Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Further reserving the right to object, Mr. Speaker, I yield to the distinguished gentleman from Montana (Mr. Hill).

Mr. KILDEE. Reserving the right to object, Mr. Speaker, and I will not object, I yield to the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) to explain his request.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a wonderful organization devoted to improving the quality of life in Michigan and throughout the country, the American Lung Association. On March 18, the American Lung Association of Michigan, Genesee Valley Region, will hold their 16th Annual Health Advocate Awards Dinner, where they will honor Dr. Samuel J. Dismond, Jr. as their Individual Health Advocate and HealthPlus of Michigan as Corporate Health Advocate for the year 1998. The Association's criteria for Individual Health Advocate includes a minimum of 5 years on a health association board or participation in a health related activity, and outstanding contributions to health education and promotion of research, Dr. Samuel Dismond, Jr. serves as a shining example of this commitment to health issues. Dr. Dismond currently serves as Chief of Staff at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan, which employs approximately 2,500 employees and 475 attending physicians who serve more than 20,000 patients annually. He has been honored as Michigan Family Physician of the Year in 1997 by the Michigan Academy of Family Practice, and also as 1999 Family Physician of the United States by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Dismond has made many contributions not only on behalf of family medicine, but throughout the Flint area as well. He has been an influence in non-medical groups such as the NAACP, Boy Scouts of America, the Urban League of Flint, and the Flint Institutes of Art and Music. He has also been honored for his commitment to substance abuse treatment, and his dedication to community service. For the honor of Corporate Health Advocate of the Year, the American Lung Association has listed as requirements a definitive plan to promote lung health in the workplace, demonstration of commitment to social responsibility on the part of its employees, a positive display of financial support, and a dedication to improving the quality of life for the citizens of the region. HealthPlus of Michigan has consistently proven itself worthy of this distinction. After determining that smoking was a serious issue in regard to their membership, HealthPlus of Michigan actively set into motion a series of objectives designed to improve the quality of life for their clients, including the implementation of smoking guidelines, behavioral and education programs, and the creation and publication of the HealthQuest Directory of community programs and resources. Mr. Speaker, since 1904, the American Lung Association has provided an invaluable resource to the country for information and research of lung disease and health. I commend the Association for recognizing and honoring Dr. Samuel Dismond, Jr. and HealthPlus of Michigan as their Health Advocates of the Year. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Samuel Dismond, Jr. and HealthPlus of Michigan.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I rise to oppose the bill, particularly on suspension. I offered an amendment in committee to try to make this bill a little better by having a reporting requirement, that it would be reported the number of injuries that might take place in this type of workshop with this reduced age limit so we could determine what the effect of this bill might be. Now, that amendment was defeated on a pretty well party line vote in the committee. We are precluded from offering, I think, and even discussing that amendment here on the floor under this suspension of rules. So I feel that the process is wrong. I have serious problems about the bill, but we cannot even discuss the amendment that was defeated by a party line vote in committee. I urge defeat of the bill.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I inform my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives of the passing of my dear friend, Harry Orr. As I have mentioned in the past, Harry Orr was a dedicated and tireless volunteer of the Democratic Party, a committed union activist of United Auto Workers Local 651, and a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4087 in Davison, Michigan. Due to his unceasing efforts in all three of these forums, our community is a much better place in which to live. He touched many people with his dedication, his humor, and his tenderness. Mr. Speaker, my feelings, and the feelings of many people who knew Harry, are perhaps best summarized in the letter I have sent his loving wife, Maxine. Due to the press of legislative business, I am unable to attend Harry's funeral, but my letter will be read at the service. Dear Maxine: I would like to express my sincerest sympathy to you and your family. I am so very sorry that I am not able to join you today, but extremely important legislative business involving my own committee requires that I be in Washington, D.C. I wanted to express my thoughts about a loyal friend, a tireless volunteer, and a great man who has been taken from this Earth. It has been said that ``death ends a life, not a relationship,'' and this is certainly the case for those who have ever come in contact with Harry. Harry's desire was to help people in any way possible and do whatever he could to ensure that a positive environment existed throughout the community. Harry's ability to make a difference was a trait that you share, Maxine. Harry was not just a constituent or a campaign volunteer, but my very good friend. It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter today, however, it is also with great pride that I do so. We are all inspired by people like Harry, who make it their life's work to improve the quality and dignity of life for all. I will miss Harry a great deal. Maxine, your love for Harry was so tender and caring, and it was an inspiration to us all. You enriched his life and kept him with us for many years he might never have had were it not for your loving care. Maxine, please know that I am with you today in spirit and prayer. Sincerely, Dale E. Kildee, M.C. Mr. Speaker, I and our community will sorely miss my dear friend, Harry Orr. But his spirit lives on through his loving wife, Maxine, and his son, Harry, Jr. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Security Federal Credit Union on its 50th anniversary. Security Federal Credit Union will be celebrating this anniversary at its annual meeting on February 28 in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. For the past 50 years, Security Federal Credit Union has been an integral part of the financial community in the Flint area. Since signing the organizational charter in 1949, Security Federal Credit Union is committed to supplying the best service to its members. The staff and officers have forged a relationship with the over 40,000 members based upon respect, understanding and cooperation. Security Federal Credit Union has helped families realize their dreams of new homes, and college educations for their children, through the savings program and the extensive loan program. The Credit Union has issued a billion dollars in loans since 1949. To help its members purchase the vehicles they make, Security Federal Credit Union offers a special loan rate for automobiles made in Flint. The Credit Union has grown from one office in Flint to three locations in Flint and Saginaw. It now serves Buick employees and their families, Saginaw Metal Casting Operations employees and their families, members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Genesee County Bar Association and numerous other businesses and groups. Striving to provide the most current technology to its members, Security Federal Credit Union now maintains a web-site. This enables the members to access information and make transactions through electronic media from anywhere in the world. Mr. Speaker, Security Federal Credit Union has reached a milestone this year. I ask the House of Representatives to rise and applaud their achievement. This Credit Union has made my hometown and mid-Michigan a better place to live through its commitment to the men and women it serves.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise before you today to recognize the achievements of Reverend Frank O. Hockenhull, of Flint, Michigan. On Friday, March 26, the congregation of Flint's First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church will honor Reverend Hockenhull for the many contributions he has made over the last 30 years to both City and State in the name of the Lord. It is difficult to imagine what the Flint community would be like today had Reverend Hockenhull not been called to become Pastor of First Trinity on January 5, 1969. We have been truly blessed to have a man with his sense of dedication and selflessness among us. Over the years, Pastor Hockenhull has become a national authority on stewardship, traveling across the country to speak on the subject. He is a constant teacher of the Lord's word, incorporating various Bible studies with his congregation as well as a Bible Clinic, designed to further people's understanding of the Word. The First Trinity family has grown considerably over the last 30 years under Pastor Hockenhull's leadership. The church's congregation settled into a beautiful new facility in 1988, and six men have also entered the ministry as a result of Pastor Hockenhull's influence. Pastor Hockenhull's time with the ministry has allowed him to develop a strong support network that extents outside the church. The pastor has been affiliated with and has held leadership positions in groups such as the Great Lakes District Congress, Wolverine Baptist State Congress, and the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education, to name a few. To further his personal growth, he has undertaken a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in March 1992. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask you and my fellow members of the 106th Congress to join me in saluting Pastor Frank O. Hockenhull, Self-evident is his lifelong journey to enhancing the dignity and nurturing the spirits of all people. I am grateful that there are people like that who serve as examples of what we all should strive to be.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a woman who has dedicated herself to her craft and to educating others. On November 19, 1998, Mrs. Deborah Jean Trudeau was honored as family, friends, and colleagues gather to celebrate her receiving the American Culinary Federation National Chef Professionalism Award. Deborah Jean Trudeau received baccalaureate and post baccalaureate degrees from Ferris State University, as well as a degree in Applied Science from Macomb Community College. over the years, she honed her skills as a baker, lab technician, and restaurant manager, among others. In 1989, Deborah was appointed Lead Instructor and Coordinator of the culinary arts program at the northwest campus of the Oakland Technical Center, located in Clarkston, Michigan. A self-described ``jack of all culinary trades,'' Deborah has also excelled as an educator. She has worked with a variety of students, ranging from high school seniors to senior citizens, assisting them in food preparation, bakery, and front-of-house training. She has made great strides in enhancing her students' education through the use of guest speakers, demonstrations, and student competitions, of which her students are regularly found among the list of winners. A member of the American Culinary Federation's Flint/Saginaw Chapter and its Central Region, Deborah has previously been recognized as her chapter's Chef of the Year. Her recent award is very special because she is the first from the region to receive the Chef Professionalism Award, and the first woman ever to receive the award. As a national award recipient, Deborah has received an honorarium, which she used to create scholarships at Oakland and Macomb Community Colleges, institutions she credits with providing invaluable support. Mr. Speaker, Deborah Jean Trudeau's colleagues and students have placed her in very high regard, describing her as an exemplary educator, instructor, and counselor. Due to her teachings, many establishments throughout my district have staffs of exceptional quality. As a former teacher, I am very appreciative of her commitment to her students and to the community. I ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in acknowledging the accomplishments of Deborah Jean Trudeau.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to rise before you today to pay tribute to a loyal friend and a tireless advocate of America's workers, who was taken from this Earth too soon. On Thursday, February 25, members and friends of Local 653 of the United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America have decided to go forth with their plans to honor the accomplishments of Mr. Charles J. Melton of Pontiac, Michigan, who died January 31. It has been said that ``death ends a life, not a relationship,'' and this is certainly the case with those who have ever come into contact with Charlie Melton and have benefitted from his influence. A lifelong Pontiac resident, Army veteran, and a committed labor activist, Charlie's association with the UAW began in 1952. Within two years, he became a committeeman, and spent the following 30 years serving his fellow colleagues as union representative, benefit representative, vice president, and ultimately president of Local 653. Early on, Charlie had a fervent desire to help people in any way possible and do whatever he could to ensure that a strong, equitable, and positive environment existed in the workplace and throughout the community. Upon his retirement from General Motors in 1983, after 31 years, Charlie continued to work on behalf of his peers through the Local's Retiree chapter, where he served as chairman for many years. He also served as recording secretary for the UAW Region 1 Retirees Council. He was always found within the halls of the union planning everything from meetings to fishing trips. Charlie's ability to make a difference was a trait shared by his wonderful wife, Bonnie, and they both instilled these values in their son, Tim. One of Charlie's greatest joys was to recently see his son elected as the youngest member ever of Oakland County's Board of Commissioners. The strides that Tim will make as he begins his career as a public servant will serve to continue the legacy of his father. Mr. Speaker, Charles J. Melton was not just a constituent, but a very good friend. It is with a heavy heart that I stand before you today, however it is also with great pride that I do so. It is people like Charlie, who make it their life's work to improve the quality and dignity of life for us all that continue to inspire us to greater efforts. I, along with Charlie's family, and his UAW extended family will truly miss him a great deal. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of a great man.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the 106th Congress on behalf of a group of men and women who proudly represent the best of working America. On Sunday, January 10, 1999 the members of United Automobile Workers Local 599 in Flint, Michigan will honor an historic milestone. On that day they will celebrate the 60th anniversary of their charter as a UAW local. If you have ever visited my birthplace, Flint, Michigan, you would be greeted by a sign welcoming you to ``Buick City.'' This sign embodies the long, deep-rooted tradition and history that is UAW Local 599. For the men and women of Local 599, this history involves a high level of pride in the Buick name, their product, and the community in which they have invested much of their lives. Over the years, the products that have been produced by the members of Local 599 have received numerous accolades. One of their products, the 3800 Engine, is largely considered by experts to be the best 6- cylinder engine in the world. In addition their products have won awards from J.D. Power and Associates, Consumer Reports, and Smart Money Magazine, among others. Each of these citations have recognized the members of Local 599 for the excellent quality of their workmanship and product. The members of Local 599 have worked diligently to improve their facility's productivity and quality. They have established initiatives to cut in-factory repairs by over 90% and cut the time it takes to build a car by 25%. It is because of steps such as these that have allowed Buick City to be highly ranked in national quality standings, including a recent study in which it placed second of all General Motors factories. Mr. Speaker, I have a personal reason to be very proud of the achievements of UAW Local 599. My father was a founding member of the Local, joining the UAW in the 1930s. From my own family's experience, I know the difference the UAW has made in the quality of life for the Kildee household. Mr. Speaker, we in the great State of Michigan are more than proud of our reputation as the automotive capitol of the world, having recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of the automobile. Just as we are proud of the product, we are proud and grateful for the men and women who day-in and day-out work to provide these quality products for our Nation and the world. As the U.S. Representative for Buick City, and as the proud owner of a Buick LeSabre, I ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of the men and women of UAW Local 599.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, most Members of this House serve their country without ever being called upon to address two of the most awesome questions that could come before this body, and they are the question of war and the question of the impeachment of the President of the United States. During my time in this House, I have been handed both bitter chalices. However, in our consideration of the Gulf War, this House rose to its very best. Full, fair and thorough debate took place, and no matter how one voted at the end of that debate, everyone agreed that it was one of the finest hours of this House. Today, our deliberations lack that fundamental element of fairness. Most of us believe that the President's behavior and actions were wrong and deserve censure. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to consider and vote on a resolution of censure of the President of the United States. This unfair gag rule deprives us of the right to vote for the solution which the majority of our citizens support. Someone quoted Tip O'Neill from Breslin's book. I want to remind my colleagues that that was a private conversation, not the rule of the House, a private conversation long before Tip O'Neill became Speaker. He became Speaker in 1977, the first vote I cast. This unfairness in this rule, the unfairness in depriving us of the right to vote on censure is in sharp contrast to our moment of greatness when we debated the Gulf War in 1991. This House deserves better, and the American people deserve better.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller) for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Bono) in supporting H.R. 700. As Chairman Richard Milanovich indicated to the members of the Committee on Resources, this bill will resolve a dilemma which has been hanging over the Agua Caliente tribe for almost 50 years. This legislation reflects the solution to a long-standing problem that the tribe has addressed within their governmental process and structure. The only reason Congress must consider this issue is because back in 1959, we imposed restrictions on how the tribe was to resolve an internal issue. I want to point out that both the Justice Department and the Department of the Interior have reviewed this legislation and the tribe's proposed solution to their problem as embodied in H.R. 700, as amended by the Senate. The amendments added by the Senate improve the bill and recognize the fact that full equalization to all members of the tribe was achieved in 1961. Mr. Speaker, this bill enjoys the overwhelming support of the tribe and the 85 affected allottees. In fact, over 60 percent of the voting- age members of the tribe have taken the time to write to this committee expressing their support for this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill that should have been adopted nearly 40 years ago.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this important legislation. Since 1992, the Indian Health Service has transferred more than $400 million to 211 tribes in Alaska and 38 tribes in the lower 48 States under the self-governance demonstration project. The transfer of programming and budgeting authority to tribal governments has proven to be successful. Tribes have made significant progress in meeting the needs of their people and promoting the growth of their communities. It is our responsibility to support the tribes' efforts improving their health care systems. The demonstration project has allowed tribes to expand the range of health care services to their membership. I strongly urge each of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. This conference report on H.R. 6, the higher education bill, is the culmination of almost 2 years of bipartisan work on behalf of students and parents across this country. When we first started this process at the beginning of last year, the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) and I set out to produce a bill that would enjoy widespread support. We decided to meet at least once a month for breakfast, without staff. And although this made our staffs very nervous, our breakfast meetings helped smooth out the rough spots and kept us moving with a truly bipartisan spirit. The gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) is truly an outstanding lawmaker. In light of our understanding that this bill was too important to be bogged down in bipartisan differences, we both had to give ground and to compromise. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of this bill and I am especially grateful for the hard work of all our staffs in getting us to this day. On the Republican side I want to acknowledge the excellent work of Bob Cochran and Karen Weiss of the personal staff of the gentleman from California; and Vic Klatt, George Conant, Pam Davidson, Sally Lovejoy, D'Arcy Philps, Lynn Selmser, and David Frank of the committee staff. And I want to offer my special to Sally Stroup, who put her heart and soul into this effort. Her expertise and thoughtfulness were essential to making this process work. On the Democratic side, I want to thank Callie Coffman of my staff and Chris Mansour of my personal staff, and Mark Zuckerman, Marshall Grigsby, Peter Rutledge, Alex Nock and Gail Weiss of the committee staff. Finally, I would like to thank my former staff member and dear friend, David Evans. The contributions he has made to the formulation of this bill deserve our collective gratitude. I would be remiss in not thanking the fine people of the Congressional Research Service, Jim Steadman, Margot Schenet, and Barbara Miles. Steve Cope in the Legislative Counsel's Office and Deb Kalcevic at the Congressional Budget Office did exceptionally fine work. For the millions who must borrow to help pay for college, we have sought to keep the cost of borrowing down. Under this bill, students will have the lowest interest rates in over 17 years. They will also be allowed to refinance their student loans at a lower interest rate. And next year the authorization level for the maximum Pell Grant will be $4,500, showing our concern that students have a heavy burden of debt. We have created a new campus-based child care program to assist low- income parents in school, increased income protection for both dependent and independent students, and expanded the savings protection allowances. We strengthen the TRIO programs. We expand college work- study. We simplify the Perkins Loan program. We revamp the State incentive grant program. And we establish a new gear-up program to help young people complete a high school education and go on to college. Because of this bill, an individual who enters teaching, remains in the profession, and teaches in a poverty high school could have a significant portion of their student loans forgiven. I am particularly pleased that this bill strengthens programs to support tribal, Hispanic-serving, and historically black colleges and universities. Most important, this bill is a reaffirmation that we in Congress remain deeply committed in a bipartisan way to expanding educational opportunities for all Americans.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller) for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller), ranking member, for their hard work on this bill. The Great Lakes Basin is a vibrant and diverse environment. Ecosystems of the Great Lakes support a wide array of economic and recreational activities. The long-term health of those ecosystems is fundamental to ensuring the quality of life that Americans from the Great Lakes region have come to enjoy. Protecting these precious bodies of water is of the utmost importance, since they are the largest body of fresh surface water in the United States. While I am pleased that this bill is coming to the floor, I am disappointed to see that the language to institute a new model for a Michigan fisheries Cooperative Unit was not included. Michigan is home to some of the finest fisheries institutions in this country, and yet it does not have the Cooperative Unit designation given to 37 States. Despite working for more than a decade to redress this issue, it has repeatedly been blocked by some who see the benefits of a Michigan fisheries designation as a threat to their own funding. I believe the people of the United States want us to work through these fears to ensure that their best interests are of the utmost concern. This is not just about fairness. It is about capitalizing on Michigan's fisheries expertise. Michigan State University and the University of Michigan have proposed an alternative that will cost the Federal Government next to nothing. In return for providing staff from these universities, the State of Michigan would finally receive this important fisheries research designation. This is a very creative approach that I hope we will explore in the future. Mr. Speaker, for that purpose, I would like to engage in a colloquy with the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest). Mr. Speaker, I know that the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Saxton) has been more than willing to work on addressing the current inequities in the Cooperative Unit program. I would ask the gentleman, would the subcommittee be interested in exploring this model as a new way to deal with this issue? If necessary, this could be done in the next Congress.

Mr. KILDEE. I yield to the gentleman from Maryland.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I appreciate the interest, and I look forward to working with the gentleman from Maryland and with the gentleman from New Jersey to find a sensible solution to this problem.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise before you today to recognize the achievements of Reverend James E. Walker, Jr., of Flint Michigan. On Saturday, September 12, the congregation of Flint's Faith Gospel Temple Church of God in Christ will honor Reverend Walker for the many contributions he has made over the last 25 years to both City and State in the name of the Lord. It is difficult to imagine what the Flint community would be like today had Reverend Walker not been called to become Pastor of Faith Gospel Temple. Born in 1949, to the Minister James Walker, Sr. and Iola Walker, Pastor Walker's dedication to the Lord began at the young age of 4, as a mandolin player in his family's traveling Evangelist band. The years later found the elder James Walker founding the Faith Gospel Temple in Saginaw, Michigan, in 1971. It was only fitting that the first service of the new church was the wedding of his son to the former Tonya Etoile Blythe. It was in May of 1972, following a severe automobile accident that left his father paralyzed from the neck down, James announced to his father his plans to enter the ministry. In September of 1972, Reverend James Walker, Jr. gave his first sermon at Faith Gospel Temple, and began a distinguished career of spiritual guidance, most notably his appointment as Superintendent of Peace for the District of Northeast Michigan. In this role, which he has maintained for more than 14 years, he oversees and provides advice and insight to four churches in the Flint and Saginaw area. Many have benefitted greatly from Pastor Walker's work in the community, as well as the state. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask you and my fellow members of the 105th Congress to join me in saluting Pastor James Walker, Jr. Self evident is his lifelong journey to enhancing the dignity and nurturing the spirits of all people I am grateful that there are people like that serve as examples of what Americans should strive to be.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a woman who has diligently served the community for the past 50 years. Helen Doyle was enrolled as an honorary Augustinian at a ceremony on September 5 at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. The Very Reverend David Brecht O.S.A., the Prior Provincial of the Midwest Augustinians, officiated at the ceremony at the direction of the Augustinian General in Rome. Helen Doyle left her Irish home in 1948 seeking a new life in America. The life she found was not the one she had pictured when she stepped of the S.S. Marine Falcon in New York City 50 years ago. God had a vocation in mind for Helen, and once here, she discovered that vocation. She has devoted her entire adult life to making St. Matthew Parish a wonderful place of welcome and worship. Her cheerful demeanor brightened the lives of the priests, sisters, and brothers assigned to work at St. Matthew Parish. Helen assisted the new parishioners and was a familiar sight to the children attending St. Matthew School. She has enriched thousands of lives over the last 50 years. As a Roman Catholic, my faith plays a vital role in my life everyday. As a member of the House of Representatives, I consider it my duty to work toward improving and enhancing the quality of life for all persons. Helen Doyle is a person of such faith and her selfless dedication to the Church, its members and all humanity makes her an inspiration to me. She has lived her life jubilant in her faith and the place she holds in God's plan. On behalf of the citizens of the 9th Congressional District, I want to commend Helen for all she has done to promote and protect human dignity. I ask the House of Representatives to join with me today and pay tribute to an outstanding woman, Helen Doyle, as she is honored for 50 years of service to the Augustinians and the St. Matthew Parish community.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I share the concern of the gentleman that Internet gaming is a very serious problem. It is my understanding that the gentleman is going to withdraw his amendment and that the chairman of the Committee on Commerce has agreed to hold a hearing on his bill in September. I appreciate that the gentleman has agreed to consider an amendment, I hope the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte) would, too, that would leave the enforcement of Indian gaming with the National Indian Gaming Commission which was established under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act passed by Congress in 1988. I certainly share his concern on this Internet gaming. The National Indian Gaming Commission is the Federal entity that should enforce the restrictions on Indian Internet gaming under the gentleman's bill.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to have been part of this bipartisan effort to streamline and reform our Nation's job training system. I have enjoyed working with my friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Buck McKeon), the chairman of the subcommittee, and I also appreciate the hard work and leadership of the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling), the Chairman, and the ranking member, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) on this legislation. The conference report we consider today represents a culmination of a 4-year effort to improve our job training system and eliminate the unnecessary duplication and bureaucracy. The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 consolidates over 60 separate Federal job training programs into a single coordinated system. The legislation builds on President Clinton's proposed G.I. Bill for Workers by providing individual training accounts, so that those who seek assistance can choose the kind of training that best meets their needs. The Workforce Investment Act also increases accountability by providing individuals seeking training with report cards on the quality of programs offered by eligible providers, and hold States and localities responsible for meeting high levels of performance. I am also pleased that the legislation protects funding for dislocated workers, and better targets programs for at-risk youth by setting aside a significant amount of dollars for funding out-of-school youth. I am also pleased that the bill includes a strong summer jobs element, and the concentrated youth opportunity grant program developed by the President and Secretary Herman. Mr. Speaker, the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 is an example of what we in Congress can do when we put aside our partisan differences and work together to promote the interests of all Americans. Again, I am proud to have been a part of this process, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this conference report. I would like to thank the staff members who have worked so hard on this: Mary Gardner Clagett, D'Arcy Philps, Vic Klatt, Brian Kennedy, Jennifer Maranzano of my own staff, and Mary Ellen Sprenkel.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to two American heroes who have lived, worked, and now died in our midst. John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut eptimized the very finest in the tradition of public service and law enforcement. Every day as we arrive at work and as we move about the Capitol Hill complex, we are greeted and protected by members of the Capitol Police force. They are not only our protectors, they are also an integral part of the Capitol Hill ``family.'' We exchange stories of children and grandchildren, the news of the day, and the joys and pains of everyday life. They are our friends--indeed a part of our extended family. It is easy to forget that their profession is a dangerous, life- threatening one. Seemingly endless hours of uneventful duty can be broken, without warning, by violent events. Last Friday, Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut answered the call to duty, and paid the ultimate sacrifice in performing their duty. Their presence and their actions saved countless lives of innocent people caught in the crossfire. Mr. Speaker, it is completely right and fitting that we take this day to honor and remember the lives of John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut. They served their country with dignity, they performed their duty with integrity, and they gave their lives in the defense of our Capitol and our democracy. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would clear up an ambiguity caused by last year's Interior appropriations bill regarding the ability of the National Indian Gaming Commission to carry out its congressional mandates. It is technical in nature, and it is supported by the administration as well as the majority and minority of the Committee on Resources.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to support legislation I am introducing today with Resources Committee Chairman Young that would permanently authorize and expand the Medicare and Medicaid direct collections demonstration program under section 405 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. The Medicare and Medicaid direct collections demonstration program currently allows four tribal health care operators who operate an entire Indian Health Service hospital or clinic to bill directly and collect Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements instead of having to deal with the bureaucracy at the Indian Health Service. The current participants are the Bristol Bay Health Corporation and the Southeast Regional Health Corporation in Alaska, the Mississippi Choctaw Health Center, and the Choctaw Tribe of Oklahoma. The demonstration program has been fully tested over the past decade. All of the participants--and the Department of Health and Human Services--report that the program is a great success. In fact, the program has: Significantly reduced the turnaround time between billing and the receipt of payment for Medicare and Medicaid services; increased the administrative efficiency of the participating facilities by empowering them to track their own Medicare and Medicaid billings and collections; and improved collections for Medicare and Medicaid services, which in turn have provided badly-needed revenues for Indian and Alaska Native health care. In 1996, when the demonstration program was about to expire, Congress extended it through fiscal year 1998. This extension has allowed the participants to continue their direct billing and collection efforts and has given Congress additional time to consider whether to authorize the program permanently. Because the demonstration program is again set to expire on September 30, Congress must act quickly to recognize the benefits of the demonstration program by enacting legislation that simply would permanently authorize it and expand it to other eligible tribal participants. The Alaska Native and American Indian Direct Reimbursement Act of 1998 is an identical companion bill to legislation introduced in the Senate on April 29 and sponsored by Senators Murkowski, Lott, Baucus, and Inhofe. The Indian Health Service and the Health Care Financing Administration support it. I hope that my colleagues also will support this important legislation and that the Resources Committee and this House will favorably consider it as soon as possible so this successful program can continue to increase the administrative efficiency of participating Alaska native and American Indian health care facilities.