William Lipinski

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a longtime staff member in my district office, Lucille Matyas. Lucille has been an exceptional staff member in my office. She recently retired after 11 years of exceptional service to the residents of the Third District of Illinois. Family has always been of the utmost importance to Lucille. Lucille is the wife of the late Richard A. Matyas, Sr. Lucille and her husband had three children, George A. Matyas, Richard A. Matyas, and Victoria A. Smith. She has two grandchildren, Richard and Reanna Matyas. While raising her three children, Lucille was involved in local activities and charities. In the past she has devoted her time to such groups as Clear Ridge Baseball, St. Rene Mother's Club, Girl Scouts, De La Salle High School Parent's Club, and the Maria High School Mother's Club. Lucille's dedication to these and other groups led to her involvement with politics on a local level. Lucille was a member of the 23d Ward Democratic Women's Organization as well as the Chicago Democratic Women's Organization. The VFW Women's Auxiliary and St. Rene's Alter and Rosary Society have also received the benefit of support and volunteer time from Lucille. Like a true Chicagoan, Lucille enjoys watching all Chicago sports teams and counts herself as one of the biggest Bulls fans in Chicago. Lucille enjoy's spending time with her family and friends. In her spare time Lucille plays bingo, is an avid reader of books, collects dolls with her daughter, and devotes quality time with her two grandchildren. Clearly, Lucille lives a life rich in experience and goodwill. Lucille has a great many plans for after her retirement, these include enjoying life, spending time with her grandchildren and visiting with friends and family. Additionally, Lucille plans on traveling and sightseeing around the United States. Finally Lucille will volunteer her spare time at local charities. Mr. Speaker, I thank Lucille Matyas for her many years of dedicated service to the citizens of the Third District and to her family. With the combination of dedication to her community and family, Lucille is an inspiration and example to all. I will surely miss seeing her in my district office in Illinois. Lucille has truly been a joy to work with and her hard work and positive attitude have served my district well. I wish Lucille good luck in all of life's adventures.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a longtime staff member in my district office, Lucille Matyas. Lucille has been an exceptional staff member in my office. She recently retired from after 11 years of exceptional service to the residents of the 3rd District of Illinois. Family has always been of the utmost importance to Lucille. Lucille is the wife of the late Richard A. Matyas Sr. Lucille and her husband had three children, George A. Matyas, Richard A. Matyas and Victoria A. Smith. She has two grandchildren, Richard and Reanna Matyas. While raising her three children, Lucille was involved in local activities and charities. In the past she has devoted her time to such groups as, Clear Ridge Baseball, St. Rene Mother's Club, Girl Scouts, De La Salle High School Parent's Club and the Maria High School Mother's Club. Lucille's dedication to these and other groups led to her involvement with politics on a local level. Lucille was a member of the 23rd Ward Democratic Women's Organization as well as the Chicago Democratic Women's Organization. The VFW Women's Auxiliary and St. Rene's Alter and Rosary Society have also received the benefit of support and volunteer time from Lucille. Like a true Chicagoan, Lucille enjoys watching all Chicago sports teams and counts herself as one of the biggest Bulls fans in Chicago. Lucille enjoys spending time with her family and friends. In her spare time Lucille plays bingo, is an avid reader of books, collects dolls with her daughter and devotes quality time with her two grandchildren. Clearly, Lucille lives a life rich in experience and goodwill. Lucille has a great many plans for after her retirement, these include enjoying life, spending time with her grandchildren and visiting with friends and family. Additionally, Lucille plans on traveling and sight seeing around the United States Finally, Lucille will volunteer her spare time at local charities. Mr. Speaker, I thank Lucille Matyas for her many years of dedicated service to the citizens of the 3rd district and to her family. With the combination of dedication to her community and family, Lucille is an inspiration and example to all. I will surely miss seeing her in my district office in Illinois. Lucille has truly been a joy to work with and her hard work and positive attitude have served my district well. I wish Lucille good luck in all of life's adventures.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, on that, I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2923, the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this important legislation. As a result of hearings the Subcommittee on Aviation held on the treatment of families after aviation accidents, it was generally recognized that there are improvements that must be made to ensure that families' interests are better addressed. The legislation introduced by Chairman Shuster takes significant steps in that direction by requiring the National Transportation Safety Board to designate a director of family support services as well as designating an independent organization, such as the Red Cross, to provide critical support to the families. As this bill has moved through the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have consistently expressed my concern with the burden we are placing on the NTSB's already thin resources. This is something we must keep a close eye on as we consider NTSB funding in the future. I have also expressed concern with the notification aspects of this bill. I have advocated notifying families in person, and am pleased that the legislation encourages in person notification to the extent practicable. But I also understand that in many cases, families are learning of accidents on television, and that in person notification can never be accomplished with the speed that the media reports a plane crash. While I am pleased with the steps that this measure takes toward improving the notification system, I will continue to explore ideas to enhance the system. There is no perfect way to handle aviation disasters. Our task is to make the process both efficient and compassionate. This bill is a big step toward both those goals. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Chairman Duncan for his leadership on this legislation and for the manner in which he has handled the subcommittee the entire 104th Congress. Since I became ranking member of the Aviation Subcommittee last October, I have been impressed with your commitment to this position and the manner in which you have treated me and the other members of the subcommittee. I also want to recognize Chairman Shuster, the sponsor of this legislation, and of course the distinguished gentleman from Minnesota, the ranking member of the full Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Mr. Oberstar. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Oberstar], the ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and former chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2594, the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Amendments Act of 1996. This bill has been pending for over 3 years. It was first introduced by our former colleague Al Swift in the 103d Congress. It passed the House on suspension but, like too many other good bills, died in the other body when a single Senator put a hold on it. The bill was introduced again last year by the bipartisan leadership of our committee and was quickly reported out by a voice vote. The bill is supported by both Republicans and Democrats, by both rail labor and rail management. The bill has four major provisions. Two favor management and the other two favor labor. Both sides feel the bill is a good deal for them. The bill raises benefit levels so that they are more in line with benefits being paid by the States for nonrailroad employees. It also shortens the waiting time before rail workers qualify for unemployment and sickness benefits. On the other hand, it reduces the number of weeks of benefits received by employees with more than 15 years seniority, and it places a limit on the earnings of employees who are receiving benefits. Action on this bill has been held up by having various controversial amendments attached to it in the past. The manager's amendment makes some clarifying changes to the committee-reported bill that have been worked out jointly by the majority and minority staffs. I am happy to report that we now have a clean bill that all of us can support. I recommend the bill to my colleagues and urge its passage.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to an outstanding group of young men and their coach on their tremendous recent triumphs. The varsity baseball team at Lyons Township High School in my district recently placed third in the State tournament and their coach, Terry Sullivan, was a consensus choice as Coach of the Year. However, perhaps what was most impressive about the 1996 Lyons Township High School Baseball Team was that it was one of those rare squads who transcended what the experts and critics perceived as their potential. As most LTHS baseball teams in previous years, the 1996 squad was expected to do well this season. But this group of 16-, 17-, and 18- year-old young men, some of whom had played together since Little League, turned a good year into one that they will remember for a lifetime. Led by their most valuable player, catcher Doug Nichols, and 16-game winner, pitcher Ryan Businaro, the Lions set a school record of 34 wins in a season. In addition they enjoyed a 14-game winning streak and defeated regular season conference champion and archrival Oak Park- River Forest in the sectional final to reach the State Tournament. Even the tough 4-2 loss in the State semifinals did little to dampen the LTHS's great season. As Coach Sullivan said, ``This team had an evenness to it. There were no peaks and valleys, no highs and lows. We stayed on a pretty lofty plateau the entire season.'' Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Sullivan and his entire squad on their achievements this season, and wish them continued success in the coming years.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to the Summit Park District on the 50 successful years of its providing recreation to the people of its community. Like so many other organizations that are celebrating their golden anniversaries this year, the Summit Park District was born when a dedicated group of local residents came together to plan and provide services for veterans returning from World War II ready to start new families. In the case of the park district, a local physician, Dr. Paul Rush, and 12 residents came together to provide open space and recreational activities for their fellow residents. After selecting four sites in the village for playgrounds, Dr. Rush and his associates turned to the Des Plaines Valley News newspaper for assistance. The paper printed ballots asking the children of Summit what they wanted in their new parks, and, five decades later, the park district is still listening to the residents in developing new facilities and programs. In fact, the park district recently added hiking and biking trails, a jogging track, fitness stations, a mini golf course, and batting cages in response to the recreational needs of Summit residents. Mr. Speaker, I salute the Summit Park District on its 50th anniversary and wish the district many more years of success.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Stickney Township, located in the Third Congressional District, on its 95th anniversary this year. The township was formed in 1901 when railroad pioneer Alpheus Stickney and a group of residents met at what is now the southwest corner of Midway Airport in Chicago and decided to break away from Lyons Township. Mr. Stickney envisioned the area as great freight transfer and rail clearing yard. The new township drained swamps, built roads, bridges, sewers, and provided schools to attract new residents and business and industry. During the 1930's, the township assumed care for the poor and homeless and inaugurated a health care program that has brought the township national recognition. Stickney Township was among the first municipalities to offer free cholesterol screening for residents and mammograms for women as well as mental health counseling, dental care for children and the elderly, immunizations, home care for the aged, and a host of other vital health care services. These programs and others earned Stickney Township the Governor's Hometown Award for Senior Achievement in 1990 and Illinois township of the Year honors in 1992. As Township Supervisor Louis Viverito said in observing the 95th anniversary, ``Stickney Township has a proud heritage, and I think the record will show that we are doing out part to continue and embellish that tradition. At a time when some people are questioning the worth of township government, we are proving that by changing with the times and meeting today's needs, we can provide grassroots services at a very low cost to the taxpayers.'' Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Supervisor Viverito, his predecessors, and all those who have made Stickney Township a great place to live and work on its 95th anniversary.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to an outstanding group of workers in my district who were recently recognized for their commitment to quality and safety in the workplace--the 231 employees at the Midas International Corp. facility in Bedford Park, IL. The facility was recently selected by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] for participation in the Voluntary Protections Programs [VPP] as a Merit site. The VPP program recognizes worksites for achieving excellence in their safety and health programs through cooperation among labor, management, and the Government. The Merit is often a stepping stone to the Star Program, the highest level of participation in the VPP. The Midas Bedford Park, which manufactures motor vehicle parts and accessories, is the second site in my district to achieve the honor of VPP approval. The OSHA review team commended Midas for its strong commitment to safety and health at the facility. The Midas workers are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 781. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the workers and management of the Midas Bedford Park facility on this great achievement and wish them continued success in maintaining health and safety at their workplace.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding organization in my district that for 25 years has addressed the needs of older residents--the Southwest Suburban Center on Aging in La Grange, IL. The center is enjoying its silver anniversary of providing a variety of important services for senior citizens. The agency drew out a study commissioned by the La Grange Kiwanis Club in 1970 that determined that not only was the senior population growing in the area, but that the vast majority of this group did not know where to turn for assistance. The senior center was initially established as an arm of a local mental health agency, but because of the great demand for its services, it soon became a separate entity. In 1974, it leased its first facility, a building in La Grange, which it still occupies 22 years later. Beginning with a staff of three on 1971, the center grew to employ a staff of 26 and over 300 volunteers. Today, the center now serves more than 10,000 seniors in 22 communities. The services provided range from arts and crafts classes to delivering meals to the homebound to investigating suspected cases of abuse of the elderly. However, the varied offerings of the Southwest Suburban Center on Aging all contribute to one goal: to promote independent living for seniors and support their efforts to maintain healthy active lifestyles within their communities. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Southwest Suburban Center on Aging for 25 years of service to the senior citizens of its community, and wish the organization many more years of service.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3539, the Federal Aviation Authorization Act of 1996. This legislation reauthorizes the Airport Improvement Program, as well as the FAA's facilities and equipment and operations and maintenance programs. In an era of limited funding, this bill provides the national airport system with the best bang for the buck by fully funding the entitlement program while at the same time guaranteeing existing letters of intent from the discretionary portion of the program. Funding for noise mitigation also remains a priority in this legislation. But for the longer term, we have no choice but to look toward alternate funding sources, including an increase in the passenger facility charge. FAA and airport funding needs continue to increase, and with the Congress' effort to balance the budget, there simply is not enough funding. The passenger facility charge is now being levied at airports around the country with great success. In future reauthorization cycles, I will continue to advocate increasing the PFC. Madam Speaker, this legislation is critical. Without it, at the end of the fiscal year, the FAA will be unable to fund its crucial programs. With the tragic aviation accidents we have witnessed in recent months, funding for the air traffic control system, for security, for airport development, is more important than ever. This is must-pass legislation. I strongly urge its adoption. Madam Speaker, I want to commend Chairman Duncan for his leadership in moving this critical legislation through the process, and Chairman Shuster and Congressman Oberstar for their support. I particularly want to thank the staff of the Aviation Subcommittee on both sides for their hard work on this and all aviation matters. They are a fine group of professionals and we are fortunate to have them working with us. Madam Speaker, I urge strong support of this legislation and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this legislation. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 123, the English as the Common Language of Government Act. This bill declares English to be the official language of the U.S. Government, and requires the Federal Government to conduct its official business in English. The measure also requires that all naturalization ceremonies be conducted entirely in English. There is nothing radical or racist about declaring English the official language of the United States. By providing a means to communicate across ethnic and racial lines, a common language unites people and eliminates misunderstanding, segregation, distrust, and discord. English is our single shared language. It is the one language that crosses all ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds and allows diverse Americans to share their multicultural backgrounds. Declaring English as the official language will provide an incentive for immigrants to learn English. Throughout our history, new Americans were proud to learn to speak, read and write English. They knew that English was the key to assimilating to their new country. English was necessary to take advantage of all the opportunities that America had to offer. Yet, today there are more than 32 million Americans who are not proficient in English. In many cities, immigrants can live, work, and play without ever knowing a word of English. The Federal Government caters to these immigrants by providing programs and services in their native tongue, discouraging them from learning English. According to the General Accounting Office, the Federal Government, between 1990 and 1994, printed more than 250 official documents in other languages. Even swearing-in ceremonies for naturalized American citizens have taken place in other languages. Making English official will let immigrants know that they have no right to receive public services in any other language. Most Federal Government business--documents, meetings, records, legislation, and ceremonies--will be in English. This is a tremendous incentive for new citizens to learn English so that they may participate fully in American society. H.R. 123 does not prohibit languages other than English to be used in nongovernmental settings. It simply states that English is the language in which all official U.S. Government business will be conducted. Official English does not infringe on individual rights, nor does it prevent immigrants from preserving their cultures and languages in their personal lives. It does, however, encourage immigrants to learn English in order to fully participate in Government. I encourage all my colleagues to support this nonpartisan, overwhelmingly popular piece of legislation. As Members of Congress, we have an obligation to ensure that non-English speaking citizens have an incentive to learn English so they can prosper and fully partake of all the economic, social, and political opportunities that exist in this great country.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I salute an important organization that has been serving developmentally disabled residents in my district and surrounding areas for more than 40 years, the Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center. The organization was started in the 1950's, a time when citizens with developmental disabilities were often sent to facilities far outside of the mainstream of society. However, a group of dedicated individuals from La Grange, IL, and nearby communities envisioned something better for these citizens: an organization that would help them become integrated into the mainstream of society as fully as possible. Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center was the end result of this vision. Helping Hand offers a wide range of services for the developmentally disabled and their families, from early intervention child developmental programs to vocational work training for adult residential community living facilities. The lives of more than 500 disabled individuals are touched by Helping Hand each year through these programs. Now in its fifth decade of service, Helping Hand is about to embark on a new program with the grand opening of its SubCon Industries Business Center. Unlike sheltered workshops that Helping Hand has operated in the past, the new center will be a profit generating, tax paying operation that will place disabled individuals with nondisabled workers. The disabled and nondisabled working together have an opportunity to learn from each other, and this kind of professional environment enables the disabled to become totally integrated into the work world, giving them a strong feeling of personal achievement and success. Mr. Speaker, I extend to Helping Hand my best wishes and congratulations on establishing the SubCon Industries Business Center and thank the organization for its many years of serving the developmentally disabled citizens in my district.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, over the last few weeks in Atlanta, we have adorned many Americans with Olympic medals as a testament to their dedication and courage. Today, I rise to pay tribute to another true champion of courage, Kirby Wilson. This special girl resides in Western Springs, IL. which is located in my congressional district. Kirby recently celebrated her 5th birthday with friends and family, where she received many gifts, such as a doll, bubbles, and kites. It would appear that Kirby enjoys a normal, healthy life, but unfortunately, she possesses a rare genetic disease. The illness, called Sanfilippo Syndrome, causes children to miss an essential enzyme that breaks down a complex body sugar. Consequently, the sugar slowly builds in the brain and stops normal development. Kirby's health will deteriorate as the disease produces hyperactivity, sleep disorders, loss of speech, mental retardation, dementia, and finally, death before she reaches age 15. Unfortunately, there exists no cure for Sanfilippo Syndrome. Moreover, it is difficult to gather researchers and raise money for Sanfilippo Syndrome because it occurs in just 1 of every 24,000 births. Many lawmakers support funding more well-known diseases such as breast cancer and AIDS. These lawmakers feel that it is imperative to distribute funds that affect the most people. However, this should not diminish the severity of Kirby's heartbreaking situation. Thus, I have written a letter to Dr. Harold Varmus, Director of the National Institutes of Health, in support of funding research specifically for Sanfilippo Syndrome. Meanwhile, Kirby's parents, Brad and Sue Wilson, have taken the initiative to form The Children's Medical Research Foundation. Kirby's parents have implemented hard work and sacrifice for the organization to engage in an active fundraising campaign. Brad and Sue Wilson planned the ``Sweetheart Dinner Dance,'' ``Kirby by Candlelight,'' and ``The Fore Kirby Golf Fun Raiser.'' With the help of Kirby's friends, school, church, and family, these events have raised more than $140,000 for the Children's Medical Research Foundation. This is a testament to the good that can result from people working together for a common cause. Due to the success of its fundraising, the Foundation has awarded a $40,000 research grant to Dr. Margaret Jones at Michigan State University. Currently, the Foundation is planning to issue a $100,000 research grant to Dr. Chet Whitley at University of Minnesota. Dr. Whitley will collaborate with Dr. Elizabeth Neufeld, a UCLA researcher that recently won the National Medal of Science for her exemplary research on the Sanfilippo Syndrome. The work accomplished through his research will benefit not only Kirby Wilson, but future children that will be diagnosed with the disease. Mr. Speaker, if courage was an Olympic sport, Kirby and her parents would earn a gold medal. I only hope that one day, researchers will develop a cure to save Kirby and others afflicted with Sanfilippo Syndrome.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to an outstanding organization in my district that is celebrating 70 years of service to its community this year, the Cicero-Berwyn Elks Lodge No. 1510. For seven decades, the members of the Cicero-Berwyn Elks Lodge have worked to improve the lives of their fellow citizens. The members of this Elks Lodge have truly lived up to the benevolent and protective aspect of their name. Lodge members make weekly visits to patients at Hines Veterans Hospital, distribute food baskets to those in need, and provide scholarships to worthy students in their community. In addition, they don furry suits in the spring as part of their Easter Bunny program and visit senior citizens and children in nursing homes and local hospitals. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Cicero-Berwyn Elks Lodge No. 1510 on 70 years of doing good work for their community, and wish them many more years of service to their community.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding community service organization in my congressional district, the Kiwanis Club of La Grange on its 70th anniversary. From its beginnings on a May night at the old Masonic Temple on La Grange Road 70 years ago, the Kiwanis Club of La Grange has grown with its community during the last seven decades. The club, sponsored by the Berwyn Kiwanis Club, was organized by 42 people, including some of La Grange's leading citizens, on April 15, 1926. On May 11, 300 Kiwanians from as far away as DeKalb attended a charter night celebration at the Masonic Temple. Otis Townsley was elected the club's first president. Over the years, individuals from numerous professional backgrounds have served the club stop post. Soon after the club was established, it made its first contribution to the community, $25 to the La Grange Civic Club for its village beautification program. Philanthropy has been the cornerstone of the club ever since as La Grange Kiwanis has plowed more than half a million dollars into worthy causes in its 70 years. Starting in 1928, with the club's decision to establish a milk fund for needy children served by the La Grange Community Nurse and Service Association, much of Kiwanis' charitable efforts have been directed to the young people of the area. As the club grew, so did its fundraising projects. In 1951, on its 25th anniversary, La Grange Kiwanis held its first Pancake Day. This event raised $1,800 for community projects. Pancake Day has grown into one of the top community events in La Grange each year, and along with Peanut Day, is the club's top fundraiser. In 1976, the club purchased an empty lot at La Grange Road and Elm Avenue and developed a park for the entire community to enjoy. It has been used for weddings, parties, and quiet reflection. The club went through many changes over the years, but has always grown stronger. Perhaps the biggest change occurred in 1987 when Kiwanis initiated its first woman member of the club, Lee Welker of La Grange, who had served as club secretary for many years. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Kiwanis Club of La Grange on 70 years of service to its community.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to introduce a piece of legislation that will benefit communities throughout the Nation. My legislation is a straightforward resolution regarding the implementation of the train whistle requirement of the Swift Rail Act of 1994. An amendment added to the Swift Rail Development Act of 1994 mandated the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring trains to sound their horns at every public road-rail grade crossing in the country, 24 hours a day. According to the law, the Secretary must issue the new regulations by November 1996. There are approximately 168,000 public highway-rail crossings in the United States and railroads regularly sound train whistles at most of these crossings. Trains sound their horn as a final warning of a train's approach; the horn is in addition to motorist warning devices such as signs, lights, bells, and gates at crossings. However, at nearly 2,100 crossings, local communities have banned train whistles to limit excessive noise in residential or other designated areas. The rules required by the Swift Rail Development Act will now preempt the local ordinances that silence train whistles. At a distance of a half-mile, the noise level of a standard American train whistle is 86 decibels. This is well over what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says is the maximum noise threshold tolerable for peace and serenity. It is no wonder that communities that have developed along rail lines would want to limit when and where trains can sound their horns. But now, because of the Swift Rail Development Act, trains will sound their whistles at every public grade crossing in America. This may not pose a problem for rural America, but it is a real issue for communities, like those in Illinois, that are located along rail lines. The Chicago area, for example, is the historic rail hub of the United States and has some 1,500 trains moving daily through 2,000 crossings. The impact of all these trains blowing their whistles day and night would be immediate and obvious and would make the jet noise at O'Hare International Airport seem like a minor irritation. The village of Western Springs, which is located in my congressional district, has four street crossings and one pedestrian crossing and the new law would mean 75 minutes of whistle blowing a day. In 1988, the Illinois General Assembly passed a State law which required both freight and passenger trains to sound their horns when approaching crossings, day and night. The law preempted any local ordinances that banned train whistles. As soon as railroads began implementing the law, the public outcry was so strong that a DuPage County judge stepped in and signed a temporary restraining order to keep trains from blowing their horns. Illinois residents living near rail lines could not live with the noise. They could not even sleep through the night without being interrupted by a train whistle. Shirley DeWine of Berwyn, which is also located in my congressional district, was quoted as saying that she would have to sell her house, which is located a block from the Burlington Northern Railroad if the trains kept blowing their whistles. Fortunately, the Illinois Commerce Commission took emergency action to make sure that the ban on train horns would remain in effect at most crossings. However, the peace and quiet in Illinois is once again being threatened. This time it is a Federal law that requires trains to blow their whistles at all public grade crossings at all hours of the day and night. Therefore, I, along with a majority of my Illinois colleagues, am introducing this important resolution to express the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Transportation should take into account the interests of the affected communities before issuing the final regulations. The Swift Rail Development Act of 1994 does allow the Secretary of Transportation to provide exemptions to the train whistle requirement at grade crossings where other safety measures are shown to provide the same level of safety as a final warning from a train whistle. This resolution directs the Secretary to also take into account other criteria, such as the past safety record at the grade crossing and the needs of the community. Also, the resolution allows communities up to 3 years to install supplemental safety measures whenever the Secretary determines that supplementary safety measures are necessary to provide an exception to the train whistle requirement. The resolution also directs the Secretary to work in partnership with affected communities to provide technical assistance and to develop a reasonable schedule for the installation of those measures. Supplemental safety measures are often costly and complicated, and local communities need both financial and technical help installing these safety measures. The Federal Railroad Administration has been engaged in a very active outreach effort inform communities of the forthcoming rules regarding train whistles. Administrator Jolene Molitoris informed me, in a letter to my office in February, that because of the intense interest in this issue, the FRA will not be able to issue a final rule by the imposed deadline of November 2, 1996. I believe this is encouraging news. The FRA and the Secretary of Transportation can use the extra time to research and develop additional alternatives to whistle blowing. In fact, this resolution will help guide the Secretary of Transportation as he continues to work out the final details of the train whistle requirement. I understand that the intent of the train whistle requirement is to reduce highway-rail crashes but it is a blanket, one-size-fits-all solution to the problem of rail safety. The resolution I am introducing today allows the Secretary to consider at-grade, accident-reducing safety measures other than whistle blowing that are practical for the affected communities. I encourage my colleagues from throughout the Nation to join the members of the Illinois delegation, including Congressman Rush, Congressman Jessie Jackson, Jr., Congressman Yates, Congressman Porter, Congressman Weller, Congressman Costello, Congressman Fawell, Congressman Denny Hastert, Congressman Ewing, Congressman LaHood, Congressman Durbin, and myself, in sponsoring this legislation. We recognize the important safety issues involved, but we also recognize that communities must be given affordable options for avoiding the whistle requirements.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, today is a very important day in history. Today is the day when we can restore the American people's faith in Congress. Recent polls show that the American people distrust Congress, and I can understand why. They feel that Congress is beholden to the rich and the elite. Clearly, Congress must take strong steps to restore public confidence. However, H.R. 3820, the Campaign Finance Reform Act, is not the way. To paraphrase the New York Times, it is deformed campaign reform. It will open the floodgates for fat cats to give even more money to candidates and parties--from a maximum of $25,000 a year to more than $3 million a year. Only 1 percent of Americans contributed $200 or more during the last election. It is clear that H.R. 3820 will give this 1 percent of Americans, the elite, even more influence in the political process. The GOP leadership has been crowing about campaign finance reform and the much touted ``Reform Week,'' but when it came time to put the product out, well, you see the result. Then again, proponents of this measure are the same people who say that we do not spend enough money on politics and that campaigns, relative to the cost of marketing liquid detergents, are severely underfunded. Think about this for a moment. These are the same people who are behind H.R. 3820. That is probably why even my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are divided on it. In a last minute attempt to gather support for this bill after a storm of public criticism, the Republican leadership made some substantial changes to their campaign finance bill. The changes, while a marked improvement over the original measure, still falls far short of any reasonable reform campaign finance. For instance, it still fails to address the problem of soft money. Wealthy individuals will continue to funnel unlimited amounts of cash through that backdoor leaving your average working families disenfranchised. Ordinary citizens already feel that they are being pushed into the periphery of the political process by the rich and the elite. This bill only widens the chasm between ordinary citizens and the electoral process. Fortunately, we have a viable alternative before us, and that is the Farr-Gephardt bill. Unlike the Republican proposal, it is real reform in the right direction. It establishes new limits on campaign spending, individual contributions, candidates' personal spending, and independent expenditures. In short, it reduces the influence of the rich and powerful, and rightfully increases the role of average working families in the political process. No longer will the elite 1 percent of the Nation dominate the political process. So, Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge my colleagues to reject the Republican measure and support the real deal, the Farr-Gephardt bill. Let us not give the American people business as usual. Vote for meaningful reform during ``Reform Week''--not empty symbolism.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill that will provide greatly needed financial relief to individuals that are inflicted with a terminal illness. Currently, terminally ill individuals must wait for the standard 5-month waiting period before the first social security disability payment can be received. However, many people with such illnesses tragically pass away before they ever receive any payments. Sick pay, temporary disability programs, and other private disability pension programs do not often cover a period as long as 5 months, and the gap in income during the waiting period affects terminally ill individuals when they can least afford it. Besides, these people have paid money into the Social Security System through payroll taxes and have a right to receive immediate benefits that would greatly diminish the hardships that are suddenly confronted by the terminally ill. According to the Social Security Administration, the 5-month waiting period was instituted to ensure that people are sufficiently disabled to qualify for benefits. I strongly feel that terminal patients should, in now way, be made to justify their condition. Moreover, medical science has developed to a point where the art of diagnosing terminally ill, and therefore, disabling conditions, provides a sufficiently reliable picture of the severity of the illness. This bill would define terminally ill patients as one that has an illness which is expected to result in death within the 12 months. I urge all of my colleagues to join me as cosponsors of this very important legislation. Unfortunately, many Americans are hit with a merciless terminal illness while in the prime of their lives, and we should grant them their right to collect disability payments that they have earned so that they can worry less about financial concerns and live the rest of their lives in dignity.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Oberstar], Mr. Aviation.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am going to conclude here, and I simply want to make a couple of points. First, when the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. Duncan] and I referred to the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Oberstar] as Mr. Aviation, there is no jest in that whatsoever. We all sincerely believe that he knows more about aviation than any person we have run into in this country or in any country in the world. So we do not in any way, shape, or form make light of that. We are bestowing upon him a title that we all sincerely believe. Second, I want to make the point that this bill really was a very difficult bill to work out a reasonable compromise on. We had the pilots on one side, the air carriers on another side, and I salute the chairman for his steady hand in bringing us to an outstanding compromise. But, in all honesty, on this particular piece of legislation I salute the staff members on both sides who had to put up with the arguments coming forth from the pilots and from the carriers, and I know that that was no easy job listening to them repeatedly, and for the legislation that they developed along with the Members of the committee I strongly salute them. So once again I say I support this bill enthusiastically, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3536, the Airline Pilot Hiring and Safety Act. This bill will require an airline to obtain the records of a pilot from the pilot's previous employer before hiring that pilot. I think it's clear to all of us why this makes sense. We learned from a 1994 crash in which the pilot flying that aircraft had been forced out by another carrier because of poor performance. At the hearing the Aviation Subcommittee held on this issue that December, there was virtually unanimous agreement that a system needed to be set up for airlines to share pilot records which protected the rights of both the carriers and the pilots. After considerable effort and through the leadership of Chairman Duncan, we have found the appropriate balance. Neither the carriers nor the pilots love this bill. But in the spirit of compromise we have found a middle ground which I believe best serves the interests of the flying public. I do want to thank Chairman Duncan and Chairman Shuster for working so closely with our side on this legislation. They have been very receptive to improvements we have suggested and the end result is a bill that we can all support. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this important safety legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion I simply want to say that we have the safest airline system in the world. The gentleman from Minnesota, [Mr. Oberstar], Chairman Duncan, myself and all other members of the Subcommittee on Aviation of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives will do and have done everything we possibly can to continue to improve airline safety in this Nation. We are passing 3 bills today that deal with airline safety. There is much more to be done, but I am sure that we are up to the challenge. We will do it. I want to say that Chairman Duncan is a man who I sincerely appreciate working with because he is very easy to work with, he is very understanding, and he is very committed to aviation safety and the improvement of aviation in this Nation and, quite frankly, in this world. To have a man with the experience of the gentleman from Minnesota, [Mr. Oberstar] serving on this subcommittee and, of course, on the full committee has been of enormous help to myself and to Chairman Duncan. I want to state publicly I appreciate the work that both of those gentlemen have done in regard to aviation. I ask everyone's support of this bill for the National Transportation Safety Board, particularly because there is another great Tennessean that is the chairman of that board. Tennessee has sent us outstanding public people: Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, Andrew Jackson, Bob Clement, Jim Hall, and, the most outstanding of all, Chairman Duncan. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.