Jerry Kleczka

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the measure before us this afternoon, the Conference Report to S. 1447, the Aviation Security bill. This legislation, which will ensure that well-trained and well- paid federal employees are responsible for aviation safety, is clearly a victory for the safety of all Americans who fly, and a defeat for those corporate special interests who stood to profit from keeping the same old, failed security system in place. Prior to September 11, Americans traveled freely on our nation's airplanes, relatively unconcerned about their personal safety. The chances of being a victim of a terrorist attack seemed remote to most of us, as such things seemed to only happen in the movies or in faraway places across the globe. However, the surreal image of airplanes crashing into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon left indelible imprints on the minds of millions and exposed the vulnerabilities that exist in our country's aviation security system. Aviation security is currently handled by private companies that contract with the airlines and airports to handle security functions. These companies, such as Globe Security and Argenbright Security, have horrendous safety records, and numerous studies by the General Accounting Office and the Transportation Department show that private screeners frequently miss dangerous objects in tests of security systems. Still, private screening companies have continued to maintain that they could do a better job than higher paid and better-trained federal employees. It is now clear that they have had their chance to prove themselves, and they have failed miserably. Moreover, for over 30 years airline pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, and countless others in the aviation industry have implored Congress to pass legislation that would hand over security to the federal government. Public opinion polls reflect that the American public also resoundingly supports federalization and has grown increasingly apprehensive about the safety of air travel. Many Americans have even opted not to fly at all, which as we all know has caused a crushing blow to America's airline industry. It is now time for Congress to repair our flawed system in order to restore public confidence in the safety of air travel. Furthermore, protecting the American people from harm's way is one of the most fundamental obligations of our national government, and we must never allow the tragic events of September 11 to be repeated. On October 11, the Senate passed an airport security bill by a vote of 100-0 that would dramatically improve aviation security through federalization. I strongly supported an identical piece of legislation introduced in the House, but, unfortunately, the Republican leadership chose to reject this version in place of an alternative bill that would keep in place the same ineffective private security screeners that we currently have. Today, we have before us a conference report on aviation security that preserves many of the key provisions that were contained in the Senate-passed bill. Most importantly, the report allows for complete federalization of aviation security at all airports for at least 2 years, with the option (but not requirement) for airports to return to a private system after that time if they so choose. I strongly support this legislation since I am confident that airports will choose to maintain the new federal system. The conference report also includes many other important security measures. For example, all checked baggage would be screened by explosive detection equipment by December 31, 2002. In the interim, all checked baggage would be screened by other means, including x-ray, positive passenger bag matching, or hand checking. Cockpit doors would be fortified and locked during flights, and the federal air marshal program would be greatly expanded. Finally, the report mandates that all passenger and baggage screening personnel be federal employees within one year. Should this conference report pass, as I expect it will, today's action by Congress will stand as a victory for all Americans who fly and will represent a triumph over special interest forces who lobbied Congress in favor of the continued use of private contractors. Our world has changed dramatically since September 11, and we must respond accordingly. I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, November 14, 2001, the Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee will commemorate 85 years of dedicated and altruistic service provided to the people of our community. Chartered in November, 1916 as the 73rd club under Kiwanis International, the Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee began as a service organization of 158 businessmen. Since its humble beginnings, the Milwaukee branch has established itself firmly within Southeastern Wisconsin while providing untethered leadership and generosity for those in need. Committed to eliminating the devastating effects of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), Kiwanis International launched its first Worldwide Service Project in 1994 pledging to raise $75 million in partnership with UNICEF to eradicate this very debilitating but preventable condition. The Milwaukee Club's commitment to raise over $60,000 for the Worldwide Service Project insured that 1.5 million individuals will not suffer from disorders including stillbirths and cretinism. This gift will also allow future generations to grow up healthy and confident that their children will reach their full physical and mental potential free of IDD. The Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee also actively reaches out a hand to help its fellow neighbors. By working with Milwaukee Public Schools and YMCA Holton Youth Center, the Milwaukee Club has made an commitment to improve the lives of numerous youth by volunteering their time to tutor in an inner city Milwaukee school and by providing mentors, organizing book drives, and donating computers to Holton Youth Center's library to help the young participants to continually achieve success in their own lives. Dedicated to expanding the horizons of all citizens, the Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee, along with Curative Care Network of Milwaukee, worked to form the fifth Aktion Club in the world. This innovative program gives developmentally handicapped adults the opportunity to actively provide community service throughout their neighborhood. This year the Milwaukee Kiwanis Club and Aktion Club are joining together in the annual Milwaukee River Cleanup and the holiday season's bell-ringing campaign. Through their contributions and service projects, the Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee has established itself as an important resource for thousands of individuals. It is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee as they commemorate this milestone, and extend best wishes for continued success in their next 85 years.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I support H. Con. Res. 88, the National Lao-Hmong Recognition Day, and praise the proud heritage of the Lao- Hmong people who reside in my district and throughout the United States. The Hmong are originally an agrarian people that were scattered across parts of China, Laos, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Hmong that now reside in the United States came mainly from Laos as refugees following the Vietnam War. During the Vietnam War, the Hmong were recruited by the CIA to provide the U.S. with reconnaissance and guerrilla-combat support for military actions in the country of Laos. They were so trusted and effective that they were relied upon to undertake rescue missions to save downed American pilots and protect our military installations. The Hmong are remembered by the Vietnam veterans that they fought beside as loyal, courageous fighters who prevented many American casualties. Following the United States withdrawal from the region of Southeast Asia, the Hmong people were targeted for persecution by the communist Pathet Lao government in Laos, mainly due to the support they had provided our nation during the war. Many of the Hmong people recall this persecution of systematic imprisonment and killing, leaving them with awful memories of bloody violence and the deaths of loved ones. To survive, the Hmong showed the same courage and tenacity as when they fought beside our soldiers, leaving their ancestral homelands for America and hoping to adapt to a country, culture and language that bore no resemblance to their own. Before arriving in the U.S., the Hmong were a tribal society without a written language until the mid-20th century. Additionally, many of the Hmong were recruited to be guerrillas at the ages of 12-14 and hence did not attend school after that point. Since 1975, over 200,000 Hmong refugees have resettled in the U.S. Their adjustment to American society has been difficult, but with perseverance and determination the Hmong people have overcome and succeeded. Last year, I cosponsored and the House passed legislation later enacted into law, which expedites the naturalization of the Hmong who served with special guerrilla units in Laos during the Vietnam war. Yet a comprehensive acknowledgment of the plight and indomitable will of the Hmong-Americans that reside in our country and community is needed. I strongly support this legislation encouraging the President to declare a National Lao-Hmong Recognition Day and calling on the American people to recognize the service and sacrifice of the Hmong people. It is proper for all that the Hmong have done, similar to countless other immigrant groups, as they add one more thread to the fabric of our American society and history.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on November 12, 2001 the Milwaukee South Side Business Club will honor Wally Morics as its ``Man of the Year.'' W. Martin ``Wally'' Morics was born in Hanau, Germany. At the age of four, he immigrated with his parents to Chicago. He spent his childhood there, and attended Northwestern University as an undergrad and later earned his masters degree in business administration from the University of Michigan. Wally started his professional career with the large Public Accounting firm of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Company. He worked there for several years until he was lured away by the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and an opportunity to work at small ``hometown'' firm. During his time in Colorado, Wally discovered his reckless side, and purchased a Formula Ford that he raced competitively. His racing career was short-lived however, as he eventually totaled the car in an accident. An ad for a vacancy in the Milwaukee Office of Deputy Comptroller lured Wally and his family back to the Midwest in 1976. He served as Deputy Comptroller under James McCann for sixteen years. McCann's retirement in 1992 opened up the opportunity for Wally to run for Comptroller, and he is currently serving his third term. In addition to his elected service, Wally's dedication to the community is evident through his service on many boards and committees. These include, the International Arts Festival, the Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation, The Milwaukee World Festivals/Summerfest Board, St. Anthony Foundation and the Southside Business Club, just to name a few. Wally has distinguished himself as a leader in the community, as well as a leader and expert in the professional community. He is frequently asked to speak at national conferences on topics ranging from municipal debt financing to investments for pension systems. He is also a regular guest on WISN radio's ``Money Sense.'' Wally has been married to his wife Cathy for over 32 years. I am pleased to join with the South Side Business Club of Milwaukee in honoring my friend, Wally Morics, as their Man of the Year for 2001.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, this is probably the most shameless tax bill that I have seen come before the House since I have been a Member of Congress. Today we are asked to vote for this $99 billion tax giveaway in an effort to stimulate the economy under the flag of patriotism and, in the words of the chairman of the committee, so our country remains free. That is a quote from his presentation before the Committee on Ways and Means. I will indicate that there are some portions of the bill that will stimulate the economy, the additional rebate checks, the depreciation schedule changes that will encourage businesses to invest, but these are short term. These are sunsetted. My major concern is with three major portions of the bill. I think the Washington Post was correct when in a recent editorial they termed this a stimulus charade. Mr. Speaker, this is a charade. They go on to say that the only thing that is going to be stimulated is campaign contributions to those who support this product. Mr. Speaker, after the World Trade Center towers were struck by the terrorists and the buildings collapsed, we were informed by the news media that certain individuals got into the shops of the basement and they were looting the shops amid this horrific tragedy. The Nation, including all of us here, were shocked, that at a time of national disaster, looters would take over and steal Rolex watches and whatever else was available. What we are doing today, Mr. Speaker, by passing this bill is in essence the same thing. The treasury is being looted today. This cost, $99 billion, will drain the treasury and throw this country into a $48 billion deficit. My major opposition to the bill is threefold: The capital gains reductions, costing $10 billion, we are told by all economists will not help in the short run, will not stimulate anything. That is wrong. Moving up the 28 percent tax cut bracket will affect 25 percent of the highest income earners in the country. Are these the folks that are going to run out to Kmart to buy their pumpkin costumes for Halloween? Clearly not. That costs $50 billion. And, lastly, making retroactive the repeal of the AMT. The gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), the chairman of the committee, is correct. This is the gift that keeps giving. We give Ford and we give General Motors and we give the other corporations hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars, and next year the gift will come back in the form of not jobs, campaign contributions. I just want to talk about one of the job-creating machines on the chart. Let us use Texaco. For the last 2, 3 years, this oil company has been gouging the American public through the gas prices and over this period they have made record profits. So we are going to give them $572 million in one check, and what kind of jobs are they going to create? None. That is for the bottom line. That is for the stockholders. Mr. Speaker, the question is very clear today. Those who vote for the bill can be looters or those of us who oppose it can be fiscally responsible and take care of the security of our great Nation.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, the House was scheduled to take up H.R. 2975, a bill to give law enforcement greater latitude in finding and combating terrorism. The version that was scheduled to come to the floor was the result of bipartisan negotiations between the Republicans and Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee. The Committee was careful in crafting this bill, since any effort to give law enforcement these greater investigatory powers has an impact on the civil liberties of all Americans. However, Friday morning, the House Rules Committee reported a measure providing for debate of H.R. 2975 that inserted a substitute measure still warm from printing. With the exception of the Members of Congress directly involved in the substitute's drafting, the majority of the Members of the House had little idea what the 175 pages of this bill would do to our laws. It is crucial that our legislative branch of government has adequate time to scrutinize and debate legislation that could have a drastic effect on the privacy and civil rights of our people. This bill would dramatically alter our existing wiretap laws under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). FISA sets the bar for obtaining a wiretap order to investigate foreign agents much lower than laws governing regular domestic criminal investigations. In the past, the courts have held that the Fourth Amendment's prohibition on unreasonable search and seizure protects our citizens from surveillance without probable cause, except in cases concerning foreign intelligence operations. Surveillance under FISA is granted by a secret court whose decisions and proceedings are not part of the public record, and those being wiretapped never know that such an order has been granted, and have no way to appeal the court's decision. Presently, a wiretap under FISA can be obtained if the target is suspected of being an agent of a foreign power, without probable cause. The bill passed by the House would allow a person to be secretly wiretapped under the easier FISA rules as long as foreign intelligence is at least one component of the investigation. This means that Americans not suspected of being spies can now be placed under surveillance as if they are foreign agents, without the usual protections of the Fourth Amendment. So, without probable cause, the government would be able to secretly authorize wiretaps to trace the calls made to the person being monitored, as well as monitor their Internet activity. Although the bill says that the Internet surveillance is limited to the address visited but not the content, all a government agency has to do to capture content is to use the Internet address information gathered and visit the site in question. Not only does this allow American intelligence agencies to spy on Americans, but the bill authorizes the sharing of information gathered with other federal agencies without judicial authorization. This means American intelligence agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency would be able to collect information from other agencies about the activities of our citizens. Also, under this bill's more relaxed rules, FISA can be used to authorize ``black bag'' searches, which would allow the government to secretly enter a person's home without their knowledge and remove or copy documents and other items. Another troubling provision grants the authority to the secret court established by FISA to allow the Federal Bureau of Investigation to obtain individuals' financial and personal records without that person's consent or knowledge. Because this would be done under the relaxed requirements of FISA, the judge's order is sufficient to allow the FBI to obtain personal information without probable cause, yet another instance where the bill goes around the Fourth Amendment. The bill the House was scheduled to consider would sunset most surveillance provisions in 2003, when Congress could review and then renew these changes if necessary. The bill that was actually taken up would sunset its surveillance provisions in 2004, and allow the President to further extend the sunset provisions by an additional two years, which would effectively be a five-year sunset provision. It has been said that extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. While this may be true, it is also true that our civil liberties are what sets America apart from other nations. Although the House-passed measure contained language to sunset some of the bill's provisions, I fear that once this line is crossed, we will never be able to go back. Without adequate discussion of this bill's merits and effects on our rights, I could not support this measure. I hope that the House-Senate conference committee will carefully consider the impact this legislation could have on our lives, and make corrections so that I can support the final version of this bill that we send to the President to become the law of the land.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate St. John Lutheran Church in Cudahy, Wisconsin on its 95th anniversary as a congregation. St. John was founded by a small group of area Slovak immigrants, and received its charter on October 7, 1906 as a member of the Slovak Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELC). Later, that synod merged with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and St. John became a member of the Missouri Synod's SELC district. Over the years, St. John has grown and prospered, adding programs like its Day Care Ministry and a second ministry and workship site called the Life Enrichment Center along the way. In 1999, the church's renovation project expanded the sanctuary and fellowship hall, and added new office space. St. John's theme for its 95th anniversary year is ``Heritage of Faith; Foundation for the Future.'' What a fitting statement for a church that has played such an integral part in the spiritual life of the community for so many years, and continues to be a very special place to worship and grow in service to God and to His people. The congregation is blessed with two gifted and devoted pastors, Reverend Carl H. Krueger, Jr., who also serves as president of the SELC District, and Reverend Richard Schauer. Other dedicated members of the St. John ministry team are the church's current vicar, Rodger Williams, parish nurse Marcia Isherwood, and Karen Erickson, who serves as the day care director. The members and staff of St. John Lutheran are actively involved in many community activities, such as Project Concern and Cudahy/St. Francis Interfaith for the Elderly, Pastor Kreuger is also the chaplain at Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee, the unit where I once proudly served as a medic. An attitude of service is certainly evident in every aspect of the life of the congregation. Congratulations to St. John Lutheran Church on this very special day in the history of the congregation. May God continue to bless its ministry with His presence and His love.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, October 12, 2001 William Banach will be honored as the Outstanding American of Polish Decent at the Milwaukee Society's Pulaski Day Banquet. This annual event celebrates the life and achievements of local individuals who embody the spirit of Casimir Pulaski. Appointed a brigadier general by George Washington, Pulaski was engaged in a number of major Revolutionary War battles. He was killed in the fight to capture Savannah on October 11, 1977 and today Americans and Polish Americans celebrate his legacy of heroic service and ideals of freedom. Bill has demonstrated a commitment to his family and to service of his community throughout his lifetime. He served the City of Milwaukee Bureau of Engineers for 31 years. While he no longer works a traditional full time job, he nevertheless remains extremely active in the community. He is on the Board of Directors of SHARE, a self-funding food program that provides food to needy families. Active with the Boy Scouts of America for over 60 years, Bill has served as a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Explorer Scout Advisor and Merit Badge Advisor. In ``semi-retirement'' he remains very active with the Cub Scouts. Bill has dedicated 14 years to the Milwaukee Society Polish National Alliance Lodge 2159 as chair of the Christmas Basket Program. Under his leadership, the Lodge collected, packaged and delivered Christmas goodie baskets to those most in need of holiday cheer, and did so without the families ever knowing the identity of their generous benefactors. In addition, he is an active member of American Legion Post 444 and the Knights of Columbus Cardinal Stritch Council 4614. A wonderful husband and devoted father, Bill and his wife Janet will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year. They have three wonderful children and three beautiful grandchildren. So it is with great pride that I join with the Milwaukee Society Polish National Alliance in celebrating Bill's many achievements and years of community service. Congratulations William Banach, Polish American of the Year for 2001.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, almost 60 years ago the United States suffered massive casualties in a surprise attack on one of our military bases. On Tuesday, September 11, Americans were forced to relive the terror of another brutal and malicious attack on our citizens. Then, just as now, our Nation rose up as one to respond to a horrific incident with steadfast determination to defend ourselves and to find and punish the aggressors. The resolution before us gives the President authority to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided in these terrorist attacks. Make no mistake about it: the cowardly terrorists responsible for bringing harm to our American family will be punished. A force resolution was presented to Congress in 1991 which did not receive my support, for I felt the situation lacked the gravity required before we put our men and women in uniform in harm's way. Our borders were not at risk of an invasion; our citizens were not in imminent danger. The tragic events of this week have violated all these precepts. We must respond swiftly and with force against those who maimed and killed innocent Americans, men, women and children. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote to endorse this resolution.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentleman for yielding. Let me also recognize the chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin). I spoke to him numerous times this week. I have heard about this from Members on the floor. The gentleman from Alabama indicated that in his district the gas prices went to over $5 a gallon. The Midwest, Wisconsin and Milwaukee, has had problems throughout these last couple of years. Basically, it surrounds reformulated gas. We are trying to work with EPA and correct some of that problem. But then, lo and behold, we have the worst tragedy to beset this Nation on Tuesday; and operators in the city of Milwaukee, like some other unsatisfactory operators, have to raise the price of gas dramatically. This does not resolve the problem, but I think it puts those types of characters on notice that Congress is not going to stand for it and the FTC should not stand for it. And I have a further caveat or addition to the resolution, and that is, the consumers in those areas should make note of those stations and boycott them. You run a couple of these buggers out of business and the problem is going to resolve itself.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, first of all I would like to urge all my colleagues to give their unanimous approval to this legislation before us. I would like to thank and recognize the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), for the speed and hard work he has put into this legislation to bring it to the floor today. Two days ago, untold numbers of civilians in New York City alone, with large numbers of our servicemen and women at the Pentagon, were killed in an act of terrorism against the United States. This bill will treat all of the victims of this atrocious attack as equals by giving the surviving families of the civilians who died in the buildings that were hit, as well as those on board the airplanes, the same tax treatment as those who perished while serving in our Armed Forces. This terrorist attack did not distinguish between military and civilian loss of life, and our tax laws should not either. The bill consists of four main parts. Currently members of the military who are killed while serving in combat or who die of injuries suffered while serving in a combat zone are given a sizable reduction in their estate tax liability. The bill before us would extend this same estate tax treatment to people who are killed as a result of Tuesday's terrorist attack. Secondly, the law also exempts Federal military and civilian employees from paying Federal income taxes in the year of their death if they die as a result of a military or terrorist attack outside the United States. This measure would extend this relief to individuals who died in Tuesday's attack. Thirdly, the bill would clarify that the $25,000 per passenger payments made by United Airlines to the victims' families will be exempt from Federal income taxes. Any payments made by American Airlines would also receive this benefit. Lastly, the proposal would ensure that any assistance provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency is also exempt from Federal income taxes. Mr. Speaker, this bill is an important first step in the long road to recovering from this tragedy, and it is the least we can do at this time of national grieving. I ask that all my colleagues support this bill.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in disgust of yesterday's terrorist acts, and in strong support of the resolution before us. Mr. Speaker, I rise in disgust of yesterday's terrorists acts and in strong support of this resolution. The cowardly acts of terrorism carried out yesterday against fellow Americans are sickening and unparalleled since the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor nearly sixty years ago. Each of the commercial aircraft used as weapons were carrying innocent men, women, and children. And the timing of the assaults--around 9am on a weekday morning, seems to have been designed to maximize the loss of innocent life for those in all the buildings attacked. Know full well that we as a government will not rest until those responsible are found and severely punished. We salute those dedicated rescue workers, firefighters, and police who have been working around the clock to try to reach those that might still be trapped alive inside. My sympathies and condolences go out to those who lost their lives, the injured and the families who will forever bear the scars of this day from hell. But while these heinous acts were carefully planned, in the ultimate sense these terrorists have failed in their mission. They can shake the foundations of skyscrapers, but they cannot break our spirit. We are not broken. We are saddened, but stand firm in our resolve as a country and a people. At this time of national shock, we all stand together as a country in prayer, mourning, and resolve as we join in support of our President as he leads us in the days and weeks ahead. May God bless our nation.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Chairman, only a few short months ago, the members of this House passed, one of the largest tax cuts in over a decade. Now here we are again, debating an energy bill that is as fiscally irresponsible. Just two days ago, the U.S. Treasury announced that it will be forced to borrow $51 billion to pay for the tax rebate checks, instead of paying down the debt as previously planned. The New York Times also cited the Bush Administration as saying that the surplus for this fiscal year could fall by $120 billion below the January estimate. No matter how we slice it, the fact remains that the U.S. Government simply doesn't have enough surplus funds to pay for the recently passed tax cut as well as the tax breaks contained in H.R. 4. Furthermore, H.R. 4 does little to solve America's long-term energy challenges. Its primary focus is on developing non-renewable fuel sources, such as oil, natural gas, and coal, with a lesser emphasis on energy conservation and renewables. H.R. 4 gives over $33 billion to energy companies in the form of tax breaks, all at taxpayer expense. About two-thirds of this tax break goes to oil and gas companies whose profits are at all-time record highs and some of whom have so much surplus cash they haven't yet figured out how to spend it all. From 1999 to 2000, profits for the five largest U.S. oil companies rose 146%, from $16 billion to $40 billion. Exxon-Mobil reported yearly profits of $17.7 billion. A July 30, 2001, Wall Street Journal article reported that, ``Royal Dutch/Shell Oil said it was pumping out about $1.5 million in profit an hour and sitting on more than $11 billion in the bank.'' Even personal salaries for energy executives have skyrocketed. Yearly compensation for executives at the largest energy companies selling power to California rose an average of 253%, with one top executive collecting over $100 million alone. With unprecedented increases in oil company profits, the industry clearly does not need financial assistance from Uncle Sam. Not only is H.R. 4 fiscally unsound, but its provisions allowing drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) reflect an utter disregard for the preservation of America's last remaining untouched wilderness. ANWR is a pristine region, teeming with a wide variety of plant and animal species. To believe that we could drill in ANWR without causing irreversible environmental damage is, at best, overly optimistic. As recently as last month, a corroded pipeline in an Alaskan oil field erupted, causing 420 gallons of crude oil to spill onto Alaskan tundra. This spill is but one of many that have occurred in the 95% of Alaska's North Slope that has already been opened to oil development. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, ANWR contains about 3.2 to 5.2 billion barrels of economically recoverable crude oil. Since the U.S. consumes about 19 million barrels of oil daily, or almost 7 billion barrels of oil annually, even with drilling at top efficiency, the coastal plain would only supply about 2% of America's oil demand. Additionally, if the total amount of oil in this area could be extracted all at once and the ANWR oil was used as the primary oil supply for the U.S., it would only last about 6 to 8 months. Destroying our environmental treasures in search of a quick fix to our energy needs is not the right course of action. During debate on this bill, we will also consider an amendment to increase fuel efficiency standards for light trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Currently, the minimum average mileage per gallon (mpg) standard is 20.7 mpg for the fleet of SUV's produced by an automaker in a given year. The amendment would increase this to 26 mpg by 2005 and then to 27.5 mpg by 2007. This standard has not been changed in five years, and it is time that we allow it to be increased. While the underlying bill would decrease gasoline use by 5 billion gallons between the year 2004 and 2010, this amendment would create a savings of 40 billion gallons of gasoline over that same period. The amendment would increase the minimum average fuel efficiency standard of all cars and light trucks by only 1.3 mpg over what the industry actually produced back in 1987. Opponents of this proposal claim that raising these standards is not feasible and would result in a decrease in safety to SUV passengers. However, this is not the case. In fact, a competition recently sponsored by General Motors and the Department of Energy illustrates this point. Various engineering schools across the country competed to increase the fuel efficiency of one of the larger SUV'S, a Chevrolet Suburban. The winner, University of Wisconsin at Madison, increased the fuel efficiency of this vehicle to 28.05 mpg while maintaining the structural integrity and protections that vehicle affords. In conclusion, passing H.R. 4 today would be highly imprudent. America's long-term energy needs would be better served with an energy policy that places greater emphasis on energy conservation and renewable fuel technologies.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Chairman, it is amazing to sit here and listen to the debate, how a person can go in less than 24 hours from an SOB to a PAL, and there is such glowing praise for one of the Members of this body. Wow, where was that praise last year? Where was it 5 years ago when he introduced the Patients' Bill of Rights? What a turnaround. I know the White House operatives have been looking for somebody to bring forth a poison pill to this bill. The insurance companies, the HMOs, do not like it. The Republicans do not like it; the President does not like it. So what we do in this legislation is sell out the patients. The operatives in the White House came here and were looking for someone to do the poison pill. They looked at the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) and did not get too far there; they looked at the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Ganske) and did not get too far there; then there is a new and sort of popular TV show which I think sums up what happened. My friends, it is called The Weakest Link. They found the weakest link. So, in a hurried fashion, we are presented with that change, which gives insurance companies privileged status; status that doctors do not have, hospitals do not have, but HMOs, health insurance companies, will have under this bill. I think that is sad. Now the opponents of the real Patients' Bill of Rights bill say premiums are going to go up 4 percent. Hundreds of thousands of people are going to lose their health insurance. What is that based on? That is based on a real Patients' Bill of Rights passing, the HMOs not changing their bad practice of denying care to sick people, and all of them being sued. That is what it is based on. However, if a real bill would pass, we know they would change their behavior. No one wants to be sued. But what happens under this bill? They do not have to change their behavior. They can deny us care, ending up in injury, possibly death for the patient, and under the special protections, the preemptions of State laws throughout the country, they are not going to get hit. I ask my colleagues to reject Norwood, or in other words, good-bye.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment, especially the portion dealing with medical savings accounts. What are those? We all know about retirement savings accounts, IRAs; we know about education savings accounts putting money away for your child's education. Now we have medical savings accounts. My question to the proponents is, where are individuals going to get all this money to slug into these various accounts? You have got to pay the mortgage, your gas bill, your heat bill and now you are supposed to have all this money left over to give to your IRA, your education IRA and then a medical IRA. Mr. Chairman, if this passes and becomes law, this is the death knell for employer-sponsored insurance. I say that because only the healthy and the wealthy will be able to put money into medical savings accounts, leaving the rest of us and the sick, to pull the wagon. What will happen is rates will go up, employers will cancel their plan and say, You will have to go into a medical savings account. I can't afford this anymore. Just to prove my point, the author of the amendment, Mr. Thomas the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, said in March of 1998, that it would be not surprising if a health care package uses the Tax Code to get rid of the employer-sponsored insurance system.'' Mr. Chairman, we see it is right here today and if this passes, say good-bye to your employer-sponsored health insurance because the rates are going to be too high for employers to keep it. Again, this plan is for the healthy and wealthy.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on August 26, 2001, the Wisconsin Branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and the Cooperation of Ukrainian Churches and Civic Organizations will commemorate 10 years of Ukrainian independence from the United Soviet Socialist Republics. For over a thousand years, the Ukraine nation and the Ukrainian people have bravely faced adversity and have struggled to gain independence as a sovereign nation. The Ukraine was a country constantly under siege, suffering onslaughts from Muscovy, Poland, Lithuania and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In the 13th century, the empire gradually began to disintegrate into city-states that would become the modem-day countries of Russia and Belarus. The Ukraine was able to gain independence for a very brief period in the mid 1600's and again achieved a brief independence following WWI, from 1917-1918. However, during the inter-war period, the Ukraine was partitioned between the Soviet Union and Poland and remained under the communist regime until 1991. The 20th century history of the Ukraine is marked by the repression of the Soviet regime. In 1986 Americans watched in horror along with the rest of the world as the tragedy of Chernobyl unfolded before our eyes. The Chernobyl disaster, along with the USSR's mishandling of the environmental cleanup, sparked a new spirit of nationalism in the form of ``Rukh,'' the Ukrainian People's Movement for Restructuring. Rukh nationalism and increased freedom brought about by Gorbachev's ``glasnost'' policy led to the declaration of Ukrainian independence on August 24,1991. The years of exploitation by the communist government left the Ukraine struggling to establish a viable socio-economic infrastructure. The residents of the Ukraine, with the assistance of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) are committed to help strengthen Ukraine's development as a democratic, market-orientated state. The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) is a non-profit educational and charitable institution that seeks to preserve and disseminate the rich intellectual and cultural heritage of Ukrainian Americans. The UCCA also serves as a vehicle by which Ukrainian Americans provide humanitarian aid and assistance to the residents of the Ukraine and Ukrainians throughout the former Soviet Union. So, it is with a spirit of hope for the future of the nation of the Ukraine, that I join with the Wisconsin branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and the Cooperation of Ukrainian Churches and Civic Organizations to congratulate the Ukrainian people on 10 years of independence. May the Ukraine prosper and enjoy many more decades of independence, freedom and democracy.

Mr. KLECZKA

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

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the chairman of the committee giving me time to explain the amendment, although I do recognize that a point of order does lay against this proposal. The amendment I offer to the bill would improve veterans' access to prescription drugs by permitting the Veterans Administration to accept the prescriptions written by a veteran's family doctor. As my colleagues listen to this explanation, they might say, gosh, this is common sense. Why is this not being changed today? Well, the current law mandates that the veteran who is going to get a prescription from the VA has to see his primary doctor. In its wisdom a few years ago, Congress permitted nonservice connected disability veterans access to medical care, specifically the drug benefit. However, because of this law, veterans are having to wait 9 months to a year before they can see a Veterans Administration doctor. And once they wait that long, naturally, they have to still go to their local pharmacy and pay the full price for their drugs. But once they finally get through the waiting process, the doctor at the VA will examine the veteran and, for the most part, come to the same conclusion that the veteran's family physician came to, and then they get whatever drug is being prescribed. Well, not only are the veterans being inconvenienced by the long wait, but also the examination by the veteran's physician costs money. It is estimated that each visit to the primary VA doctor, which is duplicative at best, costs about $254. In fact, many times the cost to the veteran's hospital for the VA physician visit is more than the drugs being given to the veteran. The Inspector General testified before a Senate committee on July 24 of this year, and he indicated their recommendation was that this process should be streamlined. They recommended that the VA seek a statutory change authorizing the VA to fill prescriptions written by a veteran's family doctor. The thing that is very important to note is Members here, care, that IG indicated this change would save some $1.3 billion. Now, that cost savings can be plowed back into the veterans' health care and buy a lot of health care and clearly a lot of pharmaceutical drugs for veterans. So, Mr. Chairman, I would hope that the chairman of the subcommittee would drop his request for the point of order. It clearly is appropriate to the bill, especially in light of the fact that this amendment would save the VA budget some $1.3 billion. Point of Order

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Chairman, I do, and in closing and in response to the point of order being raised by the gentleman from New York, I cannot dispute that. In part there is legislating contained in this amendment. But in large part, and I think the gentleman would agree, if in fact the IG is even close to the mark, saving $1.3 billion in the legislation that the gentleman from New York and the gentleman from West Virginia took so much time to put together, and did such a great job on, would come in handy for providing payment for these prescription drugs that these veterans are getting. But I think the gentleman is accurate in his assessment, and I ask the Chair to rule.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to publicly thank Mr. Tom Knitter, an outstanding educator and community leader from my district, who is moving on to a new set of challenges and opportunities in California. Tom Knitter first began teaching social studies and physical education at Pio Nono High School in 1968. Ten years later, when Pio Nono merged with my alma mater, Don Bosco, Tom settled in at the newly formed Thomas More High School, where he became the assistant principal. With Tom as its wrestling coach from 1973 to 1982, the school brought home three state championships. In 1987 he was named principal of Thomas More, and seven years later he became the school's first president. Since that time Tom has worked tirelessly as the school's chief executive officer. He has been responsible for its strategic planning, development, finances, and marketing for the better part of a decade. On July 21, 2001, Tom celebrates his 33-year association with Thomas More High School, and says goodbye, as he leaves for a position with Garces High School in Bakersfield, California. Tom is leaving behind many friends, memories, and most importantly, many lives that were touched by his unparalleled dedication to molding today's students of Thomas More High School into tomorrow's leaders. The people of Bakersfield are privileged to gain the services of a talented educator with such a passion for his work. The void left by the departure of Tom and Josie, his wife of 30 years, will not be easily filled. In addition to his responsibilities as the head of a National Blue Ribbon School, he has worked with groups such as the Healthier Communities Initiative, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Marketing Committee, and the National Catholic Education Association. And so, it is with both great appreciation and sadness that I join the entire community at Thomas More High School in thanking Tom Knitter for his 33 years of exemplary service, and wishing him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, the issue before the House of Representatives today is not whether faith is a positive force or whether churches and synagogues do good work. I think it's safe to assume we all agree that religious organizations play a significant role in providing needed social-welfare programs in every community across the United States. Religious groups have been doing charity work for years, and they have been doing so without the necessity of the legislation before us today. What is of issue, however, is whether Congress should sanction government-funded discrimination and remove the wall between the church and state. By permitting religious groups to discriminate in hiring on the basis of religion, the bill before us today violates the principle of equal protection and endorses taxpayer-funded discrimination. Under the bill, for instance, a religious group can refuse to hire a single mother, a woman using birth control for family planning, or even a person of a different race, if their ``status'' violates the doctrine of that religion. I can support religious institutions using their private funds to hire a rabbi or a priest to lead their congregations in worship, but I do not condone allowing religious groups to discriminate in hiring when receiving public funds. No American should have to pass a religious test to qualify for a federally-funded job. Equally disturbing, this legislation does not provide adequate safeguards and essentially obliterates the wall separating church and state, a core principle of our nation for over 200 years. H.R. 7 introduces a new feature into our social-welfare system that allows federal agencies to convert more than $47 billion in federal funds into vouchers to religious organizations. These vouchers could be used for religious purposes, including the funding of sectarian worship, instruction, and proselytization. As a strong supporter of faith-based organizations, I cannot support this flawed legislation. The Rangel/Conyers Substitute, which includes anti-discrimination protections and safeguards between church and state received my strong endorsement and vote. This Substitute removed from the base bill the provision that permits indirect aid that could be used for religious purposes and clearly stated that religious programs could not engage in sectarian worship, instruction, or proselytization at the same time and place as the government-funded program. It is my hope the senate makes wiser choices during its consideration of this legislation, and the bill's shortcomings are addressed during conference committee. Hopefully, by that point, the measure will be corrected so that I may lend it my support.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, the American flag is a visible symbol of all the elements that make our nation great. A strong military, a system of checks and balances, a government by and for the people. Underlying these ideals is the Constuition and the Bill of Rights, perhaps the most perfect document yet created by man in pursuit of a fair and just government. Central to the Constitution are the rights and freedoms delineated in the Bill of Rights, which has yet to be amended, although over 200 years have passed since these tenets were drafted. Every American is familiar with the first of these amendments, which states unequivocally that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or abridge the freedom of speech. As former Commander of the American Legion Keith A. Kreul states, ``Our nation was not founded on devotion to symbolic idols, but on principles, beliefs and ideals expressed in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. American veterans who have protected our banner in battle have not done so to protect a ``golden calf.'' Instead, they carried the banner forward with reverence for what it represents--our beliefs and freedom for all. Therein lies the beauty of our flag.'' The freedom to publicly voice one's dissent of their government is a quality that separates our great nation from others. The United States of America has a long and proud history of providing this right to its citizens, and I do not believe that the voice of freedom should be muzzled. The amendment to the Constitution before us today, which would allow Congress to prohibit the desecration of our flag, effectively says that we are afraid of a very small number of people who choose-- under the rights granted them in the Constitution--to defile this cherished symbol. While the desecration of our flag generates an almost universal reaction of disgust by Americans, we are strong enough as a nation to allow individuals to express themselves in this manner, and stronger still to resist the urge to stamp out free speech that challenges us. There have been only a very small number of incidents of flag burning over the course of our history. In fact, between 1777 and 1989, there were only 45 reported incidents, and in the years since, fewer than 10 incidents have been reported annually. This hardly merits the first ever change to the Bill of Rights, much less any action that could restrict our most coveted freedom. This resolution is essentially a solution in search of a problem. I oppose this proposed amendment, which diminishes the flag's value by taking away from the freedoms that it represents.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, today Mr. Stark from California and I are introducing the Hospital Investment Act of 2001, which aims to address concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest raised by the advent of free-standing specialty or ``boutique'' hospitals with joint investor-physician ownership arrangements. Over the past several years, we have seen a growing expansion of these ``boutique'' hospitals. Each of these hospitals specializes in one particular area of inpatient procedures--such as heart, orthopedic, or maternity--which is high-volume, high-cost, and high-profit to these new for-profit institutions. Among the many problems associated with these boutique hospitals is the issue of self-referrals, where physicians refer their patients to a hospital in which they have a preferential ownership stake. Under current federal law, a doctor may not refer his patients to a health care facility in which he has a financial interest. This includes clinical laboratory services, physical therapy, speech pathology, radiology services (such as MRIs, CAT scans, and ultrasound) and other auxiliary health services. Before these laws, commonly referred to as Stark I and Stark II, were passed in 1989 and 1993 respectively, the HHS Inspector General had discovered that Medicare patients received 45 percent more laboratory services when the doctor owned the lab than when the doctor did not. One exception to the Stark laws allows a physician to refer patients to a hospital in which he or she has a financial interest, as long as that interest is in the whole hospital and not just a particular department or clinic within. With the proliferation of specialty hospitals, this exception has become a loophole by which physicians can legally refer patients to a boutique hospital in which they have a direct personal financial interest. This preferential ownership provides physicians with increased financial incentives to engage in the very type of overutilization of medical services that the HHS Office of the Inspector General disclosed in its 1989 report, which invariably leads to increased federal Medicare and Medicaid spending without increased quality of patient care. This, as we all know, is the scenario that the Stark laws were designed to prevent in the first place. The bill we are introducing today, the Hospital Investment Act of 2001, would address this problem by tightening the current law to prohibit preferential hospital ownership terms for physicians who wish to be able to refer patients to the facility. Under this legislation, physicians would be allowed to refer patients to a hospital in which they had an ownership interest, but only if the interest was purchased on terms also available to the general public. Physicians and facilities that violate this new law would be subject to a civil monetary penalty of up to $15,000 per referral plus twice the amount billed for the referred service. In cases where there was an arrangement or scheme to refer patients to facilities owned by the physician, penalties could be as high as $100,000 and twice the amount billed for referred services. Also, the physician and specialty hospital would be denied participation in the Medicare program. Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that Congress closes the hospital ownership loophole in the Medicare physician self-referral laws to ensure our nation's health care system is not compromised and to protect the viability of our nation's Medicare and Medicaid programs. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor and support this important legislation.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Chairman, let me thank the gentleman from Michigan for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the amendment to prohibit the Army Corps from issuing any permits to provide for directional drilling for either natural gas or oil on the Great Lakes. Mr. Chairman, I live on a great lake, Lake Michigan. My district borders the lake. I want to point out to the Members, especially those opposed, that Lake Michigan alone provides fresh clear drinking water to about 10 million residents of not only Wisconsin, but also Michigan and Illinois. I hear from the opponents saying we need more drilling and we need more drilling and we need more drilling, but I have yet to hear the word ``conservation.'' I would like to point out to the Members that in the 22 years that drilling has occurred on the Great Lakes, a grand total of 439,000 barrels of crude oil has been extracted. Well, if you would support us and increase the fuel efficiency for automobiles, light trucks, and SUVs by only a small amount, we could save 1 million barrels of crude per day in this country, obviating the need to go into fresh water areas like the Great Lakes, which, as has been said many times, has 20 percent of the world's fresh water, and provide for drilling and looking for crude on that great body of water.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of St. Francis, Wisconsin, which I am proud to say is in my congressional district. The area that is now St. Francis was once home to bands of the Menomonee and Potawatomi nations until the lands were ceded to the U.S. iin the 1830s. Once a French trading post and part of the Northwest Territory, this area was soon settled by farmers, and in 1840, it became part of the Town of Lake. Despite enormous growth in population in the early 1900's and several incorporation attempts, the area remained the Town of Lake for over 100 years. However, as the City of Milwaukee continued to expand after World War II, concerns about being annexed with Milwaukee grew. Determined to maintain a separate identify from Wisconsin's largest city, a small group of area business people and community leaders began to rally support for incorporation. Their efforts paid off, as residents approved the plan by nearly a 3 to 1 margin, and in 1951, the City of St. Francis was born. Incorporation wasn't easy. Banks didn't think the municipality was financially viable, and finding the money to provide city services proved difficult. But the citizens of St. Francis refused to give up on their dream to make their new city a success. Through the adversity grew a very special spirit of community activism and pride. Volunteers put in countless hours, serving on commissions and committees, working on projects and events, helping make St. Francis a wonderful place to live and work. That same community spirit is still alive and well in the City of St. Francis today. Volunteers still sit on municipal committees and plan and run events like the 4th of July Celebration and St. Francis Days. Community organizations and volunteers have joined together to build a community center, a library and a veteran's memorial. And so it is quite fitting that civil groups such as the St. Francis Historical Society are working hard to make the City of St. Francis' 50th anniversary a very special celebration for a very special community. It is with great pleasure that I wish St. Francis a very happy 50th birthday, and extend my best wishes for a long and prosperous future for the city and all its residents.