Patrick Kennedy

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, this month we have celebrated Youth Art Month, a valuable advocacy program that cultivates and emphasizes the importance of art and of quality art education in the lives of today's children. In today's world, filled with harsh realities and ambiguity, children often lose touch with themselves and their surrounding environment creating a damaging gap. Since art is not only a representation of life in its physically, emotionally, and spiritually, it provokes self introspection and, in turn, helps to bridge this gap. Youth Art Month reminds us that this importance should never be taken for granted, for art is one of the most integral components in the development of a child's imagination and cognitive mind. Art adds a new dimension to a child's personality--a dimension of imaginative thought, subjective interpretation, and perhaps most important--individuality. My uncle, the Late Robert F. Kennedy extolled the importance of creativity in our children's lives. ``Too often, the arts have been thought of as nice, but rather non-essential part of education. When we give our children the chance to explore and develop their own creativity, we encourage the sensitivity and ability for self- expression that is so crucial a part of the well-informed, well- educated person.'' I commend the Council for Art Education for creating Youth Art Month and for its efforts to instill in America an appreciation for art and art education. I sincerely hope that our children and future generations will cherish and celebrate art and the enormous contribution its forms have made to this great Nation.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I believe H.R. 2202 creates an aura of fear and suspicion within our communities. Instead of addressing the real problem--the loss of our jobs to illegal immigrants, it unfairly punishes children and college students seeking an education. My district in Rhode Island is comprised of American citizens and legal residents of a multitude of races and nationalities. Because of that, I voted against final passage of the bill. I wholeheartedly support H.R. 2202's initiatives to end illegal immigration by increasing the number of border control agents, building additional roads and barriers and cracking down on employers who hire illegal aliens. This mean spirited bill however, heightens the fear, hysteria, and anti-immigrant fervor that is running rampant across this country. For this reason, I could not in good conscience support this legislation. My district in Rhode Island is enriched by the many people who have brought their cultures and traditions to this great Nation to build a life for themselves and for future generations. I am proud of these hardworking Americans, who each day go to work, pay taxes, and contribute to creating a stronger United States and Rhode Island. Rhode Island boasts a myriad of ethnic groups who take pride in these cultures and traditions. This allows future generations of Rhode Islanders to celebrate the lives of their forebearers while providing the greater community the opportunity to share, learn, and respect the value of difference. This fellowship is part of the solution to ending the ignorance and fear of the unknown. Whether it be the Portuguese fiestas in Bristol, the Greek festivals in Pawtucket, the Hispanic celebrations in Central Falls, the French-Canadian traditions in Woonsocket, the Italian feasts in North Providence, or the Irish parades in Newport, Rhode Islanders value and cherish their ethnic roots. H.R. 2202 contributes to the slow but sure demise of these cultural values. I find it unconscionable that Congress would approve legislation allowing school administrators the right to demand proof of citizenship before allowing a child to receive an education. It is a travesty that in an effort to curb illegal immigration, the authors of this bill have chosen to scapegoat children. Have we become so desperate that we must resort to these drastic measures? Creating an Orwellian society in which individuals must present a card to verify their legality refutes everything that is right and good about America. It is blind and unfair. It fans the flames of prejudice. Does anyone doubt who will be asked to present a card? All too easily administrators will fall back on old prejudices for guidance. Someone is not any less an American because of the color of their skin or because their last name is new to a neighborhood. I view H.R. 2202 as nothing but a political ploy orchestrated by the Republican Party to once again appease their supporters, to retain and build upon their majority. By forcing Democrats to go along, or be criticized for not doing the politically in thing, the Republican majority is once again playing games with extremely important issues. I will not be a part of playing their games and trampling on the spirit of ethnic pride in Rhode Island and the United States.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, this notion that we cannot make a difference because if we ban so many, we are not banning all of them, or if you cannot save all crime, you are not going to try to save any at all, is just bogus. Our responsibility in this House is to do what we are able to do. That is our responsibility. If we are able to save anyone's life because we ban these weapons of war that spray bullets and kill people indiscriminately, then we should do so. I cannot believe in this House, a week after the kids were mowed down in Scotland, that you have the nerve to bring this bill up. In the opening of this debate, you said we should have known about this bill before we were elected to the 104th Congress. I will tell you, we knew about this bill. Americans knew about this bill, my family knew about this bill. We did not have to read the NRA questionnaire to know about this bill. Families like mine all across this country know all too well what damage weapons can do, and you want to arm our people even more. You want to add more magazines to the assault weapons so they can spray and kill even more people. Shame on you. What in the world are you thinking when you are opening up the debate on this issue? Mr. Speaker, this is nothing but a sham, to come on this floor and say you are going to have an open and fair debate about assault weapons. My God, all I have to say to you is, play with the devil, die with the devil. There are families out there, Mr. Speaker, and the gentleman will never know what it is like, because they do not have someone in their family killed. It is not the person who is killed, it is the whole family that is affected. Furthermore, people will say, and I have heard this argument already, this is not effective because it is not cutting crime, you are not cutting crime. That is the wrong question. It is not about cutting crime, it is about cutting the number of people who get killed by these assault weapons. You are asking the wrong question. It is not about crime, it is about the families and victims of crime. That is what we are advocating, in prosposing this ban. That is why we should keep this ban in place.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Tell me why.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. You know the facts about this. You have guns in the home that are going to be used against your own family members. You know what the evidence is.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Chairman, this debate can more appropriate be called debate over discrimination, not a debate over immigration. What we are seeing in collecting both legal and illegal immigrants is that we are going to treat legal immigrants as if they are illegal aliens. To me, this is no more than policy by prejudice and analysis by anecdote. Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues to support the Berman amendment so we can differentiate between the two issues here. I rise today in support of the Chrysler-Brownback amendment and in support of the generations of immigrants who have built this country into the great Nation that it is today. This debate can be more appropriately called a debate over discrimination--not immigration. H.R. 2202 places drastic restrictions on legal immigrants--essentially treating them like second-class citizens who do not deserve the rights and privileges that are afforded native-born Americans. This short-sighted action is a part of the unfortunate antiimmigrant fervor that has swept up this House and swept across the Nation. This is of great concern to me as the land of liberty, freedom, equality, and hope will have the image of being an unwelcoming closed nation. This is a troubling image--one that goes directly against the cornerstone principles of America. It is a travesty that in an effort to curb illegal immigration, the authors of this bill have chosen to blatantly discriminate against those individuals who are in this country legally. Not only do the legal immigrant provisions make it extremely difficult for families to be reunited, but they also deprive parents and children of assistance should they fall upon hard times. Under this bill, more than one third of all Americans will be unable to sponsor a family member--simply because they are not wealthy enough. No longer will a grown child, a brother or sister be able to join their family here in the United States. Could any of you imagine being separated from family members so close? I certainly cannot. These provisions will only hinder many new Americans who are trying to put the right foot forward and adapt to a new country. While I agree that measures must be taken to encourage individuals to stay off the welfare rolls, denying taxpayers assistance simply because they weren't born in this country is reprehensible. In our rush to ensure that we are not allowing foreigners to sneak across our borders and live off the fruits of our labor, we have lost sight of what ``America'' means. Have we forgotten the foundation that this great Nation was built upon? The dreams, hopes, and aspirations that embody America were first envisioned by our forefathers who immigrated here in search of freedom and prosperity. I am also deeply troubled at the tone that this debate has taken. Rather than looking broadly at the problem of illegal immigration, we have chosen to fixate on one source of our problem--our southern border. Have we forgotten that we have a border to the north? That we have two long coasts with many harbors and ports? Are not these open doors to Canadians? To Irish? But there is silence here, while the debate is filled with sound and fury over the menace to our south. This is not right. It is blind and unfair. It fans the flames of prejudice. It makes it possible for a bill to deal so callously with our legal immigrants. My State of Rhode Island is enriched by the many people who have brought their cultures and traditions to this great Nation to build a life for themselves and for future generations. I am proud of these hard-working Americans, who each day go to work, pay taxes, and make their contribution toward creating a stronger United States. The Chrysler-Berman amendment is a vote for equity for all Americans--new and old. It will ensure that hard-working, tax-paying legal residents of this country are treated with decency and fairness. We owe them at least this much.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from Florida for once again taking the leadership to organize this special order which provides us the opportunity to celebrate a great day in the history of Greece, our close ally. I also want to commend the gentleman from Florida and the gentlewoman from New York for organizing the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues. Those of us who are concerned about our friends in Greece and Cyprus have worked together informally over the years, and I am pleased to now be part of a more organized and concerted effort to speak out on those issues which are important to Greece, Cyprus, and to our constituents of Hellenic descent. It is very fitting for us to take time here to celebrate the beginning of Greece's struggle for independence from the cruel oppression of the Ottoman Empire. With our own war for independence as an example, the people of Greece began their struggle for freedom on March 25, 1821. How fitting that we could offer an example to Greece in the struggle against oppression, for the example of Athenian democracy was an inspiration to our revolutionary heroes. The bonds between our two nations are deep and long-standing. On this occasion, we set aside time to honor those ties, but in fact each day that we meet is a celebration of the debt America owes to Greece. Greece was the birthplace of democracy, and we pay homage to this every day when we meet and debate and vote and freely share ideas. When we begin each day affirming our commitment to liberty and justice for all we are, in fact, honoring the gifts of Greece to America. When citizens meet in a town hall, or attend a town meeting, or go to the polls on election day--they continue traditions begun in Greece. This building in which we meet every day, and the Supreme Court across the street, are physical reminders that the roots of democracy were planted in Athens. It is no accident that the laboratory of democracy looks back to Greece for guidance on building the halls of democracy. Ideas are not the only contribution made by Greece to America. As my own State of Rhode Island can attest, the sons and daughters of Greece who have come to the United States have made a tremendous impact on their communities. Starting in the 1890's, Greek immigrants moved into Providence, Pawtucket, and Newport, RI. There they built business, neighborhoods, churches, schools, and raised families. Today, the grandchildren of those immigrants are leaders in our State, and Rhode Island is richer because of all they have given. Tonight we do so much more than just salute the valiant bravery of Greece in 1821--for the brave acts of that revolution were just one more firing of the torch of liberty that was lit with the birth of democracy in Athens. I join my colleagues in honoring Greece for all it has given the United States and share their optimism for all we will do together in the years ahead. I thank my colleagues for all of their hard work in making this special order possible and for their leadership on Hellenic issues.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a little exception with talk that has been heard around here a lot about ``let us not act in heated passion.'' Why should we not react in heated passion when human rights abuses are being seen in Cuba, 90 miles off our shore? Why should we not react in passion when Fidel Castro knowingly gives the military orders for two civilian aircraft with American citizens on board to be shot down over international waters? I am passionate about that, and I am passionate about human rights abuse in Cuba. A lot of people have said that the embargo that was first instituted by President Kennedy has not worked. There is a good explanation for that. The Soviet Union used to subsidize Castro's regime for the last 30-odd years. That is no longer the case. That is why Fidel Castro is looking for foreign investment to help prop up his dictatorial regime and further oppress the people. Make no mistake about it, the reason why this bill is so important right now is because he needs foreign investment now more than he did before. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this bill. It is bipartisan. The President supported it. I am in strong support of this bill.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of National Sportsmanship Day, March 7, 1996. Since 1991, student athletes from across the country have come together to celebrate sportsmanship, and the importance of fairness, character, and ethics in athletics at all levels. Parents, teachers, coaches, and students of all ages will spend this day participating in creative activities that will emphasize the rewards of being a good sport. Teamwork, cooperation, honesty, and integrity are the themes of the life lessons that are learned by the young people who take part in this day. For the past 6 years, the Institute for International Sport, located at the University of Rhode Island, has worked hard to help establish greater awareness in the area of physical fitness. In addition to National Sportsmanship Day, the institute works all year to promote initiatives like the Student-Athlete Outreach Program, where student- athletes from high schools and colleges travel to local elementary and middle schools to serve as positive role models and promote good sportsmanship. I am proud to offer my support to programs like this that provide students of all ages the opportunity to develop the skills that will help them through life. I would like to acknowledge the parents, teachers, coaches, participants, and especially those individuals who have committed their time and efforts to broaden participation in the arena of friendly competition and sportsmanship.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I thank my cousin for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill on two grounds; first, because it provides our senior citizens with the relief from their fears of being put into senior housing alongside drug dealers, as has been talked about by my colleagues already. In addition, I support not only those provisions, but those that would expedite the eviction proceedings for those who are a threat to senior citizens in their senior housing. That is something for which I applaud those who have supported this legislation today, for putting that into this legislation. I would also like to support the home equity conversion mortgage program, which is also contained within this bill. This makes senior citizens free from the fear of economic insecurity, not only their physical insecurity. In Rhode Island this program has been of special interest to us, because we rank among the top five participants in the Nation in terms of our utilization of this home mortgage conversion program. In Rhode Island, this is particularly well suited, because 62 percent of older Rhode Islanders own their own homes, and the typical conversion participant in Rhode Island is a 72-year-old person with an annual income of $13,000. Obviously, we all understand that this is not enough for them to make ends meet, and what they will be able to do under the home conversion mortgage program is convert their assets in their home to provide them with those additional resources that they need to pay for the food on their table, for the high cost of their prescription drugs which they are trying to pay for, and a host of other expenses that our senior citizens are living with, not to mention the additional expenses they are going to have to pay if the Republicans get away with cutting Medicare $270 billion and adding to the copay of our senior citizens through turning over our Medicare Program to a managed care program, which the new leadership wants to do. But that aside, let me say, Mr. Speaker, that on this bill, I support the leadership's attempts to address both the economic and physical concerns of our elderly.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the introduction of the Towing Vessel Safety Act of 1996. This bill was brought to the top of my legislative agenda due to the recent oil spill that occurred off the coast of Rhode Island. Almost 1 million gallons of home heating oil spilled into our waters when the Scandia tugboat caught fire and caused the North Cape barge to run aground. Sadly, this incident has had serious environmental and economic repercussions in my State. Most notable is the damage to our coastal ecosystems. Thousands of lobsters and other wildlife were heavily impacted by this tragedy. In all, it will take months to remediate the damage and restore our environment and industries like commercial fishing and tourism to their full health. The Towing Vessel Safety Act will establish guidelines that every tugboat have navigational, fire prevention, and various other safety provisions necessary to avoid incidents like the one in Rhode Island. Moreover, the bill will ensure that the master and crew of tugboats are properly trained and licensed in the operation of the vessel and its equipment. Lastly, the Towing Vessel Safety Act will require the Coast Guard to make routine inspections to guarantee that all guidelines are followed. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply saddened by what has happened in Rhode Island. I am hopeful, however, that the Towing Vessel Safety Act will be an important first step in avoiding similar tragedies. I am looking forward to working with the Coast Guard, the House Transportation Committee, and all my colleagues in Congress to ensure that this important legislation becomes law. Mr. Speaker, I insert the text of the Towing Vessel Safety Act for the Record.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, would the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary tell this House whether in the Constitution it has shutdown as an alternative form of forcing a dialog between the executive branch and the legislative branch? Because I understood the Constitution to read that the President would have the power to veto, and in that instance the Congress and the President would get together and negotiate. The gentleman from Illinois is making a good point that the House is in between.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, this bill is better than nothing, but for the 2,000 Almacs employees who just got their pink slips on September 15, this bill means nothing to them. There was a glimmer of hope, because the President and the Department of Labor promised them $2 million, one-third of which was going to go to them immediately to help get them the new jobs. For Richard and Robert LaBreche, they went to the competitor and the competitor would only pay them $4.75 an hour. That is not enough for them to make ends meet. They were used to getting $30,000 a year. Mr. Speaker, they could get those new jobs if they got the retraining dollars they needed, but this bill does not open up the whole Government and that is what is wrong with it. We should open up the whole Government and let all the people get the representation that they are paying for as taxpayers of this country.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I think your question was should the Federal workers still be paid, and yet not be able to do the work that they are mandated to do under the laws of this country.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Shaw], who attempted to correct me, is not quite correct in his trying to correct me. If we do not complete the work on the Labor-HHS bill, States will not get the money that they need to provide for these dependent children, and that was the point I was trying to make. In fact, the point seems to have been lost here that we are trying to make a value judgment in passing a CR for one group of Americans and not another, because we all perceive this group to have political legitimacy but the children do not. That is the point I was trying to make.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, this continuing resolution for one segment of our society, one category of our citizenry is symbolic of the destructive nature of the politics of division that our Republican colleagues are practicing so successfully, but just because it is successful does not make it right. This CR, for one group of our people over another, begins the Republican crusade to pit our American people against one another. It starts with this CR and it will end with the block grants. You will pit elderly people against poor kids. You are going to pit the veterans against children on AFDC. Why are you not giving a CR for AFDC recipients? It is because you are making a value judgment here that veterans count more than young kids. That is what is wrong with your approach, and that is what is wrong with your Contract With America.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Pombo, my fellow chair of the newly formed House Portuguese-American Caucus for his leadership on this issue. I want to thank Chairman Gilman for cosponsoring this resolution and for bringing this bill to the floor so that we could act on it before the end of the year. As well, I want to thank Mr. Hamilton for his support, and all of the other cosponsors for their support of this important resolution. At this time I also want to thank my colleague from Rhode Island, Senator Pell, who introduced an identical resolution which has passed in the Senate. The theme for Expo '98 will be ``The Oceans, A Heritage for the Future.'' This exposition will celebrate the riches of the oceans and focus the world's attention on the pressing need to protect and preserve this resource. Expo '98 presents a unique opportunity for the nations of the world to assess the current status of our knowledge of the oceans--how they can be used, what dangers they face, how they can be protected, and how we can work toward the sustainable development of this resource. The United States has a special interest in Expo '98 because of our preeminent position as a leader in the development of environmental technologies. Expo '98 offers the chance for the United States to demonstrate and capitalize on our leadership in the field of environmental protection and environmental technologies. With this resolution, the House will be sending a clear message that participation in this expo is important to our national priorities-- economic, environmental, and international. With this resolution, we will be sending a clear message that Congress believes our participation should be the result of a cooperative effort between government and the private sector. By showing our commitment, we will be able to earn commitments from United States businesses with interests in Portugal and the environment. The United States belongs at Expo '98. We care deeply about the focus of the exposition and it is also important for us to show our commitment to one of our closest European allies--Portugal. Expo '98 presents Portugal the opportunity to showcase its recent economic advances and the role it will play in a more united, cooperative Europe. The ties between Portugal and the United States are deep and old. Expo '98 will be a celebration of these ties, a celebration of an old and valued friendship. I urge my colleague to support this resolution, and thank all of those who have already supported this resolution.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Newport Fire Department--Station No. 5. Located in the heart of historic Newport, RI, Station 5 recently celebrated its Centennial anniversary with a weekend full of festivities. Station 5 traces its roots back to 1794, when Company 5 was founded. During those days the Station was based on the corner of Spring and Mary Streets. Throughout the next 100 years, the Company would move two times before building its current home on West Marlborough Street. The West Marlborough Street location was dedicated on December 7, 1895, making it the oldest continually operated fire station in the city. Included in the Centennial celebration was a dinner honoring the station and past members. During the celebration the same menu was served as the original dedication ceremony 100 years ago. It is my pleasure to pay tribute today to the years of selfless, devoted service that Company 5 has given to the city of Newport.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, 20 years ago today the small emerging nation of East Timor was brutally invaded by the nation of Indonesia. Over the past 20 years, the people of East Timor have been subject to some of the worst abuses of human rights in the world. More than 200,000 East Timorese, almost one-third of their entire population, have been killed or have died from starvation after being forced from their villages by Indonesia. [[Page H 14178]] Mr. Speaker, this attack cannot be countenanced. This violence must end. That is why today, with my colleague from New York, Mrs. Lowey, I am introducing the East Timor Human Rights Accountability Act. This bill simply says that no United States aid to Indonesia can be used to further the occupation of East Timor or to violate the human rights of the people of East Timor. If it is, this aid will end. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from New York for joining me and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in sponsoring this legislation.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Congressman Scarborough from Florida, for yielding me this time. Fifty years ago today the Nuremberg trials began. On November 20, 1945, the leaders of Nazi Germany were placed on trial for committing crimes against humanity. The horror of the Holocaust was exposed and the world hoped that it would never ever see such systematic evil perpetrated again. No one can begin to even compare any evil to that kind of systematic evil perpetrated during the Holocaust, but evil is evil. Tragically, history has proven this optimism wrong. As we all know, the Balkans have been the site of the most recent war crimes in Europe since the end of World War II. As Nuremberg proved, there can be no place for those who commit or order or condone such acts. There can be no tolerance for those who offer refuge for those responsible for such acts. Recognizing the danger of silence in the face of such tragedy, the United Nations established an international criminal tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Today I am introducing a resolution condemning the atrocities committed in the former Yugoslavia and expressing the support of this Congress for this war crimes tribunal. The resolution affirms the following principles: First, those indicated by the tribunal cannot occupy any position of authority in any government or any entity in the republics of the former Yugoslavia; Second, that the United States should insist upon the full cooperation of the republics of the former Yugoslavia in bringing those who have been indicted by this war crimes tribunal to justice; Third, future support for the reintegration of the republics of the former Yugoslavia into the international community should be dependent on their full cooperation and support for this international war crimes tribunal; Fourth, investigators for their tribunal should be given full access to all the sites, to all the witnesses, and to all the evidence of alleged and suspected war crimes; and Fifth, the United States should oppose amnesty for any indicated war criminals. On this, the anniversary, the world hopes for peace in the Balkans, but it is the responsibility of the Congress to say unequivocally that there will be no peace without justice. This century has been marked by many tragedies. If the next century is to be free of such horrors, the responsibility falls on us to lay the foundation today. We cannot erase what has happened, but we can and we must do all that we can to prevent such a recurrence from ever occurring again. I hope that my colleagues will join me in cosponsoring this resolution, and I thank, once again, my colleague from the State of Florida, Joe Scarborough, for allowing me this time.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleagues for his assistance on this matter, commend him, and look forward to continuing to work with him on behalf of our veterans, and I thank him for his explanation and clarification of this. I think it honors the spirit of what the DAV is trying to do, and I think it also honors the spirit of our bill, so in both of those respects I would like to commend the author, once again like to commend the ranking member, the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Frank], and I appreciate the opportunity this evening to speak on behalf of the bill.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Chairman, I would like to first thank the ranking member of the Committee on the Judiciary, the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Frank], for yielding me this time. Now I would like to thank the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Canady] for offering this legislation today, and I would like to rise in support of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 as it has been introduced. This bill makes important and substantive changes to the current regulations related to the lobbying process. I do have concerns, however, about a particular provision. For the purposes of clarification of this provision, I would like to enter into a colloquy with the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Canady], the chairman of the subcommittee and the author of this legislation. Section 18 of H.R. 2564 prevents 501(c)(4) organizations, as defined under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 from receiving a Federal ``award, grant, contract, loan or any other form'' if such organizations want to engage in lobbying activity. I have been contacted by members of the Disabled American Veterans from my home State of Rhode Island. They are concerned and have expressed concern that section 18 of H.R. 2564 may preclude them from utilizing space at local Veterans Administration facilities. The DAV, the Disabled American Veterans, works for the physical, social, mental, and economic rehabilitation of wounded and disabled veterans, obtains fair and just compensation, adequate medical care, and oftentimes [[Page H 13108]] suitable gainful employment for wartime veterans who became disabled in service to our country. They deserve every bit of it. Annually, the DAV provides assistance to 300,000 veterans and their families--at no charge to the veteran and no charge to the Federal Government. I am concerned that section 18 would place in jeopardy the vital services provided by the DAV. As my colleagues, the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Canady] knows, these veterans' organizations often use the facilities, these veterans' facilities, as an opportunity for them to reach out to the same constituency that the veterans' facilities are mandated to reach out to. They do not want to be shut out, and I think that what we want to do is help them help us in the Federal Government do the job that we are trying to do on behalf of our veterans, and I would ask my colleague, the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Canady] to clarify this section for me.

Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.