Nita Lowey

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4365. By expanding pediatric research efforts and providing additional resources for a number of diseases which afflict children, this bill will go a long way toward improving health care for our children and enhancing their health and safety. As the main Democratic sponsor of the Safe Motherhood Monitoring and Prevention Research Act, I am particularly pleased that H.R. 4365 includes provisions to ensure that maternal health and safe motherhood research and programs are top public health priorities. As we all know, the CDC is the premier source of health surveillance in this country, and for the past 13 years they have been monitoring the maternal deaths, risks, and complications through the Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System. The CDC also assists States in determining which women may be at increased risk for pregnancy-related complications and what types of interventions can decrease these risks through the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System or PRAMS. While most of us think that childbirth and pregnancy are completely safe, CDC's research tells us otherwise. According to the CDC, two to three women die each day from pregnancy-related conditions and nearly 5,000 women experience major complications either before or after labor begins. Even more disturbing is the news that black women are four times more likely and Hispanic women 1.7 times per likely to die during pregnancy than their white counterparts and that access to prenatal care does not close this gap. That is why it is critical that we give the CDC the tools they need to collect data, investigate maternal deaths, research risks, and examine problems like domestic violence during pregnancy. Armed with that information and research, the CDC will also get the word out to women who need it most and the doctors who serve them. Mr. Speaker, no woman should die due to pregnancy in 2000. So as we approach Mother's Day, I am delighted that this bill will enable CDC to do its good work.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4386, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act, which has the potential to save the lives of thousands of American women. Right now, with limited resources, only 15 percent of eligible women are being screened. But even if we could screen all eligible women, early detection is not enough. If we are serious about eradicating the scourge of breast and cervical cancer, all women diagnosed must have access to medical treatment. The screening program was not designed to do that, and States have found themselves haphazardly and frantically cobbling together whatever resources they can. That is why this bill is so important. I am truly delighted that this leadership brought the bill to the floor today. Yet, while I strongly support the overall bill, I do want to express my disappointment about the provisions dealing with human papillomavirus, which would make HPV a reportable disease and allow condoms to be labeled with a disclaimer that they do not effectively protect against HPV. I think it is critical that we get more research done and more education done with regard to HPV. While there is a relationship between HPV and cervical cancer, the overwhelming majority of HPV cases do not result in cancer, and it is entirely too early to make HPV a reportable disease. We also do not yet fully understand how condom use affects the transmission of HPV, and that is why again we must bolster the funding for HPV-related research and prevention programs. But it is imperative that we provide accurate information about HPV. So I hope as the bill moves through the Senate we can work with our colleagues to address this issue, protect the health and safety of American women. Again, I want to reiterate my strong support for this bill.

Mr. LOWEY

Mr. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I express my great admiration for Rabbi Amiel Wohl, a remarkable spiritual leader and great American who this year retires from twenty-seven years of service to Temple Israel of New Rochelle. A man of high principle, moving eloquence, and tireless energy, Rabbi Wohl has touched countless lives in Westchester County through his work at Temple Israel and his contributions to a variety of civic organizations. Under Rabbi Wohl's leadership, Temple Israel has built on its already rich history and reinforced its reputation as a vibrant center of religious observance and civic activism. Rabbi Wohl's support for new programs and his introduction of additional opportunities for worship have enabled congregants to enrich their spiritual lives and achieve a closer connection to their neighbors. Rabbi Wohl has earned a reputation as an outstanding communicator, whose radio broadcasts touch thousands beyond the walls of Temple Israel and invite Jews and non-Jews alike to reflect on the ethical and moral precepts which guide our lives. He has been especially supportive of important Jewish institutions and organizations such as the Westchester Jewish Conference, B'nai B'rith, the Zionist Organization of American, the Anti-Defamation League, the Westchester Board of Rabbis, and UJA/Federation. Rabbi Wohl's commitment to achieving harmony among religious, racial, and ethnic groups has been just as impressive. He helped found the Inter-Religious Council of New Rochelle, serves as Co-President of the Coalition for Mutual Respect, which encourages dialogue between Jews and African-Americans, and enjoys close relationships with community leaders representing a variety of traditions. Rabbi Amiel Wohl's extraordinary stature and unique personal example will remain sources of inspiration to his congregants and fellow New Rochelleans for many years to come. I am proud to call Rabbi Wohl a friend and pleased to join in wishing him a joyous and rewarding retirement.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in commemoration of the 85th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a horrible period in our history that took the lives of 1.5 million Armenians and led to the exile of the Armenian nation from its historic homeland. My colleagues and I join with the Armenian-American community, and with Armenians throughout the world, to remember one of the darkest periods in the history of humankind. We owe this commemoration to those who perished because of the senseless hatred of others, and we need this commemoration because it is the only way to prevent such events in the future. We have already learned the lessons of forgetting. The Armenian Genocide, which began 15 years after the start of the twentieth century, was the first act of genocide this century, but it was far from the last. The indifference of the world to the slaughter of 1.5 Armenians laid the foundation for other acts of genocide, including the Holocaust, Stalin's purges, and, most recently, ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. The lessons of the destruction that results when hatred is left unchecked have been too slowly learned. The world's indifference to the Armenian Genocide proved to Adolf Hitler that his plans to annihilate the Jewish people would encounter little opposition and would spur no global outcry. The post-Holocaust directive ``zachor,'' remember--lest history repeat itself, came too late for 1.5 million Armenians and 6 million Jews. It came too late for millions of victims around the world. Today we recall the Armenian Genocide and we mourn its victims. But we also renew our pledge to the Armenian nation to do everything we can to prevent further aggression, and we renew our commitment to ensuring that Armenians throughout the world can live free of threats to their existence and prosperity. Unfortunately, we still have to work toward this simple goal. Azerbaijan continues to blockade Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh, denying the Armenian people the food, medicine, and other humanitarian assistance they need to lead secure, prosperous lives. And as long as this immoral behavior continues, I pledge to join my colleagues in continuing to send the message to Azerbaijan that harming civilians is an unacceptable means for resolving disputes. Mr. Speaker, after the Genocide, the Armenian people wiped away their tears and cried out, ``Let us always remember the atrocities that have taken the lives of our parents and our children and our neighbors.'' As the Armenian-American author William Saroyan wrote, ``Go ahead, destroy this race . . . Send them from their homes into the desert . . . Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh again, see if they will not sing and pray again. For, when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.'' I rise today to remember those cries, and to pay tribute to the resilience of the Armenian people, who have contributed so much to our world. Those who have perished deserve our commemoration, and they also deserve our pledge to ensure that such an horrific chapter in history is never repeated again.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this motion; and I am very glad, Mr. Chairman, that according to my colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren), a Member who has been working on this issue, and our ranking member of the committee, I am very glad that they seem optimistic that there has been some discussion on the floor today that there will be meetings, that there will be movement, that we can get a bill passed, because I do not know how the rest of my colleagues feel, but I am so frustrated. I listen to my friends, my neighbors, my constituents. They are angry. They are all preparing for that Million Mom March on Mother's Day, and they are angry. They do not get it; they do not understand it. They feel that no matter how much we argue, no matter how hard we work, our efforts to pass common sense gun safety legislation and to strengthen the enforcement of gun safety laws seem to be blocked by this Congress. The cries of the American people, the cries that so many of my colleagues and I have tried to echo and amplify in this Chamber, have fallen on deaf ears. While our constituents demand real concrete action, the Republican leadership puts up impassable roadblocks to progress on any front. Any bill with teeth, any bill that will really enforce gun safety laws and will really prevent children and felons from getting guns, is immediately disqualified from consideration. I do believe the American people get it. They are on to the tactics of the NRA and its friends in this Congress. So it is time for Congress to pay attention to the American people, not just lip service. The Juvenile Justice Conference Committee should meet now, and it should not stop meeting until we have a real bill to consider, with effective common sense gun safety and enforcement provisions. Preventing the committee from meeting and blocking the debate from happening is undemocratic. We have no room for these tactics. I urge my colleagues to support this motion.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, this is a sad, sad day for the American people. Because as the first anniversary of the Columbine massacre approaches, we in Congress have done nothing. We have done nothing to close the gun show loophole. We have done nothing to keep guns out of the hands of children and criminals. And we have done nothing to support our state and federal governments as they enforce existing gun safety laws designed to keep our streets and schools safe. And I'm sorry to say, that today's offering from our Republican leadership is more of the same--nothing. This bill, jammed down our throats with no opportunity for serious debate or amendment, will not fund 500 new ATF agents, it will not fund 1,000 federal, state, and local gun prosecutors, and it will not fund ballistics testing and smart gun research. The ENFORCE bill, which I have cosponsored and which we have not been allowed to debate today, will. And while this bill thankfully will not reverse existing gun safety or enforcement measures--it is merely a drop in the bucket compared to what the American people deserve from Congress. We have been waiting for nearly a year, as the Republican leadership has delayed and procrastinated in doing anything about the problem of gun violence in our society. And, at long last, this is what they offer the American people? They should be ashamed. Those of us who have been fighting this fight, who believe the American people deserve more than the smoke and mirrors they are getting from the other side of the aisle, will continue to work toward making real progress on reducing gun violence. I urge my colleagues to make this bill a point of departure, not a destination. I am voting for this bill but let's not stop until we have passed the real gun safety and enforcement measures that our country deserves.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, we are here today considering this ban for the seventh time in 5 years. Seven times we have stood here and talked about the need to protect the health of American women, seven times we have asked our colleagues to stop playing politics with women's lives, and seven times we have shown this bill to be an attack on the constitutional right to reproductive choice embodied in the Roe v. Wade decision. But we are back, unfortunately, and, sadly, probably not for the last time. I want to ask my colleagues to think about the nature of this issue for a moment. What we are doing today, if we pass this ban, is inserting ourselves, the Government, into one of the most personal and painful decisions a woman will ever have to make. I know my colleagues do not believe in that principle. I sat here yesterday during the debate on organ transplants as Member after Member came to this floor and expressed shock and outrage that the Government would dare insert itself in the medical decision-making process. Well, today they are asking us to go even further. Not only are they demanding that we stand between doctor and patient, but also that we place ourselves between husband and wife, mother and daughter, clergy and parishioner. Legally, this is unconstitutional. And morally, it is unconscionable. Mr. Speaker, Roe v. Wade expressed three basic values, values that the American people overwhelmingly support. First, the decision to terminate a pregnancy is private and personal and should be made by a woman and her family without undo interference from the Government. Second, a woman must never be forced to sacrifice her life or damage her health in order to bring a pregnancy to term. Third, determinations about viability, health, and risks must be made for each woman by her physician. This bill, my colleagues, rejects each of these values. It contains no mention of fetal viability, no protection for the health of the woman, and leaves no role for the physician. The Government makes all the decisions. And make no mistake, real families will suffer if this legislation becomes law. Yesterday, a number of us talked with the Koster family. Kim Koster and her husband Barry have now lost two pregnancies to anencephaly, a condition in which the fetal brain does not develop. Kim is young, just 31. She is healthy, with no family history of this devastating condition. Yet, she and her husband have had to terminate two pregnancies. And if they choose to have that baby they have been dreaming about their entire lives, there is a 50/50 chance that they will have a third anencephalic pregnancy. Kim and Barry want to be parents. They want the opportunity that so many of us have to bring a baby of their own into this world. Yet, the supporters of this bill would deny them access to a decision to terminate the pregnancy that would protect Kim's well-being. I want my colleagues to know that I respect them and the oath we have to make decisions based on what we believe is right. I believe, with all my heart, that this bill is wrong and that we must stand against any abortion law that would leave families like Kim and Barry without options when they already have so much at stake. My colleagues, we believe that women matter. We believe that their lives are irreplaceable and worth protecting. That is why we oppose this ban. Let us reject this assault on our values and our health and stand up for the principles embedded in Roe v. Wade. Vote ``no'' on this bill.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, with great respect to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Callahan), our distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs, and with appreciation that we were able to work together to get the $10 billion into this account; however, I would just like to remind my colleagues that, although we have made progress in investing in this account, 37 percent, only 37 percent of the estimated 5.7 million Americans in severe need of substance abuse treatment are taken care of, 37 percent. Thirty-seven percent. So I just want to commend my colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), for bringing attention to this critical need in our country. It is very disappointing that she was not allowed to offer her amendment as she offered it into the committee, because I do believe that we need an aggressive drug control strategy. We all know that substance abuse is a critical and persistent problem facing every community in our Nation. It has an incredibly difficult impact, as we know, on our families, public safety, employment, productivity. And while we know treatment works, let us remember again that there are 3.6 million people in severe need of substance abuse treatment that cannot get access to it. I see it all over the district. We must have better systems if we are to help those who need help today and as we reach out to millions of today's youth reaching a vulnerable age. I want to repeat it again, although the gentlewoman from California referred to the Rand Corporation study, which found that funds spent on domestic drug treatment were 23 times, 23 times, more effective than source country control, 11 times more effective than interdiction, and 7 times more effective than law enforcement in reducing cocaine consumption. So the strategy that the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) is talking about works. It is common sense and it is long overdue. I commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting the $10 billion, but we have not done nearly enough, and I would hope that we can support the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) and direct these additional dollars to substance abuse control.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to commemorate the 179th anniversary of Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire, and to celebrate the shared democratic traditions of Greece and the United States. Greece declared its independence on March 25, 1821, ending nearly 400 years of domination by the Ottoman Empire and restoring a democratic heritage to the very cradle of democracy. The special relationship between the people of Greece and the United States has been reinforced throughout our country's short history. Our Founding Fathers established this nation based on the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers and their struggle to build a democratic society. And, in turn, the American experience inspired the Greek people in their struggle for independence nearly 180 years ago. Our shared democratic ideals have formed the basis of a strong and sustained friendship between Greece and the United States, and even today, Greece remains one of our most important allies and trusted partners in the global community. And the many contributions of Greek-Americans to shaping our society and building our cultural heritage have been as critical to the United States as its friendship with Greece. My district in New York has benefitted immeasurably from the many contributions of our Greek- American community over the years. I am proud to join my colleagues today in commemoration of Greek Independence Day, and in celebration of the many contributions of Greece and Greek-Americans to the United States and the world.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I oppose this Budget Resolution because I believe that, in this time of great prosperity and urgent needs, we can do better. We should be voting on a bipartisan and realistic budget resolution. Instead, we have a resolution that doesn't secure the future of Social Security and Medicare, and doesn't focus on critical education, health, and consumer safety needs. Under this resolution, our federal commitment to education would be $4.7 billion under the President's budget. The increases proposed are solely for elementary and secondary education, leaving no increase for critical needs in school modernization, professional development, Title I, and higher and adult education. Under this resolution, the NIH would received a lower increase than necessary to continue our bipartisan effort to double funding for the world's premiere biomedical research institution. And this increase would mean that other, equally worthy health programs at CDC, SAMHSA, HRSA and related agencies would be at or below a freeze. Under this resolution, programs like LIHEAP--so desperately needed this winter--would serve 164,000 fewer low-income families. Pell Grants would go to 316,000 fewer students by 2005; and more than 40,000 kids would be denied access to Head Start by 2005. The fact is that this budget resolution sets us against each other. We cannot have tax cuts of the extraordinary magnitude being discussed unless we make deep cuts in programs that millions of Americans rely upon. I believe maintaining a strong defense and providing meaningful tax relief does not need to come at the expense of vital programs that help get kids through college, translate scientific discoveries to patient care, and help families raise healthy kids. No one wins when we set program against program. I hope we can avoid that destructive game and work together to provide strong support to the important and worthy efforts that Americans are calling on us to support. Together, we can improve the lives of the American people.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I support the Oil Price Reduction Act of 2000, but I regret that the rule has substantially lessened the potential impact of this legislation by preventing the consideration of meaningful proposals to relieve our country's energy crisis. This bill makes an important statement--the United States will no longer tolerate the manipulation of our energy supplies by a price fixing cartel, and we are prepared to take concrete measures to protect the American people from inadequate supply and astronomical prices. We have the opportunity today to begin dismantling OPEC's unfair and disingenuous pricing policies by investigating the detrimental effects of these policies on the United States economy, and by undertaking decisive diplomatic steps to change the current situation. We have a responsibility to our constituents to ensure that our economy is no longer held hostage to the whims of those countries that export their oil to us. But while this legislation is a good start to solving our energy problems, it could have been a great deal stronger. We should be debating legislation that explicitly authorizes the President to consider a country's involvement in oil price fixing when making decisions about U.S. assistance or arms sales. We should be debating an amendment to use the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to increase the supply of oil in the domestic market. And we should be debating an amendment to strengthen programs that develop energy efficient technologies. Mr. Chairman, this bill is a good start, but it doesn't go far enough. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and also to continue to work together to enact the meaningful remedies that we could not debate today.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, on February 15, my colleagues honored John Cardinal O'Connor by passing H.R. 3557, a bill to award him the Congressional Gold Medal. Unfortunately, because I had requested and been granted official leave of absence, I was unable to cast my vote in support of this measure. Please let the record show that had I been here I would have voted ``yes'' for H.R. 3557. As a fellow New Yorker, I have seen first-hand the good work of the Cardinal, in particular, his tireless efforts to improve Catholic- Jewish relations. The negotiations to establish diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Israel were initiated, in large part, by Cardinal O'Connor. The Cardinal's work has truly enhanced human rights and religious tolerance around the globe. Cardinal O'Connor has also been a leader in the effort to provide care to individuals stricken with AIDS. The Cardinal opened New York State's first AIDS-only unit at St. Clare's Hospital. This effort created a home for those in need of support and care, and supplied Cardinal O'Connor with yet another place to volunteer his time and counsel. In addition to these remarkable accomplishments, Cardinal O'Connor has devoted his time to promoting racial equality, creating valuable educational opportunities for children, and assisting the poor, sick and disabled. It is clear that Cardinal O'Connor has touched the lives of many Americans and deserves this body's highest honor.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the motion offered by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren). I am horrified that we have to stand here on the floor of this House of Representatives, the people's House, and battle to keep the debate on gun safety alive. I cannot believe that some of my colleagues, who work so hard every day to represent the best interests of the American people, think that it is in this country's best interest for Congress to drag its feet in passing comprehensive, commonsense gun safety legislation. Frankly, in a country that was founded on the ideals of democracy and freedom of speech, it seems downright undemocratic to me that we cannot even get this conference committee to meet. As I understand it, it has been promised since August 5. Here we are with the anniversary of Columbine looming, with more of our Nation's children dying each day from gun violence, two high school students massacre their classmates, and we will not discuss closing the gun show loophole; a 6-year-old shoots his classmate dead, and we will not discuss mandatory gun child safety locks. This is about saving lives. This is about keeping our streets, communities, schools, places of worship, safe. Gun violence does not discriminate between the inner city and the suburbs. It does not discriminate between young and old, rich and poor, black and white. The tragedy of gun death touches us all, and shame on us if we stop this debate before it can begin in earnest. The American people have asked Congress to be leaders in reducing gun violence, and have shown that they are willing to back up our leadership. As long as we refuse to meet, refuse to negotiate and discuss, we are ignoring our responsibility as lawmakers. I urge my colleagues, let this conference meet. I urge my colleagues to support this motion.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my great admiration for Elinor Guggenheimer, a remarkable human being and community leader who this year receives the Maggie Kuhn Award from Presbyterian Senior Services. A woman of boundless compassion, great intelligence, and exceptional ability, Ms. Guggenheimer has touched countless lives in the New York area through a variety of professional and civic activities, while also promoting the cause of equality and social justice throughout the Nation. Ms. Guggenheimer has always been a pioneer, recognizing the unique needs of young people and the elderly years before these causes attracted broad popular support. She founded the Day Care Council of New York in 1948 and the Day Care and Child Development Council of America in 1958, drawing attention to our shared responsibility to nurture children. And she founded the Council of Senior Centers and Services in 1979, establishing a true intergenerational commitment to senior citizens. Ms. Guggenheimer was also a pioneer in her own life--demonstrating through her personal example that women had the same capacity for leadership as men. She was the first woman to serve on the New York City Planning Commission--one of many posts, including Consumer Affairs Commissioner, from which she helped temper the sometimes harsh character of New York with a gentle spirit and a true love for her neighbors. Ms. Guggenheimer's commitment to equal opportunity is equally evident in her founding of several influential women's organizations, including the New York Women's Forum, the National Women's Forum, and International Women's Forum, and the New York Women's Agenda. Like so many others, I feel personally indebted to Elinor Guggenheimer for all she has done to improve our nation and celebrate our most cherished ideals. I am proud to join in recognizing Ms. Guggenheimer and confident that her works will remain an inspiration for many years to come.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists as they gather in San Diego for their 31st Annual Meeting this week. The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists is a nonprofit, international organization dedicated to improving the care of women with gynecologic cancer, raising standards of practice in gynecologic oncology and encouraging on-going research. An estimated 12,800 cases of invasive cervical cancer occurred in the United States in 1999, which lead to 4,800 deaths. These cases occur predominantly among the economically disadvantaged. This cancer has a well recognized preinvasive state; and enrolling more of the cases with preinvasive disease into ongoing vaccine trials would give us an opportunity to prevent cervical cancer, which would be a benefit not only to the United States, but to the 400,000 women world wide who develop cervical cancer each year. In 1999, an estimated 37,400 women were diagnosed with endometrial cancer and 6,400 of these women will die from this disease. This cancer too has a premalignant state which may be reversed with exposure to progesterone compounds. Such trials are ongoing and also represent an opportunity to prevent this most common gynecologic cancer. Ovarian cancer strikes 1 in 55 women and an estimated 14,500 women die from it each year. Five to 10 percent of these cancers arise in families with mutations, and efforts underway to study these families are critical to understanding how the disease arises and may someday be prevented. Clinical trials are frequently the best option of state-of-the-art cancer treatment. Approximately 2 to 3 percent of adults diagnosed with cancer participate in clinical trials. The current trends with regard to participation in clinical research for adults diagnosed with cancer are jeopardizing our ability to facilitate progress against cancer in this country. Clinical trials are the best way to translate research progress into effective cancer treatments and preventive strategies that might save the lives of the approximately 563,100 Americans who will die from cancer each year. As a strong supporter of medical research, clinical trials, and the efforts of SGO's President, William J. Hoskins, M.D., at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, I commend the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and its members, some of who reside in my district, for their dedication and commitment to improving the quality of care for our mothers, grandmothers, and daughters in their fight to win the battle against gynecologic cancers.

Mrs. NITA LOWEY

Mrs. NITA LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of Corpus Christi Parish in Port Chester, NY. Since its founding, Corpus Christi Church has been a cornerstone of its community, offering spiritual and material support to its parishioners, while reflecting the values and growth of Port Chester itself. Port Chester's large Italian-American population dates to the late nineteenth century, when immigrants flocked to the New York area in search of a better life for themselves and their families. Many settled in Port Chester's Washington Park area, a welcoming neighborhood, but one which lacked a Catholic Church. In 1912, a Salesian priest from Holy Rosary Church was appointed to offer Holy Mass on Sundays to the people of Washington Park. Two years later a basement chapel was inaugurated on South Regent Street. But it was not until January 3, 1925, that Corpus Cristi was established as a parish in its own right by Patrick Cardinal Hayes. Nothing better exemplifies the community spirit of Corpus Christi Church than the inspiring fashion in which the new building was constructed. A team effort from start to finish, the project brought together laborers from every trade and families of every kind. Working day and night, contributing portions of their modest income, and volunteering in countless ways, the parishioners of Corpus Christi Church were able to lay the cornerstone of their new building on September 27, 1925, and to welcome Cardinal Hayes to the completed structure in October 1927. In the time since, Corpus Christi Church has had the good fortune to be guided by a number of exceptionally gifted spiritual leaders. Father Peter Mayerhofer, Father Alfonso Volonte, and Father Peter Rinaldi, among others, contributed mightily to Corpus Christi's growth. That tradition of dedication and vision is well-served by today's Pastor, Father Jim Marra. Corpus Christi Church is now a center of community life. It boasts a school of 500 youngsters, a youth center, and well-known Holy Shroud Shrine. As Corpus Christi Church observes its 75th anniversary with the motto ``Remembering our past, celebrating our present, believing in our future,'' I know that I speak for all residents of Port Chester when I express my great pride in and thanks for this remarkable center of spiritual and civic progress.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Yes, my colleagues, there is good news in this bill; but there is a strong commitment to the education of our young people, there is a significant increase to Title X, America's family planning program, and there is desperately needed relief for hospitals, which have been struggling with budget cuts. The bill demonstrates our ongoing support for a secure and lasting peace in the Middle East. The Wye River package will help bolster Israel's security and provide the momentum needed to carry both parties through this delicate period in the peace process. The bill also fulfills our obligation to pay our U.N. arrears. I have fought hard with my colleagues to make this a reality, but my enthusiasm has been dampened by the dangerous family planning restrictions that were forced upon us by the majority in return for these critical dues. The restrictions are unreasonable and irresponsible, and my colleagues can be sure I will fight to ensure that they are never again codified in U.S. law. I am also very disturbed that Federal employees' access to contraceptive coverage has been damaged in this bill. The majority has modified the provisions which the President just signed into law only 2 months ago to dramatically expand the number of individuals who can opt out of providing contraceptives. My colleagues, this is sneaky politics, and it is bad policy. I want to make it clear today that I will not rest in my efforts to ensure that Americans have true access to family planning services. We cannot continue to let a few extremists hold good public policy hostage to their narrow agenda.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my thanks to Israel Policy Forum. Since its founding in 1993, IPF has been a vigorous and effective advocate for Middle East peace and Israel security. Few organizations have done so much to shape public attitude's about the peace process or to educate decision-makers about the significance of American international leadership. On November 20th, the directors, members, and friends of Israel Policy Forum will hold their second Tribute Dinner. In addition to celebrating recent progress in the Middle East peace negotiations and welcoming Prime Minister Ehud Barak, this event will also be an occasion to recognize the outstanding contributions of several remarkable individuals. Nathan Gantcher has devoted his considerable intellect and energy to the challenges of business, education, and community service. A towering figure in the world of finance, he is widely respected for his exceptional professional skills and deep devotion to principle. Robert Lifton has contributed to remarkable range of fields, including law, real estate, entertainment, finance, and health care. His personal commitment to American-Israeli relations is evidenced by his leadership of groups as the American Jewish Congress, AIPAC, the Council on Foreign Relations, and many others. Norman Pattiz is the founder and Chairman of Westworld One, the undisputed leader in the radio industry, with some 7,000 affiliated stations worldwide. His business acumen is matched by a powerful commitment to quality programming, and a creative understanding of the media's role in shaping a stronger society. His devotion to promoting Middle East Peace is prodigious, and he has pursued this goal both through personal involvement with Middle Eastern leaders and through tireless activism in the American Jewish community. Peggy Tishman is a nationally-recognized philanthropic leader, whose devotion to the Jewish community has been particularly inspiring. She was the first President of the merged UJA-Federation, where she helped lay a strong foundation for the future success of the organization, and where she demonstrated the character and charisma that would make her such an invaluable resource to a range of civic endeavors. I am very pleased to join in this special tribute, to express my enormous pride in IPF's fine work, and to salute the examples of dynamic public advocacy IPF's honorees and leaders set every day.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my great admiration for Bert Askwith, a leader in the worlds of business and philanthropy, who this year will be honored by the United Way for his exceptional community service. Mr. Askwith is a living embodiment of the American dream. He founded Campus Coach Lines while still a college student in Depression-era Michigan. In the years that followed, Mr. Askwith would move Campus Coach Lines to New York and build it into a leading charter company. Indeed, today, Campus Coach supports everything from athletics to education to the arts by providing affordable, quality transportation to major institutions and individuals alike. Mr. Askwith's business acumen and contributions to his field are evidenced by his election to six terms as President of the New York State Bus Association and by his service as a Director of the American Bus Association. But in his home town of Harrison and home county of Westchester, Mr. Askwith is at least as well known for his volunteer work and boundless devotion to community needs. His contributions to the United Way alone have been vast--spanning everything from leadership of a local chapter to policy-making with the national organization. Mr. Askwith is blessed with a wonderful family. His wife, Mimi, is a national resource in her own right and was voted Harrison's ``Woman of the Year'' in 1995. Mimi and Bert's energy and commitment are reflected in and shared by their three children, Patti Kenner, Dennis Askwith, and Kathy Franklin, as well as in their four grandchildren. I am pleased to join in recognizing Bert Askwith on his many achievements and his towering personal example. He is a great man and a great American.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, the United States has earned the reputation as the United Nations' number one deadbeat. If my colleagues want to help restore our good name and regain our influence in the U.N., they need to join me today in supporting immediate and full repayment of our U.N. arrears. This funding is critical to United States' foreign policy. It shows the international community that a commitment made by the United States means something. It gives the U.N. the resources it needs to carry on the important work it is doing around the globe. The United States has a tremendous amount of influence within the U.N., but that level of influence decreases with every day that we do not pay our arrears. In fact, at the end of this year, we face the prospect of losing our vote in the General Assembly. How can we expect the U.N. to continue to take our interests into account around the world? How can we expect them to fund the projects we support and to send peacekeeping troops to areas where we want to see more stability when we do not contribute? How do we expect to help to continue to reform the U.N. in a meaningful way if we do not pay our debt? Let us pay our dues now.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H. Res. 350. When I heard from my staff last night that a resolution addressing illegal sale of fetal tissue would be offered on the floor today, my immediate reaction was if any illegality was taking place, it ought to be investigated immediately. Then I read the text of H.R. 350, with its use of terms like ``trafficking'' and ``baby body parts'', and I tried to call the company accused of wrongdoing, using the phone number listed in a Dear Colleague, and the number was not in service. My colleagues, these are serious allegations and we ought to react to them responsibly. If there are legitimate complaints or evidence of illegality, Congress has the power to act. But instead of taking time on this floor, we could be working in committee conducting oversight of the National Institutes of Health, which is charged with protecting the integrity of federally funded research. As the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. DeGette), said, in 1997, as required by statute, the General Accounting Office investigated compliance with the detailed Federal regulations governing this research and the GAO found no evidence of wrongdoing or abuse. I would like to repeat that. The GAO found no evidence of wrongdoing or abuse. And yesterday, the NIH confirmed the GAO conclusion, again stating that no complaints regarding fetal tissue research have been investigated by the National Institutes of Health's Office for Protection from Research Risks, and no compliance cases or institutional reports have been filed with the NIH since the GAO reported to Congress in March 1997. And the National Institutes of Health, my colleagues, has no record of any Member of Congress to date requesting a review or presenting any evidence of wrongdoing, despite the fact that the NIH is the agency charged with oversight of federally funded research. No Member of Congress has called the NIH or requested in writing any investigation. Research involving fetal tissue is an integral part of the pioneering field of stem cell research which may offer millions of Americans, as the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. DeGette) has said, suffering with diseases the opportunity to be cured. We should do everything we can to assure that this research proceeds in an ethical and cautious manner. Allegations of wrongdoing, if substantiated, should be investigated, not, my colleagues, brought to the floor of the House to inflame. This resolution is not needed in order for oversight hearings to be held. So why are we debating this on the House floor? Let us put aside the inflammatory words and work together with the NIH to get the facts. That is why I urge my colleagues to reject H. Res. 350.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I would just clarify my position since the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Coburn) was directing his comments to me. I certainly respect his views on any issue. But my position was that I would respectfully suggest that the order in this House of Representatives is to have a hearing, to do an investigation, and not come to conclusions with the purpose of inflaming on the floor. I am delighted that they are going to have an investigation.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my great admiration for Milton S. Hoffman, senior editor of the Editorial Board of The Journal News in Westchester County, NY. Mr. Hoffman's outstanding accomplishments in the field of journalism and his significant contributions to the government and civic life of the county have merited him still another award--the press gallery in the chambers of the Westchester County Board of Legislators will be dedicated in his honor later this month. A man of high principle, integrity and skill, Mr. Hoffman began his lifelong newspaper career as an elementary school student in West Harrison, NY. In 1955, he started a 17-year stint covering Westchester County government for a precursor of The Journal News. He provided consistently thorough and thoughtful coverage of issues before the then-governing body, the County Board of Supervisors. His insightful writing also led to the replacement in 1969 of the Board of Supervisors with a more representative and efficient County Board of Legislators. Mr. Hoffman continued his tireless advocacy for progressive social policies as the state government and politics reporter, editorial page editor, columnist and now senior editor. His philosophy throughout a distinguished 45-year career has been ``not to tear things down, but to build them up.'' How fitting that the press gallery be named for a journalist who has trained, over four and a half decades, thousands of young reporters in the principles of fairness and accuracy. Indeed, Westchester County today has a better governing structure thanks to Milt Hoffman's vision and leadership. And all of us in the County are richer because of his unfailing dedication and commitment to making this a better place to live and work.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in reluctant opposition to H.R. 3075. I have been calling all year for this House to address the already- staggering burdens that our health care providers are coping with from the cuts mandated by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. In fact, I introduced legislation with my colleague Jack Quinn to do just that. I wanted very much to support this legislation. Hospitals in New York have faced significant operating losses and deficits, and they still have $2.6 billion in BBA cuts ahead of them. Thousands of employees have been laid off in an attempt to avoid damaging quality health care services. Even with significant cuts in personnel, many hospitals are hemorrhaging money. The plight of our hospitals, particularly teaching and safety net hospitals, is especially grim. These premier educational and research institutions have been caught between their traditional mission of serving the less fortunate while educating new generations of physicians and competing in the managed care marketplace. Many states, including California, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New York, have heard from hospitals reeling from the impact of substantial cuts. Our hospitals desperately need some relief. But this bill undercuts New York hospitals. It contains policy changes to the Graduate Medical Education program that would take GME dollars away from New York and other states' institutions, and redistribute it to other states. This is unfair and it is punitive, and it certainly does not belong in a bill intended to help struggling hospitals. I hope that these damaging GME provisions will be removed as negotiations proceed with the Senate and the White House. My colleagues, we need BBA relief desperately--but it must be fair. I will oppose the bill as it is written, and will work with my colleagues to make sure this bill truly provides relief to our health care institutions.