Sue Kelly

Mr. KELLY

Mr. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 653, a bill designating the Federal courthouse in White Plains, NY, as the ``Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse.'' [[Page H 13955]] Upon completion of his law education, Justice Marshall dedicated himself to the civil rights struggle. Whether as head of the legal defense and education fund of the NAACP, or as chief council in the Brown versus Board of Education case, Justice Marshall never slowed in his fight for equal rights for all Americans. He continued this fight as the Nation's first black Solicitor General, where he scored numerous victories in the areas of civil and constitutional rights. His career culminated in an historic appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1967, where he served with distinction until his retirement in 1991. H.R. 653 is a fitting tribute to the life and work of our Nation's first African-American Supreme Court Justice, and I am proud to represent the district where the Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse will be located. It is certainly an appropriate honor for this great American. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, we have no business sending troops to Bosnia--plain and simple. That is the message I am hearing from the people I represent, Mr. Speaker, and one the President would do well to heed. I pray he's listening. The President proposes to send troops trained for combat to somehow enforce an uneasy peace among antagonists who have been at each other's throats for five centuries. He's sending heavy armor in an area totally unsuited for modern armored warfare. He is placing Americans in contact with radical factions that have no love for the United States. Remember, not all of the combatants on the ground have embraced the peace agreement, adding further to a long list of factors which add up to a potential disaster. In the final analysis, Mr. Speaker, we should never deploy combat troops abroad unless a national security interest is at stake. This deployment does not meet that simple test. Congress has spoken on this matter. The American people are speaking loud and clear. Listen to them, Mr. President. Stay out of Bosnia.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, this Congress is dedicated to restoring traditional values in our society. Common sense tells us this means living within our means. This means a balanced Federal budget. These past few weeks we've finally reached one of the ultimate questions separating conservatives and liberals: Do we want to continue sacrificing our childrens' chances at achieving the American Dream? Or do we want to do the principled thing and balance our Federal budget? The President doesn't think our children deserve a chance at this opportunity. My colleagues and I believe that this is wrong. We are willing to do whatever it takes to give them their chance. To hear my Democrat colleagues talk, one would suspect that they oppose job creation, lower interest rates, and a brighter future for all. To hear them talk, a balanced Federal budget is little more than a myth, a mirage, a Xanadu. To hear them talk, saving money for future generations is a bad thing, but we can do it. Mr. Speaker, this is a nationwide drama with the President and Democrats using our children as the stakes. This is wrong. I believe our Nation deserves better. America is about hope and the potential for prosperity, and America's leadership should lead us in this direction. Let us balance the budget and help restore this hope.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, many of my colleagues have talked generally about the national merits of our achieving a balanced Federal budget. However, I want to talk about the balanced budget and what the subsequent [[Page H 13668]] lower interest rates mean for my friends and neighbors in New York's Hudson River Valley. Lower interest rates will be good for homeowners. In fact a reduction in interest rates will not only help middle-class families save on their home mortgages, but it will also help those first-time home buyers make that crucial first step on the path toward long term financial security. Because of this, experts agree that the average New York family will achieve annual mortgage savings of at least $2,643. And the Federal Reserve has stated that it is quite possible that once we achieve a balanced budget, we will see mortgage interest rates drop even lower to 5\1/4\ percent--a rate which hasn't been seen in generations. Another benefit of a balanced budget is an increase in the overall affordability of college education. The average New York student loan is $2,783, and a 2.7-percent drop in interest rates would mean that students would save $557 over each year of the life of their loan. Mr. Speaker, President Clinton agreed to help us balance the Federal budget. The country will hold him to this promise. And I believe that New Yorkers need him to keep his promise. Our childrens' futures are at stake, and the President must remember it.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise at this time to acknowledge the ongoing commitment of an organization in my community called Green Chimneys. Green Chimneys is a nonprofit agency that successfully adheres to its mission to provide care and concern for all living things. This center, located on 150 acres of farm land in Brewster, NY, is a treatment center and special education school for emotionally disturbed and learning disabled children. The rural setting provides a therapeutic environment which helps children learn to work out their problems. By incorporating the rehabilitation of orphaned or injured animals into their daily regiment each child can learn to feel needed and gain a sense of purpose and responsibility. As a result, Green Chimneys is teaching both the children and the animals how to survive in their natural habitat. This fine organization has found a way to reach troubled youths without dipping into the pockets of the taxpayers. Their innovative solutions to address problems in the Hudson River Valley is not only admirable but is extremely commendable. A perfect example of Green Chimneys' work is Eddie Lugo. Eddie, 14, was sent to Green Chimneys by the Manhattan Family Court because of his threatening and abusive behavior toward his family. Three and a half years later, he is leaving Green Chimneys with the desire to become a police officer or veterinarian because he doesn't like people who mistreat other people or animals. Eddie is only one of hundreds of children who have been helped by Green Chimneys. What better legacy could an organization like this hope for? At this time I would like to thank all of those involved in Green Chimneys, whether it is a donation of time or money, for ensuring that the future of this country is in good hands. However, I would like to especially single out their director, Dr. Samuel Ross, whose tireless support has been invaluable to our community. It was Dr. Ross who sent me this hat. And I would urge all my colleagues to give Green Chimneys a big tip of the hat to this extremely worthy organization. They are truly the epitome of America civic-mindedness and compassion, and for this I say, ``Thank you'' not only as your Representative but also as your neighbor.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, yesterday we took a number of positive steps forward in our effort to save, preserve, and strengthen Medicare. The House Ways and Means Committee passed their portions of the Medicare Preservation Act and the American Medical Association--one of the largest health care providers in the country--endorsed the House Republican plan. When I first ran for Congress, Mr. Speaker, I ran on the promise of reform--repeal of the status quo and change for the better. Our Medicare plan delivers on this promise of reform. By increasing seniors control of their health care dollars, providing greater choice of providers and ensuring long-term solvency, we are keeping our word. There are those who will continue to throw stones at us from the sidelines, but as we enter the final phase of our efforts to save Medicare, I would encourage them to join us. The American people are sick of the politics-as-usual mentality that they are expressing and want us to save Medicare. The medical care of 37 million people is on the line, and until the Democrats face up to this fact rather than their own reelections, the American people will continue to discount all that they say and all that they do.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to mention one of the other reasons we must reform Medicare--our Nation's small businesses. It is conservatively estimated that employer costs will rise by more than 125 percent in only seven years, if we fail to fix Medicare. Mr. Speaker, what small business can survive overhead like that? Our Nation has more than 20 million small businesses, and it is these organizations which have made us the super power we are. They are the engines of innovation and growth in our economy, providing virtually all the new jobs in our country over the past 10 years. My State is the 2d most taxed State in the Nation, and my district is the 12th most taxed district in the country. I ask you, Mr. Speaker, how can I justify this increased burden on my small businesses? Mr. Speaker, I hope that when the fearmongers start throwing their fictitious claims they remember the 37 million beneficiaries and our 20 million small businesses, rather than just their petty political goals.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, there are two competing points of view regarding the future of Medicare; those that want to save the system and those that want to stand on the sidelines and try to scare as many seniors as possible. For those of us committed to saving Medicare, our best weapon is a commodity that isn't always put to use in Washington: the truth. Despite what the other side continues to claim, the truth is, we're not cutting Medicare; Medicare spending increases under the Medicare Preservation Act. The defining feature of our proposal is choice; seniors will now have the ability to choose from a range of health care options, from the fee-for-service approach of the traditional Medicare program to managed care options and medical savings accounts. The most important truth that everyone must know is that Medicare faces imminent collapse in 7 years unless we act. We are offering a plan that increases Medicare spending, preserves the solvency of the system, and gives seniors new choices to better meet their health care needs. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to stop the rhetorical warfare they are engaging in and work with us to preserve and protect Medicare.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation that will restore equity and fairness in the tax treatment of the nation's small business entrepreneurs. The Self-Employed Health Fairness Act amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals to 100% of such costs. [[Page E 1891]] Mr. Speaker, our tax code is fundamentally unfair to the self- employed in its treatment of the deductibility of health insurance. Large corporations enjoy a permanent, 100% deduction for health insurance premiums, while the self-employed business person has previously received only a 25% deduction. Congress enacted legislation this year to make the deduction permanent, and to raise it from 25% to 30% in 1995. I supported this legislation and was encouraged by its passage. For the sake of fairness, however, we should take the next logical step and raise the deductibility for the self-employed to 100%. We must ask ourselves a very basic and fundamental question: Why should we treat the self-employed small business person differently from a large corporation? The fact is, small business is, by far, the country's most important motivator for innovation, job creation and economic growth. Creating a successful small business takes guts, determination, and hard work, but it represents the very best of the American dream. I know this firsthand, Mr. Speaker. Both myself and my husband are small business owners. We both have experienced the satisfaction of creating successful small businesses, creating new jobs, and contributing to our community. However, we have also felt the onerous tax and regulatory burdens that stand in the way of successful small businesses today. Self- employed small business owners face a number of very unique problems, and the disparity in the tax treatment of health insurance cost represents one of the more troublesome of these. Let's send a message to America's self-employed businessmen and women that they are just as important as big business. Let's restore fairness and equity to the tax code's treatment of the health care expenses of self-employed individuals. I urge my colleagues to join me in enacting this important legislation.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 42, which officially calls for the demilitarization of Cyprus. This resolution will benefit both Greek and Turkish Cypriots while at the same time serving to ease the tensions in this region. More than one-third of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Cyprus remains under foreign occupation by over 30,000 armed troops. Demilitarization of the island called for in House Concurrent Resolution 42 is essential if any type of settlement to end this longstanding dispute is to be reached. Many efforts have been made in the past to resolve the Cyprus problem. These efforts must continue if we are to bridge the gap between the two parties. As late as last year, President Glafcos Clerides of Cyprus unveiled a plan that would demilitarize the island. This proposal should be commended. The United States has also taken steps to facilitate an agreement. Earlier this year, President Clinton appointed a special envoy for Cyprus and dispatched Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke to the region in hopes of helping to achieve a solution. House Concurrent Resolution 42 is an important continuation of these efforts. It is a balanced and bipartisan resolution that will help to stabilize the eastern Mediterranean and will benefit all those concerned.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, Monday is the 30th anniversary of Medicare. And yesterday to underscore my commitment to preserving Medicare for the next 30 years, I took a pledge to fight for this program. [[Page H 7921]] As a former ombudsman in New York, who worked with senior citizens on a regular basis, I understand the financial pressures that senior citizens are under. Usually, they're on a fixed income. The majority of them are under a doctor's care. And some of them even permanently reside in a convalescent care center. The point is, Mr. Speaker, that unless we act now those same individuals will be needlessly exposed to a world without adequate health care--and this group numbers close to 37 million. Healthy, strong seniors, living independently, must be our goal. We must save Medicare. The alternative is simply unacceptable. This isn't about politics--This is simply about the lives of 37 million people who are depending on us. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to say I've signed my name on the dotted line, and I will keep my promise.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment offered by my colleagues, Mr. Stokes of Ohio and Mr. Boehlert of New York. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would strike 17 provisions in the bill which would prohibit the funding of important environmental programs. I voted for the Clean Water Act but, Mr. Chairman, I am concerned over the prospect of holding funding for programs that protect our air and water hostage to the appropriations process. As we work to enact authorizing legislation, we must not jeopardize the flow of Federal funds for important environmental programs that control combined sewer overflows, protect important wetlands, or clean our drinking water. Unfortunately, this legislation may do just that. In the event that a clean water reauthorization bill, or superfund reform legislation, is not enacted this year, the funding for several crucial programs will be cut off. We can improve our environmental laws, but let's do it responsibly. Environmental policy should not be set through the appropriations process. Vote in favor of the Stokes- Boehlert amendment.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mrs. KELLY. I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is very simple and straightforward. It reduces the appropriated amount for Internal Revenue Service by $3.6 million and transfers this amount to the salaries and expenses account for the Customs Service. Passage of my amendment will mean that the total appropriation for the IRS will be equal with that of the 1995 level, while assisting the Customs Service with the important work that it does on a daily basis. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is simple but it sends a strong and direct message to the American people. We are all making tough discussions across the board to reduce spending and live within our means and I see no reason why we should not expect the IRS to do the same. These moneys can be better spent by the Customs Service, and I urge my colleagues to support this proposal.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues in marking the tragic events that occurred 21 years ago on the Island of Cyprus. On July 20, 1974, the Government of Turkey sent troops to Cyprus and forcefully assumed control of more than one-third of the island. This action dislocated much of the Greek Cypriot population, creating a refugee problem that exists to this day. Additionally, over 1,600 Greek Cypriots are still missing or unaccounted for as a result of this brutal invasion. The Turkish Cypriot community has continually shown its unwillingness to move toward a negotiated settlement with their Greek neighbors. The removal of the roughly 35,000 Turkish troops from the Island of Cyprus is central to any such agreement. However, the Turkish Government is doing the exact opposite. They continue their arms buildup on the island, in effect making any sort of rapprochement all the more unlikely. The Greek Cypriots have demonstrated repeatedly their flexibility and willingness to compromise in order to bring an end to this long- standing dispute. As late as last year, President Glafcos Clerides of Cyprus unveiled a plan that would demilitarize the island. This proposal should be commended. The United States has also taken steps to facilitate an agreement. Earlier this year, President Clinton appointed a Special Envoy for Cyprus and dispatched Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke to the region in hopes of helping to achieve a solution. However, these efforts have failed to produce any movement toward an agreement. It is time that the United States Government take bold steps to show its resolve to the Turkish Government that it is serious about moving toward peace on Cyprus. In this regard, I am pleased to be a cosponsor to House Concurrent Resolution 42, which officially calls for the demilitarization of Cyprus. Perhaps more importantly, I was very encouraged by the passage of an amendment to H.R. 1868, the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act, which cuts economic support funds and military assistance to Turkey until it withdraws its troops from Cyprus, lifts its blockade of Armenia, and makes progress on extending political and economic rights to is Kurdish minorities. Mr. Speaker, it is with decisive steps such as these that we can begin to hope for a brighter future for Cyprus. I wish to commend the gentleman from Florida, [Mr. Bilirakis] for his steadfast work in this area. I look forward to working with him, and all my colleagues who share our concerns, to achieve a unified and peaceful Cyprus in the future.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to recognize the academic achievements of Shalimar Abigail Ordonez Fojas. This talented young woman won third prize in the 1995 Young Scholars Contest sponsored by the New York Council for the Humanities. Started in 1993 by the council, this essay contest is an effort to promote an awareness of the humanities at the secondary school level of education. Each student is required to write a research paper with a humanitarian theme which changes on a yearly basis. This years theme, entitled ``A Life Worth Knowing,'' was dedicated to the life of a historical figure. Shalimar Abigail Ordonez Fojas, a student at Brewster High School in New York, wrote an essay that embodied the life of Charles Lamb. Her essay titled ``An Anatomy of Selflessness: Charles Lamb's Lifelong Sacrifice,'' proved to the council that Shalimar had carefully researched and learned to understand the significance people have in shaping their own worlds. The prize, $1,250, hopefully will be used to further Ms. Fojas' education. Mr. Speaker, I close with a salute to Shalimar Abigail Ordonez Fojas for her intellectual achievements, and the bright promise that her future holds.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to recognize the academic achievements of David A. Matsa. This talented young man won an honorable mention in the 1995 Young Scholars Contest sponsored by the New York Council for the Humanities. Started in 1993 by the council, this essay contest is an effort to promote an awareness of the humanities at the secondary school level of education. Each student is required to write a research paper with a humanitarian theme which changes on a yearly basis. This years theme, entitled ``A Life Worth Knowing,'' was dedicated to the life of a historical figure. David A. Matsa, a student at White Plains High School in New York, wrote an essay that embodied the life of Louis D. Brandeis. His essay, titled ``Louis D. Brandeis: Social Reformer,'' proved to the council that David had carefully researched and learned to understand the significance people have in shaping their own worlds. The prize, $500, hopefully will be used to further Mr. Matsa's education. Mr. Speaker, I close with a salute to David A. Matsa for his intellectual achievements, and the bright promise that his future holds.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1817, the fiscal year 1996 Military Construction Appropriations Act. This bill represents a reasoned approach toward addressing the shortage of quality housing within the Department of Defense. It also works to ensure the quality of life for the men and women who serve in the military. Approximately two-thirds of the family housing units in the Department's inventory are over 30 years old and require extensive maintenance. Furthermore, roughly one-half of all military barracks are also over 30 years old, with an average age of nearly 40 years. We should not expect the brave men and women in our Armed Forces to live in these conditions. However, there is another compelling reason to support this bill. Recognizing the pressing needs of single military parents, dual military couples, and military personnel with civilian employed spouses, the Military Construction Subcommittee more than doubled the funding for child development centers. This is a significant step toward meeting the Defense Department's established goal of providing quality child care. Nowhere is this pressing need more visible than at the U.S. Military Academy, which is located in the district I represent. H.R. 1817 provides funding for a single story, standard design child development center to provide child care for over 300 children. Although there is a lengthy waiting list, the current facilities at West Point accommodate just over one-half that amount. The present child development center is a 3-floor warehouse constructed in 1885, 100 years ago. The part-day pre-school is located in a World War II-era wood building. Both facilities have structural problems that are simply to uneconomical to repair. Clearly, those working to prepare the U.S. Army's future leaders deserve the peace of mind of knowing that their children are receiving quality child care, in decent facilities. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 1817 provides vital funding to improve the child development center problem at West Point and numerous other military facilities throughout the Nation. It also addresses the housing crisis throughout the Department of Defense in a reasonable, fiscally responsible manner. All of the projects in the bill have been authorized and the total appropriation is consistent with the budget resolution that this Chamber passed. Without the funding provided by this bill, we run the risk of eroding the readiness and morale of our troops. We cannot allow that to happen. I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Our service men and women deserve nothing less.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, we pay tribute to one of the greatest cultural treasures of my district--the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts--which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The vision for Caramoor began with the combined talents and determination of Walter and Lucie Rosen. Avid collectors of art as well as accomplished musicians, the Rosens often played host to many of New York's most prominent performers and cultural patrons in their Katonah summer home, which was called Caramoor. After the death of their son in World War II, the Rosen's bequeathed Caramoor ``as a Center for Music and the Arts for the Town of Bedford and the State of New York.'' Caramoor has become a focal point of both the national and international music scenes. Now it is home to an 8-week outdoor music festival. Under the leadership of Howard Herring and the artistic direction of Andre Previn, Caramoor has attracted such stars as James Gallway, Barbara Cook, Sylvia McNair, and Yo-Yo Ma, and has served as a launching ground for scores of up and coming performers through its Rising Stars program. The Caramoor experience is unique in that it allows audiences to convene with nature while enjoying music in its purest form. With the recent additions of the ``Touch Tour'' and the Marjorie Carr Adams ``Sense Circle'' for the visually impaired and the mentally and physically challenged, Caramoor remains committed to ensuring true accessibility for all of its visitors. Whether strolling through the gardens, picnicking in the orchard, or listening to the harmonies under the stars, Caramoor allows people to lose themselves in the moment. It has often been said that music is food for the soul. In this spirit, Mr. Speaker, may Caramoor continue to provide us with nourishment for yet another 50 years, I would invite you and the rest of the country to join us at Caramoor for an evening of good music and good cheer.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to one of the greatest treasures of my district as it celebrates its 50th anniversary; Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts. Located in Katonah, NY, the vision of Caramoor began in the New York City townhouse of Walter and Lucie Rosen. Avid collectors of renaissance and oriental art, as well as accomplished musicians, the Rosen home was host to many of New York's most prominent performers and cultural patrons. Upon the completion of their weekend home in Katonah, the Rosen's moved both their vast collection of art work and their tradition of presenting intimate concerts, to their new home. Upon the death of their son in World War II, the Rosen's bequeathed Caramoor ``as a Center for Music and the Arts for the Town of Bedford and the State of New York'' thereby giving us the gift of a haven, comprised of aesthetic pleasures that serve to uplift the human spirit. The first formal musical offerings at Caramoor, began 50 years ago as a series of concerts and recitals that were presented in both the grand music room and the Spanish courtyard of the main house. In 1958, the construction of an outdoor Venetian theater, allowed for the expansion of these programs as well as audiences providing a venue for the presentation of orchestral and opera performances on a larger scale. Building upon this tradition, Caramoor has become a mainstay on the international music scene. Now home to an 8 week music festival that, under the leadership of Howard Herring and the artistic direction of Andre Previn, has attracted such starts as: James Gallway, Barbara Cook, Sylvia McNair, and Yo-Yo Ma as well as many of the most promising musicians of the next generation through its rising stars program. Caramoor rightly deserve the New York Times assessment deeming it ``the loveliest musical festival of them all.'' From the intimacy of the Baroque period, to the rousing notes of Count Bassie, the concerts of Caramoor account for a wide variety of musical tastes and have educated and inspired generations. Situated on 100 acres of woodlands, lawns and exquisite formal gardens, the Caramoor experience is unique in that it removes many of the facades that often accompany such offerings, and allows audiences to convene with nature while enjoying music in its purest form. With recent additions such as the Touch Tour of the Museum House and the Marjorie Carr Adams Sense Circle, a garden comprised of different aromatics, sounds and textured grasses designed especially to maximize the enjoyment of the visually impaired, mentally and physically challenged as well as children, Caramoor remains committed to ensuring the accessibility of its spirit to all. Whether strolling through the gardens, picnicking in the orchard or listening to harmonies under the stars, Caramoor allows people to lose themselves in the moment, and to regain a sense of serenity and peace in their lives. It has often been said that music is food for the soul; may Caramoor continue to provide us with nourishment for another 50 years. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to salute all of those who have built and maintain this national treasure.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to commend the work of a national organization called Write Your Congressmen. Founded in 1958, this organization helps focus and amplify the voice of the American people. National Write Your Congressmen, Inc. provides the voters with an opinion ballot that outlines every side of the issues. They simply present the facts, in order to educate the public. And by doing so, they are creating a more responsible America. There is nothing more important than citizen involvement in the democracy we have formed. By communicating their positions to their elected Representatives we create a true democracy. My colleagues and I welcome the information provided by the members of National Write Your Congressmen. This organization is truly dedicated to the betterment of America. Their interest is purely in encouraging citizens to be directly involved in their law making process. I am impressed by their candor and inspired by their cause. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would encourage all my colleagues to become involved with National Write Your Congressmen, Inc., and I thank them for providing a more effective way of education and communication for all people, nationwide.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, Col. Pierce Albert Rushton, Jr., Director of Admissions at the U.S. Military Academy which is located in my District in West Point, New York, is retiring this year. He has a long and distinguished career of service to his country and the continued development of its future leaders. At this point Mr. Speaker, I would ask that the attached statement be inserted into the Record for my colleagues review: Colonel Rushton will retire from active military service in September 1995. Colonel Rushton's long and distinguished career as a soldier began in 1959 with his graduation from West Point and has spanned over 36 years. Colonel Rushton has made immeasurable contributions to the U.S. Army and to the U.S. Military Academy. Throughout his career he has distinguished himself as an exceptional leader, who fostered and upheld the timeless and honorable traditions of the U.S. Army. As a soldier, Colonel Rushton served the nation in Germany, Vietnam, Korea, and the United States. He commanded a battalion and four different companies. Among these were command of the Command Operations Company of the 1st Infantry Division during the height of the Vietnam conflict, and command of the 142d Signal Battalion, 2d Armored Division, Fort Hood, TX, during the era of vital division testing. He served as battalion executive officer of the largest signal battalion in the Army in Korea, on the Department of the Army Staff in Washington, DC, and with TRADOC Combined Arms Test Agency at Fort Hood. He is a graduate of the Air War College, Montgomery, AL and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS. Colonel Rushton holds a master of science degree in management from the University of Alabama and was elected to Beta Gamma Sigma academic fraternity. His first assignment to the West Point staff and faculty was from 1972-1975 as Associate Director of Admissions. In 1979, Colonel Rushton returned to West Point as the Deputy Director of Admissions. In 1985 he was appointed by President Reagan as the U.S. Military Academy Director of Admissions. During his tenure in admissions, Colonel Rushton developed and implemented a number of impressive initiatives. Some of the more important and far-reaching actions for West Point have been the development of comprehensive admissions tracking and trend analysis; the first use of student search programs for the Military Academy; the development of a state-of-the-art training and assessment program for newly assigned admissions officers; the opening of field offices in California and Texas, and the establishment of the West Point Spotlight School Program and Annual USMA Admissions Distinguished Service Award. During Colonel Rushton's admissions service, the U.S. Military Academy has enrolled 87 percent of the women and 77 percent of the African-American graduates in its history. Colonel Rushton serves as a member and secretary of the U.S.M.A. Academic Board and as a member of the superintendent's policy board. He has been directly involved in enrolling 20 West Point classes or approximately 34 percent of the total graduates of West Point. As a result of Colonel Rushton's dedicated leadership in attracting and admitting the best young people our Nation has to offer, West Point has retained its position as one of the country's finest institutions of higher learning and the premier leader development institution in the world. Colonel Rushton and his wife, Charlene have two children, Stephanie Patelli of Fort Irwin, CA and Cheryl Neuburger of Katonah, NY. Colonel Rushton's many friends, fellow soldiers, and the Corps of Cadets join together on this day, to wish him the best of health and happiness and continued success.

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker I rise to acknowledge and salute the outstanding achievements of 2d Lt. Rebecca E. Marier. This impressive young woman recently graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY at the top of her class--top of her class academically, physically, and militarily. Second Lieutenant Marier opted to forgo an education at prestigious Harvard University, in order to pursue her dream of a degree from an institution which has a proud tradition of molding our Nation's leaders. Marier is unquestionably a role model for all of our Nation's young people, men and women alike. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all my colleagues join me in not only commending Second Lieutenant Marier's achievements, but more importantly her spirit of selfless dedication to the service of our country. I would also ask, Mr. Speaker, that the New York Time's article which appeared this past Sunday, noting Second Lieutenant Marier's achievements, be inserted at this point in the Congressional Record. [From the New York Times, June 4, 1995] Woman is No. 1 in West Point Class West Point, NY--For the first time in the United States Military Academy's 193-year old history, a woman took the No. 1 class rank as the Academy graduated 988 new members of the Army officer corps today. The woman, Second Lieut. Rebecca E. Marier, 21, of New Orleans, was the head of her class in the school's three programs--military, academic and physical. ``It was the greatest feeling in the world, throwing up that white hat,'' Lieutenant Marier said after the ceremony. ``I'm just glad to be part of the progress women are making all over the country.'' Four years ago, she startled her family and friends by choosing the Academy over Harvard University for her undergraduate work because she wanted the ``all-around challenge'' and leadership training West Point offered. But she plans to get to Harvard, after all, becoming the second cadet in West Point history to go on to medical school there, said Andrea Hamburger, an Academy spokeswoman. Women began attending West Point in 1976, and with today's class, more than 1,400 women will have been commissioned second lieutenants. At the ceremonies, the Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Gordon Sullivan, addressed graduates, telling them that in an age of changing circumstances, there was no way to predict where they might serve. General Sullivan omitted remarks about a possible United States role in Bosnia, which had appeared in an advance version of his address received by reporters. In the prepared text, General Sullivan reviewed the American role as a member of NATO and said the United States was ``prepared to act with NATO should the need arise.'' Pressed afterward for an explanation of the omission in his speech, he replied: ``I felt I had made the point of the uncertainty of the world. I didn't think I needed to go into the details.'' General Sullivan's advance text read: ``In response to the appalling Bosnian Serb behavior over the past week, we have been meeting with our NATO allies to consider the next steps to keep the U.N. protection force in place, because it remains our best insurance against an even worse humanitarian disaster there. ``Although our policy remains that we will not become combatants in the conflict, we are prepared to act with NATO should the need arise.''

Mrs. KELLY

Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to America's 5.7 million Korean war veterans, who so diligently answered their Nation's call to duty. As the anniversary of the July 1953 armistice at Panmunjom draws near, it is important for us to honor our veterans for their immeasurable contribution to the efforts of defending freedom. Their undeterred energy played a pivotal role in containing Communist aggression on the Korean peninsula and the rest of Asia. The American effort in the war was marked by a simple yet central and focused goal--to further the cause of freedom. Our servicemen met this challenge through selfless, patriotic measures. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard worked in complete cooperation to secure the South Korean capital of Seoul, and to initiate our eventual triumph in the cold war. The bravery of these American men and women, who so willingly made the ultimate sacrifice, is embodied in the new Korean War Memorial. This monument is scheduled to be dedicated this coming July--a truly living tribute. This memorial includes 19 life-size, bronze statutes of soldiers in a multiservice formation. The 19 portraits of those statues accurately reflect those Americans who so proudly serve, and served, in our Armed Forces. They attest to the sincere appreciation held by all Americans for these soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen, who fought with such dedication and fortitude. I know that this same dedication and fortitude went into the statues creation, and I am proud to say that these 19 enduring pieces were cast by the Tallix Art Foundry, in Beacon, NY just outside my district. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all of my colleagues join me in saluting our Korean war veterans for their outstanding bravery. Because as long as there exists an America that seeks to ensure democracy, our veterans must be honored for their contributions to the worthiest cause in the world--freedom.