William Lipinski

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, free trade advocates say that NAFTA has nothing to do with fast track. That's not true. NAFTA has everything to do with fast track. NAFTA was negotiated under fast track, and look at what NAFTA has brought us. The evidence is clear. America has lost hundreds of thousands of jobs. And not only has it brought us a $16 billion trade deficit with Mexico, it's brought us lower wages, weaker consumer protections, and a dirtier environment. It's rolled back all of the advances we made this century and brought us back to the 19th century. Instead of leading us into the 21st century, it's dragging us down. That isn't sound public policy, no matter how you look at it. Free trade advocates say that the economy is booming. That may be statistically accurate, but let's take a closer look at what NAFTA has meant for American working families. Although the U.S. economy grew at a robust 4 percent in 1994 and productivity increased by about 2 percent, American workers did not share in these gains. The wages of American workers have continued to fall since NAFTA was implemented. In NAFTA's first year, American workers saw the sharpest one year drop of their real hourly wages. The real median wage fell by over 2 percent, continuing a 20 year downward trend. The evidence shows that not only did we lost American jobs, the American working men and women have seen a reduction in their wages as well. So what does NAFTA mean for American workers? The evidence shows NAFTA means stagnant incomes and falling wages for working Americans. Face the facts. If we cut through the economic rhetoric that the free trade advocates use to cloud the debate on fast track and NAFTA, the question we have before us is actually quite simple--do we want to sacrifice American jobs at the altar of free trade? For myself, the answer is very simple--no. That's why I opposed NAFTA. That's why I opposed fast track back in 1991, and that's why I am so strongly opposed to this fast track bill. Free trade advocates want the American people to believe that those of us who oppose fast track are ignorant of the new international economy and are pursuing an ``America-last'' strategy. They think we are protectionists, as if it were some kind of dirty word. Well, if trying to protect American jobs, the American standard of living and American working families makes me a protectionist, then I will gladly wear that label. The majority of Americans want fair trade. The majority of Americans don't want fast track stripped of labor and environmental protections. When I'm back home in the Third Congressional District of Illinois, every working man and woman tells me that thy don't want fast track. They don't want any more NAFTAs. They're tired of exporting American jobs instead of American products. Perhaps if some folks were to spend more time talking to Main Street instead of Wall Street, they would hear the same thing. Some folks seem to have lost sight of the fact that we work for the American people. In reality though, this isn't a debate between so-called ``protectionism'' and free trade. It's a debate to shape America's future in the global economy, and to make the global economy work for us--not the other way around. Mr. Speaker, this fast track legislation just won't work. It's just going to give us more NAFTAs. Instead of leading us into the 21st century, this fast track legislation will pull as back. Instead of rebuilding the American dream for working families, it will tear it down. That's why I am so strongly opposed to this bill. I will vote ``no'' on fast track, and I strongly urge all of my colleagues to do the same. Let us listen to Main Street, not Wall Street, because it's the working men and women of America that makes America so strong.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a remarkable woman who has recently celebrated her 100th birthday, on August 27, 1998. Ruth Hobbs Woods, a resident of my district, married Mountford Woods on May 18, 1918 and was married for forty-two years. They took pride in parenting four children. Ruth has 11 grandchildren, 23 great-children, and one great-great grandchild. Ruth Hobbs Woods resided in Chicago Ridge, Illinois for fifty-five years. During those years, Ruth Hobbs Woods was an active member of the community. Ruth Hobbs Woods was very involved in State, County, Township and Village politics and is a past member of the Worth Township Democratic Organization. Ruth Hobbs Woods was also an active member of the Chicago Ridge Homeowners Association and is currently a member of the Senior Citizens Friendship Club. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Ruth Hobbs Woods on reaching this milestone and commend her for her many contributions to her community. I extend Ruth Hobbs Woods my best wishes for many more birthdays to come.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a woman who has seen a century, Mrs. Helen Fanning, on the event of her 100th birthday, September 21, 1998. I am pleased to remark that the Village of Justice, Illinois, is proclaiming the week of September 20 through 26, 1998 ``Helen Fanning Week'' in honor of Mrs. Helen Fanning's 100th birthday. The family and friends of Mrs. Helen Fanning will be celebrating with a birthday party, where the proclamation will be presented. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mrs. Helen Fanning on achieving this great milestone and extend to her my best wishes for many more birthdays to come.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the inequity that NAFTA has created along the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas. As a recent New York Times article has shown, NAFTA has been a boon to the big companies, and to Mexican labor, but has created ghost towns in American border communities where vibrant, growing cities once burgeoned. ``This whole free-trade thing turned out to be for the big companies, not the little guy,'' Ricardo Grando, a manager at a Brownsville money exchange was quoted as saying in the Times article. For many in the border towns, NAFTA has not brought prosperity, like its supporters claimed, and border communities hoped for. With tariffs removed, workers in Brownsville, El Paso, Laredo, and other towns have watched their jobs walk across the borders to cities like Ciudad Juarez and Matamoros. In fact, Ciudad Juarez boasts a lower unemployment rate than its sister city El Paso. Ciudad Jaurez's largest employers are corporations such as General Motors, Ford, and United Technologies, where average wages are $1.36. Compare this to the $7.71 for factory jobs in El Paso, when there are no jobs. The largest employers in El Paso are two schools and a military base. With lower wages just feet away, it is no wonder why companies take their operations across the border. Mr. Speaker, NAFTA's ill effects can be seen along the U.S.-Mexican border. Just as I and other critics of NAFTA said in 1993, the cheap, unsafe labor markets in Mexico are too inviting to U.S. companies, and American workers are losing jobs by the thousands. Not only are jobs stolen in El Paso, but they are lost in major cities far away from the border, such as my hometown of Chicago. If we do not end this NAFTA injustice, NAFTA ghost towns will pop up all across America.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Roger Kunkel, pastor of the Riverside Presbyterian Church in my district, as he retires from 21 years of dedicated service to his congregation and community. Roger Kunkel was appointed the Interim Pastor of the Riverside Presbyterian Church in March 1978, and shortly thereafter became Senior Pastor, a position he held until this past May of 1998. As a man of faith and friend to the community, Roger Kunkel served his congregation with kindness, grace and leadership in promoting ministry and fellowship. Roger Kunkel is a man with visions, and saw the needs of the church to expand the ministry staff to serve the congregation more efficiently, which directly increased to activity in the youth programs. In addition, Roger Kunkel organized the Ryan Womack Scholarship Fund that has awarded over $100,000 in college scholarships since its inception in 1991. Because of his service and dedication, the congregation not only grew in number, but also in spirit and fellowship. Roger Kunkel is a man of great faith who has touched the lives of many. Roger Kunkel's service and dedication will be remembered by all he came in contact with. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to extend my warmest wishes as Roger Kunkel embarks on the journey his retirement will bestow upon him.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. DeGette).

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran).

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown).

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of the time. I just want to say in closing that, as usual, working with the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan), chairman of the subcommittee, has been a great pleasure. No one could be more cooperative, understanding, and tolerant than the chairman of the subcommittee or the full committee. It is a real joy to work with the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan), not only on this bill but all the time, in regards to aviation matters. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) for his interest in this legislation, and to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the ranking member of the full committee. In closing I would like to say that, as usual, the staff on both sides have done an outstanding job. The cooperation that is put forth by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan), that example is certainly picked up by the entire staff on the Subcommittee on Aviation, and they worked very closely together to produce what they believe is the best legislation for the American flying public. I would like to say that I certainly do not know Jim Coon as well as the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan) does. But in the opportunity I have had to get to know him, I have found him to be not only entirely professional in everything he does but really a down-to-earth, very nice gentleman, and I wish him well in his new position. I am sorry to lose him from the Subcommittee on Aviation. But, as I have said to others, we have to go on and enjoy life and better ourselves. So let me just say this is a great bill. Let us hope that we get unanimous support for it. Mr. Speaker, 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 today in strong support of H.R. 4057, the Airport Improvement Reauthorization Act of 1998. H.R. 4057 is a one-year reauthorization of the important Airport Improvement Program. The AIP is funded entirely by the Aviation Trust Fund and provides grants to local airports for needed safety, security, capacity and noise projects. The capital development needs of our Nation's airports are great. It is estimated that between $6- and $10 billion per year is needed to fund all of our Nation's airport development needs. Yet despite the outstanding needs of our Nation's airports, huge unspent balances are allowed to accumulate in the Aviation Trust Fund. In fact, the balance in the Aviation Trust Fund is expected to grow to almost $48 billion in the next 10 years. At the same time, the General Accounting Office reports that many airports will face substantial work keeping runways in generally good condition in the next 10 years. We cannot allow our Nation's airports to deteriorate, while money collected from aviation users simply sits in the Aviation Trust Fund. For this reason, H.R. 4057 is only a one-year reauthorization bill. Next year, when there is more time, we will fight to make sure that the revenue in the Aviation Trust Fund is used for aviation. We will fight to put the trust back in the Aviation Trust Fund, the same way we fought to put the trust back in the Highway Trust Fund under TEA 21. It is my hope that next year we will also work to increase the passenger facility charge. The PFC is also used to fund airport development projects, helping to offset the funding shortfalls of AIP. An increase in the PFC is needed to adequately meet our Nation's airport development needs. Although H.R. 4057 does not include an increase in the PFC, it is still a very good bill. In addition to making several changes to the AIP program, H.R. 4057 contains many important safety and policy provisions. For example, H.R. 4057 requires collision avoidance systems to be installed on large cargo aircraft by the year 2002. A collision avoidance system, referred to as TCAS, is already required on passenger aircraft. In addition, most of the world's major aviation countries are requiring that all large aircraft, both passenger and cargo, be equipped with TCAS by the year 2000. By requiring TCAS or some other collision avoidance system on cargo aircraft, H.R. 4057 ensures that some 600 cargo aircraft that share the U.S. air space with passenger aircraft each day will now have the same ability to avoid midair collisions. In addition, H.R. 4057 provides whistle-blower protection for airline employees. The bill provides whistle-blower protection for flight attendants, pilots, machinists and other airline employees who report safety violations to the Federal Aviation Administration. This will greatly improve airline safety because employees will no longer have to fear retaliation from their employer if they report safety violations to the FAA. I could mention several other important provisions in H.R. 4057, but in the interest of time I simply want to stress that H.R. 4057 is a good, strong bill that is good for our Nation's airports and for our Nation's aviation infrastructure as a whole. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the two officers who lost lives saving others. The extraordinary acts of heroism demonstrated by Detective Gibson and Private First Class Chestnut of the Capitol Police are actions in which every American should be grateful for. Friday's tragic incident took the lives of two dedicated men who proved through their actions that they exemplified the true meaning of duty, honor, and love of their country. Their actions were not only full of courage but they were able to put an end to the violence with true valor. Tragic events are not longer something we hear about; they have now penetrated the halls of the people's building right in our very own back yard. The shots taken in the Capitol on Friday were not heard just inside the Capitol, they were heard around the world as a warning to all that violence can happen at any moment and anywhere. Friday's horrifying violent act took the lives of two brave men who died protecting what they believed in. We will never again take the presence of the Capitol police for granted because knowing that they are there makes us all breathe a lot easier. My condolences and heart felt prayers to the families, friends, and colleagues of officers Gibson and Chestnut. I ask Americans around our nation to reflect upon the incident and keep the victim's families in their thoughts and prayers. God bless the brave men and women around the world, and God Bless America.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about our rapidly growing trade deficit with China and Japan and to strongly urge the Administration to take stronger measures to lower foreign trade barriers to American goods and services. China and Japan are this nation's largest deficit trading partners. In 1997, our respective trade deficits with China and Japan were $53 billion and $58.6 billion. That's a combined deficit of over $110 billion. Needless to say, but nevertheless an important issue to emphasize, the massive trade deficits with Japan and China costs us billions of dollars of exports and tens of thousands--even hundreds of thousands of jobs. The Administration bears a large part of the blame by deferring to our deficit trading partners during negotiations instead of being more aggressive in promoting fair trade agreements that advance the interests of American workers. It's not as if the Administration does not have the tools to force foreign nations to open up their markets. They do. Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 comes to mind. It just seems to me that they lack the will and initiative. Do they even care about the great American middle class, or are they just pandering for political posturing? I strongly believe with all of my heart that the Administration can do more to open up foreign markets, especially with our largest deficit trading partners: China and Japan. Section 301 is a powerful tool in our arsenal. Congress gave it to the executive branch, but this Administration has been extremely reluctant to use it. Since this Administration came into office in 1992, not once has a Section 301 investigation been initiated against China despite the overwhelming evidence of massive trade barriers to American products. Back in 1991, the Bush Administration initiated a Section 301 case against China. We pushed, and China blinked. Since then, however, China has consistently failed to follow through with their obligations outlined in the agreement. It's time to pull out Section 301 again, because American jobs and American working families are at stake here. It's time to stop talking about the problem and time to start doing something about the problem.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, a 19th century British politician once said, ``Commerce is the greatest of all political interests.'' The Administration's actions lends credence to the statement. In early June, the Administration threw its support behind the renewal of China's MFN status. The interests of multinational corporations have once again been placed before the interests of American working families. We gave MFN status to China, and exactly what has that given us? It's given us a surging U.S. trade deficit with China that was $50 billion in 1997 that is expected to reach over $60 billion this year. The Administration's cozy trade relationship with China has come at the cost of tens of thousands of American jobs--in the name of constructive engagement, of course. What is the bottom line with MFN for China? Multinational corporations take advantage of MFN and cheap Chinese labor by moving U.S. manufacturing jobs to China, produce the goods there, and export the products back to the U.S. Our jobs are being exported to China, so multinational corporations can raise their profits. They're putting profits before people. Who wins? Communist China and multinational corporations. Who loses? American workers. Why? In the name of constructive engagement. Constructive engagement should not come at the cost of American jobs. We should engage on our terms, so that all Americans can enjoy a rising standard of living--not just multinational corporations. Mr. Speaker, while I am an idealist, I am also a realist. We just do not have the votes here today to reject MFN for China. What we do have, however, is an opportunity to send a message to the leaders in Beijing, China. The U.S. Congress will not stand idly by as China continues to close her markets to American products. Congress cannot ignore predatory trade practices that cost American jobs and threaten the livelihood of American workers. We must take stronger actions to open up China's market. But the Administration has been telling us that they've been in negotiations with China. They're working very hard to open up China's market. The Administration has been negotiating to open up China's market since 1992, and in my opinion, nothing seems to have changed for the better. I think it's about time to stop talking and start doing. Congress has provided the Administration with an extremely powerful tool at its disposal. Sections 301 through 309 of the Trade Act of 1974, commonly known as Section 301, gives the President and the U.S. Trade Representative the authority to respond to foreign trade barriers which restrict U.S. exports. It further authorizes the President and the USTR to retaliate usually in the form of 100% tariffs on targeted imported products from the offending country. Section 301 can do a lot to pry open foreign markets, especially in China. They've just chosen not to use it--in the name of constructive engagement, of course. It's time for the Administration to pull Section 301 out of the closet, dust it off, and utilize it to pry open China's markets and correct the unfair trade deficit. It's time to initiate a Section 301 investigation of China. It's time to take the Section 301 sledgehammer to China's other Great Wall. Break it down and open it up to good, old Made-in-USA products. And if the Administration is reluctant to use Section 301, then it's up to Congress to make sure the Administration does. Mr. Speaker, I am in strong of H. J. Res. 121 to revoke MFN status for China, because it hasn't helped America, it's only hurt us. MFN for China is a dead-end street for American workers. I urge all of my colleagues to vote for the resolution and send a message to Communist China that American workers will no longer bear the burden of constructive engagement.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak of the injustice that NAFTA has brought upon the American working man and woman. We have lost hundreds of thousands of jobs since NAFTA's implementation in 1994, and the situation will only get worse unless NAFTA is amended or repealed. During debate on NAFTA its supporters argued that American jobs wouldn't be lost to Canada or Mexico, only that jobs would be added to the American workforce. However, NAFTA has allowed American companies to send good, high paying American jobs to these countries, where they can take advantage of cheap labor. While this is good for the profit of these companies, it is destroying the labor workforce of this country. A microcosm of NAFTA's ill effects can be seen at a General Motors plant in my district. According to the United Auto Workers' Local 719, over 500 jobs from the McCook GM Electro Motive Division have been sent to a plant in Mexico, and 1,000 jobs have been sent to Canada. Mr. Speaker, contrary to the claims of NAFTA's supporters, the American workforce has suffered, as witnessed in McCook, Illinois. It is high time that Congress and the Administration put people ahead of profits. I urge my colleagues to end NAFTA now or witness the death of the American working man and woman.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding gentleman from my district, who has dedicated many hours to the betterment of his community, Mr. John Kline. John Kline, a resident of the Clearing community, has dedicated many long hours in the past three years to working in the garden outside the Clearing Branch of the Chicago Public Library. The garden holds a special significance both to the community and myself because it uniquely displays plants and wildflowers native to the region. Mr. Kline is dedicated to the betterment of his neighborhood and is consistently in tune with the interests of the members of the community. Mr. Kline's plight to restore native plants and wildflowers to the environment stems from his desire to give people an idea of what the land looked like when he was young. Mr. Kline cultivates such native wildflowers and plants as: wild phlox, white aster, wild strawberries, and native violet, the Illinois state flower. Bringing this native vegetation back to an environment that is now urban, has not been an easy task. For example, Mr. Kline has had to replace the garden's urban soil. Mr. Kline has upheld his strong determination to complete his vision for the garden, diligently researching native plants and remaining patient with the garden. Mr. Kline is growing non-native flowers such as tulips to provide some color to the garden, while he is waiting for the soil to become rich enough for a complete native garden. Mr. Kline's hard work and dedication to the 225 square foot library garden was featured in a recent article in the Chicago Tribune. Mr. Kline has also received the Library Volunteer Recognition Award in 1996 and 1997 for his hard work and numerous volunteer hours. I hope that you will join me in recognizing Mr. John Kline's strong dedication to the betterment of the people of his community, as well as the land on which they live.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, 150 years ago, the Illinois & Michigan Canal was completed. Built from 1836 to 1848, the I&M Canal was the catalyst for the evolution of Chicago from a backwards settlement on the shore of Lake Michigan into the hustling metropolis referred to as the gateway to the American West. Followed later by the railroads and the Sanitary and Ship Canal, which played critical roles in the continued development of Chicago and the Midwest, the I&M Canal was the catalyst. It was the one of the first and certainly one of the most notable infrastructure projects that changed the landscape of Chicago and the American heartland forever, and it made an indelible mark in America's psyche as Chicago became one of the nation's largest transportation hubs. The canal linked Lake Michigan with the Illinois River in LaSalle/ Peru and made it possible to ship cargo from the Atlantic Ocean through the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River and down to the Gulf of Mexico. The canal was 60 feet wide and 6 feet deep along its entire length, and cargo was carried on barges pulled by mules. The I&M Canal stimulated economic development along its path, and particularly in Chicago. Recognizing the rich heritage and recreational opportunities of the I&M Canal, Congress designated it as the first National Heritage Corridor in 1984, the first ``partnership park'' of its kind, which is now a model for such parks throughout the nation. Presently, over 10 such parks exist in the U.S., and it was the I&M Corridor that started it all. Along with the designation, Congress also created a Commission to coordinate the efforts and resources of federal, state, and local agencies. My esteemed colleagues from the Illinois congressional delegation recognize the importance of the canal, too. Last year, I introduced legislation that would extend the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor Commission for another five years to 2004. Nearly the entire delegation from my home state have cosponsored my legislation. They placed their bipartisan support behind the legislation, because we all recognize the historical importance of the I&M Canal, and we all want to see its preservation for our children and our children's children. Mr. Speaker, this is why it is an honor for me to rise today to honor the 150th birthday of the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Its historical significance in the development of the Midwest has made an indelible mark in this nation's history. We should do our part to protect our national heritage by continuing to work for its preservation for the future generations to enjoy and cherish. As we look with boundless optimism towards the future, we must also be wise enough keep our feet planted and learn about and remember our roots--where we came from--for that is the tie that binds us as a people and as a nation.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, GM, America's largest auto manufacturer, is embroiled in a costly and expensive showdown with the United Auto Workers. The strike is expected to cost GM around $1 billion in second quarter profits. This strike has nearly paralyzed GM's North American operations. Since NAFTA was signed into law by President Clinton, GM has aggressively shifted manufacturing jobs to places like Silao, Mexico. That's not the only GM plant in Mexico. At last count, GM has one car assembly plant, two truck assembly plants and 29 parts plants in Mexico employing a total of 70,000 Mexican workers. Unfortunately, it is not too far of a jump to conclude that these 70,000 jobs in Mexico came at the expense of 70,000 American workers. GM contends that these cost-saving measures are necessary for it to stay competitive in this global economy. In the unrelenting drive to fatten the bottom line, GM has thrown American workers to the side of the road. Free trade does not equal fair trade, especially when American working families suffer the consequences of our misguided trade policies that throws American workers out of work and only fattens the multinational corporations' bottom line. Corporations are in the black with record profits while American workers stand in the unemployment lines. The UAW is right on target in placing this at the core of their negotiations with GM. It is a valid issue that is of vital concern to all American workers in the manufacturing industry. I believe that it is fair to say that the outcome of this strike will highlight what is to come in the future. Will multinational corporations continue to move their manufacturing operations to foreign nations? Will they continue to export American jobs overseas? I urge my colleagues to consider these questions as this chamber is expected to consider MFM for China and fast track renewal authority later this year. With foreign trade equal to 30 percent of our gross domestic product, it is inextricably intertwined with our national economy. The dream of global free trade has been marred by realistic facts: the spiralling U.S. trade deficit, stagnant wages, and the export of American jobs. Wake up, America! It's time we stop this relentless, blind march toward the so-called ``global economy'' and embrace effective trade policies, and yes, perhaps even industrial policies, that will ensure a rising standard of living for the American people and protect vital economic interests. We can--and we must--do more for American workers by embracing trade policies that embraces American workers. It's time to stop representing the multinational corporations and time to start working for the American people.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding Senior Citizen of my district, Mr. Roy Laurence. Roy Laurence, of Indian Head Park, Illinois, has displayed tremendous effort and involvement toward the betterment of many of the members of his community. In the opinion of this Congressman, he has indubitably merited the award of Senior Citizen of the Year. In recent years he has been extremely involved with many not-for- profit organizations within the third district of Illinois. His activities have included the position of commander of the Robert E. Coulter Jr. Post, American Legion. In 1996 I worked cooperatively with Mr. Laurence in planning and executing the Jubilee Medal awards program for the veterans of the June 4, 1944, Normandy Invasion. This opportunity allowed me to personally witness the heart and soul that Mr. Laurence has given to each and every one of his involvements. Mr. Laurence has also expressed a sincere concern for the development of the youth of America. He has chaired committees for both the Boys State Program and the Lincoln's Challenge Program. During his chairmanship for the Boys State Program he personally sought outside funding in order that as many young men as possible receive assistance with their educational development. The Lincoln's Challenge Program, a Defense Department initiative designed to keep youth's in school, has made significant strides and continued to inspire educational development, in large part, due to the resilient involvement of Mr. Laurence. I hope you will join with me in recognizing this devoted senior's hard work and effort toward his community as a whole.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute to an outstanding leader and businessman, Mr. Clark Burrus, Vice Chairman of First Chicago Capital Markets, Inc., who was recently honored by the First National Bank of Chicago. Mr. Burrus has served the First National Bank of Chicago for nearly twenty years, constantly contributing his innovative ideas and valuable insight. Before joining The First National Bank of Chicago, Mr. Burrus served the city of Chicago under Mayors Martin Kennelley, Richard J. Daley, Michael Bilandic, and Jane Byrne. Mr. Burrus was chairman of the Transition Committee on Finance for Mayor Harold Washington and co- chaired Mayor Byrne's Pension Study Commission. Starting in 1975, I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Burrus, while I was an Alderman and he was City Comptroller. It was always a pleasure to work with Mr. Burrus, as he consistently served the city in an unassuming, unselfish, and effective manner. Mr. Burrus continues to dedicate his time, expertise, and leadership to his community. He serves on various boards and commissions including several health care boards, higher education committees, as well as metropolitan planning councils. He was the past chairman and treasurer of the Chicago Unit Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society. Mr. Burrus is also a current member and past Chairman of the Chicago Transit Authority. Mr. Speaker, I commend Mr. Clark Burrus for the valuable leadership and knowledge he has contributed to his workplace and community. I would like to extend my best wishes for many more years of service to his community.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, Japan's economy is in recession. As an editorial in the Thursday, June 18 edition of The Washington Post noted, ``the fact that once again U.S. pressure was needed to spur a commitment to reform is one more sad indication of the abdication of leadership in Japan.'' While Japan has been a strong and loyal ally of the U.S. since the end of World War Ii, that does not mean friends cannot provide constructive criticism. I have some constructive criticism for Japan. As one of the world's largest economies, Japan has a responsibility to provide open and fair market access for imports. To this day, Japan continues to maintain restrictive barriers to its domestic market. While Japan has reduced tariff rates on imports to reasonable levels, non-tariff barriers continue to hinder imported goods and services from the U.S. and other parts of the world. From 1996 to 1997, the U.S.-Japan trade deficit increased from $47.6 billion to $55.7 billion. Our trade deficit with Japan is the largest out of any other nation in the world, and it points to the systemic problems with Japan's market. Now is the time for Japan to show real leadership to the international community by initiating wide-spread economic reforms specifically targeted to rescinding excessive and outdated government regulations. A U.S. Trade Representative report stated, ``[Japan's] unnecessary regulations restrain economic growth, raise the cost of doing business in Japan, lower the standard of living for Japanese consumers, and impede imports.'' Japanese economists estimate that 40 percent of all economic activity in Japan is regulated by the government. The regulations included burdensome testing and certification requirements, outdated price control measures, and unnecessary and archaic standards. While I understand that most of these regulations were implemented when Japan was still a developing nation when it was necessary to protect certain infant industries, they are no longer needed and, in fact, retards Japan's economic growth. A nation with a mature economy such as Japan's must jettison those outdated regulations in order to expand the economy. Japan's reluctance to do so has clearly caused its current recession. By placing archaic and unnecessary restrictions to imports, Japan has only wound up hurting itself. The solution to Japan's economic problems, Mr. Speaker, is quite simple. The Administration must work with Congress to put more pressure on Japan to provide open and fair markets, and Japan must take the necessary steps to fully honor its trade agreements with the U.S. Only by implementing this and other reform measures can the Japanese economy recover from its current recession.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to the memory of Juel Marifjeren who passed away on Wednesday May 20, 1998. The life of Juel Marifjeren was taken prematurely as he was preparing to go home from a day of work. I would like to take this time to extend my condolences to the family and friends of Juel Marifjeren, especially his wife, Kathleen and two children, Elizabeth and Steven. Juel Marifjeren was a loving husband, father and respected employee of the United States Army from 1967 to 1969. Juel Marijeren dedicated his life to serving others, and his fellow veterans. He will be sorely missed by all who have come in contact with Juel. It is a privilege for me to rise today to honor a fine man, husband, father and veteran. May he rest in peace, and may the Lord grant peace and comfort to the family and friends of Juel Marifjeren.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the recipients of the Spirit of Achievement Award. Each year, I recognize students in the 8th grade graduating classes who have excelled in the classroom, completed community service projects, and participated in extracurricular activities. These students are to be commended for their dedication, leadership, and community pride. They do represent the best and brightest of today's youth. I am honored to announce the recipients of the 1998 Spirit of Achievement Award: St. Camillus School: Katarzyna Zagorski and Gregory Jachymiak Dore School: Timeka Cooley and Benjamin Ayala St. Jane De Chantal School: Krystyna Kowalkowski and Andrew Wilk Hearst School: Shemika Perkins and Arthur Bailey St. Bruno School: Katarzyna Rogala and Matthew Chyba Kinzie School: Christina Smith and Daniel Zajaczkowski St. Daniel the Prophet School: Stephanie Berent and Samuel Pavelka Byrne School: Tara Murphy and Nicholas Walker St. Richard School: Alexandra Komonrowski and Michael Poineau Mark Twain School: Mary Gacek and Devin Miarka St. Symphorosa School: Lauren Ewalt and Anthony Miller Nathan Hale School: Adriana Misterka and Lukasz Kulesza St. Rene School: Gina Augustyn and Daniel DeBias Peck School: Armando Garcia and Richard Piwowarski Our Lady of Snows School: Bryan Kaminski and Kevin Siedlecki Edward School: Ewelina Kalinowska and Ali Panjwani Gloria Dei School: Kaitlin Reedy and Bethany Giebel Mr. Speaker, I congratulate these students on their graduation from grammar school. I salute them for their remarkable accomplishments in and out of the classroom. But most importantly, my best wishes to each and every recipient as they enter high school and encounter new and exciting challenges.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me, and I would like to enter into a colloquy with both the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster). This pertains to Wacker Drive, which is a two-level road structure that runs through central downtown Chicago. It is a major arterial road for business operating in downtown Chicago. Without Federal funding, lower Wacker Drive will have to be closed in 3 or 4 years. I would also like to talk about the Stevenson Expressway. It is an interstate that runs through the 3rd Congressional District in Illinois. It is in dire need of reconstruction. Without adequate Federal funding, the reconstruction effort will take 4 years. With adequate Federal funding, it will only take 2 years, saving 2 years of congestion and traffic headaches. The State of Illinois and the City of Chicago would like to begin construction of these projects using its own funds, applying $175 million to the Stevenson Expressway and $400 million to the Wacker Drive project. It is my understanding that, under section 115 of title 23, the United States Secretary of Transportation has the authority to allow a State or city to begin a project with non-Federal funds and then be reimbursed by the Highway Trust Fund discretionary funds. Would the ranking member of the committee and the chairman support application of the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago to proceed in this manner?

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the full committee, and I also want to thank the ranking member of the full committee.