Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. If the gentleman will yield to me further, I want to make it clear to all the body here that the WIC program is not an entitlement program. It requires an appropriation each year. It is not even a capped entitlement, which I tried to get it to be, but it is not. Each year we have to appropriate for this, so it is not an entitlement program, it is not something that we are going to be obligated to. We have to appropriate each year.

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

Mr. KILDEE. The money they rebate?

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

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I would like to engage in a colloquy with my good friend and my chairman, the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Goodling]. Mr. Hall and the gentlewoman from New Jersey, Mrs. Roukema, have worked very hard and researched their amendment. I know exactly what it will do. It will give some flexibility to WIC directors if the food inflation rate is down. It will serve more people, and food inflation may very well be down this year. It looks like it will be down. If they save some money on infant formula bidding, competitive bidding, which is going to be restored, I am sure, in the Senate, we know then that it would not cost the taxpayers any more money, that they will have more flexibility to serve more people. For example, just on the question of the competitive bidding for infant formula, that saves about $1 billion a year, enabling us to serve well over 1 million extra people a month. I would ask the gentleman, what will the effect of his amendment be that will be different from the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New Jersey [Mrs. Roukema] and the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Hall] which will leave this flexibility and not cost the taxpayers any more, because this is not an entitlement, not even a cap entitlement?

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. We have some public schools, I might add, that have about 38 percent Indian students, and they depend a great deal upon these dollars. They do not have excess funds. They are not all on reservations. So we are really not only taking away from the Indian students, but taking dollars away from those schools that are educating Indian students. So I think the point here is the restoration is not total in the Coburn amendment. It is more fulsome in the Obey amendment.

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

Mr. KILDEE. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Obey amendment. I suggest from time to time that we go down to the National Archives, just down the street, and read the treaties that we have signed with Germany and England, China, France, and the Indian tribes of this Nation. Those treaties are available for reading, and in almost every instance, when one reads the treaties with the Indian nations, we find the taking away of, very often, millions of acres of land, and almost in every instance the promise of one thing: Education. And that is a treaty obligation and, I believe, a moral obligation, and that is why in the 19 years I have been here in Congress I have tried to move toward fulfillment on our part of the treaty obligations. In the State of Michigan they took away everything in Michigan and promised education, and I have served on the former Education and Labor Committee for years, and I focused on Indian education. We have done a little better, but we have not done fully. We do have a moral and, I believe, a treaty obligation to the Indians in the area of education. Now I have a question, if I may address it to the gentleman. In the Obey amendment we restore about $81 million for Indian education. How much money is restored in the Coburn amendment?

Mr. KILDEE. Well, first of all there is not $30 million of bureaucracy. There is at least $10 million for adult education here, which the gentleman does not restore, and adult education is a very, very significant part of the Indian education money and bureaucracy. What is a bureaucracy my colleagues? My two sons are lieutenants in the Army. They are part of the administration of the Army. I guess we could call that bureaucracy and reduce the bureaucracy of the Pentagon. When it comes to Indians, we call it bureaucracy. When it is the military, it is part of the important administration which my two sons serve in. So it is very easy to give a bad name, and call it bureaucracy, but of the $30 million, over $10 million, almost $11 million, is for adult education. It is extremely important. So I think the main issue here is not so much where we take the money for restoration, but how much money is restored. I say to my colleagues, ``You still are $30 million short in your restoration, and a good chunk of that $30 million is for adult education.''

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

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply concerned about Medicare this year. First of all, we know that the Republican budget will cut Medicare by $270 billion over the next 7 years. That certainly has to be taken into consideration in the context of this bill. This bill, while it may have some merit, the plan may have some merit, I do not think we should be expanding it as this bill would propose. The bill does allow insurance companies to sell insurance policies to seniors that limit their choice, and they may be locked into those choices. Basically, Mr. Speaker, I fear that this year, this 104th Congress, we may see a series of things that will be weakening Medicare. First of all, this program itself is a pilot program. We should look at it more. One study indicates that it increases the cost about 17\1/2\ percent per beneficiary in 8 of the 12 States, and in only 1 State was there some possible cost savings. However, put that in context again with what I mentioned in the beginning, that we are cutting $270 billion from Medicare. We have to cast this bill in that context. We are using that cut from Medicare to pay for a tax cut for our very rich. Mr. Speaker, in my district, I do not see people asking for that tax cut, and especially, I think they do not want to take money from Medicare to pay for that tax cut. My mother died last year at age 84. In her life, both her mental health, her peace of mind, and her physical health was better served because of a good Medicare Program. We should approach this very, very carefully. Do not rob the account and do not expand this program without experience.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today, I am honored to introduce the administration's proposal for improving education for children with disabilities under the Individuals With Disabilities Act [IDEA]. Since enactment of Public Law 94-142, the Education for all Handicapped Children Act of 1975, results for children with disabilities have improved greatly. Before the enactment of that groundbreaking law, 1 million children with disabilities were excluded from school altogether, and several were in dehumanizing institutions. Today, one of the basic goals of the IDEA has been met--children with disabilities have access to education. The Department of Education has undertaken a very thorough process in preparing this legislative proposal. They consulted with parents, educators, and hundreds of others concerned with improving the education of children with disabilities, including congressional staff from both sides of the aisle. They asked for public comment in the Federal Register and received over 3,000 responses. During more than 1 year of consultation, they heard about the strengths of the law, including its focus on individualized approaches, its protection of the rights of children and their families, and its support for innovative approaches for teaching. The administration's proposal makes improvements to the IDEA to ensure that the fundamental objectives of the law are more likely to be achieved, while preserving existing rights and protections for children and their families. This proposal is based on six key principles that are designed to improve results for students with disabilities: 1. Align the IDEA with State and local education reform efforts so students with disabilities can benefit from them. 2. Improve results for students with disabilities through higher expectations and meaningful access to the general curriculum, to the maximum extent possible. 3. Address individual needs in the least restrictive environment for the student. 4. Provide families and teachers--those closest to students--with the knowledge and training to effectively support students' learning. 5. Focus on teaching and learning. 6. Strengthen early intervention to ensure that every child starts school ready to learn. As Congress undertakes its review of this legislation, I am certain we will reaffirm our commitment to the basic purposes of the IDEA and the recognition of the Federal role in ensuring that all children with disabilities are provided with the equal educational opportunity that the Constitution guarantees. We now have the opportunity to take what we have learned over the past 20 years and use the administration's proposal to update and improve this law. I commend the administration for their bold initiative and look forward to working with the committee in seeing it through to its final passage.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise before you today to pay tribute to a very important organization in my district. The Davison Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Post No. 4087 received its charter on June 24, 1945. I congratulate the auxiliary as it celebrates its 50th anniversary on June 24, 1995, and thank them for their many years of dedicated service to the community. The auxiliary was originally formed around a mutual desire to serve the community. The auxiliary is known throughout the entire country for their involvement in projects that touch many lives. One of the first projects the auxiliary accomplished was distributing toys to needy children at Christmas. That original gesture of generosity has not only prevailed, it has expanded into many other programs to assist the needy. Individuals, families, and particularly children have benefited as a result of the magnanimity of the auxiliary. Clothing, toys, food, scholarships, and athletic equipment have been provided when and where needed. Various youth groups have been advantaged by the auxiliary's largesse. Essential items, equipment, and extended use of Post No. 4087's building, and other facilities have been made readily available to those groups. The Davison Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Post No. 4087 has traveled long distances, and donated many hours of time visiting veterans hospitals. These visits have served as a topic to the veteran who has been hospitalized as a result of illness, or from wounds received as a result of military service. The auxiliary has helped to carry the message of freedom by sponsoring the Voice of Democracy Program, and sponsoring flag presentations to local schools. The auxiliary color guard was formed in 1983, and since then, has been invited to participate in parades and ceremonies throughout Michigan. The auxiliary color guard has also been the source of pride to the Davison community, as it has been the winner of numerous State and national awards, trophies, and commendations. The accomplishments of the auxiliary are too lengthy to list today. Suffice it to say they are great, and they are many Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I stand before you today, asking you and my fellow Members of Congress to honor the Davison Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Post No. 4087. For 50 years they have stood firmly behind their commitment to each other, the community, and this Nation. Their steadfast devotion to promoting the human dignity of all Americans serves as inspiration to us all.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to the men and women of the great County of Lapeer, who bravely served this Nation during World War II. Lapeer County has been recognized as an official Commemorative Community by the Department of Defense, and has worked for many months on a host of events that will honor all of its citizens that served during World War II. The sacrifices and accomplishments of the men and women that served are many, and serve as inspiration to the generations that have benefited the most from their efforts. The men and women of Lapeer County held true to the notion that evil and tyranny will not prevail. The lessons taught by World War II must never be forgotten. We are bound by honor to keep the legacy of the great patriots of our Nation forever fresh in the memories of future generations. The courage, valor, and singleness of purpose that was shown by the entire country, serves as an example of the unity and strength of the American people. It was a time of patriotism. It was a time when America was proud. It was a time when America served as a bright shining light to a world thrown into darkness by evil forces. The men and women of Lapeer County paid a heavy price to defeat the Axis Powers. Some were wounded. Some were never to return home, destined to rest forever beneath the soil of a far off land they helped to free. Families were changed forever by the loss of loved one. Let us never forget what our freedom cost. Let their spirit and faith in democracy endure. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege for me to rise before my colleagues in the House of Representatives to honor the great people of Lapeer County who contributed so much to victory during World War II. I am honored to represent them in Congress.

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 a great educator and a great man, Dr. Nathel Burtley upon his retirement from his outstanding service as Superintendent of the Flint Community Schools. Since 1988, Dr. Burtley has led the Flint Community Schools as superintendent. Prior to accepting the superintendency, Dr. Burtley served as deputy superintendent in Flint from 1981 through 1988. Before coming to Flint, Dr. Burtley served the Ypsilanti Public Schools for 5 years in both the capacities of assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and as interim superintendent. Dr. Burtley preceded his time in Ypsilanti in the Grand Rapids Public Schools where he was an elementary school principal for 4 years, briefly served as assistant high school principal, and as a speech pathologist. Dr. Burtley has served over 31 years in the field of public education. A native of Cairo, IL, Dr. Burtley earned a bachelor's degree in 1962 and a master's degree in 1964 from Southern Illinois University. Dr. Burtley then went on to his beloved Michigan state University where he earned a doctorate in educational administration. Dr. Burtley is truly one of those individuals who has made a difference. Upon taking over the reins of leadership of the Flint Community Schools, he proceeded to work with the community and all employees of the district to review and completely remake the direction of the school system. This was a system that has been a world leader in the arena of community education; but was also a district, like many others, that needed to experience changes in the way it had done things in the past in order to insure the students who graduated were prepared for the world they were about to enter. Throughout the time that change was occurring in the system, Dr. Burtley continuously asked the question ``Is it in the best interest of kids?'' Dr. Burtley will truly be missed by all throughout the Flint Community School system. I know his heart will remain with the school district and the future of each of its students. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honor and pleasure for me to rise today to pay tribute to a great American educational leader. I know all throughout the State of Michigan and the city of Flint who know Dr. Burtley, and the entire U.S. House of Representatives, will join me today in honoring a great educator, Nathel Burtley.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this compromise. I also want to thank my committee chairman and friend, Bill Goodling, for his efforts. We have a long history of bipartisan cooperation in our committee and that, in large measure, is due to the influence of our committee chairman. As someone who has served on this committee for 18 years, I want to underscore my own belief that education is a State responsibility, a local function, and an important Federal concern. That is an appropriate balance which has deep roots in our Nation's history. Our Nation is in the midst of a period of profound change. We are facing economic challenges from our global competitors that make it absolutely imperative that our children achieve to the highest possible academic standards. We are now a highly mobile society. People do not always live and work in the communities in which they were born. And, rarely does the employment base stay the same. Business and industry respond to the demands of the marketplace and so must our schools. We owe that to the children. Mr. Speaker, reform of our system of public education is one of the most critical tasks we face. We made a good deal of progress in the last Congress. I believe the bill we have before us today will preserve that progress while it meets the consideration of those who felt some concern. Again, my thanks to my committee chairman Goodling and I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of your staff, particularly John Barth, Sally Lovejoy, Vic Klatt, and Jomarie St. Martin. And our staff Sara Davis, Broderick Johnson, and Dr. June Harris. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing along with a number of my colleagues the Adult Education and Family Literacy Reform Act of 1995. We are pleased to join with the Administration of this effort to improve the way literacy services are provided to adults and families. There is a literacy crisis in this country. As the 1993 National Adult Literacy survey shows, more than 20 percent of adults performed at or below the 5th grade level in reading and math--far below the level needed for effective participation in the workforce. And because a parent's educational level is a strong predictor of children's academic success, the effects of this crisis move from one generation to the next with tragic regularity. Despite the obvious need for literacy services among our Nation's adults, the Adult Education Act serves only a small percentage of those people who need help. This fact was underscored by the recent National Evaluation of Adult Education Programs. While many adults benefit from participation in the program, many leave before they achieve any literacy gains. Overall, the current design of adult education and family literacy programs is too diffuse and diverts human and financial resources from what should be the focus of all Federal literacy efforts; the provision of high-quality, results-oriented services. The literacy crisis we are facing as a Nation are serious, ranging from the diminished productivity of business and industry to the inability of parents to help their children do better in school. In response, the Adult Education and Family Literacy Reform Act creates, by consolidating a number of related programs into a single grant to States, a performance partnership designed around five broad principles--quality, flexibility, streamlining, consumer choice, and targeting. The bill responds to concerns regarding the potential duplication of adult education and family literacy programs by creating a single funding stream to States. It consolidates separate discretionary programs for library literacy, workplace literacy, and literacy programs for prisoners and the homeless. The bill will ensure that the needs of at-risk populations are met and requires States to assess the adult education and family literacy needs of the hard-to-serve and most-in-need. Demand for adult education programs has exploded in recent years for reasons as varied as the need to learn English to become an American citizen, to upgrade employment skills, to obtain a GED, to learn to read and dozens of others too numerous to list today. I hope you will join me in helping American adults reach their full potential as citizens. Please call Sara Davis or my staff.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise before you today to pay tribute to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4087. VFW Post No. 4087 celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 29, 1995 at their beautiful facility that is located in my district in Davison, MI. VFW Post No. 4087 boasts one of the largest memberships in the State of Michigan, with over 1300 members. The officers and members of VFW Post No. 4087 are known throughout the community for their charitable work on behalf of children. VFW Post No. 4087 is a major supporter of the VFW National Home, which has provided care to the children and grandchildren of America's veterans since 1925. VFW Post No. 4087 has also been an active supporter of Little League Baseball in our community, helping to provide equipment and uniforms so that young people will have the opportunity to play baseball. VFW Post No. 4087 has also been an energetic supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, playing host to a local Boy Scout troop. VFW Post No. 4087 has played a key role in providing much needed medical equipment to residents of the community. The generosity of the members of Post No. 4087 have assured wheelchairs and hospital beds for those who might have otherwise gone without these essential items. Members of VFW Post No. 4087 frequently contribute their time, and travel many miles, to the nearest Veterans Hospital. The visits have helped to cheer and comfort these veterans who are sick and infirm. Many times through the years the Color Guards and the Firing Squad of Post No. 4087 have participated in events honoring our country. Their reputation precedes them. This has resulted in many invitations to attend parades and various functions in other communities, adding a touch of class and dignity to whatever event they might attend. Mr. Speaker, VFW Post No. 4087 has provided a dignified home to the bronze plaques that honor those in our area who served in World War II. The plagues were formerly housed in the Industrial Mutual Association Auditorium but needed new home when that auditorium was discontinued. I am particularly pleased to read on these plaques the name of my brother, Kenneth Kildee, who served our country in both World War II and the Korean War. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I stand before you today, asking you and my fellow Members of Congress to honor the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4087. For 50 years they have stood firmly to their commitment to this Nation. Their dedication to protecting and promoting the enhancement of the human dignity of all Americans serves as inspiration to the entire community.

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 the late Walter P. Reuther. Mr. Reuther, and his late wife May, are being honored by the United Auto Workers with a commemorative tribute to be held on Tuesday, May 9, 1995. This tribute marks 25 years to the day they perished in a plane crash. Walter Reuther was a true giant to the labor movement. He was the leader in the fight that gave birth to the labor movement in America. He committed his life to the workers of this Nation, assuring them justice and change in the workplace. Walter Reuther was a visionary. He established revolutionary precedents for workers including pensions, health care, and supplemental unemployment benefits. Walter Reuther is directly responsible for the standard of living that millions of Americans enjoy today. Walter Reuther was a patriot. He was a confidante of Presidents. During World War II, his dramatic ``500 Planes a Day'' plan was adopted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was this plan that helped galvanize the Nation's industrial might, converting automobile plants into producers of tanks and planes, leading to the eventual defeat of the Axis Powers. President Kennedy was provided with the concept of the Peace Corps by Walter Reuther in 1960, having first outlined the idea in a 1956 speech to the National Education Association. He believed that the enemies of democracy could be defeated with enlightenment, knowledge, and the free exchange of ideas. Walter Reuther realized the labor movement should be a catalyst for social change. He waged a veritable war against racism, and was a tenacious champion of the civil rights movement. He was an ally and close supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King throughout the bittersweet days of the fifties and sixties. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honor and pleasure for me to rise today to pay tribute to a true American hero, Walter P. Reuther. In recognition of his dedication to his country he has been nominated posthumously to receive the Presidential medal of Freedom in 1995. He has been an inspiration to me and countless other working men and women. I know the entire U.S. House of Representatives will join me today in honoring this great American, Walter P. Reuther.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. The Ottoman Empire, between 1915 and 1923, tried to advance its political interests by committing genocide against the Armenian people. The genocide of the Armenian people is widely recognized as the first genocide of the 20th century. Each year, throughout the United States and the world, Armenians and all people of good conscience pause to remember the 1.5 million victims of this crime against humanity. While these crimes are in the past, their significance has not faded from the consciousness of Armenia. The victims of these massacres not only represent the attempts of an oppressive regime to extinguish the dignity and spirit of a people, but also of the consequences of permitting such a regime to go unchecked. By recognizing the victims of this act of genocide, we commemorate both their sacrifices and those who have perished in the name of freedom since. In addition, recognition of this atrocity will help erase the vestiges of an era in which propaganda and deceit held precedent over truth and human dignity. The United States must take a stand and encourage other countries to do the same. We must always voice our firm opposition to the use of violence and repression as tools of government. Mr. Speaker, with the dawn of the post-cold-war era, and the emergence and development of newly independent nations, it is more important than ever for the United States to directly convey its rich tradition of respect for fundamental human rights. It is for this reason that I rise today to remember the anniversary of the Armenian genocide.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today before my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to pay tribute to an outstanding labor leader in my hometown of Flint, MI, Mr. Stan Marshall, who is retiring as vice president of the United Automobile Workers International Union. To recognize his outstanding years of service to the UAW and to his community, Stan will be honored at a tribute on March 30, 1995. Stan Marshall began his career in the UAW when he started working at the Buick plant in Flint in 1950. While at Buick he served as an alternate committeeman, committeeman, shop committeeman, and chairman of the shop committee. He was appointed to the international staff of UAW Region 1-C in 1977. In 1983 he was elected to the UAW international executive board as regional director, UAW Region 1-C. As regional director he served over 100,000 UAW members at General Motors plants and IPS plants in Flint, Adrian, Battle Creek, Jackson and Lansing, MI. Following two terms as regional director, Stan was elected as a UAW vice president at its 29th Constitutional Convention in June, 1989 at Anaheim, CA. As vice president, Stan is director of the Chrysler department, the national organizing and technical office and professional [TOP] department, the General Dynamics department, and the foundry department. While playing an important role in the UAW, Stan Marshall is no less committed to his community. He has served on various organizations within the State of Michigan such as, the Economic Alliance of Michigan, the Governor's Task Force on Higher Education, the Governor's Commission on Labor-Management Relations, and the Michigan State Athletic Board. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honor and a pleasure for me to rise today to urge my colleagues in joining me to recognize Stan Marshall for his vital contributions to the dynamic leadership of the UAW. As a tireless advocate of working men and women for over 40 years, he has been a major force behind improving the working conditions and wages for UAW members. Stan Marshall is a highly esteemed friend and I have often sought counsel from him as I considered important issues relating to working men and women. As he moves into retirement, I know that he will pursue his interests with the same zeal as he did representing the workers of the UAW. I wish him well in all his future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would say that I certainly would hope that we all learn from subsequent actions. But I having served 12 years in State government know the influence of the infant formula companies on State government. They do various things on cost containment. They will promise the university hospital so much infant formula. They will promise the health department so much. They work very closely with the legislature too. I know that there can be other inducements not nearly as advantageous to the taxpayers and to the women and the infants as competitive bidding. If you think they are going to do it, why are you so reluctant to put it into law? The gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Goodling] worked with me in 1989. He, George Bush, and the gentleman from Oregon [Mr. Wyden], worked with me to get that language in. I think we need that language because I know how the infant formula companies work in the various States. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon [Mr. Wyden].

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, only because the gentlewoman from New Jersey had the courage to vote for my amendment in committee, the only Republican who had that courage to do so, I will support her amendment even though it is grossly inadequate. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from Colorado [Mrs. Schroeder].

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, one thing I would like to say before I yield, there seems to be a pattern in the Committee on Rules on this bill. One Member goes up, asking for a substantive amendment, an amendment that makes a real difference, competitive bidding. Another Member asks what really is a cosmetic amendment and the Committee on Rules in every instance has granted the amendment for the cosmetic amendment, not the substantive. I object to that. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Foglietta].

Mr. KILDEE. My point is that under the gentlewoman's language, a $10,000 rebate would qualify for a $5 million contract, and a $1 million rebate would qualify under a $5 million contract. The fact of the matter is that we would do better under a competitive bidding than a $1 million rebate under a $5 million contract. We found that out. We would save much more under competitive bidding. So the gentlewoman can see the markup they have on infant formula. We would do far more than even if we got a $1 million rebate on a $5 million contract, if we used the language I wanted to use and which the gentlewoman supported in committee, to her great credit, competitive bidding. Competitive bidding saves $1 billion a year. We found that out as soon as we enacted this in 1989. So the most generous cost containment that could be used under the gentlewoman's language would be far less a savings than competitive bidding. There is a $1 billion worth of difference between cost containment and competitive bidding. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.