Joe Knollenberg

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it may be in order anytime on Thursday, February 27, 1997, for the Speaker to declare a recess, subject to the call of the chair, for the purpose of receiving in joint meeting his Excellency, Eduardo Frei, President of the Republic of Chile.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it shall be in order for the Speaker to appoint 2 Members of the House, one upon the recommendation of the minority leader, to represent the House of Representatives at appropriate ceremonies for the observance of George Washington's birthday to be held on Thursday, February 20, 1997.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding any adjournment of the House until Tuesday, February 25, 1997, the Speaker, majority leader and minority leader be authorized to accept resignations and to make appointments authorized by law or by the House.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns on Wednesday, February 26, 1997, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 27.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the business in order under the Calendar Wednesday rule be dispensed with on Wednesday next.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, the fundraising scandals of the 1996 Presidential election have moved campaign finance reform to the front burner of the agenda for the 105th Congress. Things like the ever- expanding influence of special and large contributions from non-U.S. citizens have eroded the public's confidence in our democratic process and left far too many Americans demoralized and in fact disenfranchised. At the same time, while the level of attention has increased significantly in just the last few months, most observers agree that the chances of passing a comprehensive overhaul of our campaign finance system in this Congress remain very, very slim. I happen to agree with that assessment. Currently, we have a Democrat in the White House, we have the Republicans in control of both Houses. Asking us to pass a comprehensive bill now would be like asking two football teams to overhaul the rules of the game while it is being played. Instead, I believe that we should take a series of incremental steps toward reform and correcting the most glaring and immediate problems of the current system, while leaving the larger issues to a time when the chances of passing a comprehensive bill are more realistic. I rise today to introduce what I believe should be the first step: the Common Sense Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1997. This bill is designed to remedy the most pressing problems, and I say again, the most pressing problems of our current system, namely, the influx of special interest and foreign money into the Nation's campaign coffers. First, and this chart I think says it all very well, my bill would require that House and Senate candidates limit their PAC contributions to 35 percent, as represented by this graph. Second, there is a limit on outside donors. Candidates can raise no more than 35 percent of their individual contributions, I am talking about individual contributions, from donors who live outside their districts for House Members or outside the State for Senators. Then finally, limit foreign money. Candidates may not accept contributions from people who are ineligible to vote. So one, two, three; it is very simple. This would address the concerns raised by the amount of money that came from non-U.S. citizens during the 1996 election, and it would also, I think, crack down on efforts to circumvent individual contribution limits by funneling money through the children of rich donors. Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe that if we try to swallow campaign finance reform whole instead of taking smaller bites, we ultimately choke. Instead, we should adopt what I believe this is, a more realistic and commonsense approach to focus on getting the job done. That is what I think the American people want, and that is what my bill offers. Again, three steps, if the camera can pick this up, one, two, and three, that is all there is to it, but it goes a long way, I believe, toward commonsense reform, reform we can do now. I urge my colleagues to become cosponsors.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that for today all Members be permitted to extend their remarks and to include extraneous material in the section of the Record entitled ``Extension of Remarks.''

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a person special to Livonia, MI: Father George Shalhoub. For the last 25 years, Fr. George has been a spiritual leader, church builder, educator, loyal husband, and father. He was the driving force that built St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, making the church what it is today. Born in Lebanon, George Shalhoub immigrated to America and in 1972 he married his wife, Nouhad, was ordained as a priest, and assigned to the newly established St. Mary Orthodox Church within 2 weeks. After the birth of their first child the following year, St. Mary's broke ground for the new church and fellowship building. In March 1976, the congregation, led by Fr. Shalhoub, celebrated its first divine liturgy in their own church. After years of building, growth, and progress, tragedy struck in April 1996, testing the strength of the Fr. Shalhoub and the entire St. Mary's family. Their church was destroyed by fire. But just 6 months later, thanks to the hard work, leadership, and dedication of Fr. Shalhoub, St. Mary's was resurrected from the flames like the phoenix. This week George, Nina, their four children, and the entire St. Mary's congregation celebrate 25 years of strength, dedication, commitment, and faith. I extend my heartiest congratulations on their special anniversary.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a loyal and dedicated officer to the community of South Lyon in Oakland County, MI. David LaFond celebrated his 25th year on the South Lyon police force on January 26, 1997. David began his career in law enforcement on August 11, 1963, with the city of Northville. He transferred to South Lyon in 1972 and has served 25 dedicated years since. He was promoted to sergeant in 1977 and in 1990, became the first lieutenant in South Lyon police history. Currently, David serves as the second in command of the South Lyon department and, for the past 12 years, has been the officer in charge of all department investigations. Mr. LaFond has been awarded many citations and letters of commendation during his years of service. He has acted as director of public safety and served on the West Oakland major crime team since its inception. In 1994, he was elected the team coordinator. The dedication of David LaFond exemplifies his commitment to making South Lyon a safer place for our families. He is a loyal public servant who deserves the recognition, honors, and accolades he receives.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to day to introduce the Public Housing Tenant Integrity Act of 1997. This bill amends section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code and section 904 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendment Act to allow the Housing and Urban Development Administration [HUD] to fight fraud and abuse that has developed when public housing tenants fail to fully disclose or update their income. As we move into the 21st century, budgetary constraints will continue to limit nondefense discretionary spending. Public housing is not immune from these constraints. Though Congress and HUD have taken steps to prepare housing for the future, there is still room for improvement. One area I believe we can make substantial inroads is to eliminate fraud and abuse. By aggressively attacking existing fraud and abuse, we can squeeze every dollar appropriated for public housing and direct it effectively to those most in need. We can also assure the American taxpayer that tenants pay their fair share. As most of you know, when an individual applies for public housing, the key qualification is income. An applicant who meets the income requirement is required to pay rent equal to 30 percent of their income. The taxpayer subsidizes the rest. Unfortunately, housing agencies do not have independent sources to verify the applicant's wage and income data, even if the housing agency suspects the individual underreported income. Moreover, the system encourages residents to underreport their income when they apply for housing. Despite the lack of a nationwide study, HUD has estimated the abuse at $300 million annually. Further, the General Accounting Office [GAO] issued a 1992 report that found unreported income abuse could be as high as 21 percent. Others have projected a reasonable estimate between 5 and 10 percent which is consistent with other Federal benefit programs. Whatever the number, fighting this abuse and stopping individuals who defraud the Federal Government is a commonsense goal. Congress, HUD, and others have long recognized the need to address this particular problem and in 1988 Congress passed the Steward B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act. The McKinney Act provided State agencies with the authority to disclose wage and unemployment data to HUD and housing authorities, but not to owners or managers. This program was somewhat successful, but it expired in October 1994. Then in 1993, Congress passed the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. It contained a provision which permits the Social Security Administration [SSA] and the Internal Revenue Service [IRS] to disclose earned and unearned income data to HUD. However, and this is very important, it did not provide for the redisclosure of income data to those local entities who directly service and oversee the tenants. This particular program was first implemented in 1996 and matches information reported by the tenant with earned and unearned income reported to the SSA and IRS. If a discrepancy exists, HUD notifies the local housing authority that a particular tenant has underreported their income, but HUD is prohibited from disclosing how much the discrepancy is or where it exists. Thus, the local housing authority must launch their own investigation or have the tenant voluntarily disclose the information, despite the fact HUD has the information they need. HUD also informs the tenant, requesting he or she redisclose to the housing agencies their true income. Unfortunately, the individual must voluntarily do this and without giving local entities the information already complied the true effectiveness of this program will be diminished. As you can see, steps have been taken to fight those who abuse the system, but the final step still remains. The Public Housing Tenant Integrity Act of 1997 builds on this foundation by making it possible for HUD to share the information it has to local housing agencies. Allowing local agencies to receive this information is a logical step, and it makes perfect sense. After all, local agencies are on the front line and work with public housing tenants every day. One area of concern with computer matching is preventing the illegal disclosure of Federal tax data. However, safeguards currently exist between, and I believe we can develop further safeguards to protect the interests of all those involved including Congress and the IRS. Moreover, I believe Congress has an obligation to the taxpayer that public housing assistance is a benefit not a right. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is designed to stop individuals who defraud the government of hundreds of millions of dollars annually. We have the technology to fight this fraud and abuse and passage of the Public Housing Tenant Integrity Act is needed to provide local housing authorities with the necessary tools to do just that. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this commonsense legislation.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill that addresses an injustice that exists within title 11 of the United States Code regarding single asset bankruptcies. This is the same language I introduced during the 104th Congress as H.R. 2815. My understanding is that the Judiciary Committee will include this measure in their technical corrections bill; however, I am introducing this bill as stand alone legislation to highlight the importance of this specific provision. I also understand that the Bankruptcy Commission has placed a particular focus on single asset bankruptcy and they recently held hearings in Washington, DC, to discuss this important issue. The injustice within title 11 stems from an 11th hour decision made during the 103d Congress, which placed an arbitrary $4 million ceiling on the single asset provisions of the bankruptcy reform bill. The effect has been to render investors helpless in foreclosures on single assets valued over $4 million. My bill will rectify this problem, by eliminating the $4 million ceiling, thereby allowing creditors to recover their losses. Under the current law, chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code becomes a legal shield for the debtor. Upon the investor's filing to foreclose, the debtor preemptively files for chapter 11 protection which postpones foreclosure indefinitely. While in chapter 11, the debtor continues to collect the rents on the commercial asset. However, the commercial property typically is left to deteriorate and the property taxes go unpaid. When the investor finally recovers the property through the delayed foreclosure, they owe an enormous amount in back taxes, they receive a commercial property left in deterioration which has a lower rent value and resale value, and meanwhile, the rent for all the months or years they were trying to retain the property went to an uncollectible debtor. My bill does not leave the debtor without protection. First, the investor brings a foreclosure against a debtor only as a last resort. This usually comes after all other efforts to reconcile delinquent mortgage payments have failed. Second, the debtor has up to 90 days to reorganize under chapter 11. It should be noted, however, that single asset reorganizations are typically a false hope since the owner of a single asset does not have other properties from which he can recapitalize his business. Finally, Mr. Speaker, my bill helps all American families by making their investments more secure and more valuable. The hardworking American families who depend on their life insurance policies and who have paid for years into their pensions will save millions in reduced costs. My bill protects the little guy from being plagued with years of litigation while a few unscrupulous commercial property owners continue to collect the rent to line their own pockets.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Job Skill Development Act of 1997. This is a narrowly tailored bill which amends the Fair Labor Standards Act [FLSA] of 1938 to ease some of the restrictions on volunteering. The FLSA requires covered employers to compensate individuals defined as an ``employee'' with minimum wage and overtime. While there are numerous exceptions for volunteers, these exceptions primarily focus on humanitarian and charitable activities. Unfortunately, individuals seeking to gain valuable work experience and exposure in a competitive profession are often prohibited from doing so because of restrictions on volunteering. The FLSA revolves around a complex scheme of regulations and exceptions. When the Department of Labor and the Federal courts determine who is and is not exempt, they take into account the type of services provided by the individual, who benefits from the rendering of the services, and how long it takes to provide the services. Some of the most common exceptions are for trainees or student learners better known as interns. These exceptions were developed because of their educational benefit as well as the potential to learn valuable skills for future employment. However, just as the FLSA protects some, it can be an obstacle for others. Capitol Hill provides an excellent example. Each year hundreds of college and high school students travel to Washington, DC, for interships. Many of these positions are unpaid or offer a stipend, well below the minimum wage and overtime requirements. These individuals gain a better understanding of the legislative process, develop office skills, and make contacts that are invaluable in securing employment. Meanwhile, the employer is able to evaluate the intern in a work environment. For both it is a win-win situation. Two particular individuals on my staff volunteered in my office for several months before they were hired on as full-time paid employees. However, because these two staffers were recent college graduates and produced work that benefited my office, they would have been prohibited from volunteering their services if at the time I would have been forced to comply with the FLSA. Though Congress has since passed the Congressional Accountability Act and now must adhere to the FLSA, the point is not moot. Congress and hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals over the years have benefited from such programs. In fact, many have become employed for the first time because of the opportunity and experience they gain through interning. I hope we could learn from these instances and not turn our backs on those who wish to gain valuable work experience. Moreover, as we enter the 21st century and the global marketplace becomes even more competitive, we must strive to help those who wish to enter the work force. Programs like Careers and School to Work offer some the opportunity to gain the necessary skills to compete, but there is still room for improvement. Congress cannot standby and allow individuals to forego valuable training experience because we have failed to act. The Job Skill Development Act will offer outstanding opportunities for future work forces. Its passage will help college graduates and individuals who have been out of the work force develop the professional skills and experience they need to become employed. It is a great job training program that does not cost the taxpayers a dime. As I mentioned before, this legislation is narrowly tailored and while it eases the restrictions on volunteer activity, it does not jeopardize the important safeguards against employer coercion and worker displacement. Moreover, the intent is not to undermine any of the requirements of minimum wage and overtime, but focuses on providing individuals with the opportunity to gain the necessary skills to become gainfully employed. Mr. Speaker, it is time to give future work forces the same opportunity Congress and many hill staffers have benefited from for many years. I look forward to working with my colleagues on passage of the Job Skill Development Act of 1997.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill to ensure that a computer owner may authorize the activation of their computer by a third party for the limited purpose of servicing computer hardware components. This is the same language that I worked with former Chairman Carlos Moorhead to include in H.R. 1861, section 7, ``Limitations on Exclusive Rights; Computer Programs,'' during the 104th Congress. Under suspension of the rules, H.R. 1861 was passed by voice vote. The specific problem is when a computer is activated, the software is copied into the Random Access Memory [RAM]. This copy is protected under section 117 of the Copyright Act, as interpreted by the Fourth and Ninth Circuits Court of Appeals. This technical correction is extremely important to Independent Service Organizations [ISO's] who, without this legislation, are prohibited from turning on a customer's computer. A wave of litigation has plagued the computer repair market. The detrimental effect is that ISO's are prevented from reading the diagnostics software and subsequently cannot service the computer's hardware. The financial reality is that the multibillion dollar nationwide ISO industry is at risk. My bill provides language that authorizes third parties to make such a copy of the limited use of servicing computer hardware components. My bill does nothing to threaten the integrity of the Copyright Act and maintains all other protections under the act. The intent of the Copyright Act is to protect and encourage a free marketplace of ideas. However, in this instance, it hurts the free market by preventing ISO's from servicing computers. Furthermore, it limits the consumer's choice of who can service their computer and how competitive a fee can be charged.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Elaine Skarritt who will retire after 24 years of dedicated service to Milford Township, MI. A devoted servant and loyal friend to all residents in Milford Township, Elaine has a distinguished career and reputation throughout the State. She was the charter president of the Michigan Association of Clerks and also served as a past president of the Michigan Townships Association. Elaine is so popular in the community, she was selected by the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year in 1982, as well as being named a Distinguished Graduate of Milford High School in 1990. The recognition she has received from the community is a testament to her standing in the community. It also shows how much Elaine will be missed. Since 1972, Elaine has run every election in Milford Township with a fair and even hand. She also achieved accreditation by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, the highest professional accomplishment for a municipal clerk. She is only the 54th clerk worldwide to receive such an honor. Elaine Skarritt is a model citizen, community leader, and public servant. Her hard work and dedication is reflected in the praise and friendships she has throughout the community. Congratulations Elaine. We wish you a long and healthy retirement.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Robert H. Long who will retire next week after 29 years of dedicated service to Commerce Township, MI. A lifelong resident of Commerce, public service has come naturally to Bob, just as it did for his father, a former township supervisor and State legislator. After being appointed as Commerce Township supervisor in 1967, he was elected in 1968 and began his distinguished career. Bob has also served as a member of several boards and associations, including the Michigan Townships Association and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. For over a quarter of a century, Bob Long has been a model supervisor. He has balanced the budget with one of the lowest tax rates in the area, still managing to implement impressive improvements in the roads, sewers, drainage, and other infrastructure projects. In the years of development and growth, Bob Long has met the challenges of the times with professionalism and compassion. He has maintained Commerce Township's environment by securing the preservation of vulnerable wetlands areas and acquiring a 500-acre natural park with 15,000 newly planted trees. Bob led the fight to prevent annexation of sections of Commerce to neighboring cities. And he was instrumental in bringing a senior center and full-service hospital to the Lakes area. Bob Long is a model citizen and public servant. His hard work and dedication are reflected not only in the books, but the beauty of Commerce Township. Congratulations, Bob. We wish you a long and healthy retirement.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, by the way, I agree with the previous speaker. Mr. Speaker, drug use by teenagers has exploded in this country, yet the President only seems to want to ignore it. Now we have found out that the FDA is trying to prevent parents from purchasing a home drug testing kit. Why? Because families won't be able to address the issue correctly, and it will cause family discord. Can they be serious? A recent poll showed that 96 percent of parents felt they should have the right to direct and control the upbringing and discipline of their children. The President wants to let the FDA eliminate smoking and cigarettes, but he won't even give parents a chance to handle their own teenager's drug use. This is the last straw. The President and the FDA have lost it. Maybe they did inhale. I yield back the balance, urging the FDA to just don't do it.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I guess we should be happy. After weeks of distortions and millions of dollars of AFL-CIO deceptions, and some downright crazy claims about the 104th Congress, the President has finally come clean. His acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention and his recent campaign speeches trumpeting his support for our agenda and our outstanding successes kind of amazes me. In fact, the President took credit for 14 different initiatives that Republicans promised. How is that for extreme? Is he stealing Republican ideas, or, as Jay Leno says, maybe he is just borrowing them until after the election. It seems as if the only extremism is the extreme way the President wants to be reelected. Now his own party must not even know where he stands. As some of my friends on the other side of the aisle say, if you do not like where the President is, just wait a while. I guess they hope he will come around, just like in 1992. I yield back the balance of the President's Republican agenda.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I, too, want to pay tribute to the outstanding work of my good friend, the chairman, John Myers, and ranking member, Tom Bevill. I can tell you that it really is not a partisan or challenging or confrontational kind of committee. With these two gentlemen they have been kind of like family. I do not suggest to you that it always is calm and cool, but for the most part it really is. I think it is, it really is a case where we must and should be obligated, are obligated to salute these two fine gentlemen for all their work. I have come to know them, I think, very closely, and I value their friendship and wish them both the very, very best in their future endeavors. I understand they both have something lined up, so good luck on all of that. I rise in strong support of this conference report for the Energy and Water Appropriations Act for 1997. I believe it is a good bill, and you have heard the story. It may not be perfect, but we must not let perfection become the enemy of good. I urge my colleagues on both sides to support the conference report. As with every other appropriations bill, this conference report is a product of some tough choices. We do not simply spread the pain evenly among the programs in our jurisdiction, because I think that causes a fault of subsidizing in many cases failure, programs that should be in fact downsized or terminated. Instead what we did, we prioritized spending program by program based on their efficiency and their national importance. One thing that I like about this bill is the committee continued commitment to basic research and development especially when the nature of the research is such that it may take years or even decades to complete. It is the proper role of the Federal Government to support basic research. I am concerned that too often, however, we support applied technology and commercialization interfering with the marketplace at the expense of basic research. The portion of this bill which I am very enthusiastic about is the initiation of the closure project fund. The conference report includes money for this fund which will accelerate the decommissioning and cleanup of former defense nuclear facilities. By stabilizing, consolidating and removing nuclear material from the facilities more rapidly, we will ensure a safer environment for our workers and our communities. To qualify for the closure project funds, the sites must demonstrate and validate several criteria including a project completion date within 10 years of the application. Mr. Speaker, the closure project fund is a type of program that can save the EM from becoming a century-long spending fiasco. What we need and what the closure projects fund incentives is a responsible manageable cleanup program to bring closure to the EM program and free up the Department of Energy's largest fiscal expenditure for budget deficit reduction. We see this as a first step toward an accelerated cleanup program with a defined ending. We anticipate that this fund will play a much more significant role in the years to come. This is again a good conference report. I encourage my colleagues to support this conference report. I thank the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Myers] for yielding me this time.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, as has been mentioned for more than 200 years our Nation has been a melting pot of cultures and nationalities united by one common bond--our English language. WHen our ancestors came to America, they came to this country knowing they had to learn English to survive. Today, our melting pot has become a patchwork quilt of cultures, isolated because they cannot speak English. They aren't assimilating into our society like our ancestors did. Our current bilingual policies are shredding the common bond that has made our Nation great. Today you can get a drivers license if you don't speak English. You can get forms to vote. You can apply for Social Security and welfare, all in scores of different languages. And bilingual education classes allow immigrant children to never learn English. By making it easy for those who come to America, we have ripped the heart out of our national unity. We have shredded our common bond, leaving behind the legacy of our ancestors--new and old--who worked so hard to learn English. Now, opponents of official English will demonize the bill. They are wrong. We want you to speak your own languages, and celebrate your cultures. But English--our common thread--must be the official language. Mr. Chairman, my district is one of the most diverse districts in the Nation. In West Bloomfield more than 60 different ethnic groups attend schools and in Farmington, 45. Administrators, teachers, and the students themselves say making English our common language is the only way they can get along. It creates a common bond across ethnic lines that each student shares. Testimony after testimony show that people must speak English to be successful. A quote by a Houston farmer Ernesto Ortiz says it best. ``My children learn Spanish in school so they can grow up to be busboys and waiters. I teach them English at home so they can become lawyers and doctors.'' English is overwhelmingly supported by the American public. A recent USA Today poll found 97 percent of Americans feel English should be the official language. And more than 23 States have laws making English official, including one signed by then Governor, now President Clinton. Oppose these weakening amendments. Support our common bond. Help make English as our official language. Oppose the Serrano substitute.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 382. I was in the Rayburn Room. The beeper and the bells failed to function and I missed the above vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' personal explanation

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a special person and true hero--Livonia native and Olympic champion--Sheila Taormina. A member of the United States' winning 4 by 200-meter freestyle relay team, Taormina is an example of perseverance, dedication, and training. At 27, Taormina is somewhat of a veteran in her sport. With teenagers winning medals in handfuls, Sheila stands out as the first American masters swimmer to win gold. Swimming the third leg of the relay, she helped the U.S. team set an Olympic and American record. Not only did the Clarenceville High School graduate grab Olympic gold, she also shared her victory on the pool deck with her teammates and President Clinton and his family. Swimming at the Clarenceville Swim Club, Sheila and her coach Greg Phill worked hard to make the Olympic team. Sheila also owes a debt of gratitude to her employers at Northern Engraving Corp., in Livonia. After deciding to quit her job at Northern Engraving, her bosses Aurel Mailath and Philip Gelatt decided to give her a leave of absence, allowing Sheila the flexibility to pursue her dream of Olympic glory. And now it has paid off with gold. Sheila is hero for our community and our country. Her hard work, dedication, and Olympic victory is an inspiration not only to everyone at the Clarenceville Swim Club, but all swimmers, young and old, throughout the United States. I am proud of Sheila. Her great, golden effort has made our community smile.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding this time to me, and I appreciate the mention of Bloomfield. It is my home. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule. This rule would allow us to continue the debate not only on campaign finance but on the important issue of a workers right to know. Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that the union leaders grab anywhere from $709 to $2,019 each year in membership dues. Yet, if you asked the worker how his or her hard-earned money is spent, they probably could not tell you. After all, Mr. Speaker, union leaders like nothing more than to have their rank and file uninformed about their actions. And when they do decide to inform its membership or the public, it is a sad commentary on truthfulness. Just ask the radio and TV stations who have pulled union ads because of mistruths, distortions, and outright lies. Mr. Speaker, it is time to let the Sun shine in. Language in H.R. 3760 lets union members decide for themselves whether they want their hard-earned union dues to go toward political scare tactics and misinformation. Whether you are for or against a balanced budget or increasing minimum wage, H.R. 3760 empowers each and every union member to see how their money is spent and object to dues taken out beyond those necessary for collective bargaining purposes. Mr. Speaker, this is a good rule. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote for the rule and allow us to continue the debate. Employees have the right to know.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, here they go again. No ideas, so let us scare America with White House distortions and union leader lies. Before Republicans took control of Congress last year, the President's 1995 budget had a rising deficit. Now overnight he is a budget hawk. There is no real surprise here. The winds have shifted so the President has changed his sails. But here is the truth: It is the Republican-led Congress that has cut the deficit. It has been cut $43 billion just last year. Yet the President has the gall to take the credit. It is like the rooster taking credit for the sunrise. We would have saved even more if the President had not stood in our way. He has literally fought against deficit reduction by begging for more spending on pet programs. The only areas where the spending continues to grow out of control is Medicare and Medicaid, more than $50 billion. Yet when we tried to address the problem, he looked the other way. What we get from the White House leadership is a steady stream of whining because they cannot cut themselves off from the spending gravy train. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of White House promises withering on the vine.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, what really is going on with the President. I know he likes to change his mind and switch his position, but this week, the President and his friends were in rare form. We know the President has promised to reform welfare as we know it. Yet he has managed to veto reform twice behind thinly veiled excuses. Then he supported Wisconsin's reform in a speech, but changed his mind. Then he spoke to the Nation's Governors and said he supported welfare reform, but the next day, his handlers were changing his tune. The very next day, Leon Panetta said the President would veto the House-passed welfare reform. And on Sunday, Vice President Gore said the very same thing. The following day in Denver, the President changed his mind again saying he thinks he can support welfare reform. I can not wait for tomorrow. With the President flipping around more than a fish out of water, who knows where he will land. But remember, as my Democrat friends have said, if you do not like the President's position, just wait awhile. With all the flips and flops, it may soon be called the Waffle House. I yield back the balance of broken Clinton promises.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I just happened to hear some things I thought I should respond to because some folks have the impression that nothing is really happening here; we just slide these numbers around, everything is cool, everything is kind of like nice. Let me just tell my colleagues a little bit about what is happening here. Some think we are not taking away; we are just squeezing out of nowhere. We are not. Let me tell my colleagues the Schaefer-Klug amendment adds wind energy, $22\1/2\ million; photovoltaic energy, $7 million; solar energy, $2 million; solar international, $2 million; resources assessment, $2 million; energy storage systems, $2 million; solar building technology, $1 million; the wrecking program which, by the way, was blown out by last year's committee entirely. And what does it take away? These are the things it takes away: nuclear safety, domestic environmental waste cleanup, the fusion program, environmental and biological research, including the human genome project, lab safety and improvement program, medical isotopes program which provide isotopes for hospitals, environment, safety, health and improvement activities which help ensure worker and public safety, environmental restoration, and it goes on. Those are the things that are being taken away. So do not think this is just something we are slipping out of the air. I would also remind Members, maybe they did not know that this committee provided $10 million more than last year, this year. The President's request, by the way, was $64 million higher than DOE's own request to OMB. The committee provided 18 percent more than fiscal year 1991. Mr. Chairman, this is the kicker. I think it is important. Mr. Chairman, this committee this year provided $231 million for solar and renewable technology R&D, plus out of the basic energy services, $18 million for solar and renewable related basic research, for a grand total of $419 million; not small potatoes.