Jerry Lewis

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce an important piece of legislation, the Methamphetamine Elimination Act. This bill will take great strides in ridding our Nation of the dangerous drug, methamphetamine. Methamphetamine, or ``meth,'' is truly a terrifying drug. It is highly addictive and, with repeated use, can cause extreme nervousness, paranoia, and dramatic mood swings. Unfortunately, meth use goes hand in hand with brutal child abuse and domestic violence. Often, children, the innocent bystanders, are neglected or abused by parents who are involved with meth production or use. Methamphetamine is fast becoming the crack epidemic of the 1990's. Meth production and use is a nationwide problem, cutting across all income and racial divisions; the impact, however, is disproportionally felt in California. The Drug Enforcement Agency [DEA] has identified California as a ``source country'' of methamphetamine with literally hundreds of clandestine laboratories, or ``clan labs,'' located throughout the State. Clan labs have proliferated at such a pace that California officials now consider them major threats to the public, law enforcement and public communities, even the environment. In just 1996, the Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement [BNE] raided 835 clan labs in California, up from 465 in 1995. Just think of that 835 labs seized in California in 1 year--almost one every 10 hours. Clearly, California is on the front line in the war on methamphetamine. As a result, California is in desperate need to help to fight this wicked drug. The Methamphetamine Elimination Act would provide $18 million to the Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement to fight meth through a 5-point strategy. Specifically, funds from this legislation will be used to hire, train, and equip 126 sworn and nonsworn law enforcement staff to do the following: First, establish enforcement teams to target chemical sources and major traffickers/organizations. Second, establish an intelligence component to provide strategic and tactical support to meth enforcement teams. Third, establish a forensics component within the BNE to provide on- site laboratory services. Lab site analysis--in addition to providing for the immediate safety of law enforcement personnel--will allow BNE to bring to bear law enforcement services not currently available. Fourth, develop clan lab training for law enforcement officers. Training involves basic classes covering the danger of the labs and chemical agents used in the manufacture of meth. Fifth, establish a community outreach program to promote public awareness, the primary focus of which will be young people. This strategy is designed to coincide with the National Methamphetamine Strategy, which was based upon work by Federal, State and local law enforcement officials during the National Methamphetamine Conference held in Washington, DC last year. There is widespread support for the implementation of this strategy, including the support of the California Sheriff's Association, the California Chiefs of Police Association and the District Attorneys Association. The time has come to devote significant Federal resources to this nationwide problem. In the last Congress, we passed comprehensive legislation to address the meth problems. Now, we need to assist States like California that are on the front lines of this battle. Therefore, I strongly urge support for the Methamphetamine Elimination Act.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to join my friend and colleague, Congressman George Brown in introducing the San Timoteo Creek Assessment Elimination and Environmental Restoration Act of 1997. This important legislation will allow the San Timoteo Creek flood control project to move forward while eliminating proposed local assessments. This act will also provide the added flexibility for the local sponsor--County of San Bernardino, to make the project more environmentally sensitive. Let me briefly explain what this straightforward legislation will accomplish. This bill will allow the local sponsor of the San Timoteo Creek Project to repay its 25 percent cost share to the Federal Government over a 30 year period instead of the traditional payment when construction begins. The generic authority to repay the local sponsor cost share over a 30 year period is specified in the Water Resources Development Act [WRDA] of 1986. This legislation applies that statute to the San Timoteo Creek Project. The San Timoteo Creek feature of the Santa Ana Mainstem project will cost roughly $60 million. The local cost share is $15 million. However, a portion of the local cost share has already been provided through the construction of Reach 1 and Reach 2 of the project. Construction on Reach 2 of the project is currently underway. The Corps of Engineers and the local sponsor are currently discussing the idea of modifying Reach 3 in order to keep the project's construction moving forward while the corps, the local sponsor and environmental groups develop an environmentally sensitive and cost effective design modification further upstream. The threat of flooding along the San Timoteo Creek is very real. The San Timoteo Creek portion is one of the smaller features of the Santa Ana Mainstem project which also includes the Seven Oaks Dam in Mentone. This project is extremely vital in order to provide flood protection for Redlands, Loma Linda, and San Bernardino. Furthermore, protection from a 100 year flood event will also lower the flood insurance rates of homeowners and small businesses which are currently in the flood plain. the overall Santa Ana River Mainstem project will protect millions of people and property in San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange Counties valued in the billions of dollars when it is completed. Congressman Brown and I recently discussed the concept of this legislation with San Bernardino County Supervisor Dennis Hansberger, Loma Linda Mayor Floyd Petersen, and other elected officials, and representatives from local environmental groups, including the local chapter of the Sierra Club. I am pleased that these discussions have helped to develop this legislation which, if enacted, will go a long way toward addressing the concerns of those individuals, families and businesses which live within the proposed assessment district, locally elected officials, environmental groups, and the American taxpayer.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the outstanding bravery of a dedicated group of firefighters in California, the El Cariso Hot Shots. Over 30 years ago, a dozen men gave their lives and many more were injured while fighting a particularly dangerous fire in a steep canyon near Pacoima. On November 1, 1966, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service firefighting crew, was trapped by flames in the Loop Fire. The El Cariso Hot Shots were constructing a fireline downhill into a chimney canyon and were within 200 feet of completing their assignment when a sudden shift of winds caused a spot fire directly below where the crew was working. Within seconds, flames raced uphill, engulfing the firefighters in temperatures exceeding 2,500 degrees. The fire flashed through the canyon in less than 1 minute trapping many in the crew. Ten brave El Cariso Hot Shots perished on the Loop Fire that day and another two died in the following days. Many of those who survived, were critically burned and remained hospitalized for some time. Gerald Smith, who brought this heroic action to my attention, suffered third degree burns on his face, hands, arms, and legs and has had over 20 surgical operations as a result of his injuries. After overcoming many personal challenges, he has now completed training as a registered nurse and is making a difference in the lives of many people. Mr. Speaker, in November 1996--the 30th anniversary of this tragedy-- a monument was erected and dedicated to the firefighters of the Loop Fire. Over the years, the lessons of the Loop Fire have been shared with other firefighters around the world and have saved many lives. I believe it is only appropriate that the House remember the names of those firefighters below who lost their lives as well as those who survived the Loop Fire of 1966. Those who lost their lives include: Raymond Chee, James Moreland, Michael White, John Figlo, William Waller, Joel Hill, Steven White, Carl Shilcutt, John Verdugo, Daniel Moore, Kenneth Barnhill, and Frederick Danner. Those who survived the Loop Fire include: Gordon King, Warren Burchett, Glen Spady, Joseph Smalls, Edward Cosgrove, Rodney Seewald, Stephen Bowman, Charles Gibson, Franklin Keesling, Jerry Gunter, William Davidson, Thomas Sullivan, Gerald Smith, William Parshall, John Moore, Richard Leak, Robert Chounard, Patrick Chase, and Thomas Rother.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the fine work and outstanding public service of Kevin ``Casey'' Genther, the commander of American Legion Rim of the World Post No. 360. Casey will be relinquishing his position in July after 2 years of remarkable service to our community. Casey has played an instrumental role in the growth and success of American Legion Post No. 360 since he assumed his position upon the resignation of the previous commander. In that time, the enrollment of new members has increased by 20 percent. Casey has also been the driving force in getting Rim of the World Post No. 360 to participate in the activities of the Mountain Thrift Shoppe, a nonprofit resale store that benefits nine charitable and service organizations in our mountain community. In addition, donations and grants to local organizations in need of financial support have increased fivefold during his tenure in office. Casey has also made a major contribution to local educational efforts and the lives of young people in our community. Scholarship funding for local high school graduates has increased from $350 to $4,000. Educational incentive grants for graduates of the local continuing education school have risen considerably. In addition, Casey has formalized the annual American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest. He has also overseen a 100-percent increase in attendance at Boy's State and Girl's State by local high school juniors. Since Casey assumed his leadership position, Post No. 360 has sent eight local teachers to teaching workshops at the Freedom Foundation in Valley Forge, PA. Mr. Speaker, Casey Genther has made a remarkable difference in the lives of many people through his leadership of the American Legion Rim of the World Post No. 360. His many contributions toward the betterment of Post No. 360, local education, and our community is certainly worthy of our appreciation and recognition. It is only appropriate that the House recognize Commander Genther today.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the recent passing of Alexandra Apostolides Sonenfeld, a role model and inspiration to many throughout California. Alexandra died in her sleep in San Francisco on July 26, 1996, just 10 days shy of her 100th birthday. Alexandra Sonenfeld was born on August 6, 1896, in Sokraki on the Island of Corfu, Greece. One of nine children of Father Mandilla, a priest, and Barbara Chondroyianis, a schoolteacher, Alexandra accompanied her father on a trip to the United States when she was 10 years old. She remained in the United States until her recent passing, never rejoining her family in Sokraki. Alexandra married Dr. Emmanuel Apostolides at the age of 20 and together they settled in San Francisco and raised three children-- Alexander, Zoe, and Kleo. Her first husband passed away and she later married her second husband, Howard Sonenfeld. In 1929, Alexandra Sonenfeld opened her home to wives of the members of the Order of AHEPA in San Francisco to discuss the formation of a women's auxiliary. Shortly thereafter, the first chapter of the Daughters of Penelope was established. In 1931, the Daughters of Penelope was chartered and incorporated in the State of California as a nonprofit organization. In the decade that followed, Alexandra Sonenfeld devoted her time to the development and expansion of this organization across the United States as well as the formulation of bylaws and a constitution. In 1939, she was elected the first grand president of the Daughters of Penelope. Over the years, this worthy organization has grown to its current 390 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, including 4 chapters in Greece. Mr. Speaker, words do not begin to convey the love and admiration with which Alexandra Sonenfeld was held by her family, friends, and supporters. Her life journey stands as a remarkable testament to faith and hope and her memory will continue to inspire countless people. It is only appropriate that the House pay tribute to this courageous woman today.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, an amazing and largely untold story has been developing for the past decade as nonprofits throughout the Nation move block-by-block to provide new homes in America's low-income neighborhoods and, at the same time, reinvigorate communities. To underscore these successes, Habitat for Humanity International, Local Initiatives Support Corporation [LISC], the Enterprise Foundation, and the National NeighborWorks Network are joining together to make an unprecedented commitment and challenge that will touch the lives of millions of people in communities across the country. Today, these four organizations announced a multibillion-dollar commitment to develop safe, decent, and affordable housing and have challenged Congress and the Nation to join them in this deeper commitment. The $13 billion commitment is projected to generate 193,800 affordable homes and apartments in 2,475 urban, suburban, and rural communities. The homes they will provide range from remodeling and modernizing multifamily apartment buildings to constructing new homes for sale to low-income families. The initiative will touch neighborhoods across the country in farm towns and in dense urban inner cities. Tens of thousands of jobs will be created and tens of billions of dollars in private investment will be stimulated. And, Mr. Speaker, knowing of the past successes of each of these nonprofits, I am convinced that their commitment to this initiative will result in the exciting goals they have set for themselves. Congress can be an active partner in reaching these goals by continuing to provide the necessary tools to enable individuals, corporate leaders, philanthropic institutions, and others to continue to expand their support of providing more affordable homes. For example, programs like the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, Community Development Block Grants, the Community Reinvestment Act, the Earned Income Tax Credit, Rural Homeownership, HOME and Housing Opportunity Program are just a few of the programs that are uniquely effective and efficient in channeling private resources into community renewal and stretching scarce public dollars. I am pleased to join these organizations in celebrating these success stories and call upon my colleagues to make housing issues a priority in their legislative agendas.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate very much my colleague yielding. I think, as he knows, I have long been a vote in this House interested in preserving life. I feel very strongly that we ought to do all that we can to see that abortion is not used as a tool. But could either the gentleman or our chairman answer this question for me: We do provide, from Federal coffers, a sizeable number of dollars across the country to the several States in the United States that has to do with family planning. Does the gentleman know if we require similar language and limitation upon those funds that flow to the several States of the United States?

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LEWIS of California. The gentleman's last comment raises just one more point. I would certainly hope that those of us who are concerned about the life question would know that sometimes we defeat our purpose by having several hundred votes, it seems, a session, on this same issue. Many Members are reacting very strongly to that, including this Member.

Mr. LEWIS of California. As my colleague can see by the vote today, sometimes that is self-defeating. Mr. SMITH of new Jersey. We will be back.

Mr. LEWIS of California. I appreciate my colleague.

Mr. LEWIS of California. I understand that.

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, does that answer my question? Does it say that we do not allow--

Mr. LEWIS of California. So we are essentially saying to foreign countries, you will follow a line of logic that is unconstitutional?

Mr. LEWIS of California. If the gentleman will continue to yield further, I would suggest for those who are concerned about life that we might very well consider similar limitations upon discretionary monies in this country that flow to States if they are not responding similarly, if we are serious about those limitations. I appreciate my colleague yielding to me.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of the Arrowhead Christian Academy [ACA] 1996 varsity football team of Redlands, CA. On December 14, 1996, the ACA Eagles won the 1996 CIF--Southern Section--Division XII Championship, its first CIF championship ever. The Eagles' outstanding season was further highlighted by earning the 1996 Cal-Hi Sports Division V State Championship as well. Averaging 45 points a game, this incredibly talented team went undefeated this season, 14-0. The Eagles' unstoppable offense scored a total of 638 points over the course of the season, thus becoming the fourth highest scoring football team in CIF Southern Section history. The outstanding Eagle defense held its opponents to just 116 points. Also, this remarkable season for the Eagle defense included six shut- out games. Special recognition is in order for Head Coach Dan Finfrock, Assistant Coaches Drew Rickert, Dave Wiseman, Dave Marshall, Jon Burgess, Nate Finfrock, and Trainer Ben Mulder for their leadership and service. Many of the Eagles were honored with All Southern-Section CIF Division 12 awards including, Coach of the Year: Dan Finfrock, Offensive Player of the Year: Trevor Wilson (Wingback), and Defensive Player of the Year: Brandon Camacho (Nose Guard). Other All CIF selections included: Steve Wharry (Linebacker), Dan Jeffers (Offensive Tackle), and Ben Burgess (Offensive Tackle). First Team All Christian League selections were: Trevor Wilson (Most Valuable Player), Brandon Camacho (Nose Guard), Steve Wharry (Linebacker), Ben Burgess (Offensive Tackle), Mark Johnson (Defensive End), Dan Jeffers (Offensive Tackle), and Pete Coberly (Linebacker). Second Team All Christian League selections were: Allan Kavalich (Center), Ben Ballard (Quarterback), Jonathon Reed (Fullback), and Robbie Ramos (Cornerback). Other members of the 1996 Eagle championship team include: Charlee Brown, Jelani Andrews, Dan Schaper, Joe Ramos, Danny Lee, Steve Hale, Ben Gradias, DJ Gallagher, Andy Alexander, Jason ``Bubba'' Robertson, Carl Overholt, Bo Ashton, Nick Selle, and Robbie Whittenburg. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, the team's families and many friends in honoring the 1996 Arrowhead Christian Academy football team. It truly has been an unforgettable season for the Eagles and it is only fitting that the House recognize them today.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the fine work and outstanding public service of John E. Kobara, the departing associate vice chancellor of university relations at UCLA. For the last 20 years, John has been leading and managing diverse, complex, and innovative organizations with close ties to the higher education community. John is a graduate of UCLA where he received his BA in political science and sociology before going on to earn an MA in urban studies at Occidental College, and an MBA in marketing and finance at the University of Southern California. As an undergraduate he served on the Undergraduate Student Association, the student body of UCLA, demonstrating an early thirst for involvement in the affairs of the campus and an abiding concern for its welfare. These traits, coupled with his love of UCLA, would become landmarks of his professional career with the university. John is deeply committed to the realm of education and to addressing the issues of diversity and multiculturalism in education and in society at large. As associate vice chancellor for university relations at UCLA, John has served as the chief external relations officer for the institution, overseeing the public relations, alumni relations, campus-wide marketing, government affairs and special events, and protocol offices. Bringing tremendous vision to this role, he has been instrumental in UCLA's embrace of advanced information technology in its external affairs programs, and in guiding the university onto its present course as a leader on the information superhighway. Prior to serving in this role, John served as executive director of the UCLA Alumni Association. His multifaceted career has also included positions as vice president and general manager of a cable television station, president of a theater, and president of a trade association. John is a masterful communicator, highly regarded for his ability to further mutually respected relationships between and among communities. Committed to empowering others to recognize and actualize their full potential, John delivers dozens of presentations each year on career change, technology, networking, personal growth and empowerment. A Coro alumnus with an extensive record of community involvement, he serves on boards of the Coro Foundation, the East West Players, the Rose Bowl Operating Co., the Asian Pacific Women's Center, and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, John's wife, Sarah, and his three children, in recognizing the many important contributions of this remarkable man. For his many year of dedicated service, it is only appropriate that the House recognize John Kobara today.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, we would like to bring to your attention the memory of two Riverside County sheriff's deputies who became victims of a senseless and tragic act of violence on January 5, 1997. Early Sunday morning, Deputy James W. Lehmann, Jr. and Deputy Michael P. Haugen, two of our finest law enforcement officials, gave their lives in the line of duty. The deputies, these husbands, these fathers went out everyday to make a difference and they did--some days in small ways, some days in big ways, and, on this date, at the cost of their lives. One cannot ask more of peace officers. Deputies Lehmann and Haugen deserve our deepest respect and gratitude. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join us today in remembering these fine men. Our prayers and most heartfelt sympathy are extended to their families and loved ones. To Deputy Lehmann's wife, Valerie, son, Christopher and daughter, Ashley; and Deputy Haugen's wife, Elizabeth, son, Stephen, and daughter, Catherine--we honor the memory of your loved ones and wish them God's peace.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the fine work of the city of San Bernardino Private Industry Council and the employment and training agency, organizations that are doing fantastic work in addressing some very special job training needs on behalf of citizens in California. It was my honor earlier this week to join leaders of our local business community in recognizing four outstanding alumni of the Job Training Partnership Act Program [JTPA], as well as the outstanding business of the year and the outstanding school of the year. Michael and Carla Davis are extraordinary examples of the value of this remarkable public-private partnership. Both were employed as engineers until they faced layoffs in 1994. Through San Bernardino's Dislocated Worker Adjustment Assistance Program, they enrolled in the teaching credential program at the University of Redlands. Within 2 years of being laid off, both Carla and Michael had their teaching credentials and quickly found teaching jobs in local school districts. Leticia Calderon Delgado is a remarkable success story. As a young woman on welfare with three young children and few job skills, she applied remarkable determination and motivation to turning her life around. After enrolling in a work experience program and obtaining her GED, Leticia went to work for a local insurance agency. She is now off welfare and working at a job she loves. Norma Gonzalez is a young person who, through the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program, has found a job and success that will serve her well as she pursues a college degree and, she hopes, a future in the medical field. Accent Furniture last year relocated from Anaheim to San Bernardino to capitalize on land and building availability and to take advantage of incentives offered by the city. Today, the company is growing and serving the area by training and hiring JTPA eligible employees referred by SBETA. The U.S. Truck Driving School is not only meeting the growing demand for trained truck drivers in the Inland Empire, it is fulfilling a valuable role in a public-private partnership that is training people and putting them to work in well-paying jobs. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and our colleagues in recognizing the outstanding contributions of the San Bernardino Employment and Training Agency and the many fine individuals who are benefiting from the Job Training Partnership Act. In light of these tremendous records of success, it is only fitting that the House recognize all of them today.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the fine work and outstanding public service of Dr. Earl R. Crane, who has made and continues to make a tremendous difference in the lives of children in California through his efforts with the Children's Dental Health Center in San Bernardino. Dr. Crane will be recognized for his 40 years of work with the naming of the Dr. Earl R. Crane Children's Dental Health Center on October 3, 1996. Dr. Crane came to San Bernardino in 1942 as an army dentist at San Bernardino Army Air Base where he settled, and later met and married his wife, Marilyn. Recognizing the need for low-cost dental services for children, Dr. Crane enlisted the support of the Assistance League of San Bernardino, the dental community, and local schools and established the Children's Dental Health Center. The dental center provides services to children of the working poor in San Bernardino. The goal of the center is to help those who are not on public assistance and who have no dental insurance. Hundreds of students, referred by area schools, are served each year with thousands of varying dental procedures at little or no cost. In addition, all students in the local school district are screened for dental health by the center in the first grade. Since 1949, the dental center has been located in the Assistance League building. Over the years, Dr. Crane has served on the dental center board and as a liaison between the dental community and the center. The Assistance League of San Bernardino, which has sponsored this philanthropic effort for the children of our community since its inception, has decided to honor the man who founded the center and remains active in its success. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and our colleagues in recognizing the inspiring efforts of Dr. Earl Crane in making a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of children during the last 40 years. It is only appropriate that the House recognize this outstanding man at the dedication of the Dr. Earl R. Crane Children's Dental Health Center.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank very much my chairman for yielding me this time, and I must say that I would like to associate myself with many of the remarks of my colleague from California [Ms. Pelosi] who serves with me on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She could say, as I would, that very much of our work is done behind closed doors. During the short time that I have been on the committee, I am amazed at the number of hours that we spend looking at these agencies that are so important to our country. Mr. Speaker, I would start with that comment. The FBI and the CIA and agencies that relate to intelligence work are critical to the interests of our country here at home as well as in the world. In this time of very significant change in the world, the President needs now more than at any other time excellent sources of information available to him as he represents our interests here at home, but especially abroad. I must say that because we meet behind closed doors, ofttimes the stories of the successes of those agencies are not heard about, let alone told or believed. On the other hand, I can certainly understand the concern of many of my colleagues, like the gentlewoman from Los Angeles, CA [Ms. Waters], about the potential impact of any government activity that might affect a community that we would hope to serve here in this Congress, especially as it relates to drugs. Stories in a newspaper are one thing. Believing those stories automatically is another. For goodness sakes, in my own campaigns I have seen stories developed by so-called reputable people that I wish somebody would question before they conclude. Having said that, it is very, very important that we recognize the impact of drugs upon our society, and not allow a story like this to take our eye off the ball. The ball involves those people who make a living importing drugs and then delivering them to our communities. We should take our gangs and the repeated sellers and throw the key away when they are killing our young people because of their activities. It is very important that we recognize that the President knows well the successes of these agencies and knows of their importance to his work. At the same time, we in the committee are committed to doing everything we can to make sure if there is any agency involved in this sort of linkage, that they be taken to the wall. There is work to be done here. Most of it must be done in our intelligence room. I would urge my colleagues not to deal with the extreme sensationalism that is here, that sometimes gets headlines that we all kind of love. In the meantime, it is very important for America that we deal with this responsibly.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Nebraska [Mr. Bereuter]. (Mr. BEREUTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LEWIS of California. I would expect if they cannot move an authorization bill, they will probably let us do it somewhere else.

Mr. LEWIS of California. The authorizing committees. I have talked to the members in the House, and they seem to be enthusiastic about moving quickly and making the decisions.

Mr. LEWIS of California. It is my judgment that they will be able to go forward with no action by the Congress within the next year, but I have every indication from the committee that they do intend to act. Frankly, I think we are on a fast track.