCADV]. The first coalition of its kind in the United States, the PCADV is still a leader in victims' rights issues in the State and the Nation. In 1977, the Womencenter received a grant to develop a full-time domestic violence program. Services expanded and a liaison with Legal Services of Northeastern Pennsylvania was established. A speakers' bureau was begun to promote community awareness. In 1978, the task force established the first shelter for battered women in northeastern Pennsylvania. Within 1 week the unadvertised shelter was completely filled to capacity. That June the Womencenter incorporated as the Domestic Violence Service Center. A board was formed and the first officers were elected. Mr. Speaker, the Domestic Violence Service Center has served the area as a shelter, an advocacy agency, an outreach center, and a counseling center. The DVSC has been on the forefront of public education of domestic violence and involved with other social service agencies and the District Attorney's office in creating a county wide protocol for the handling of domestic violence cases. The center has coordinated with local police forces to create a common protocol in handling the actual distress calls. This program serves as an example to the entire State of Pennsylvania. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, the Domestic Violence Service Center has provided shelter for thousands of battered women who flee their homes often in the middle of the night afraid for their lives and the lives of their children. Mr. Speaker, the impact of domestic violence affects the entire community. Each year the center conducts a solemn and poignant candlelight vigil at the Luzerne County Courthouse to commemorate Domestic Violence Month. I have had the honor of participating in this event. I am proud to commend the hardworking staff, board of directors, and volunteers on their dedicated effort to help those who would otherwise be trapped indefinitely in a crisis situation. Through their work and dedication they offer a place for women and children to turn to break the cycle of violence. Although this anniversary is not a celebration, it is a call to each of us to help stop this devastation of the American family. Mr. Speaker, I hope this anniversary will expand public awareness of the important work that the DVSC does.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, first of all may I congratulate both the gentlemen on the majority side and minority side for taking up in the closing moments of the 104th Congress a very important piece of legislation that will allow for the privatizing of Sallie Mae. There are members of the minority such as the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Peterson] and the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Edwards] and myself who have worked diligently during this session of the Congress to promote privatization of Sallie Mae. It is an institution that has matured, and under this legislation it will meet new needs of college students and colleges and universities after the privatization of both Sallie Mae and Connie Lee. It is an effort that we can all move forward with pride. It is, I think, a very good example of the privatization from the standpoint that I think what the American people really want us to do is to recognize when organizations become mature and can be self- sufficient and can enter into the private market to assume risks that government no longer has to underwrite. This is a perfect example of this accomplishment. It also allows for direct lending to continue, but it provides that Sallie Mae, by being able to enter into other activities, can make itself much more self-sufficient and supportive of the obligations that presently exist in the marketplace and otherwise would have to be guaranteed by the United States Government. To my friend from Florida, I should say, ``Dr. Meek,'' we are remiss if we did not call to her attention that some of the programs that have been left out of this bill pending on the floor are only programs that have been unfunded and they are being now deauthorized, but this legislation will not have an adverse impact and is nothing nearly as severe as what previously came out of the committee. What is now being offered is a very streamlined bill. It provides primarily for privatization, of Sallie Mae and Connie Lee, and then it does reauthorize some programs and, of course, provides for the development of a program for library services. I would urge my colleagues both on the minority side and the majority side, in the spirit of the statements of the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Gunderson] to the full House just a few minutes ago to the effect that here is an opportunity for all of us in a very mature manner who have studied this for a long period of time to see something done right. Passage of this bill does mean reform or change, and it means privatization, but in none of those instances is it radical or extreme. It is using the marketplace and the free market system to perform what government had to perform before, and it does so in a very positive, straightforward and open method. So I simply compliment the leadership on the majority side and the minority side for having attained this compromise, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill, in spite of the fact that there were some political problems that did arise. None of us are innocent of those kinds of problems. Sometimes our staff and some of our friends have excesses, we have to allow for that, but I think everybody on both sides of the aisle and the White House are comfortable with this bill. I urge all my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of my colleagues, the 100th anniversary of St. Boniface Church in Wilkes- Barre, PA. I am pleased to have been asked to participate in the observance of this milestone. On August 16, 1896 a group of German immigrants from the Pfalz region of Bavaria met to form a new congregation. An executive committee of 12 was formed to obtain permission from the bishop to build a new church. When permission was granted a lot was purchased on Blackman Street in Wilkes-Barre. Five men mortgaged their homes to provide the initial money to build the church. On October 4, 1896 the cornerstone of the church was laid by Bishop O'Hara. The original construction cost of the church was $4,345. On the suggestion of Bishop O'Hara and reflecting the German heritage of the majority of the parishioners, the church was named after St. Boniface, the apostle of the Germans as the church's patron saint. The first mass was held in March 1897 in the newly built church which still didn't have pews. The dedication of the church followed shortly after that. The first pastor of the church was the Reverend Charles J. Goeckel who lived with neighbors until a rectory could be built at the church. The church began a series of fundraising activities and parish socials in order to raise money for construction of facilities and to provide community services for the parishioners. The traditional St. Boniface ``Kaffee Klatsch'' is still held today on Shrove Tuesday night as a way for members of the parish to get together. Under the leadership of the Reverend Charles Von Weldon, the parish and community offerings of St. Boniface grew and the adjoining convent was enlarged. Mr. Speaker, every succeeding pastor of St. Boniface helped to expand and enlarge the property and make the parish prosper. The church today is an important presence in the religious life of the Wyoming Valley. Serving German immigrants and others for 100 years, St. Boniface has continued the traditions and preserved the heritage of its founders. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate St. Boniface on this milestone in its history and send best wishes for continued prosperity.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated woman from my District in Pennsylvania, Mrs. Barbara Repko. I am pleased to have been asked to participate in a surprise recognition ceremony in honor of her retirement. Mrs. Repko is retiring after serving for 20 years as the dedicated manager of the Berwick Senior Citizens Center. Although most famously known for its winning high school football team, Mrs. Repko brings another type of recognition to this beautiful borough on the Susquehanna River. Mr. Speaker, Barbara Repko personifies Pennsylvania values in her caring dedication to her profession. Her diligence on behalf of area seniors is legendary. For 20 years Barbara Repko has run fund-raising drives to benefit the center, and has gone door to door to area businesses in search of their support. This beautiful modern center owes its existence to this outstanding woman and her husband Bill. Her dedication to the center extends beyond to a financial commitment to area seniors. Seven years ago Bill and Barbara Repko were so dedicated to providing quality care and services to Berwick area seniors that they provided a loan to the Board of Directors of the center so that the center could purchase its own building. This combined with donations of time, additional money and ideas allows this beautiful center to today provide support services to hundreds of local senior citizens. During Barbara's leadership the facility gained a new kitchen, new roof, air-conditioning and an exercise room with brand new equipment for the well-being of the seniors. The center is one of the finest in the State of Pennsylvania due to Barbara's dedication, forward thinking and financial commitment. Mr. Speaker, it is not often that I have the honor to pay tribute to such a selfless, caring individual. This woman deserves our recognition and sincere appreciation and I am extremely proud to bring her good deeds to the attention of my colleagues. I know that Mrs. Repko's greatest reward is the love, respect and gratitude of those whose lives she has touched over the last twenty years. I send my very best wishes to her for a long, happy and productive retirement.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, in 1993, I stood before my colleagues in the House of Representatives to bring to your attention the accomplishments of a good friend and community leader, Mr. Tom Bigler. I am pleased to once again join in a community salute to Tom as he is honored by the Ethics Institute of Northeast Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Tom Bigler spent much of his life as a broadcast journalist. His editorial commentary during his 20 years at WBRE-TV became legendary and he set the standard for local news broadcasting which is still practiced today. Today Tom teaches journalism and communications at Wilkes University and continues his dedication to the community through his volunteer service. This month Tom will assume the presidency of the Board of Directors of the Family Service Association of the Wyoming Valley. His affiliation with the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, The Osterhout Library, Leadership Wilkes-Barre and of course the Ethics Institute have kept Tom on the forefront of local issues and policymaking. For several years, Tom has brought his keen insight on current events to print as a columnist for the Times Leader. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to once again have the opportunity to bring the many accomplishments of this distinguished community leader, Mr. Tom Bigler to the attention of my colleagues. I applaud the choice of the Ethics Institute for selecting him as this year's honoree. I join with his many friends, family and the community in thanking Tom for his years of service and dedication to the community of northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Kiwanis Club of Hazleton, PA on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. I am pleased that they have asked me to participate in the recognition of this important milestone. In 1921, a small group of men gathered at the local Hazleton YMCA and voted to donate $10 to the local Fourth of July observance. The following week the men formed a formal Kiwanis Club and elected their first president, Edward M. Prisk. As the Nation enjoyed peacetime under President Warren G. Harding, the club began to prosper and grow with the town of Hazleton. Members of the club went on to serve the community and the country. One member, Victor C. Diehm Sr., was elected to the position of Governor of the Pennsylvania District of Kiwanis. This is the highest office held by a member of the Hazleton club. The leadership of the Hazleton Kiwanis includes some of Hazleton's finest business and community leaders. In its long history the club has made an invaluable contribution to the Hazleton community. The club is a substantial supporter of the United Way and also sponsors the annual Hazleton soap box derby. Kiwanis has worked in conjunction with the Rotary club of Hazleton to develop Camp Rotawanis. The club also supported Can Do of Greater Hazleton by providing seed money for the Hazleton Township Community Park. The Hazleton Kiwanis is a major supporter of Penn State University, Hazleton Public Library, Hazleton YMCA-YWCA, the Greater Hazleton Philharmonic, Catholic Social Service and the Salvation Army. As an extension of its philanthropic support, the club also sponsors health screening programs, educational and entertainment activities for its members. The Kiwanis also run local Circle K clubs for student mergers. Mr. Speaker, the list of the Hazleton Kiwanis's interests and achievements are a testament to its dedication and service to the community. I am extremely proud to bring the achievements of this group to the attention of my colleagues. I join with the people of Hazleton in thanking President Victor Baran, First Vice President Dr. Geraldine Shepperson, Second Vice President Catherine Seamon, Immediate Past President Vincent Bartkus, Treasurer Joseph Weber and Secretary Ray Saul for their leadership of this vital organization.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to St. Patrick's Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA. St. Patrick's is celebrating its 75th anniversary on September 15, 1996. I am pleased to have been asked to participate in the recognition of this milestone. Mr. Speaker, in 1921 a group of 400 families formed a new parish called St. Patrick's. The Reverend John Lynott celebrated mass for the group in the Sterling Theater. The theater held the parish for a year before they moved to their own home in a small basement. In 1929, on the same site, the cornerstone was laid for a new structure which was to become the present St. Patrick's church. The stones of the building had great significance to the members. Reflecting the Irish heritage of many of the parishioners, one stone was brought from Ireland where it was taken from a spot near the grave of St. Patrick. Another stone came from the Vatican Mausoleum in Italy. Mr. Speaker, in 1930 Bishop Thomas O'Reilly dedicated the new church building for the parish of St. Patrick's. Since then the parish has faithfully ministered to the Irish community in the Wilkes-Barre area for 75 years. Since its humble beginning in 1921, a succession of pastors have provided spiritual guidance to generations of parishioners. As the Wyoming Valley has changed, so has St. Patrick's. The church's current vibrancy and dedication reflects its commitment to the Wyoming Valley community. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bring this milestone anniversary to the attention of my colleagues and to send my best wishes for the continued prosperity of St. Patrick's Church.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my close personal friends, Mr. John J. ``Sonny'' Kovatch and his brother, Joseph. This month, their success as business leaders will be celebrated along with the 50th anniversary of their company, the Kovatch Group. A 3-day celebration of the Kovatch Group will begin tomorrow, and I am proud to be able to participate in these festivities. In 1946, Sonny and Joseph began a small business dedicated to providing first-rate speciality motor vehicles. Fifty years later, the Kovatch Group has grown into a network of 13 different companies which work together to manufacture and service speciality vehicles used all around the world. It is with great pride that I say that the international headquarters for the Kovatch Group is located in Nesquehoning, PA, in my congressional district. The complex sprawls over 65 acres and has over one-half million square feet under roof. More than 700 employees utilize a state-of-the-art computerized and automated assembly line to manufacture specialized vehicles designed to meet very specific needs of the Federal Government, military organizations, search and rescue crews, and heavy industry. Having established a reputation for first-rate vehicles of the highest caliber, the Kovatch business organization grew dramatically since its establishment 50 years ago. In the mid-1980's, Kovatch was selected to construct highly specialized vehicles for the U.S. military. When Kovatch completed the contract nearly 1 year ahead of schedule, the company became known worldwide, and orders for vehicles were regularly submitted to the company from every division of the U.S. military, numerous foreign governments, and private businesses from around the world. Today, Kovatch is considered the manufacturer of choice for military refueling trucks and firefighting apparatus. Whether we realize it or not, most of us have seen the vehicles produced by the Kovatch Co. Chances are the brave men and women responding to local emergencies utilize the rescue trucks, ambulances, pumpers, tankers, and aerial ladder trucks manufactured by Kovatch employees. The company can boast of having provided specialized vehicles to government agencies, volunteer fire and rescue teams, and private businesses from Eastport, ME, to Fairbanks, AK. During the last decade, the Kovatch organization has experienced tremendous success because it has sought to integrate qualified workers with innovative engineering and modern manufacturing techniques. Together, Sonny and Joe have shown me that there really is no substitute for quality products designed and manufactured by American workers. Mr. Speaker, I am not alone in recognizing the leadership of Kovatch Group for its success. Last year, Sonny was selected as the 1995 Master Entrepreneur of the Year for central Pennsylvania by a consortium of leading businesses including Ernst and Young, Sprint, and Merrill Lynch. Sonny was chosen for this award based on his ability to ensure continued success for the Kovatch Group over an extended period of time. Given that Sonny has been at the helm of the Kovatch Group since its founding 50 years ago, and has guided the company through both good and bad economic times, he is truly deserving of this award and recognition. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to highlight the accomplishments of my good friends, Sonny and Joe Kovatch. The work of these business leaders is an example of the true entrepreneurial spirit that has made our country the greatest Nation in the world. Sonny and Joe have proven that hard work and ingenuity are the key ingredients of success. I am proud to join with their families, friends, and the community in congratulating the Kovatch brothers on their many successes.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I am very disappointed in the fact that my chairman came here and took the floor. I have had a great deal of respect and regard for the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Clinger], and as the days and weeks move on toward the end of this session, watching the activities of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of the House of Representatives, I am getting more embarrassed every moment. I say, and I am looking right at the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Clinger], I was aware of what you were going to say today. . . .

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my words.

Mr. KANJORSKI. No.

Mr. KANJORSKI

Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I first introduced legislation to overhaul our system of campaign financing 6 years ago, in 1990. I introduced my bill, because I believed then, as I believe today, that our current system of financing campaigns is broke and needs fixing. I introduced my bill, H.R. 296, the House of Representatives Election Campaign Reform Act of 1995, after lengthy consultation with Members on both sides of the aisle, with eminent academic experts on campaign finance reform, and with my constituents. Although the campaign finance reform bills considered by the House in the 102d and 103d Congresses contained only some of the provisions of my bill, I voted for the bills which came before the House in both the 102d and 103d Congresses because I believed they made significant steps in the right direction. Unfortunately, in the 102d Congress the bill was vetoed by President Bush, and in 103d Congress Senate Republicans blocked efforts to go to conference on this important legislation, and as a result neither bill became law. Last year, in Claremont, NH, President Clinton and Speaker GIngrich made a public commitment to embark on a bipartisan effort to pass campaign finance reform legislation. While President Clinton subsequently submitted campaign finance reform legislation to the Congress, Speaker Gingrich effectively reneged on his commitment and no bipartisan reform commission was ever established. Instead, what we have today, is two separate, partisan proposals, one developed by Speaker Gingrich and House Republicans, and the other by the House Democratic leadership. Unfortunately, because both bills were drawn up by partisans, they are both seriously flawed. Instead of trying to level the playing field for incumbents and challengers alike, for Democrats and Republicans, and for wealthy candidates and poor candidates, each bill seeks to achieve an advantage for one side or another. As a result, both bills are fatally flawed, and deserve to be rejected. The Republican bill, H.R. 3820, which was previously, H.R. 3760, is fatally flawed because it does nothing to control the overall cost of elections, because it substantially increases the amount that individuals can contribute to candidates and parties, because it creates an enormous loophole which allows rich individuals and corporate PAC's to funnel tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars to candidates through State and national parties, and because it severely restricts the ability of average working people to contribute a dollar or two every pay period to candidates. The Democratic bill, H.R. 3505, is also fatally flawed because it restricts the rights of groups to communicate to their members how House and Senate Members voted on issues they are interested in. It also contains an inappropriate loophole in the provision which otherwise prohibits the bundling of campaign contributions, effectively allowing bundling by a few favored groups. I deeply regret that the Republican leadership has brought these campaign finance proposals to the floor under a rule which prohibits Members from offering amendments to improve either of them. This is nothing more than an attempt to appear to be for reform, knowing full well that neither bill will become law. Instead, the existing status quo, which is fatally flawed, will be maintained. We cannot restore the confidence of the American people in their government unless we enact campaign finance reform legislation, but we cannot achieve this goal in a partisan manner. In order to have a government in Abraham Lincoln's words, ``of the people, by the people, and for the people,'' we must eliminate the pernicious effect of enormous sums of money on our political system. That is the premise of my proposal, H.R. 296, which I believe is fair and balanced to both parties, to incumbents and challengers, and to rich and poor candidates alike. If neither the Democratic nor the Republican proposal before us is fair, what should we do to prevent the U.S. Congress from becoming the ``Millionaires' March on Washington''? There are two overriding concerns which should guide our actions in this area: First, public officials must be more concerned with the policy implications of legislation, than on their ability to raise campaign funds, and second, no individual or group should be able to buy an election. Mr. Chairman, I come to this issue from a somewhat unique perspective. I am one of a relatively small number of members who grew up in one party, and later became a member of the other party. I was raised as a Republican and served in the 83d Congress as a Republican page, and I worked on several Presidential, gubernatorial, congressional, and State and local Republican campaigns in the 1950's and early 1960's. As the Republican Party moved to the extreme right in the mid 1960's and deserted those of us in the moderate Rockefeller- Scranton wing of the party, I became a Democrat, and was elected to Congress as a Democrat in 1984. My election in 1984 was also an unusual event. I defeated an incumbent Congressman in a primary, a rare occurrence, and I was one of a mere handful of new Democrats elected to the House during the 1984 Reagan landslide. Before I was even sworn-in for my first term in January 1985, my 1986 opponent was campaigning and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions. In the 1986 campaign I was outspent nearly two-to-one by an opponent who raised and spent well over a million dollars in a district where media is relatively inexpensive and where no one had ever spent more than a couple of hundred thousand dollars in a campaign. My race turned out to be one of the two or three most expensive races in the country in 1986. Despite being massively outspent, I still managed to win with more than 70 percent of the vote. In short, Mr. Chairman, I know what it is like to be an underdog. I know what it is like to be outspent. I know how hard it is for challengers to raise campaign funds, and I know how unfair it is when one candidate has economic resources which are not available to his opponent. My bill, H.R. 296, the House of Representatives Election Campaign Reform Act of 1995, is an effort to bridge the gap between the parties over campaign finance reform, by enacting meaningful, but fair and balanced, reforms. It encourages honest competition and will help to further the goal of a government, ``of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' This comprehensive campaign finance reform bill addresses all of the most pressing issues in campaign finance reform: from the growth of political action committees [PAC's] and the declining influence of small contributions from individuals, to independent expenditures, the unfair advantages of candidates who are personally wealthy, and PAC's controlled by elected officials. H.R. 296 also contains stiff criminal penalties for individuals who violate federal election laws. Many of the provisions contained in this legislation are based on proposals originally recommended by Dr. Norman J. Ornstein, of the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research. Dr. Ornstein is a nationally known as well respected scholar of the American political and constitutional systems. He is held in high regard by members of both parties, which is why his ideas may help us move beyond our past partisan differences. The cornerstone of H.R. 296 is the significant reduction in the amount of money political action committees [PAC's] many contribute to candidates and the strong new incentives provided to encourage small contributions from instate contributors. The bill slashes the maximum contribution a PAC can make to a candidate from the current $5,000 to no more than $2,000 per election cycle. That is a 60 percent reduction. The bill provides both a tax credit and a Federal matching payment for individual contributions of $200 or less to qualify candidates who are running for Congress in the contributor's home State. In order to qualify for matching funds, a candidate must agree not to spend more than $100,000 of his own money on the campaign, and must raise at least $25,000 in contributions of $200 or less from instate residents. A voluntary income tax checkoff, similar to the one already used to finance Presidential elections, is created to provide the Federal matching funds. The bill also provides reduced broadcast rates for commercials which are at least 1 minute long, thus discouraging 30-second sound bite commercials. It provides disincentives to discourage so-called independent expenditures, and it penalizes candidates who spend large sums of their personal money on their campaigns. Mr. Chairman, I know there may be a tendency on the part of some to blame all the ills of our current system on political action committees. They are convenient scapegoats, but they are nowhere near as responsible for our current problems as the disparity in resources between incumbents and challengers, and the amount of money which must be raised and spent in many races just to be competitive. The elections of 1994 demonstrate dramatically that all the PAC money in the world cannot save a candidate if the public does not agree with his message. We must also remember that PAC's were created in the early 1970's as part of a reform to cure what was then an even larger problem, the fact that special interest groups could give virtually unlimited sums of money without anyone knowing who was making the contribution. PAC's were created to increase disclosure and accountability, so that everyone would know where campaign funds were coming from. In this respect they have succeeded and have increased both disclosure and accountability. Sunshine and full disclosure are the most important tools we can provide voters so that they can make informed choices. Some people contend that if we simply do away with PAC's all of our campaign finance problems will disappear. That just is not true. It is a simplistic view of the world. It does not take into account the advantages that wealthy candidates have over candidates of modest means. It will not make an average citizen a competitive candidate. The sad truth, Mr. Chairman, is that even through PAC limits have not changed in 20 years, and have thus declined in real terms, campaign expenditures have continued to escalate, and expenditures which were extraordinary as recently as 1986, are nearly commonplace today. That is why I also believe we need a constitutional amendment to allow us to set absolute limits on campaign expenditures and contributions. Changes in Federal law relating to PAC's are necessary, but alone they are not sufficient to reform our campaign finance system. PAC reform without more comprehensive financing reform will not work. It would deal with the symptom, but not the underlying disease, which would eventually re-emerge and kill the patient. In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, I would like to include in the Record, a full section-by-section analysis of my bill, H.R. 296, a comprehensive solution to our campaign finance problems which is much fairer to both parties and to challengers and incumbents alike, than any of the proposals we will consider today. Section-By-Section Analysis of Hon. Paul Kanjorski's House of Representatives Election Campaign Reform Act of 1995 H.R. 296