Frank Lucas

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Peanuts gang, created by Mr. Schulz, has and will continue to honor and entertain millions of children and adults throughout the world. The Peanuts gang was a fabulous bunch to observe. We all hoped that one day Snoopy would finally catch the dreaded Red Baron. Millions of Americans would turn to the comics every morning to see if it was the day that Pig Pen would finally find the washroom. We all wished we could receive the advice that Lucy often provided for only a nickel. And, of course, everyone knew that someday, someday, Charlie Brown would kick the football straight through the uprights. However, these things never did, and now will never, happen. That was the beauty of Charles Schulz and the cartoon he created. This group of children captivated our imagination for 50 years. They provided heart warming tales of everyday life along with humorous adventures. Mr. Schulz was the genius behind this American icon that allowed us to take a step back and enjoy the world around us. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach), the chairman of the full committee.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with mixed emotions. It is with great pride and honor that I support awarding Charles M. Schulz the Congressional Gold Medal. However, as we all know, Mr. Schulz, the creator of the beloved comic strip Peanuts, died last Saturday, February 12, at his home in Santa Rosa, California, at the age of 77. Therefore, I stand before my colleagues with great sadness. I would like to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson) for introducing this most appropriate piece of legislation. Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. Without a doubt, Mr. Schulz has earned this great honor. Mr. Schulz first introduced his legendary Peanuts cartoon to us in October of 1950. It was then that the world became acquainted with such characters as Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and others. Like millions of other Americans, I often felt as though I knew the man personally, having read and watched his cartoons for as long as I can remember. I believe that I knew the man as only a life-long fan could know him, through his work. I am extremely appreciative of Mr. Schulz and his creation of the Peanut gang. For almost 50 years, he provided us with endless hours of humor, entertainment. His cartoons and characters will live with us forever. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3642) to authorize the President to award a gold medal on behalf of the Congress to Charles M. Schulz in recognition of his lasting artistic contributions to the Nation and the world.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 3642, the bill just considered.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from the Third District for the honor and opportunity today to be here to discuss this most important person. I, too, respect the fine job that the gentleman does in carrying on that fine legislative tradition begun by Speaker Albert in the Third District of Oklahoma. Let me say, Mr. Speaker, Speaker Carl Albert was an extraordinary man, coming from the humblest of roots in southeastern Oklahoma. He, much like the country he so diligently served, grew and evolved over the years to become a shining example of what Oklahoma has to offer. The world he knew and the Congress he became a part of in 1947 were dramatically different from the Congress that he left 30 years later. From vacuum tubes to space travel, Speaker Albert's time here witnessed many changes; and throughout those years of change Speaker Albert represented his constituents with dignity and integrity, rising through the ranks to become a respected leader of this chamber. With the death of Speaker Albert, Oklahoma has lost a valued son. I am pleased that the House is taking time to honor a man whom we all respect. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Banking Committee having just introduced a bill that will infuse $780 million annually into our economy. The FICO Assessment Elimination Act of 1999 will eliminate an assessment on banks and thrifts that is no longer necessary. My legislation will eliminate FICO assessments for all financial institutions that are insured by either the Bank Insurance Fund or the Savings Association Insurance Fund. Under current law, banks and thrifts are assessed in order to pay obligations on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation in the last 80's. Currently, the Bank Insurance Fund and Savings Association Insurance Fund are overcapitalized. There is far more money in these accounts than is needed to insure the safety of the institutions they safeguard. Moreover, these funds have been invested in Government bonds and generate approximately $2 billion in interest earnings every year. I propose that we use this excess income and reserve level in FDIC funds to pay for the interest due on FICO bonds, and eliminating the FDIC assessment on banks and thrifts completely. I see no reason to charge these institutions $780 million a year when we have a fund that is growing in far excess of what we need to maintain prudential reserves. Just imagine what that $780 million accomplish in each of our communities. It is estimated that my bill would make $10 billion of credit available next year. This is $10 billion of new credit that would be available for banks and thrifts to lend. This is money that our financial institutions could lend to a first time home buyer or an individual interested in starting a small business. The opportunities this money could provide are endless. Put this $780 million to work in your community. Support the FICO Assessment Elimination Act of 1999.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 100th birthday of Mrs. Myrel Frank. Mrs. Frank was born in Oklahoma City today, October 14 in 1899, the same year William McKinley was United States President and Oklahoma was still a territory. She graduated from high school in 1918, while the ``Great War'' raged on in Europe. And she married in 1920, the year Oklahoma Republicans elected their only majority in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives. Mrs. Frank and her family moved to Yukon, OK, in 1935 where they weathered the Great Depression and watched as many fellow Oklahomans left the state, making the journey to the picking fields of California. Mrs. Frank, her husband and four children, however, stayed on in Yukon where she resides today. Mrs. Frank has witnessed a century of our nation's history. Classroom and library textbooks can only provide so much historical detail for present and future generations. It is the oral history--the personal stories experienced and told by those who come before us--that truly makes our nation's history come to life. I thank Mrs. Frank for continuing to share her stories with us, and I extend my sincerest birthday wishes to her today on her 100th birthday. I hope that the years to come only add to an already impressive treasure chest of experiences and stories. Happy Birthday.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my strong support for H.R. 1906, the agriculture appropriations conference report. Let us pass this bill today and show our unwavering commitment to all agricultural producers across this country. I am extremely proud of this legislation, of what it does, and what it provides for Oklahoma agricultural producers. The 100-percent bump- up on the 1999 AMTA payment is desperately needed by our producers who have faced some unbelievable challenges this past year including Mother Nature, low commodity prices, and the worldwide financial situation. I am proud that this Congress has decided to take the necessary steps to combat these obstacles. I am also pleased to see funding for the Cotton Step 2 program and the inclusion of much needed livestock price reporting language. We have worked with producers over the past several months to ensure that these items were included in the conference report. This is just one more indication that this Congress is listening and responding to the needs of our producers. Finally, Mr. Speaker, this Congress expects the USDA to allow producers to collect a payment equal to their LDP on their wheat crop. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, as the House sponsor of this legislation, I rise in strong support of its passage. Simply put, this legislation will allow native American landowners to fully realize the benefits of their land. Under current law, Indian lands possessed by more than one person will require the consent of 100 percent of the owners before mineral development can go forward. In many cases, this fractionated property is owned by more than 100 people. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, to locate all of the owners. Once found, potential developers must obtain their unanimous consent. As my colleagues can imagine, this has the effect of driving off development. Last year, Congress lowered this requirement for the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold Indian reservation for 50 percent. This brings the requirement in line with the regulations for non-Indian lands. Because of this, these tribes have seen development of many properties that were lying unused. This has been a great economic benefit to the reservation. This bill will extend last year's legislation to seven Oklahoma tribes: the Comanche, Kiowa, Apache, Fort Sill Apache, Delaware, and the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes. In Oklahoma, oil and gas development provides a significant part of the income that many Indian landowners receive. This legislation will have an immediate impact to the tribal members that are affected by making their allotted lands more competitive for oil and gas leasing. This will give a huge boost to the economies of this area of southwest Oklahoma and provide a tremendous economic benefit to the various tribes. This legislation will not only provide an economic benefit to those tribes, it will allow them to use the land and resources that are rightfully theirs.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one man's many accomplishments and contributions to the University of Oklahoma and the State of Oklahoma. Mr. Robert Hume Brady was born and raised in Seiling, Oklahoma. He was awarded the OU Regents' Alumni Award in 1998 for his exceptional dedication and service to the University of Oklahoma and served as an honorary chair of the 100th anniversary celebration of the OU Association's founding. A 1960 graduate with a bachelor's degree in business administration, he joined Travelers Property Casualty Corporation in 1963 and today serves as regional vice president. In many of the cities where his career has taken him, he has made the OU presence stronger. He formed the OU Club of New Orleans in 1969, reactivated the OU Club of Kansas City in 1985, and organized the OU Club of Charlotte in 1991. He served as president of the OU Club of Charlotte for seven years and currently is a member of the Board of Directors. He has worked to raise funds for scholarship support to potential OU students and to bring new energy to the OU Club through recruiting and nominating younger members to leadership positions. He continues a long OU family tradition established by his great-uncle C. Ross Hume, a member of the first graduating class in 1898 and one of the founders of the OU Alumni Association in 1899. His grandfather, Dr. R.R. Hume, a member of the second graduating class, was instrumental in the selection of OU's colors of crimson and cream. Robert Brady will retire July 31, 1999, after 37 years with Travelers, and he and his wife Betty plan to return to Oklahoma City. Bob started with Travelers in 1963 after graduating from the University of Oklahoma. Further tours of duty included New Orleans, Home Office, Oklahoma City, Kansas City and Charlotte. While in Charlotte, Bob helped make Travelers North Carolina's leading Independent Agency carrier. Respected among his peers for his elegance and character, Bob is a colleague, mentor, friend, husband, father and grandfather.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the approximately 3.7 million Americans who are plagued by a little-known chronic disorder called fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a severe form of arthritis characterized by widespread pain and tenderness in the areas of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips, as well as by fatigue, weakness and sleep. Unfortunately for these individuals affected by fibromyalgia, the exact cause of the disorder is unknown, and worse yet, there is no known cure; however, this much is known about fibromyalgia, it may be triggered by stress, trauma or possibly an infectious agent in susceptible people. Thanks to the efforts of organizations such as the National Arthritis Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, and the National Institute of Arthritis and Muscular Skeletal and Skin Diseases, NIAMS, breakthroughs in treatments for relieving the pain of those affected by fibromyalgia are now more commonplace, thank goodness. Medical experts, for example, have determined that a combination of exercise, medication, physical therapy, and relaxation can help relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia. This is very good news, but there is a lot of work still left to be done. I respectfully call upon my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to recognize the severity of the issue of fibromyalgia, to support individuals affected by fibromyalgia through public awareness and education, to recognize the leadership of the Arthritis Foundation, CDC, and the States in developing the National Arthritis Action Plan, which includes strategies to address all forms of arthritis, including fibromy-algia, and to recognize the importance of committing resources to the Arthritis Foundation, the CDC, NIAMS, and the relevant Federal research institutions helping to pinpoint the cause of fibromyalgia, and eventually find a cure for fibromyalgia. Before I finish, I would like to share with my colleagues a story of a constituent of mine, Lin Kisslinger, from Oklahoma City, who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 9 years ago. Lin is an extremely courageous woman who has gone to great lengths to promote an awareness of fibromyalgia in my home State of Oklahoma and throughout the country. Lin successfully helped establish a statewide fibromyalgia awareness day in Oklahoma, and she played an integral role in finding the Fibromyalgia Support Group of South Oklahoma City. With Lin Kisslinger's continued dedication to promote the awareness of fibromyalgia, combined with the efforts of the Oklahoma City and Tulsa chapters of the National Arthritis Foundation, the National Arthritis Foundation itself, the CDC, and NIAMS, I am confident that a cure for fibromyalgia will be discovered sooner, rather than later. I respectfully urge my colleagues to support my House Resolution on fibromyalgia.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the many brave soldiers who risked their lives during World War II to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. In his book, Tom Brokaw dubbed them The Greatest Generation. It is hard to dispute this description. Many of these soldiers walked off farms or out of shops and factories to fight for the country they love dearly. One of these men was Mr. Garland Ward of Del City, Oklahoma. As a 22- year-old, he left a secure job as a grocery clerk to answer the call of duty to his country. As an enlistee of the 45th Infantry Division, Private Ward was sent to fight in North Africa. From there his unit made its way across Europe. After fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, they made their way to Germany where he and other members of his unit were captured. After spending 4 days as a POW, American forces recaptured the village and freed these brave men. Upon freedom, Private Ward rearmed himself and continued his fight towards victory across Europe. Our country owes a great deal to these brave soldiers, like Mr. Ward, who fought so valiantly.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of the radio and TV stations that provided around-the-clock coverage during the recent storm that ravaged the State of Oklahoma. The advanced emergency weather warnings provided by these stations and their employees allowed Oklahomans to find safe cover before tornadoes struck their neighborhoods and communities. This outstanding service saved countless lives. Not only did these local broadcasters provide early storm warnings, but they continued to offer accurate and useful information to their audiences during the chaos that followed the terrible storm. I know I speak for all Oklahomans as I thank them for their tireless efforts during this tragedy.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, today is the National Day of Prayer. After what my staff and I have observed in our beloved home State of Oklahoma in the past 2\1/2\ days, I would ask all of my colleagues and all Americans to lift our friends and neighbors in prayer. This natural disaster has physically impacted virtually every region of our State. The super cells that shot from the far southwest quadrant of the State to the northeast boundaries caused damage and loss in the districts of each of my colleagues in the Oklahoma delegation. But, as is always the case in the history of our State, no disaster, man-made or natural, can break the resolve or the spirit of our fine people. Pray for the widow and her adult daughter in Del City who were searching through the rubble of a home she shared with her husband from 1973 until his death 2 years ago. They were not searching for diamond rings or stock certificates. No, all they hoped to find was a keepsake photo of their late husband and father. Pray for their young neighbor boy who was so excited to find a single baseball card on the spot where his bedroom once sat. And pray for Oklahomans in all parts of the storm-ravaged State, including the small town of Dover where over half of their community has been destroyed. They, too, need uplifting. These good people and thousands of others are hauling off all of their worldly possessions in the trunk of a car or even a wheelbarrow. So many more were not that fortunate. Nothing can contain their will, their faith, and their fight. God bless Oklahoma. Pray for Oklahoma.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of hospitals and Medicare beneficiaries across this country who have a vested interest in changing the way the Health Care Finance Administration, HCFA, and its financial intermediaries itemize the explanation of Medicare benefits and Medicare summary notices, both of which are statements each Medicare beneficiary receives from HCFA for services rendered them that they are reimbursed by Medicare. Unfortunately for hospitals and Medicare beneficiaries, these statements all too often contain inaccurate and misleading information; specifically, information that overstates the amount that Medicare reimburses hospitals for inpatient services, and understates a hospital's contribution to financing any shortfall in Medicare reimbursements for such services; information that clouds the truth for Medicare beneficiaries instead of clarifying the truth. At a time when hospitals' margins are shrinking due to changes in Medicare reimbursement rates, at a time when hospitals have been plagued by the inappropriate use of the False Claims Act and at a time when the President in his fiscal year 2000 budget has proposed further cuts in Medicare, it is about time that hospitals be given the credit they deserve for financing part of the inpatient expenses as a result of Medicare's underpayment. Moreover, at a time when seniors are barraged by vague billing information, it is about time that they be given the full truth regarding the amount Medicare reimburses hospitals for services provided them. I am happy to announce that I have introduced the Truth in Medicare Billing Act, a measure that will ensure that HCFA reports the correct amount Medicare reimburses hospitals for inpatient services. The Medicare Truth in Billing Act, in addition to requiring HCFA to report the actual amount it reimburses hospitals for inpatient services, will require that HCFA add a line to all Medicare summary statements disclosing the amount equal to the difference between the amount of total inpatient charges incurred and the amount Medicare reimbursed the hospital for those charges. It is a simple fix to a problem that I believe should be resolved in the very near future. The initial level of support that the Medicare Truth in Billing Act has received has been tremendous. The measure has been endorsed by the American Hospital Association. In addition, numerous State hospital associations, staff and hospital administrators in my district and throughout the country have contacted my office to express their overwhelming support for the bill. Furthermore, seniors in my district, during my most recent round of town meetings, were very supportive of the measure. I hope that my colleagues in the House on both sides of the aisle will join me in working with the House leadership, the Committee on Ways and Means and its Subcommittee on Health, HCFA, and most importantly, the hospitals and seniors to ensure that the changes set forth in the Medicare Truth in Billing Act will become law.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First of all, I would like to say thank you to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson) for his efforts to bring this about. It is a very onerous process to work through to have one of these bills become law. It requires many signatures and much effort, and he has shown himself to be truly dedicated to the effort by making this happen. Second, let me say that this is a wonderful and appropriate reason to strike such a gold medal. When we consider the efforts of these then brave young men and women in 1957 to go places and do things literally in Little Rock that had not been done before, it cannot be understated the danger that they were physically in, the emotional stress that they went through to take that step in the right direction for all of us. They did their part to make this country a better place, to enhance the quality of life and opportunities for everyone in this country, and that is very much deserving of this high honor. But let me also say for a moment or take a moment to express my appreciation to the chairman of this subcommittee, the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle). Most likely this is the last piece of legislation that will come to the floor from the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy of the Committee on Banking and Financial Services of the U.S. House. Mr. Castle, that I have had the privilege of serving under as a member of this committee for now almost 4 years, has worked diligently in a variety of areas. There have been many concerns among those coin collectors out there in days gone by over how various commemorative programs were handled and how various expenses were affecting the United States Treasury. Mr. Castle has worked diligently to bring some rhyme or reason, some sanity to all of those programs. So he is owed in that right a huge debt of gratitude by all of us. Of course Mr. Flake, the ranking member at the beginning of this session of Congress, and now the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), the ranking member on the subcommittee at the conclusion, have worked their part also, but I must say to the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle), the progress that he has begun in this subcommittee of winning back the faith of those coin collectors out there who we all know are the main source of purchasers of the various numismatic items that we offer from the United States Treasury as a result of many of these pieces of legislation, have to have those issues and concerns addressed. So with that I thank the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson) for his efforts, thank those brave, maybe not quite as young now as they were 40 years ago, young men and women who took those brave and bold steps to make this country, this world, a better place for all of us and for the generations that will come after them. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hutchinson).

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fox).

Mr. LUCAS OF OKLAHOMA

Mr. LUCAS OF OKLAHOMA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 2560, the bill just passed.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the ``Consumer Reporting Employment Clarification Act of 1998.'' I would like to thank Banking Committee Chairman Leach and Ranking Member LaFalce, House Leadership, Senators Connie Mack and Richard Bryan, and Senate Assistant Majority Leader Don Nickles--Oklahoma's Senior Senator--for their hard work on and their support of this legislation that will streamline the trucking industry's hiring of competent, professional, and safe truck drivers. Unfortunately, current Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulations have forced the trucking industry to add multiple, unnecessary steps to its hiring procedures. Worse, because of burdensome paperwork requirements under these regulations, and because the industry is currently facing a critical shortage of drivers, many carriers have been forced to put drivers behind the wheel before their safety records can be verified. This is not what Congress intended when it enacted changes to the FCRA. This legislation will expedite the process by which employment background information is exchanged between truck company employers and truck drivers. Instead of having to obtain written consent from a potential employee to procure a consumer report, truck company employers will not be able to obtain a potential employee's consent by mail, over the telephone, or by means of computer or fax machine. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill. It has received the endorsement of the Federal Trade Commission--which enforces the FCRA-- major credit institutions, consumer advocacy groups, and is strongly supported by the American Truckers Association and by trucking companies and truckers in Oklahoma. Let's put highway safety before bureaucratic red tape and correct this safety problem immediately, and vote for this legislation. Again, I would like to thank those involved in the process of bringing this legislation to the floor.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, fiscal year 1998 ends in 3 days, and President Clinton has let cob webs grow on the Export Enhancement Program. Yes, as our farmer constituents struggle through one of the most devastating downturns in commodity prices our country has seen, our President has sat on $150 million that could have been and should have been utilized to prevent the loss of markets in wheat, wheat flour, vegetable oil, and other commodities. The 1996 farm bill made over $1.5 billion available for EEP, and this administration has used it to move some frozen chickens and some barley. They should be ashamed. This administration's trade policy should be called promises made, promises broken. Understanding the need to open new markets for our commodities, the President has promised to utilize EEP to its fullest. This is a promise he has not kept. In March of this year, I joined my colleagues from Oklahoma in sending a letter to Secretary Glickman outlining our thoughts on the need for the administration to utilize EEP. I would like to read the letter we sent. Dear Mr. Secretary: It has come to our attention that according to the United States Department of Agriculture . . . February supply/demand report, the season average price for wheat is expected to decline by at least twenty percent compared to the 1996/97 season. This price decline is causing serious concern to our producers, and we strongly urge the Department to use all discretionary programs to strengthen market prices and export opportunities for U.S. producers. We believe the Department should aggressively utilize export enhancement tools in strategic markets, including the Export Enhancement Program (EEP) and the GSM credit programs. All agree that export growth is fundamental to improved market prices for producers. As we talk it our producers/ constituents throughout Oklahoma, they time and time again express great dissatisfaction with the Department's reluctance to use the EEP to counter competitive subsidization of wheat in world markets. The unwillingness to utilize this program has weakened its effectiveness both as a deterrent to unfair trade practices and as a means of gaining access to markets. As U.S. producers lose market share to a growing list of countries with state trading enterprises, it is imperative that the Department implement a long-term strategy to counter these entities. As you begin the preparation for the next round of World Trade Organization Negotiations in Agriculture, we hope that you will utilize all export tools available. Thank you for consideration. We are looking forward to your response. Frank D. Lucas, J.C. Watts, Jr., Ernest Istook, Steve Largent, Wes Watkins, and Tom Coburn. How did he respond? Nearly $50 million a month has sat idly by as our markets have dried up throughout the world as the administration plays partisan politics with the future of our producers. I would argue that one of the main problems plaguing those trying to earn a living off this land is this administration's lack of an agricultural trade policy. Mr. President, this needs to change.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, yesterday afternoon I joined the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Bob Smith) and the Speaker of the House in announcing a much needed relief package for America's struggling farmers. This $3.9 billion package is a broad-based attempt to help all producers throughout this Nation who have suffered from both low prices and natural disasters. The package includes $2.25 billion that will be used to address crop disaster losses and $1.65 billion that will go to farmers eligible for Freedom to Farm contracts. I was thoroughly disappointed, though, in the lukewarm response our package received from our Nation's Secretary of Agriculture. His promotion of a more limited package that has failed in the Senate 4 times is alarming. Mr. Secretary, please give our package a fair view. Take partisan gamesmanship out of the equation. Substance must take precedent over rhetoric. And by the way, I would urge you to use the Export Enhancement Program. In the last 3 years you have sat on over $1 billion that should be used to open world markets to our producers. The time to act is now.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, as a cow/calf operator from western Oklahoma, I can tell you firsthand that the crisis in rural America is real. Our producers are plagued by weak grain prices, drought, bugs, wildfire, and dwindling forage and hay supplies. Good farmers are losing equity and millions of dollars are being lost to our economy. As our markets become as dry as the land we farm, the Clinton administration has failed to come forward with an emergency aid plan that will help producers make it until next year. These desperate times require swift and concise measures to aid our producers in their time of need. Partisan politics and demagoguery cannot be tolerated during this crisis. The Administration must quit using farmers like a political football and start making substantive decisions at the USDA. Oklahoma crop and livestock losses already amount to well over $1 billion. Action is needed now. Come on, Secretary Glickman. Our farmers are waiting.