Jerry Kleczka

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Milwaukee-based Nest 725 of the Polish Falcons of America, as they celebrate their 82nd anniversary with a banquet dedicated to the Mystical Rose, Our Lady of Czestochowa, on Sunday, April 19, 1998. A nationwide fraternal organization, the Polish Falcons are dedicated to the physical fitness of youth. By offering classes in tumbling, dance (traditional Polish, modern, and tap), aerobics, track and field, basketball, volleyball, and soccer, the Polish Falcons provide a varied program for all skills levels and ages. The group believes in a strong mind and a strong body. Organized in Milwaukee of December 10, 1916, Nest 725 members have participated in numerous national and district athletic competitions, gaining the National All Around Championships in 1984, 1988 and 1992. Furthermore, Nest 725 was crowned National Gymnastics Champions in 1984 and the Adult Dance Class achieved the National Championship in both 1986 and 1994. To the adult leaders of the Polish Falcons, Nest 725, I commend you on your fine example of providing structured athletic guidance for today's youth, while maintaining an all-important tie to our proud Polish history and traditions. And to all the members, best wishes for the future and Sto Lat!

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I also rise in support of H.R. 3211. Earlier this year, in response to public concern with the number of burial waivers granted at Arlington National Cemetery, I introduced the Arlington National Cemetery Integrity Act to clarify once and for all who can and who cannot be buried there. Because this is the last honor the United States can bestow upon our veterans who sacrificed for our freedoms, I was pleased that the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), chairman, and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), ranking member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, introduced this bill which is similar to the one that I have introduced. Under both of these proposals, current burial guidelines would be put into law and waivers would be eliminated. Mr. Speaker, we must preserve the integrity and true meaning of this final tribute to our soldiers. H.R. 3211 will accomplish this goal. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation and again commend the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for its swift action on this piece of legislation.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize truly outstanding students from West Allis, WI. Together with their teacher, Mr. Tim Moore, a group of students from Heritage Christian High School united hard work and dedication and have been judged this year's State of Wisconsin `We the People' champions. Heritage Christian High School students have consistently succeeded at the `We the People' competitions, this year being the second time in recent years that a group has emerged victorious from the event. This consistency is no accident, and would not be possible without an impassioned interest by both Mr. Moore and his students in the Constitution of our nation. The `We the People' program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education by an act of Congress, compels students to critically examine our Nation's Constitution and provides an arena in which students can explore the intricacies of the document. With the help of a team of volunteers from outside the school, the students studied the history of the document and considered its present day applications. I would like to again congratulate Mr. Moore and the students from Heritage Christian High School, and wish them continued success in this year's national competition in Washington, D.C.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable member of my district, as well as a friend of many years, Mr. Leonard W. Ziolkowski, for being named Man of the Year by the Council of South Side Advancement Association of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Council of South Side Advancement is a civic network that draws from organizations throughout the area to unite the community and encourages involvement from its citizens. One way in which the Council encourages this is through recognition of outstanding members of the community at the Lincoln Day Banquet. As an honoree at this year's banquet, Mr. Ziolkowski personifies the leadership and involvement for which the organization strives. Len's professional career exhibits remarkable examples of dedication and leadership. Appointed a patrolman in 1950, he was consistently promoted throughout his longstanding career with the Milwaukee Police Department until his retirement in 1986 as inspector of police. He then shared his experience and knowledge as supervisor of the police science program at the Milwaukee Area Technical College. He also has served as a member of the Fire and Police Commission for the City of Milwaukee and director of the Milwaukee Police Academy, which gained national recognition while under his direction. Currently president of the South Side Business Club and vice- president of St. Joseph's Foundation, Len's leadership transcends his professional career and carries into his community involvement. As a fellow American of Polish descent, Len promotes his heritage by his participation in the Milwaukee Society and the Polish National Alliance. He is also active in the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers, Law Enforcement Training Officers Assoc., International Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association, and the American Legion post 415. I ask that you join me in congratulating Len Ziolkowski as he is honored at the Lincoln Day Banquet on February 22nd, 1998.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Seeley, who will be honored Sunday, February 22, 1998, as the Woman of the Year by the Council of South Side Advancement Associations, Incorporated, of Milwaukee. The Council of South Side Advancement Associations is a network comprised of delegates from south side Milwaukee veterans, scholarship, business, civic and senior citizen organizations. Its members, from many diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds come together in a coalition to educate themselves on local matters, to provide support to each other and address issues involving the South Side community. In this spirit, the Council will celebrate its 51st annual Lincoln Day Banquet on February 22nd and will honor my long time friend and supporter, and senior citizen advocate extraordinaire, Mrs. Dorothy Seeley. Dorothy has a well-earned reputation around the Milwaukee area and our entire state as a real go-getter and fighter for the rights of our senior citizens. From her years at Nordberg Manufacturing Company as a crane operator, to her union steward days, right on through her appointments by Wisconsin Governor John Reynolds and Milwaukee County Executive John Doyne, Dorothy has been a friend of working men and women and retirees. To this day, as President of United Seniors of Wisconsin, Dorothy pursues the never-ending battle to protect the rights of seniors, so that their voices can be heard here at home in Milwaukee, in Madison at the State Capitol and in Washington, D.C. In 1990, Dorothy was given the prestigious honor of being named one of Wisconsin's Ten Most Admired Senior Citizens by Security Savings at an awards ceremony during the Wisconsin State Fair. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I ask that you join me in congratulating Mrs. Dorothy Seeley on a job well done. Keep up the great work, Dorothy, for many years to come. May God Bless.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that will restore the integrity of the final resting place for many of our veterans, Arlington National Cemetery. These men and women who so proudly served our nation, and their families, deserve to be the only Americans interred in this place of high honor. In recent months, it came to be known that 69 non-veterans have been granted waivers by the Secretary of the Army to be buried in Arlington in the last six years. In addition, we heard allegations that campaign donations may have influenced the waiver process. Fortunately, an investigation by the General Accounting Office found that no wrongdoing occurred. However, the outcome of this investigation brought to light the need for tightened standards to ensure the integrity of Arlington National Cemetery. Today I am introducing legislation, Arlington National Cemetery Integrity Act, which will put into law the current regulations allowing veterans, certain of their family members, and a few distinguished government officials with active duty military service to be interred at the cemetery. My legislation will end the practice of granting waivers and legally clarify once and for all who may be buried at Arlington. Currently, the Code of Federal Regulations outlines who can and cannot be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. The code allows the following to have their remains kept at Arlington: any active duty member of the Armed Forces; any retired member of the Armed Forces; any former member of the Armed Forces separated for physical disability prior to October 1, 1949; any former Member of the Armed Forces whose last active duty military service terminated honorably and who has been awarded the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, or Purple Heart; qualified elective officers, Supreme Court Justices, and certain other government officials, all of whom served in the Armed Forces and were terminated honorably from their last period of active duty as a member of the Armed Forces; any former prisoner of war who served honorably in the active Armed Forces, whose last period of active military service terminated honorably, and who died on or after November 30, 1993; the spouse, surviving spouse, minor child and unmarried adult child of the persons listed above; the surviving spouse, minor child, or unmarried adult child of any person already buried in Arlington; and finally, the parents of a minor child or unmarried adult child whose remains, based on the eligibility of a parent, are already buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The only addition to the code that my legislation allows for is for the U.S. Commander in Chief, the President of the United States, to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. This provision allows for both present and former presidents to be buried there. The granting of waivers to unqualified individuals not only takes up precious, limited space at Arlington, but also threatens to diminish the integrity of the veterans who are interred there. Burial at Arlington is the last honor that we can bestow upon our veterans. We must preserve this tribute to our soldiers, who gave their lives for our nation. The Arlington National Cemetery Integrity Act will preserve this honor and final resting place for our veterans for years and years to come.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to offer legislation that will restore the integrity of the final resting place for many of our veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. In recent months we have heard about 69 nonveterans who were granted waivers by the Secretary of the Army to be buried in Arlington over the last 6 years. We also heard allegations that campaign donations may have influenced the waiver process. While an investigation by the GAO found no wrongdoing, the need for tightened standards has become evident. That is why today I am introducing the Arlington National Cemetery Integrity Act, which will put into law the current regulations allowing veterans, certain family members, and a few distinguished government officials who have served on active duty to be interred at the cemetery. This bill will end the practice of granting waivers and legally clarify once and for all who may be buried at Arlington Cemetery. Being laid to rest at Arlington is the last honor we can bestow upon our veterans. The Arlington National Cemetery Integrity Act will provide this honor for veterans for years and years to come.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce the Medicare Preservation and Restoration Act in response to the concerns of many seniors in my district and around the country about the recent changes of the Medicare program. As my colleagues know, the Balanced Budget Amendment of 1997 contains the Kyl amendment, which permits private contracting between doctors and Medicare beneficiaries for medical services that otherwise would be covered under the Medicare program. Know full well that private contracts will increase medical expenses for America's seniors and substantially weaken the integrity of the program. Beneficiaries who establish private contracts with physicians are obligated to pay 100 percent of the bill out of their own pocket. By circumventing the Medicare system, private contracts will create a two-tiered health care system where the elderly of modest means are forced to receive second rate care or bankrupt themselves to pay high prices under private contracts. Repealing the Kyl amendment and placing an outright prohibition on any private contracts for services currently covered in the Medicare program is the only way to guarantee seniors access to affordable medical care now and in the future. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to review this legislation and join me in restoring the commitment that Medicare made to senior citizens more than 30 years ago. The Medicare Preservation and Restoration Act will repeal the Medicare private contracting provision of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and clarify that private contracts are prohibited under Medicare for Medicare covered services. The legislation I am introducing is simple. First, it requires that providers submit a Medicare claim whenever Medicare-covered services are provided to a beneficiary. Second, it requires that a provider, when treating a Medicare beneficiary, charge no more than Medicare's balance billing limits allow. My legislation will settle the issue of private contracting once and for all. It will explicitly prohibit providers from circumventing the Medicare system, it will preserve beneficiary billing protections, and it will restore the promise of quality and affordable health care for every American senior citizen. My legislation has the support and endorsement of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and the National Council of Senior Citizens. The Medicare Rights Center also has spoken out in opposition to Medicare private contracts. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is the only way we can continue to guarantee every senior citizen in America the right to affordable health care under Medicare. The private contracts allowed under the Balanced Budget Act represent a dangerous first-step towards dismantling the Medicare program as a whole. They are ill-conceived and unnecessary. These contracts will allow doctors to disregard Medicare's most important protection--balanced billing limits. These limits guarantee that all seniors regardless of their income or their health status will have access to affordable health care. Private contracts destroy these protections and allow doctors the ability to decide patient-by-patient which senior will be forced to pay more than Medicare's set rates for needed medical care. During debate on the budget bill last October, Senator John Kyl of Arizona included this private contracting provision to allow any doctor to treat Medicare patients outside of the program and bill the patient privately at any rate the doctor sets. During negotiations on the final package, the provision was altered to protect beneficiaries and to prevent physicians from moving back and forth between billing some patients privately and others through the Medicare program. The final bill stated that if the doctor wanted to treat seniors under private contract, then the doctor had to forgo Medicare participation entirely for two years. This two-year restriction was designed to protect the program against fraud, guard against a massive exit of physicians from the Medicare program, and ensure that doctors would not create a two-tiered Medicare system--one waiting room for private pay patients who are served first, and one for non-private Medicare beneficiaries who are served last. Now, a movement is underway to remove this two-year limitation and give doctors the right to decide not only patient-by-patient, but procedure- by-procedure, which services will be billed through Medicare and which will be billed privately. Many of you have probably seen the mailings certain interest groups have been sending to our senior constituents in an attempt to distort the facts about private contracts. These mailings are falsely scaring seniors and attempting to trick seniors into giving up Medicare's balanced billing protections. These groups are not telling the truth when they say that Medicare won't pay for seniors' health care. They are not telling the truth when they say that seniors are going to be left with no doctors that will treat Medicare beneficiaries. The truth is virtually any doctor anywhere in the country today will treat a Medicare beneficiary. Currently, fewer than five percent of doctors decline to participate in Medicare, and of all the doctors' bills submitted to the Medicare program, over 90 percent are paid at a fixed rate set by the program. These groups are not telling the truth when they say that if Medicare won't pay for a senior's health or medical needs then that senior will have to go without treatment. The truth is seniors have always been able to purchase medical care that Medicare does not pay for by paying for the service out of their own pocket. This has always been the case and has not changed. These groups are not telling the truth when they say that private contracting will increase options for seniors. The truth is the only thing that private contracts will increase is seniors' health care costs. Unless we repeal this private contract provision and restore Medicare balanced billing limits, seniors will be forced to negotiate with their doctor on their own for needed medical care. Unless we eliminate private contracts, seniors will be forced to pay out of their own pockets for medical care at whatever rate the doctor decides to charge. Let's restore Medicare's balanced billing limits for all Medicare beneficiaries by eliminating these dangerous private contracts. These billing limits are the only way we can guarantee that all seniors receive the health care they need at reasonable and fair prices. I urge my colleagues to strip away the rhetoric and conjecture, to examine this issue closely and in its entirety. And, I believe you will come to the same conclusion that I have that private contracts are unnecessary and have the potential to destroy the Medicare program. I urge you to cosponsor the Medicare Preservation and Restoration Act--a sensible and responsible solution which will guarantee Medicare for all elderly Americans.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. KLECZKA. I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota.

Mr. KLECZKA. I yield to the gentlewoman from Maryland.

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

Mr. KLECZKA. So Ed, on behalf of all of your friends here in the House of Representatives, let me thank you for your 21 years of dedicated service. May you enjoy your retirement in good health and with God's blessing, and know that when I have the annual get-together in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with kielbasa, you are always invited.

Mr. KLECZKA. I yield to the gentleman from Arizona.

Mr. KLECZKA. I yield to the gentlewoman from Washington.

Mr. KLECZKA. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to dispel a myth. Most of us who frequent this Chamber, if we ever stop to consider it, probably think the mace just magically appears and disappears at the start and conclusion of each session. The truth is much harder to believe. For the past 21 years, without missing a single day, a gentleman named Ed Nichols has faithfully carried out the ceremonial duties associated with the mace. An historic symbol of the duty of the Sergeant at Arms to keep order in the House of Representatives, the mace, right behind me, lets us know at a glance when we are meeting in the full session. Ed has decided to retire at the end of the 105th Congress, and that end has come tonight. His career on Capitol Hill began in 1976 with the office of Sergeant at Arms. Previous to that, he spent several years in the Navy living for a time in Japan with his wife Joan. As assistant to the Sergeant at Arms, Ed's duties extended beyond the care and feeding of the mace, to include accompanying delegations of Members for a variety of activities, most recently to the funeral services for our late colleague Walter Capps. Members new to the institution found Ed a willing and friendly source of information as they struggled to get a handle on the legislative process. Perhaps this is where we will miss Ed most of all. The sense of loss we feel in Ed's retirement is tempered by the knowledge that a long-cherished dream is about to become a reality. Ed and his beloved wife Joan recently purchased a beautiful home on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Their two sons, Ron and Bobby, and their daughter Susan, along with their four grandchildren, are blocking off vacation time at this home as this tribute is being delivered tonight. Ed leaves behind a career of dedication to this institution that will not be forgotten or easily duplicated. We join together today to wish him the very best, which is what he gave to us every day. Ed, good fishing, good golfing, good luck, and, good God, please don't write a book.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding me this time to speak on the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1997. As a member of the Committee on Ways and Means, I was pleased that we were able to formulate a bipartisan bill that will benefit all American taxpayers. I must say that I have had several conversations with the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Cardin] and also the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Portman] on the bill, and I was quite surprised that we were able to work together to come to this day. One of the most difficult hurdles in formulating the legislation was determining the structure and responsibilities of the oversight board. I had strong reservations and concerns about the IRS Restructuring Committee's recommendation that the board made up of private individuals have the power to hire and to fire the IRS commissioner. Fortunately, a workable compromise was made that gives the oversight board significant input into the workings of the IRS, but keeps the appointment of the Commissioner in the hands of the President. This bill also contains some important provisions protecting the rights of taxpayers. For example, innocent spouses will now have an easier time of attaining this protective status. In addition, attorney/ client confidentiality privileges are being extended to protect taxpayers who choose to confide with their certified tax preparer, their certified public accountant. Finally the burden of proof for taxpayers who cooperate in IRS proceedings will now fall to the IRS should the case go to court. These are some of the changes that should make dealing with the IRS much easier. Today we are moving forward with the legislation that sends a strong message to all our constituents. We have heard your frustrations with the IRS, and we are taking actions to right these wrongs.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly object not only to the legislation before us, but to the tactics being used to push this bill through the House. On October 8, the Ways and Means Committee, on which I serve, passed by voice vote this bill to extend North America Free Trade Agreement benefits to Caribbean and Latin American nations. I requested a recorded vote in committee, but was denied this request. Now, the leadership of the House is trying to slide this measure by the full House in a similar manner by putting the bill on the Suspension Calendar. It is generally known that the Suspension Calendar is reserved for noncontroversial legislation, and that bills considered under suspension of the rules pass by voice vote. H.R. 2644 is highly controversial and ought to have full, open debate afforded to other bills of this magnitude. CBI parity has been rejected over and over by Congress because it is an expansion of the failing NAFTA. But, this year the debate on CBI parity is overshadowed by the larger discussion of fast track authority. We must not let this happen. NAFTA has hurt, not helped, the American worker. Passage of CBI parity will further jeopardize jobs and exports by opening the door to textiles and apparel made with cheap labor and in substandard working conditions. Plus, the taxpayer is hit with a double blow in lost revenues. Once parity is offered for a year to these countries, you can bet there will be a strong effort to renew this legislation when it expires. For these reasons, we should reject H.R. 2644 and keep American jobs at home.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my long time friend, Mr. Michael J. Murry, of Hales Corners, WI, who is being honored by the South Side Business Club of Milwaukee, as 1997 Man of the Year. Mike Murry, the chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the Merchants and Manufacturers Bancorp, is a fine choice as the recipient of this year's Man of the Year Award. He has been a well- respected force for many years in the financial community on the southside of Milwaukee and its suburbs. Adding to the respect he has established as a business leader, Mike is to be commended for his 1990 organization of the St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation, to restore this Southside Milwaukee landmark to its original grandeur. The foundation has raised over $3 million to date, and the impact on the basilica building on the neighborhood is amazing. A sense of pride and history have been restored, along with the bricks, mortar and paint, to this grand house of worship, which is now, yet again, a shining beacon for all to see in Milwaukee. Mike Murry has given his time and talents to other worthwhile causes and organization in his community, including Alverno College, Covenant Health Care, St. Francis Hospital, Sacred Heart School of Theology, the Wisconsin Conservancy of Music, St. Joseph Day Care Center, the Girl Scouts of America, the Kiwanis, and many banking and financial organizations and various Polish heritage groups. Congratulations, Mike. I join your lovely wife Jan, and your children, in saluting you as you receive this prestigious award from the South Side Business Club. Best wishes, God bless and keep up the excellent work. A grateful community salutes you.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in tribute to Milwaukee attorney Marjan R. Kmiec, who is being honored by the Polish Legion of American Veterans, Woodrow Wilson Post 11, with their Heritage Appreciation Award. For over three decades, Marty Kmiec has been actively involved in a variety of Polish heritage groups in my hometown, Milwaukee, including the Polish Legion of American Veterans, the Milwaukee Society and Polish Festivals, Inc. These organizations work to strengthen, preserve, and celebrate Polish heritage, an ethnicity Marty and I share. Marty was a founding member of Polish Fest, Milwaukee's summertime lakefront festival which successfully celebrates Polish- American customs and traditions, and served as its president for 10 years. He was actively involved the land acquisition for the future construction of the Polish Community Center. Marty Kmiec is also a respected attorney, specializing in personal injury litigation. He served as president of the Milwaukee Bar Association Litigation Section for 3 years, and has shared his vast experience and knowledge in the field during lectures at Milwaukee Bar Association and State of Wisconsin Bar Association seminars. I am honored to join the Polish Legion of American Veterans, Marty's colleagues, family, and friends, in thanking him for his years of dedicated service to the Milwaukee community, and our city's Polish community, in particular. Congratulations, Marty. God Bless and keep up the great work.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Kentucky very much.

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment, but know full well that I and others in this body who have organizations involved in this will be watching the activity of the INS to make sure that they just give the money back.

Mr. KLECZKA. I yield to the gentleman from West Virginia.

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Chairman, I am aware of the point of order that has been raised. I will not pursue the amendment, I will withdraw it at a later time, but I would like to establish for the record the situation that the amendment seeks to address. Mr. Chairman, last summer the INS instituted a designated fingerprinting service to ask local firms to enter into contracts with the INS to help them out in this fingerprinting operation. The Senate bill and the bill before us today does away with outside interests, outside firms, nonprofit organizations from doing the fingerprinting for the Immigration Service. The immigration Service under both products will do this function themselves, and that is fine, and I do not take issue with that because of some of the past problems. However, the situation that we are looking at today is that the INS is not positive, they are not sure that they are going to refund the fees collected from these organizations who, in good faith, paid the money to do the service for a period of 3 years. I have been contacted in my district by two organizations who sent them their application fee of $370. Now they are being told by the Congress, We don't need you any more. Their inquiry is whether or not they are going to get their money back, or a prorated portion of that. I called the INS, and they indicated that they are not sure whether or not they are going to refund the dollars. The amendment's purpose is to mandate that the INS give the money back. We have just seen hearings in both Houses of Congress this week about a Federal agency which treated our constituents in a shoddy manner, and these tax filers are angry over that. Some time ago we heard about a situation where an elderly individual in error sent a $50,000 check to the IRS. He subsequently passed away, his heirs found the error, and now they want the money back. The IRS says they are not going to give it back. This is a type of situation that we get ourselves into when the Federal agency does something goofy, similar to what the previous amendment or the speakers on the previous amendment had to relate to us, that now they are charging to talk to them through a 900 number. Before this thing gets out of hand, know full well, Members, that there are 3,700 organizations who in good faith sent the application through to the INS, sent their $370. Now we are yanking the task away from them, and I think it is wise that we mandate that the INS give the money back. If we do not need them any more, give the money back. And let me ask the chairman of the committee to indicate to at least this Member what his knowledge of the situation is and how he could possibly help out in this situation.