Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy). (Mrs. McCarthy asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, as the father of two sons in the military, I find this a very attractive amendment and I support it.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I too am interested in looking at commercial paper as a possible index for student loan interest rates. Unfortunately, the committee has not had enough time to thoroughly assess the gentleman's proposal. The interest rate compromise is a delicate one and any changes will have to be carefully studied. I, along with the gentleman from California (Chairman McKeon), will use the time between now and conference with the other body to assess the option of using commercial paper as the index.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Roybal-Allard).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens). (Mr. OWENS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise to urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the manager's amendment that is now before us. Mr. Chairman, this amendment makes several changes that significantly improve the bill as it was reported out of committee. The changes in the Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants are especially important. The overall authorization of such sums and the provision that the program will become a State grant when appropriations reach $250 million mean that the authorizers intend that this be a major teacher initiative. The provision that partnerships involving institutions of higher education and local education agencies receive one-third of the funds means that we will have a ``ground up'' reform not only of teaching but also in the recruitment of teachers. The emphasis on serving school districts with a high level of poverty, low teacher retention rates or a high percentage of teachers teaching outside their specialization means we will be focusing funds on those areas most in need. The new grant program to combat violent crimes against women in college campuses is a very important provision. I commend the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) for her deep commitment to this issue and for her persistence in seeing it through to a most successful conclusion. The loan consolidation provision will give students the ability to consolidate their outstanding loans at a weighted interest rate not to exceed 8.25 percent. While these provisions could be improved, they undoubtedly represent a considerable improvement over current law. We have also significantly improved the faculty retirement provisions. They now enjoy the support of both the college community and organizations representing retired persons. These provisions have required a considerable amount of work and give and take, and I am exceptionally pleased at the result. Mr. Chairman, I urge the passage of the manager's amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I urge a yes vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. I know the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Paul) is very sincere on this; I have talked to him, and I know the issues. But really, the purpose of using the Social Security number in these instances is really to prevent fraud and abuse. We have millions and millions of dollars involved in these programs to assist students to go to college, and I think that the taxpayers certainly are willing to have a person use their Social Security number to make sure that there is no fraud and abuse in this program. I think it is very important. I just filled out my income tax a few weeks ago, and put my Social Security number on the income tax and did not feel threatened by that. So I would oppose the amendment.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, this is certainly a better amendment than was offered in committee, but it does add elaborate and costly new comprehensive reporting requirements for States. Some States, under this amendment, would be required to provide information they do not currently collect. It also adds new substantial and costly reporting requirements for higher education institutions. This information, as it is required to be reported under the amendment, gives potentially misleading information about the performance of education programs and should not become the basis for terminating Federal or State support alone. Finally, the amendment appears to condition future eligibility for Federal student loans and grants for education programs based solely on the level of State financial support. The full effect of this amendment is not really known; however, it could have an adverse effect upon certain institutions such as historically black colleges and universities as well as others. It is also reminiscent, Mr. Chairman, of the State postsecondary review entities which H.R. 6 repeals. I recently received a letter from the American Council on Education which urges our vigorous opposition to this, quote, heavy-handed Federal intrusion. I certainly would like to work with the sponsor of this amendment, the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller), in conference to address his goal of improving the quality of teacher instruction, but I feel this is a defective device to achieve that.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I share the views of the chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon). I would be very happy to work with the gentleman to see if we can resolve this in conference, and if the gentleman would withdraw, the three of us could work together to see if we can resolve this.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for accepting the amendment.

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

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I will be very brief. This provides funds under section F for professional graduate degrees in translation and interpretation. It adds those being eligible for funds.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment on behalf of the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr).

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before you today to pay tribute to a loyal friend and tireless advocate of America's working class citizens. On May 5, 1998, members and friends of the United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America will honor Mr. Bob Lent, as he retires from his position as director of Michigan UAW's Region I after many years of dedicated service. It is nearly impossible to imagine the condition of Michigan's labor movement without the benefit of Bob Lent's insight and leadership. His is a career that has spanned half a century, beginning in 1949, when at the age of 19, he was hired by Dodge Motor Co. as a spray painter. He later left Dodge for the U.S. Army, serving as a paratrooper from 1951 to 1953. Upon his return to civilian life, Bob found employment with Chrysler and reestablished his association with the UAW. As a member of Local 869, Bob served in a number of capacities, including alternate chief steward, trustee chairman, vice president, and a 4-year tenure as president. Bob was appointed as education representative of region 1B in 1972, and became assistant director in 1982. When Region I and Region 1B merged to form a larger, stronger Region 1 in 1983, Bob was elected director, the position he has held to this day. In addition to his illustrious career with the UAW, Bob has also developed a high degree of respect in the political, educational, and civic arenas as well. He has been a precinct delegate, and serves on Labor Advisory committees at Oakland University in Rochester and Wayne State University in Detroit. He is a life member of the NAACP, serves on the board of directors of the United Way of Pontiac-Oakland County, and the Detroit Area United Foundation. Mr. Speaker, we in the great state of Michigan are more than proud of our reputation as the automotive capital 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 and bolster our pride. Bob Lent is one of those people. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Bob, his wife Earline, and their son Steven, all the best.

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 April 23, the American Lung Association of Michigan, Genesee Valley Region, will hold their 15th Annual Health Advocate Awards Dinner, where they will honor State Representative Bob Emerson as their Individual Health Advocate and Hurley Medical Center as Corporate Health Advocate for the year 1997. 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. State Representative Bob Emerson of Flint serves as a shining example of this commitment to health issues. Bob Emerson was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1980, and has been reelected to six subsequent terms. He currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee, Chairing the School Aid and Department of Education Committee and is Vice Chair of the Community Health subcommittee. As past Chair of the Public Health Subcommittee, Bob was instrumental in making many strides in the areas of state public health, including the designation of prenatal care as a basic health care service and the funding of vital local health services. Outside of the state capitol, Bob has been involved in such groups as the Greater Flint Health Coalition, and was a co-founder of the Crim Road Race, Inc., a non-profit organization that has raised more than one million dollars for the Michigan Special Olympics. 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. Hurley Medical Center has consistently proven itself worthy of this distinction. One of the largest hospitals in the state of Michigan, Hurley Medical Center employs approximately 2,500 employees and 475 attending physicians who serve more than 20,000 patients annually. In addition, the Center also operates as a teaching hospital of Michigan's State University's College of Human Medicine, thereby helping cultivate the next generation of medical professionals. 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 Representative Bob Emerson and Hurley Medical Center as their Health Advocates of the Year. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Representative Emerson and Hurley Medical Center.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to rise before you today to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act by designating the month of April as Fair Housing Month in Flint, Michigan. Michigan, and the City of Flint in particular, has a long history of promoting fair housing. In February, 1968, the citizens of Flint voted to adopt the first open-housing ordinance in the country. As a member of the Michigan State Legislature, I introduced the very first Open Housing Act which outlawed housing discrimination in Michigan. In my many years of public service, I have continued the fight for fair and equitable housing because I believe our country must grant every person an equal chance to succeed in America. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 celebrates its anniversary this year with the distinction of being one of the most successful civil rights laws in history. Thanks to the cooperation and support of hundreds of state and local governments, more and more Americans are enjoying the simple freedom of choosing where to live. The Fair Housing Act was enacted in 1968, shortly after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's assassination. The Act bars housing discrimination on account of race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status and national origin. The Act covers the sale, rental financing and advertising of almost all housing in the nation. Mr. Speaker, although we have made significant strides in combating housing discrimination, we still have a long way to go. It is illegal, immoral and intolerable and it has no place in our present or future. During this month of observance of the 30th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, let us work together to preserve the principles of this important legislation by eliminating discrimination and ensuring that all Americans are afforded the opportunity to live with dignity and pride.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2400 and the manager's amendment offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster). Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2400 and the manager's amendment offered by my distinguished colleague, Mr. Shuster. As Co- chairman of the Congressional Native American Caucus, I want to speak briefly on the condition of roads in Indian country and on two amendments that Mr. Shuster has included in the manager's amendment. There are more than 50,000 miles of roads that serve hundreds of Indian reservations throughout the United States. Indian reservation roads make up 2.63% of all existing roads eligible for ISTEA funding. However, tribes receive less than 1% of ISTEA funding for these roads. If Indian country were to receive its full pro-rata share of the billions included in this bill, Indian reservations would receive $4.7 billion over six years, or $793 million per year. Mr. Chairman, when you compare this amount with the recommended funding level for Indian roads, $212 million per year in H.R. 2400 and $250 million per year in S. 1173, the recommended amount hardly seems adequate. The condition of roads in Indian country endangers the health and safety of those living on Indian reservations and inhibits economic development. In inclement weather, over 30,000 miles of roads serving Indian reservations are impassable. Things that most of us take for granted like access to emergency services, or availability of heating fuel and groceries, are not available on many reservations for several months of the year. No business is going to locate on an Indian reservation that cannot offer a basic transportation infrastructure. The condition of bridges on Indian reservations is even more dire. A recent survey by the Bureau of Indian Affairs counted 4,000 of these bridges and found 190 to be deficient to the point of needing replacing or undergo major repairs. The estimated cost to replace or repair bridges are more than $40 million. Under H.R. 2400 and S. 1173, the requested amount for the reservation bridge program is $9 million. While I support funding for the bridge program, this amount still falls short of addressing the need in Indian country. Two amendments that Mr. Shuster includes in the manager's amendments will encourage tribes to be more self-sufficient. These amendments would allow certain tribal governments to receive transportation funds and directly administer them. They would also require that the Secretary allocate funds to tribes according to a negotiated rulemaking process. While I agree with the idea of the current language in the manager's amendment, I disagree with the recommended process that will be used to accomplish these goals. It is my hope that when this bill goes to Conference, the conferees will agree that tribal governments should manage their funds according to the authority of Public Law 93-638, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975. Each year, under P.L. 93-638, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service directly transfers hundreds of millions of dollars to tribal governments so they can administer governmental services and construction projects. P.L. 93-638 provides for streamlined administrative efficiencies while preserving program and financial accountability. In closing, I strongly urge the House conferees to support the recommended amount in S. 1173 that provides $250 million per year for the Indian Reservation Roads program, and to allow tribes to receive funds and directly administer them under P.L. 93-638.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the name of the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Hilleary) be removed as cosponsor of H.R. 1173.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to voice my strong opposition to H.R. 3246. This bill is less about fairness to small business, and more about unfairness to working men and women. H.R. 3246 would give employers the right to fire or deny employment to any worker they suspect is not a bona fide employee applicant. In the bill's words, someone whose primary purpose is not to work for the employer. The committee report states that the primary purpose provision would apply to a person who was seeking a job without at least a 50 percent motivation to work for the employer. What set of scales will employers use to determine what percentage of the employee's motivation is to work for the employer versus working to help organize his or her coworkers? Mr. Chairman, we are not engaged in an idle academic exercise here. This legislation will have real-life consequences for real-life men and women in real-life workplaces. The Dunlop Commission reported that, each year, 10,000 American workers are wrongfully fired from their jobs for trying to organize their co-workers. H.R. 3246 would further weaken the federal laws which currently provide American workers with a modicum of protection. As others have pointed out, the U.S. Supreme Court, in an unanimous 1995 decision, ruled that a worker could be both a company employee and a paid union organizer at the same time. The High Court further stated that employers have no legal right to forbid an employee from engaging in organizing activity protected by the NLRA. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3246 would overturn that unanimous opinion of the High Court. H.R. 3246 is a terrible piece of legislation which should offend the sensibilities of every Member of this House who values our American tradition of freedom, fairness, and fair play. Let's vote down this very bad bill.