Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, the question we face today is not whether one is for or against gaming. The fact is that gambling has been part of our society for a long, long time--and it probably will continue to be that way. The question we face today is what role should the Federal Government play in regulating gambling. I am not sure what that role should be. I am not convinced that today's system of checks and balances is broken. Today, the States have been used as the primary regulatory body that oversees commercial gaming. Like my friend from Massachusetts, I thought the Republicans would be happy knowing that the States are regulating gaming operations--much like the Republicans want the States to regulate WIC, school lunch programs, welfare, and Medicaid. But if this study is going to happen, it should not be used as a vehicle to attack Indian gaming and the sovereignty of tribal governments. Mr. Speaker, if one was reading the Washington Post this morning, they may be led to believe that Indian tribes who engage in gaming are basically unregulated entities operating casinos across the country. But as we know, nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is that Indian gaming is the most heavily regulated gaming industry in America. The tribes have three layers of regulatory bodies they have to deal with. The tribes themselves have their own law enforcement and court systems to provide oversight on the reservations. And tribal regulatory and control standards are generally equal or greater than State or industry standards. The tribes must also deal with a host of Federal regulators--including the Department of Justice, the FBI, the IRS, and the Department of Interior. And as a result of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, the States have also been given a role to limit Indian gaming during the compact process. Mr. Speaker, another fact is that in Indian country, the money generated from gaming must, by law, be used for purposes to benefit the tribes. Today, the tribes employ 140,000 people nationwide, with about 85 percent being held by non-Indians. The tribes have used their gaming dollars to build schools, homes, and health clinics to better serve their members. But I have some real concerns about this bill. I am concerned that while this Commission will focus a great deal of its time on Indian gaming, there is no guarantee that a person from Indian country will even be a member of the Commission. I hope any Senate bill will include a provision requiring two members of the Commission be from federally recognized tribes who engage in gaming. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I remain deeply concerned that there are some people in the House who would like to use this bill as a vehicle to attach amendments that would be detrimental to Indian gaming. If this bill passes the House and moves over to the Senate, I would hope that body would reject any attempt to add such amendments to this bill. Such a move would be unwise and counterproductive. It would lead many people who support this bill, to actively oppose it.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to ask that you and my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in paying tribute to Dr. William D. Shaw. Dr. Shaw is being honored by his many family members and friends on March 2, 1996, for his 33 years of service and dedication to the field of education. Dr. Shaw began his career in 1962 as a teacher in the Concord Public School District of Michigan. He continued in numerous teaching and administrative positions in Concord before moving on to East Lansing, MI, where he became a instructor at Michigan State University. In 1974 he joined the staff of Bedford Public Schools as director of instruction. Fortunately, in 1978 he moved to the Swartz Creek community schools. During his years of serving the students of Swartz Creek he held the positions of assistant superintendent for instruction and assistant superintendent for instruction and business operations. Dr. Shaw has maintained an involvement in his profession through membership in numerous county and State associations. Additionally, he has served as a adjunct lecturer at both Michigan State University and Central Michigan University. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and all my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Dr. William D. Shaw on his retirement from 33 years to the field of education and wish he and his wife Mary the very best in retirement.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise before my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize Mr. Russell L. Carson. Mr. Carson recently retired as captain of the Waterford Township Police Department after 25 years of dedicated public service. A retirement party in his honor is to be held on February 3, 1996, in Keego Harbor, MI. Mr. Carson has spent his entire career protecting the public and preserving the laws of this Nation. During his illustrious career, he has received many awards and commendations for his selfless devotion to duty. His tireless spirit has earned him the respect of his colleagues not only in the police department that he helped to command, but also with the countless people whose lives were touched by him. During his 25-year career, Mr. Carson has worked as a patrolman, detective, school liaison officer, lieutenant, staff lieutenant, and captain. Also included in his many duties were detective bureau commander, patrol bureau commander, and administrative services commander. Mr. Speaker, Russell Carson has worked diligently to help make his community a safer and better place to live. I know that his retirement dinner is not meant to celebrate his departure from law enforcement, rather, the dinner is meant to show him the deep love and respect his colleagues, his family, his friends, and his community have for him. I ask you and my fellow Members of the 104th Congress to join me in paying tribute to such a dedicated public servant, Mr. Russell L. Carson.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise before my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize Duane Brown, Ph.D. Dr. Brown is retiring today after almost 29 years in the field of education. Dr. Brown began his career in 1957 in the Flint community schools. Starting out as a community school director he quickly showed he understood the importance of the community's role in the education of the students. He worked tirelessly with the parents and other community members to insure that each and every child had the best education possible. He worked with numerous organizations throughout the community to provide whatever services the residents of the community needed, whether that person was a student, parent or member of the community. At various stages in Dr. Brown's career he served as a principal and a director of elementary education. While serving as principal at Williams Community Education Center; he was responsible for the coordination of a comprehensive elementary school, recreational center, and facility offering health and other needed community services to the students and residents of the area; a true full service school. In 1978, Dr. Brown began serving as executive director of the National Center for Community Education. It was through this center that Dr. Brown continued his mission by traveling to nearly every State in our great Nation and several foreign countries to conduct workshops for educators and parents on the benefits of community education. Additionally, many thousands of people have traveled from all over the world to the National Center and the Flint School District to learn more about community education. It was through these opportunities that many participants came to realize the dream that Charles Stewart Mott and Frank Manley had many years ago, when they looked around the Flint community at the many empty school buildings commenting and dreaming about all of the wonderful clubs for the young people. Mr. Speaker, Duane R. Brown is one of those educators that each of us as parents hope our children have the opportunity to become acquainted with because he cares. It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to ask you and my fellow members of the 104th Congress to join me in paying tribute to a individual who certainly made his community a better place for all because he was there.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. I have been listening to the gentlewoman's remarks. I was wondering, Mr. Dunlap is being asked by the Republican Conference to address them and to give them advice? Is that what the article states?

Mr. KILDEE. I suggest after Mr. Dunlap, they should at least balance things out and maybe have someone like Mother Theresa come in and give them some spiritual guidance.

Mr. KILDEE. His advice on Medicare, how to cut Medicare, the school lunch program, the WIC program for pregnant women? They have already cut those programs. He could advise them further on how to cut those programs. He is good at cutting programs. Is he coming in because he is an expert on cutting and they are going to go further in taking his advice on how to cut these programs for the people?

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the Department of Education will be funded at the House-passed level, except for those programs that were not funded by the House, in which case they will be funded at 75 percent. According to my calculations then, that means that, if we were to extend this CR for the rest of the year at that rate of funding, that would be a $3.1 billion cut from 1995. The gentleman from Pennsylvania, [Mr. Goodling] knows that we forward fund education, so these dollars are for the school year 1996-97, the school year starting in September. By next month, school districts will be starting to write their budgets for that school year. How in the world will they know how much money they will have when they are threatened with a possible $3.1 billion cut? Will this require in some States like Michigan, where they have to pink slip teachers at a certain time if they feel there will not be enough money, will this require certain States to pink slip teachers?

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, education has always had friends on the Republican side of the aisle, and they realize that elementary and secondary education is forward-funded, that this resolution provides money for the school year beginning this coming September. If this resolution is extended for the rest of the year, there will be a $3.1 billion cut in education, the largest cut ever. Schools right now, or very soon, will be writing their budgets. They have to know how much money will be available or teachers will be pink-slipped. Programs will be cut. I ask my friends on that side of the aisle, many of them sitting right there who have been good friends of education, we have worked together in the vineyard of education, I ask my colleagues to set aside partisanship. We have the opportunity to restore those funds to give the school districts some certainty as to their funding. Please set aside the partisanship. Mr. Gingrich, Professor Gingrich, will not punish you for supporting education. Please vote for this motion to recommit.

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

Mr. KILDEE. I thank the gentleman.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is important then that we support the Bonior amendment to recommit to restore those funds, at least to the 1995 level for education.

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

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to a man who has provided 40 years of dedicated service to the people of Michigan's 16th Congressional District and the United States of America, my good friend and dean of this esteemed body, John D. Dingell. The fact that Mr. Dingell is still recognized by many of his colleagues from both sides of the aisle as ``Mr. Chairman'' is one example of the high level of respect and appreciation we have for his service. Like his father before him, John Dingell has worked diligently to serve his constituents in the State of Michigan. His tireless efforts to spearhead economic development, solve local problems and meet community needs have led to an improved quality of life for his constituents. Mr. Speaker, in serving this country, we can look to John Dingell as an example of an effective legislator who puts people before politics. He authored the original Clean Water Act, which markedly improved the quality of our Nation's rivers and lakes, including the State of Michigan's Great Lakes. As chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, he was the integral component in removing asbestos from our children's schools and passing the first ever Americans with Disabilities Act. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Congressman Dingell vigorously investigated and exposed waste, fraud, and abuse resulting in saving billions of taxpayer dollars. Congressman Dingell's father, John Dingell, Sr., authored this Nation's first comprehensive health reform legislation when he served in this body for 22 years. Following in his father's spirit, John Dingell, Jr., has introduced similar legislation every year he has been in office that would provide health insurance for all Americans. Let me say as cochairman of the Congressional Auto Caucus, there is no greater advocate for the auto industry in the history of the Congress then John Dingell. Forty years after he was first sworn into the House of Representatives, Congressman Dingell continues to fight for policies and values that will most benefit this country. It is because of his great wisdom and experience that I have often sought his counsel. The debt of gratitude this body owes John Dingell can never be repaid, but can and must be recognized. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor for me to have worked for so many years with my colleague and good friend, Chairman John D. Dingell. Mr. Speaker, when I debate against term limits, I mention the service of Hubert Humphrey, Everett Dirksen, and John Dingell. I then rest my case.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the citizens of Imlay City, MI, as they celebrate the official opening of their new city office building. In 1850 the Township of Imlay first was recognized by an act of the Michigan Legislature. As the area developed, it became apparent to the city officials that they must plan for the future, and therefore on April 14, 1872, Imlay City was incorporated. Since that time the population has grown from less than 500 to approximately 3,000 residents. The first city office building was finished in 1904, the second was opened in 1975; this third facility is to be dedicated today, December 20, 1995. Planning for this facility has been long in the works with the many and growing needs of the community taken into account in order that this new building will serve for many years to come. As planning began, the city commission and city manager were particularly concerned and committed to making sure that the building would be accessible to all their residents and be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. I stand before my colleagues today to compliment all the citizens of Imlay City on the opening of their new city office building that is dedicated to serving the needs of all the residents.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, in January, 1996 we will be celebrating national School Board Recognition Month in this country. In honor of this occasion I rise today to pay tribute to the contributions local school boards make to our education system. As a nation we place a high premium on the benefits to be gained from pursuing educational goals. Local school board members are elected by the community to ensure that everyone is given the opportunity for self-improvement through education. School boards seek community input and involvement in the education process. They are the liaison between the community and our schools. The members of school boards have accepted the responsibility of shaping the education of future generations and thereby the future of our Nation. School boards must assess the needs of their communities and provide the learning opportunities to meet these demands. They play a vital role in safeguarding students and schools. The theme for 1996 is ``Uniting Communities through Public Education''. This spotlights the role local school boards have in bringing together persons from all walks of life. They help unite us into one nation. Through the dedication of local school boards, all Americans can learn and work together. School board members speak for all schoolchildren regardless of their background or goals. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House of Representatives join with me today in honoring these dedicated individuals who have accepted the challenge to provide quality education to every schoolchild. They play a historic role in carrying on public education's proud tradition.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, last month I had the honor to host in my district one of the finest public servants who has ever served the combat veterans of this Nation--the Honorable Jesse Brown. Secretary Brown did not just talk to the veterans at the VFW hall in Davison, MI--he took the time to carefully listen to the concerns of each veteran who attended the town hall meeting. He talked individually to literally dozens of the veterans that day. But now some Members of Congress want to muzzle Secretary Brown because he has become a real advocate for the veterans and their needs. In yet another attempt to stifle opposition to their agenda, these Members of Congress want to severely cut funding for the veterans Secretary's office as a means of sending Jesse Brown a message. These cuts in the Secretary's personal office are in addition to the harsh cuts already contained in the appropriations bill. Mr. Speaker, such behavior should be beneath the dignity of this House. I urge Members to join me in opposition to this attack on the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs--and oppose this appropriations bill. [[Page H 13763]]

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Paul Deni, who has served Waterford Township, MI, as an elected official at the local level for the past 19 years. Trustee Deni moved to the township over 36 years ago. He served with the U.S. Marine Corps in Korea and is a disabled American veteran. He has been a member of the Waterford Township Lions Club for 12 years, a member of the Pontiac/Waterford Elks, member of the Board of Community Activities, Inc., and a delegate representing the township on SEMCOG for the past 12 years. Professionally Mr. Deni has been in the grocery business for 30 years as the owner of a market in Waterford. During his 10 years as a member of the township board he has served for 12 of those years as a trustee, and the last 7 as the treasurer. Although our township board will experience a great loss in service from one who has been there for so long; it is fortunate the community will still have the benefit of his presence and caring as he and his wife Eleanor plan on remaining residents of Waterford Township.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to Bishop Odis A. Floyd of New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church on his 26th pastoral anniversary. During the 26 years of service, Bishop Floyd has presided over a growth in membership from 450 to the current membership of 3,000. Bishop Floyd, although not born in Flint, came to our community in 1948. He entered the U.S. Army in 1958. Bishop Floyd has attended Monterey College, Pensacola Junior College, Mott Community College, Toledo Bible College, and the United Theological Seminary from which he received his DD degree in 1990. In 1964 he accepted a call to ministry; which all of us in the Flint community are forever grateful for. In 1965 he began assisting his grandfather, the Rev. L.W. Owens in the organization of the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. Bishop Floyd was ordained in 1969, and became pastor later in 1969 when his grandfather retired. In 1991 the church's name was changed to the New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church. In 1993 he was consecrated to the office of Bishop by Paul S. Morton, Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship. Our community is truly enriched by the teaching and leadership of the Bishop Floyd. Although he has received many recognitions and awards over the years, and served the community through membership on many boards; it's the missionary work that he carries out on behalf of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church and in particular his involvement at Community Alliance, Resource, Environment [CARE] Drug Rehabilitation and Prevention Center that makes him a giant in our community.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, for those of you who plan to vote for this bill today, you should do so fully aware of the consequences. The block grant and funding reductions in the Medicaid Program in this bill will have devastating effects on disabled children across the country. Mr. Chairman, in 1986, this Congress made changes to the Individuals with Disabilities Act [IDEA] to help States establish and operate comprehensive early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities. In 1993, this program helped 154,000 families overcome the challenges of meeting the needs of disabled infant and toddlers. This is a program of proven success and has solid bipartisan support. Why? Because it works. Talk to your States. They will tell you that this program saves money because early intervention means that fewer services are needed in the future. This means reduced reliance on medical services and families avoid the expensive tragedy of putting their children in institutions. The infants and toddlers program has been successful because it is conducted through a partnership with the Medicaid Program. In some States over 50 percent of funding comes from Medicaid. The city of Chicago estimates that they will lose $45 million annually as a result of this change to the Medicaid Program. If you vote for this bill, know that you will put this progress at risk and that it will devastate the dreams of disabled children and their families. Many families, who are both poor and middle class, receive much- needed support from Medicaid for their disabled children. What kind of help do they receive? Wheelchairs, equipment used to communicate and the kind of services that make it possible for parents to keep their children at home. Voting for this bill means running the risk of forcing parents to make absolutely cruel choices about the most important thing in their lives--their children. Do you think these parents would give this up to get a $500 tax cut? Of course not. Vote ``no'' on this bill.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite words.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I believe that the bill introduced by the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Gunderson] will really make it more difficult to form real labor unions. Mr. Chairman, my dad belonged to a company union back in the 1930's, and all we got out of that, I got one tube of Ipana toothpaste and a couple of free movies and my dad got low wages and speedups in the GM factories. My dad was one of the mildest men I ever met. I never heard my dad swear once in his life; a kindly gentleman. But during one of those speedups when we had company unions, my dad had his work sped up several times. Finally, he came home and told my mother, ``I cannot keep it up.'' My dad was older. ``I cannot keep that work up.'' The next day he went to work under that company union arrangement and he got his production out. The boss came over and counted the number of pieces he had put out. He took out the famous pink slip to write it out under that company union. My dad, that mild-mannered person, removed has glasses and laid them on the machine. He said to the boss, ``Bob,'' the boss's name was Bob Schoars, ``Bob, if you sign that pink slip, they are going to carry one of us out of here, because I have 5 children at home to feed and I am going to fight for my job.'' That was a mild-mannered person who went to mass every Sunday, and when he retired, every day. A mild-mannered person driven to that. When the UAW came in, things changed. My dad got justice on the job. Mr. Chairman, that is the difference. I think this bill will lead to really, in effect, company unions rather than real unions that brought justice to the Kildee family. My mother died last year at age 94, and from 1937 on, my mother prayed for Walter Reuther and the UAW every day of her life. As a matter of fact, Friday--and I invite some of my colleagues over there--Friday, President Clinton is honoring Walter Reuther for what he did. We need real labor unions in this country. We do not need something that can lead again to that type of situation, company unions, that my dad had to work under and gave me one tube of Ipana toothpaste.

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

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.