Jerry Lewis

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention today the fine achievement of Will Baylies and the leadership of his teacher, Mrs. Irene Sorenson, from Home Street Middle School in Bishop, CA. Recently, this remarkable student joined other students from across the country at the University of Maryland to compete in National History Day sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation. The theme for this year's competition was conflict and compromise in history. Will qualified for the national competition by first winning at the local, regional, and State levels. Will placed first in California for his research paper titled, ``A Philosophical Conflict on Civil Rights, Integration or Separatism? Correspondence Between Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X.'' Will took the original approach of creating a series of letters between these two men that express an understanding of their philosophies. In reality, King and Malcolm X did not correspond so the content of the letters reflect the research done as well as critical analysis by Will. This outstanding student and Mrs. Sorenson are a tribute to our public school system which remains the finest in the world. Although this student lives in a community of less than 5,000 people located 200 miles from a major library or university, he completed extensive research in his subject area and was highly competitive with students from the large metropolitan areas including Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County. It is also remarkable that under the guidance of Mrs. Sorenson, a total of 16 students made it all the way to the final State competition and exhibited their knowledge in 7 of the possible 8 categories. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and friends in recognizing the fine achievement of these individuals. Their work is a reflection of education at its best. It is fitting and appropriate that the House of Representatives pay tribute to them today.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, like millions of Americans, I am a supporter of the Public Broadcasting System. And, like millions of Americans, I am also a supporter of reducing the size of government and balancing our budget. Preserving PBS and balancing the budget are worthy, and not totally inconsistent, goals. I have come to the conclusion that we can do both. At first glance, some might suggest that my conclusion is far fetched. After all, Federal dollars are becoming harder and harder to come by. The priorities are many and the dollars are few. But I believe we are overlooking a tremendous opportunity for both Congress and public broadcasting. It is called the free marketplace. In this age of exploding technology and the revolution in the telecommunications industry, the marketplace is where the action--and the future--is. Public broadcasting's greatest asset--its educational mission--is a marketing dream and provides an attractive incentive for investment. Interest remains high in the marketplace--and in living rooms across America--for quality programming. I believe innovative public-private partnerships hold the key, providing public broadcasting the opportunity to seek ways of lessening its dependence on Federal dollars while exploring a long-term funding strategy. It is time for a bold, imaginative, and decisive action plan to guide the future of public broadcasting. That course can best be determined by joining together the leadership of Congress, public broadcasting, and the business community. Acting together, we can secure long term viability. But we must act now. Time is running out. Rather than pointing fingers, Republicans and Democrats should join together in building a bridge between business and public broadcasting. Short of a private/public partnership, partisan politics will prevail. Lacking a truly bipartisan solution, Congress will lose more than Big Bird and the Civil War. We will lose the trust of the American people who look to us for leadership and creative solutions to guide the future of this treasured national resource.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention today the fine achievement of Will Baylies and the leadership of his teacher, Mrs. Irene Sorenson, from Home Street Middle School in Bishop, CA. Recently, this remarkable student joined other students from across the country at the University of Maryland to compete in National History Day sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation. The theme for this year's competition was ``Conflict and Compromise in History.'' Will qualified for the national competition by first winning at the local, regional, and State levels. Will placed first in California for his research paper titled, ``A Philosophical Conflict on Civil Rights, Integration or Separatism? Malcolm X.'' Will took took the original approach of creating a series of letters between these two men that express an understanding of their philosophies. In reality, King and Malcolm X did not correspond so the content of the letters reflect the research done as well as critical analysis by Will. This outstanding student and Mrs. Sorenson are a tribute to our public school system which remains the finest in the world. Although this student lives in a community of less than 5,000 people located 200 miles from a major library or university, he completed extensive research in his subject area and was highly competitive with students from the large metropolitan area including Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County. It is also remarkable that under the guidance of Mrs. Sorenson, a total of sixteen students made it all the way to the final State competition and exhibited their knowledge in seven of the possible eight categories. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and friends in recognizing the fine achievement of these individuals, Their work is a reflection of education at its best. It is fitting and appropriate that the House of Representatives pay tribute to 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 the American Legion auxiliary, San Bernardino unit, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary of service to our community and our Nation. The San Bernardio American Legion auxiliary has a long and proud tradition of dedication and outstanding service. At the very first meeting held on April 10, 1920, at the Women's Club House and presided over by Mrs. R.F. Gardner, 18 names were listed on the original charter. At that time, the auxiliary was organized to safeguard and convey to America's youth the ideas and principles upon which our Republic was built, to foster allegiance and respect for our flag, and to offer support for the men and women who served in the Armed Forces. These responsibilities the women of the San Bernardino auxiliary took seriously in their service to our community, State, and country. The minutes from those early meetings are intriguing and offer insights into the concerns of that time. Purchasing savings bonds, entertaining patients at Arrowhead Hospital, working with the poor, and honoring our flag were several subjects discussed in those early days. Over the years, auxiliary members have served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, and Operation Desert Storm. Its members have participated in Operation Send-Off at the former Norton Air Force Base, savings bonds drives, health programs for the children of our veterans, scholarships to our community youth, and working with the American Red Cross, and other worthy organizations. That spirit of giving and support continues to this day as members of the auxiliary work with and provide assistance for the veterans, their families, and children in their homes, and at the Jerry L. Pettis VA Hospital in Loma Linda. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and our many friends in recognizing the many fine achievements and selfless contributions of the American Legion auxiliary in San Bernardino. Over the years, the auxiliary has touched the lives of many people and it is only fitting that the House of Representatives recognize this outstanding organization 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 Mr. James Smith of Ridgecrest, CA. Jim, a dedicated professional and longtime community activist, is retiring as the manager of Administration for North American Chemical Co. A tribute dinner will be held in his honor on June 2 to honor his more than 40 years of support to the chemical industry. Jim Smith graduated from Loyola University in Los Angeles in 1954 and served 2 years in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Following graduation, Jim went to work for American Potash and Chemical Corp. where he served in supervisory and management positions at plants across the country. In 1967, Jim went to work for Kerr McGee Chemical Corp. of Trona where for 23 years he fulfilled critical functions relating to labor relations, environmental relations, and community relations. In 1990, Jim went to work at North American Chemical Co. where he has served as manager of Administration and Regulatory Affairs and most recently, as special assistant for public affairs. To say the least, Jim has played an extraordinary and active role in our community. He is a board member of the Fire Mountain Foundation, the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce, the Chemical Industry Council of California, [[Page E1105]] the Desert Empire Fair, and the Maturango Museum. In addition, he has also served as an elected trustee of the Trona Joint Unified School District, and as a board member for the Council on Substance Abuse Awareness and the Searles Valley Community Service Council. Jim is also a past member of the San Bernardino County Air Pollution Control Advisory Council and a member of the Kern County Air Pollution Central District Hearing Board. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Jim's wife, Grace, and his family and many friends in recognizing his many fine achievements and selfless contributions. Over the years, Jim Smith has touched the lives of many people and it is only fitting that the House of Representatives recognize him today.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the untimely passing of a fine man and an outstanding public servant, chief of police Robert Sessions of Barstow, CA. Chief Sessions, a 28-year member of the department and an inspiring presence to the city of Barstow, died on May 20 after a brief battle with cancer. Bob Sessions was born on March 23, 1940 and received a A.A. degree in education from Barstow Community College and a B.S. degree in sociology from Chapman College. He also graduated from the FBI's National Academy. In 1963, Bob married Carol Dawson and later they adopted two children, Jon and Jennifer. Together they moved to Barstow to make their home and work for Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. Four years later, Bob became a reserve officer with the Barstow Police Department and was sworn in as a full time peace officer in 1968. Over the years, Bob worked his way through the ranks of the Barstow Police Department assuming the position of patrol officer, K-9 officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. In September 1985 Bob was promoted to chief of police. During his tenure, Chief Sessions implemented numerous programs and projects including the Drug Abuse Resistance and Education [DARE] Program, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program [RSVP], the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving Program, and many others. Chief Sessions' involvement in and support for numerous professional organizations is well known. He was a past president of the San Bernardino County Chief's Association, as well as a member of the California Chiefs of Police Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the California Peace Officer's Association, and many others. In addition, Chief Sessions played an extraordinary and active role in our civic and community life as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ [[Page E1098]] and Latter Day Saints, and participating in the Barstow Rodeo, scouting programs, and the reading program in local schools. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and Bob's family and many friends in paying tribute to this fine man. Chief Sessions was dearly loved and respected by the entire Barstow community and he will be greatly missed. Indeed, he touched and protected the lives of many people and it is only fitting that the House of Representatives honor him 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 Mr. Robert Wiens of Redlands, CA. Bob, a dedicated professional and longtime community activist, has retired as the president and chief executive officer of Redlands Federal Bank after 38 years of service to Inland Empire. A tribute dinner will be held in his honor on June 17 with the proceeds of the event going to the Inland Empire Habitat for Humanity Bob Wiens graduated from the University of Redlands in 1956 and later attended Indiana University's Graduate School of Savings and Loan. Following graduation, Bob went to work at Redlands Federal Bank where he spent almost the next 40 years of his professional life, moving up the professional ranks and leaving an indelible impression upon the bank and the local community. In his first 27 years with Redlands Federal, Bob served as a bank teller, manager of the Beaumont and Yucaipa branches, corporate secretary, treasurer/controller, and executive vice-president. In 1983, Bob became president and chief operating officer, and 3 years later, became president and chief executive officer. Bob became chairman, president, and chief executive officer in 1992. To say the least, Bob Wiens has played an extraordinary and critical role in our community. Since 1976, he has served in numerous Institutions, as well as the Institute of Financial Education and Financial Managers Society. In addition, he has actively served with the University of Redlands board of Trustees, the Redland Symphony Advisory Board, San Bernardino County Homeless Coalition, Inland Action, and the Inland Empire Economic Council. He has also been integrally involved with the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, the Redlands Community Hospital Foundation, the University of Redland National Alumni Association, and the First Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino. I have known Bob and his lovely wife, Marion, for many years now. They are two of the truly outstanding and dynamic individuals in our community who day in and day out make a difference in our community. It's only fitting that the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity is planning to build a house in Bob's name in Redlands in the Redlands area in 1995. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and Bob's family and many friends in recognizing his many fine achievements and selfless contributions. Over the years, Bob Wiens has touched the lives of many people and it is only fitting that the House of Representatives recognize him today.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I very much appreciate my chairman yielding. I did not intend to speak on this measure, but the fact is that over half of the funds we are talking about here, the rescissions, came out of my subcommittee. In view of the President's decision--at least it appears to be a decision--to veto this measure, I thought there were at least a couple of points I should try to make. My colleagues, the President has proposed a list of 14 items that if restored would cause him to sign this legislation. Five of these items fall under the jurisdiction of my subcommittee. While all of them deserve mention, there are two points that I would like to make. As you know, the AmeriCorps Program budget of 1995 has been reduced by $210 million to the 1994 funding level of $365 million. This reduction was to review how well the AmeriCorps Program has worked, a program the President holds at the highest priority. Many of my colleagues made it no secret that they wanted to eliminate this program. Until now, I personally had not come to a final consideration on the matter. Today I stand before you convinced that the President has already given up on the National Service Program, AmeriCorps. His veto promise has raised the stakes, and regardless of the outcome, I now believe the President will lose on that one. Like it or not, the National Service Program has become an even larger target than ever before. Maybe not today or this week or this month, but you can rest assured the AmeriCorps Program will be the victim of this debate and this veto. The writing is now on the wall. Mr. Speaker, there is another item that I would raise that would hopefully cause the President to reconsider his position, and that is my second point. A few months ago, before my committee, James Lee Witt, the Administrator, the Director of FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, told us that without replenishment, that as of the end of May, FEMA would run out of money. They would be out of money. No more in the pipeline. Think of the disasters. Not just earthquakes and floods in California, but disasters across the country. Of most important recent notice, the horrible disaster of Oklahoma City. FEMA running out of money, not being able to respond to those disasters. The President is now actually thinking about turning his back on those people who had to deal with those disasters. Mr. Speaker, it is time for the President to rethink this position. He should not take the advice of his political advisers. He should look to the people of the country who at this moment need our assistance. Mr. Speaker, upon completion of the conference on HR 1158 this past Tuesday morning, I had anticipated taking just a little time to briefly discuss the role my subcommittee--VA, HUD, and independent agencies-- had in achieving over half of the budget savings realized in this emergency supplemental and rescissions bill. While we certainly had difficult choices, the conferees on this chapter worked diligently to retain or restructure certain high priority items while at the same time making meaningful reductions where we thought appropriate. Our final decisions were, in my mind, legislative compromise in the truest and best sense of the word. Perhaps more important than the specific choices we made though was the fact that our actions have gotten us headed on a track that recognizes the even more difficult budget decisions awaiting us in fiscal year 1996 and beyond. Simply put, balancing this Nation's budget will require hard choices and sacrifice on the part of each and every lawmaker and each and every citizen. It is in this vein that I am absolutely dismayed at the announcement by the President that he will veto this legislation. The very first real opportunity this President has had to show he truly wants to get spending under control is instead squandered for what can't be described as anything other than cheap demigodary. As I mentioned the President has proposed a list of 14 items that, if restored, would cause him to sign this legislation. Again five of these items fall under the jurisdiction of my subcommittee, and a quick review of each of the other four items points out just how ridiculous is the President's announced action: Environmental Programs: Safe Drinking Water--The President has proposed restoring $500 million for State revolving grant funds for this program which does not now and has never existed. This proposal will do nothing more than put funds aside for a program that likely will not be authorized until next year and, once it is authorized, will likely see at least another half-year of rule writing before a single dime is sent to the States. How can the President possibly justify giving money to a program that does not exist while agreeing to take funds away from others that do? VA Medical Care--The President has suggested giving $50 million back to VA medical care, even though these funds are salary savings that the Department itself says it will not use. This rescission will not impact a single VA employee or patient, yet it clearly appears on the President's list merely for its press value. HUD: Assisted Housing--The President has asked to restore $150 million to HUD assisted housing for residents displaced by demolition of old housing units, but apparently never checked with HUD to see what their needs are in this regard. In fact, the conferees restored half-a- billion dollars for this purpose and there is enough money now in the account to fund 20,000 families with 5-year vouchers or 50,000 families with 2-year vouchers. According to the Department, this is more than adequate to meet their needs. HUD: Housing Opportunities for People With Aids (HOPWA)--The President's suggestion to restore $30 million in this account is truly the height of hypocrisy. The 1995 funding level of $156 million for HOPWA is exactly what the President requested for the program for 1995. Moreover, this funding level agreed to by the conferees now leaves over $400 million available for HOPWA, meaning this administration has yet to even distribute all of the funds we appropriated for HOPWA in fiscal year 1993, let alone use the funds we provided for fiscal years 1994 and 1995. Shouldn't the President be more concerned with helping the people we meant to be helped rather than raise phony issues meant to obscure the real facts? Mr. Speaker, although I can't speak to the details of each of the 14 items, I am quite certain the story for each is similar. The President's scenario in this sorry episode is, indeed, all too clear: he decides for the first time to fully engage himself in this rescission process that for this Member started in January. He realizes he is late to the table so threatens to use his veto to get his way. For cover, he demands that 14 sexy- looking programs be restored, yet utterly fails to realize there is no substance behind restoring most if not all of the 14 items He hopes to claim a public relations victory, caring not that the real losers are the American public who most go on paying for programs that should, indeed must, be phased out. Mr. Speaker, the President's actions so far in this regard is politics at its absolute worst and nothing short of despicable. I can only hope he somehow get a dose of honest conscience before his pen makes the wrong marks. Mr. Speaker, in the hope that the President will in fact sign this bill, I would like to take an additional moment to clarify our intent with respect to language included in the bill dealing with EPA's Automobile Inspection and Maintenance Program provided for in the Clean Air Act. Under the regulatory framework first developed by EPA, a premium was placed on State adoption of a centralized testing facility, while an automatic discount was applied to noncentralized facilities proposed by the States. EPA itself has recently indicated they intend to be more flexible in the granting of credits for noncentralized programs, and our bill and report language should be interpreted to support EPA in this movement toward flexibility and reasonableness. Rather than automatically discount programs, EPA should attempt to assign credits to each State's program based on the worthiness of each program. Higher credits, even up to 100 percent, need not be granted just for programs that have expensive equipment. On the contrary, if a State presents a plan that outlines how and why a certain level of credit can be achieved, EPA should be reasonable and thoughtful in its review process toward making a decision allowing such appropriate credits. If EPA believes additional data is required to make the State's case, they should be flexible in permitting such data collection for up to 2 years or two full cycles. Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe that what we are doing in their regard is a step in the direction of truly permitting sound science to prevail. Sometimes laws and regulations become too prescriptive in our zeal to achieve an end result. I am absolutely committed to our national goal of clean air, but I am equally persuaded we must be flexible and allow new methods and new goal. If the agency will not or cannot provide that flexibility I am quite certain the Congress will once again address this issue in a manner that is perhaps less appealing to those who support our clean air goals.

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

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I understand the gentleman's position regarding the housing cuts of roughly $6 billion, but does he realize the President only asked to restore $150 million of the housing cuts? Obviously the balance of over $5 billion is okay with him.

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. James Willis of Apple Valley, CA. Jim, a dedicated professional and longtime community activist, is retiring after a 33-year career in private dental practice. Jim began his career as a private practitioner in San Bernardino following his graduation from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1962. After 5 years of success, he joined three other dentists in founding Wildwood Dental Group, one of the first group dental practices on the west coast. Working with his partners, Jim oversaw the general management of the practice and developed a national inventory tracking system which revolutionized the dental profession. He was also instrumental in establishing professional guidelines and the development of nationally recognized group practice standards. In 1979, Jim sold his group practice share and purchased a solo practice in Apple Valley. Complementing his professional success, Jim has also been actively involved in a number of civil and community-based organizations over the years. He is a member of the Tri-County Dental Society, the founder and co-chairman of its political action committee, and chairman of the public relations committee. Jim is also a founding member and former 3- year president of the Inland Empire USC Trojan Club, a member of the San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce, and a former member of the Lions Club. Over the years, Jim has been extremely active in the Youth Baseball Program and has served as the volunteer director of the Redlands Assistant League for Children for whom he has provided needed dental care. Jim Willis and I have been friends most of our lives. As youths, we spent much time together with family but particularly I remember the summers at the local swimming pool and time at the YMCA. All of his contemporaries from San Bernardino High School watched with admiration as he returned from the Navy to San Bernardino Valley College and, after a short stay, went directly to dental school at USC. Now as he retires from dentistry we all watch with wonder as he contemplates his next career. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and Jim's many friends in recognizing his many fine achievements and selfless contributions. Jim's professionalism and dedication is deeply appreciated and greatly admired by those who know him. He has touched the lives of many people in southern California and it is only fitting that the House recognize Jim Willis upon his retirement.

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 the San Bernardino County Sun newspaper in San Bernardino, CA. The Sun, under the leadership of executive editor Arnie Garson, was recently recognized as one of the top newspapers in the United States for 1994 in the annual Best of Gannett competition. The San Bernardino County Sun was one of six finalists for the Gannett's Outstanding Achievement Award recognizing the best overall news performance by a newspaper in 1994 and is the recipient of the coveted Gold Medal Award for 1994. Altogether, the Sun received seven individual awards, the highest for any newspaper with a circulation of over 40,000. In addition, Arnie Garson was 1 of 10 editors nationwide awarded the President's Ring and has thus become one of the finalists in the 1994 Editor of the Year competition. The top three contenders will be announced at the Gannett's editors' meeting in May and the winner will be announced in June. Specifically, the Sun won top awards in seven separate categories. Mickie Enkoji was a top winner taking home first place honors in the Outstanding Achievement in Writing and Feature Writing categories. Rebecca Fairley Raney relieved the top prize for investigative reporting, while Paul Oberjuerge was recognized for his prize-winning sports column. In addition, the Sun received top honors for public service, headlines, and packaging and presentation. Few who make their home in San Bernardino County are surprised by the Sun's success. As my hometown newspaper over the course of my life, I have watched the Sun professionally adapt to the many changes that have taken place in our county over the years. While we may differ on specific issues from time to time, I have nothing but the utmost level of respect for the high standards and professionalism of this newspaper. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, my colleagues, and the people of San Bernardino County in recognizing Arnie Garson and the entire staff of the Sun for its success. It is only fitting that the House recognize the San Bernardino Sun, one of the truly outstanding newspapers in the United States today.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I very much appreciate my colleague yielding this time. She knows my general position on term limits and is most generous in offering that time. Term limits, my colleagues, were a part of the Articles of Confederation. During the debates leading to ratification of our Constitution, our Founding Fathers soundly rejected that idea. Today term limits as a populist issue has come about because of a deep-seated frustration that has boiled over because of the people's sense that their Congress was not responding to the public's priorities. During the last two elections, that same public reflected by their actions that the genius of our Founding Fathers continues to work in our system. They simply decided to throw many of the rascals out. Today over one-half of my conference is made up of people who have been here essentially 2 years or less. With that in mind, let me share with you the words of one of those early founders. ``The people are the best judges of who ought to represent them. To dictate and control them, to tell them whom they ought to elect, is to abridge their natural rights.'' He goes on to say, ``We all know that experience is indispensably necessary to good government. Shall we, then, drive experience into obscurity? I repeat, this is an absolute abridgement of the people's rights.'' That quote is from Robert Livingston during the New York debates on ratification of our Constitution. Robert Livingston, reflecting the genius of our earliest leaders, made two points which I wish to emphasize. First, the people's right to choose should not be abridged. Term limits today reflects the people's frustration with Members elected in other people's districts. Today in America people across the country essentially want their own Member to remain in Congress. Let us not detract from the people's right to choose whom they wish to serve as their Representative. Livingston's second point, experience is a necessary ingredient in our representative system. That is very fundamental to our work. Without it, we completely turn our Government over to the unelected bureaucrat. I do not know about you, but it took this Member a few years to really understand the challenges involved in making the people's government work. Maybe some of my colleagues were struck with inspired genius the day they were elected to office. I would submit, however, that for most of us it takes a few years to really do this very tough job, and even more to do it well. So one more time, do not leave our Government in the hands of the unelected. Experience is necessary, and citizens in each district have the good sense and, indeed, the responsibility to know there is a difference. A last point, not from Robert Livingston, but from myself. I will not vote for the retroactive amendment because I do not believe in term limits. I believe in the people's government that is the result of the people's choice. If applied retroactively, this proposal would overnight eliminate from the House the likes of Henry Hyde, Speaker Newt Gingrich, Richard Gephardt, Lee Hamilton, and, yes, even our own Bob Livingston, giants of our time without whose leadership and dedication the people's House would be severely diminished. But if you, my colleagues, happen to be one of those who is considering to vote for term limits, I would suggest in all sincerity that you ought to go down the hall and take a look in the mirror. Look very closely. Are you sure you are not just reacting to the fear of a populist firestorm and, in doing that, you have traded in your responsibility in this body to lead.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. I thank the gentleman from Louisiana for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise simply to say that FEMA comes under our responsibility in my subcommittee. We look closely at all of those agencies in the committee process. Halfway through the process, there came forward a request from FEMA for a supplemental to meet the disasters across the country in which some 40 States are effected, California indeed being among them. The request was originally for $6.7 billion. We examined it and trimmed it back 20 percent. Indeed, having done that, I now see my State, essentially, under water one more time and I wonder about the rescission we made. The fact is, however, that this country, for years, has reflected the best of the work of the House by standing together in support of the regions of the country which have faced disaster. This is such a time, and we urge the House to stand together one more time.

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate my colleague yielding. I want the Members to understand very clearly that this rescission did not reflect in any way, shape, or form a lack of concern for this problem. This Member takes no back seat to any Member regarding this issue. I introduced the first resolution regarding evaluating strategies to deal with this problem in 1980 before most people knew what the problem was. I supported the first funding regarding research in this subject area years ago. The reality is that between 1992, in this program, and 1994, we accumulated $306 million in this program. As of this moment, 86 percent of that money has not been spent. It is a program in disarray because of a lack of effective management. Even with the rescission, money to meet fiscal year 1995 needs will remain available.

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

Mr. LEWIS of California. If the gentleman will yield further, it is suggested that HOPWA has complexities that cause time delays in the effective delivery of the money. The reality is that a whole array of programs for the disabled are mismanaged. There is duplication of management and an abundance of bureaucratic maneuvering. We are simply in this amendment moving forward the President's proposal to eventually consolidate those efforts, and in turn recognizing that there is $267 million in the pipeline that will not be spent in 1995. So it is a very appropriate time for us to force reexamination, and that truly is what this amendment is about.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chairman, as you know and as Ms. Roybal- Allard knows, we have discussed this problem very seriously and in depth. There is no question the services to the elderly and the handicapped under this program have worked very well in many instances. In some instances we have serious concern about the management of these programs. Indeed, what we are doing here or were doing here was to accept the President's recommendation of rescinding this program as we try to reexamine all of the handicapped services throughout the housing programs. But in the meantime, because of the seriousness of the difficulty and because we do not know exactly where we should be going in the final numbers on this program and because I do have some questions about the way the gentlewoman would pay for it by way of cutting NASA, with reservation, I nonetheless am willing to consider the gentlewoman's argument and I will accept the amendment. I have discussed it with my ranking member as well.

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate my colleague yielding and rise at this moment to express my strong support for the work of the committee. All of us recognize that the country faces a most serious economic problem with ever escalating, year in and year out deficits, and a total deficit pushing well beyond $4 trillion. The price will be paid not by us but largely by a few of our children, indeed mostly our grandchildren. My section of the bill involves approximately one-half of the rescissions that are involved here, and the subcommittee responsibility covers a whole array of Federal programs ranging from veterans to housing to EPA to NASA, a total of 22 different agencies. Beyond that, within this bill is a very important element, a supplemental appropriation that affects 40 different States that have been impacted by disaster in recent years. A for as you all know, California in recent years has had every disaster known to man. Californians have not asked to be put in this position, but ironically, as we work together today, all of you know that much of my State one more time is almost totally under water. One of the great things about this process is that it reminds us one more time that in times of crisis Americans come together as a unified public and help each other. There is little doubt that all of us know that this will not be the last natural disaster. There will be another. We just do not know when it will occur or what part of the country it will hit. I want you all to know that at that point in time this Californian stands ready to help you as you have helped us in the past. Above and beyond that, we will be discussing a whole array of rescissions within my subcommittee. And in a lot of that discussion we will talk about HUD where there are some $7.2 billion worth of rescissions. This chart indicates the problem we have in discretionary spending and housing. Over the last 4 years, discretionary outlays have increased a full 50 percent, moving from $20.5 to $31 billion. Anybody who has any sense, who is willing to look, knows that those programs need fundamental review, and our effort here is to establish a new playing field whereby we will better serve the people who need Federal housing assistance. Under our proposals, not one family currently receiving services will have those services terminated, and many more, in my judgment, will receive better service over time in a much more efficient process. That is what triggers and motivates these spending cuts.

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

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. I thank the gentleman for yielding this time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of a very, very difficult rule. To say the least, when we are attempting to address this horrendous deficit problem which burdens our entire economy, it is appropriate to look back at the 1995 appropriations year. Deciding how you are going to make adjustments in wished-for growth in each of those programs is a difficult process. I hear the word ``cut, cut, cut, cut,'' everywhere. What we are really talking about is an attempt to adjust decisions on spending within last year's bill, and to decide that some of the appropriated growth could be cut back a little. Every one of these programs are either going back to the President's recommendations in the first place or they actually reflect efforts to rein in continued growth in programs where people services are involved. There is little question that when people attempt to trade one program off against another, veterans versus NASA, assistance for people with AIDS versus space station, that makes it extremely difficult to understand the motives of those advocating smaller government. We are attempting to start on that glidepath that will lead us to a balanced budget by 2002. The people who come to the floor who proudly say, ``I voted for the balanced budget amendment,'' and then come and suggest we cannot even begin to slightly readjust backward the $1 trillion budget of last year are speaking out of both sides of their mouths. The American public is not going to be fooled. I strongly urge you to support this rule.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I simply rise to ask the Members to support what is now the Stump-Lewis-Young-Solomon--and even Obey--amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield the final 45 seconds to the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Buyer].

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. LEWIS of California

Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume in responding one more time to one of my colleagues who to say the least was somewhat outrageous in his excess. The fact is that the rescission that was proposed initially essentially said that the House-passed appropriations bill from last year was the bill we wanted to support. The rescissions involved add-ons on the Senate side. If there was pork involved, perhaps it was Senate pork. But indeed we decided to eliminate the Senate adds so that we could have a healthy discussion in conference with the Senate. There is no doubt that as we go forward with this departments like HUD, like Veterans, there is little question that we can improve the way we deliver these services to Americans across the country. If the gentleman from Massachusetts is satisfied with the way many veterans are served by standing in lines half the day, then the gentleman is welcome to that satisfaction. It is my view that it is time we shake these departments in a fashion that causes them to pay attention to those we want to serve as human beings, not just as people with numbers on their forehead. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.