Frank Lucas

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from New York for his insight. So essentially as I see it the only people that this would apply to would be the able-bodied nonworking. What a concept, requesting that they return a little bit of what has been done for them. What a concept. Mr. Chairman, I am just amazed, now that I have had this so precisely and so clearly laid out for me, I cannot imagine why there would be any opposition because, after all, we are all good citizens. Whether we live in public housing or nonpublic housing, we all want to do our part for our community, we all want to work our way through this world, so to speak. Having provided these kinds of exceptions, having given the people who need the exceptions the exceptions, clearly those left are the able-bodied working, folks who I am sure want an opportunity to make a difference in their community and in their housing.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. That there would not be a requirement that the elderly have to meet this; they would be exempt?

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I sat here and listened to this very interesting and insightful debate coming from a number of points of view, and one of the questions that comes to my mind as I look at the issues addressed since we are so concerned about the 8-hour work requirement, just exactly who does this requirement, who would this requirement apply to? And if I could, Mr. Chairman, I would like to yield to the gentleman from New York [Mr. Lazio] to respond to a series of questions if that would be all right. Now, Mr. Chairman, I say to the gentleman from New York, as I understand it, and clarify this to make sure that it is crystal clear in my mind, that in this language in this proposed section 105 there are exemptions for the elderly.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Now we also have a section that exempts the disabled; is that correct?

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. So if the gentleman would give me one more response, if we make all of these exemptions for the elderly, the disabled, the working, those receiving additional education, those who are physically impaired, who is left for this to apply to?

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. And those residents who are working or attending school or receiving vocational training; would they not be exempt also?

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 924, the Victim Allocution Clarification Act of 1997. On behalf of the victims of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building, and all victims and survivors, I call upon the Members of this body to support this legislation. I want first to thank the gentleman from Florida [Mr. McCollum] and his staff for their tireless efforts in bringing this bill to the floor. They heard the cry of the victims in Oklahoma and have responded. On behalf of the victims and survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing, thank you. H.R. 924 addresses an important area of victims rights protections which has been overlooked before now. At stake is the right of victims to watch the trial proceedings and provide victim impact testimony. In many States, family members who will only provide impact testimony are routinely admitted to watch trials. Many States have constitutional amendments or other victims rights legislation guaranteeing the right to observe court hearings without sacrificing the opportunity to provide victim impact testimony. It is time that the Federal courts provide the same protections for victims. H.R. 924 guarantees the rights of surviving family members of all homicide victims to attend the Federal criminal trial of an accused murderer as well as provide victim impact testimony at sentencing. In 1990, Congress passed the Victim's Bill of Rights, and today, we are simply clarifying the protections which are currently in law. Passing this legislation today will ensure that victims of the Oklahoma City bombing will be able to watch the trial proceedings and testify at any subsequent sentencing hearing. Many of these victims are my constituents, and I have seen firsthand the pain and devastation this bombing has brought. For many victims, the healing process is twofold. These men and women desperately want to know what activities led to this terrorist attack. In the words of one victim, ``When I saw my husband's body, I began a quest for information as to exactly what happened. The culmination of that quest, I hope and pray, will be hearing the evidence at trial.'' This woman, and many others like her also, want the opportunity to express the pain and devastation this act has brought to their lives. They want the chance for their story to be heard; to know they played an important part in ensuring a punishment equal to the crime. They want, and need, to express their loss in their own words. The time has come for Congress to make its voice known on this issue, and protecting the rights of victims to both watch the trial and testify at sentencing is that needed statement. I ask all Members of this body to join me today and pass this legislation.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor eight Oklahomans who were recently honored as ``Civil Rights Trailblazers.'' The Oklahoma Historical Society's Black Heritage Committee acknowledged the commitment to civil rights that these leaders have made. The following were honored on February 6, 1997. Former Oklahoma Representative Hannah Diggs Atkins was a State representative for 12 years and served as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly under President Jimmy Carter. She is also a member of the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame and the Afro-American Hall of Fame. David Boren is a former Governor and Senator from Oklahoma. Among other things, he chaired the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and was a cochair of the 1993 Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress. He currently serves as president of the University of Oklahoma. Rev. W.K. Jackson currently preaches at the Oklahoma City St. John Baptist Church. He has served as president of the Baptist Ministers Union, the Progressive Oklahoma Baptists State Convention, and the Coalition of Civic Leadership. Ms. Rubye Hall is the current chair of the Oklahoma Historical Society's Black Heritage Committee. She is a life-long educator who is an emeritus member of the Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors. Mr. John Kirkpatrick formed the Kirkpatrick Foundation in the 1970's and has been honored by the Oklahoma City Federation of Colored Women's Clubs with an Achievement Award in 1992. He and his wife Eleanor have been very active philanthropists. Ms. Clara Luper was an active civil rights leader in the 1960's who led a number of lunch counter sit-ins in Oklahoma City to break down Jim Crowe Laws. George Nigh is a former Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State representative of Oklahoma and currently serves as president of the University of Central Oklahoma. In addition, he is a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and was inducted into the U.S. Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Americans Hall of Leadership. Ms. Ursula Sanders is the current president of the Baptist Ministers Wives of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education and served for 16 years as president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union in Oklahoma. I want to personally salute these leaders and thank them for the progress that has been made in the area of civil rights as a result of their efforts. It is my hope that their examples will be followed by the next generation of leaders as all of us confront the continuing problems regarding race relations in the United States. We would be well served to do so.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, whether we like it or not, some among us are expected to be role models. By sheer virtue of a media-intensive position, actors, athletes, and politicians are often thrust into the role model limelight. That's why it comes as no surprise that after a substantial decline during the late 80's and early 90's, overall drug use nearly doubled in the last 4 years. It also should come as no surprise that those who idolize are often young and impressionable, and that overall drug use among 12- to 17- year-olds between 1992 and 1995 went up 78 percent. Mr. Speaker, starting from the top, those of us in Congress and those at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue should renew this Nation's commitment to fighting perhaps our most important war to date--the war on drugs.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I rise today to share with my colleagues the passing of H.C. ``Ladd'' Hitch of Guymon, OK. A pioneer cattleman and prominent Oklahoma Panhandle businessman, Ladd was truly a remarkable man who left an indelible mark on his community, his State, and his industry. He was the third-generation patriarch of a family that settled and prospered in what once was called our Nation's ``No Man's Land.'' The fact that a thriving agricultural economy has developed on this once barren land is a testament to his family's frontier spirit. The Hitch's settled in the Oklahoma Panhandle in 1884. Ladd was born in 1918 and by the time he reached adulthood, he and his family had revolutionized production agriculture in the region. As the Hitch legacy in the region grew, the family's visionary business practices never waned. They introduced one of the first irrigation systems in the Panhandle region. This innovation supplied the ability to produce an abundant feed supply and led to the establishment in 1953 of one of the Southwest's first large-scale cattle feedlot operations. Last year, the National Cattleman's Association listed Hitch Enterprises as the ninth largest cattle feeding operation in the country. Mr. Hitch was one of the founding members of the Oklahoma Cattleman's Association, was the first recipient of the National Cattleman of the Year Award, was named ``Feedlot Magazine's Commercial Feeder of the Year,'' and was selected as a ``Stockman of the Century.'' His activities were not just limited to agriculture. During his life, he served as the chairman of the Board of Regents of Oklahoma State University, was the former director of the University of Oklahoma Research Center, was a member of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, and had been a trustee of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. As a cow calf operator from western Oklahoma, a former member of the Oklahoma State Legislature, and now a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I had the opportunity to deal with Ladd Hitch on many different issues both business and legislative. He was a man of integrity, drive, and vision. Ladd died on July 29, 1996, while attending the Oklahoma State Cattleman's Association in Oklahoma City at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. The site of his death memorializes many of the greatest aspects of life. Ladd will be missed.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3793, the 50 States Commemorative Coin Program Act. This bill would change the image on our quarter to honor each of the 50 States. Each State's quarter would be minted in the order in which the State ratified the U.S. Constitution, and the pride of each State would be displayed on these coins that would memorialize them forever. Money historically has been more than just a means to purchase goods and services. It reflects the pride and ideals of a country. It serves as a means to educate every person whose hand it touches about the history and heros of a nation. The image and artistry on coins are enjoyed by every walk of life, regardless of class, income, or race. This redesigned quarter commemorating each of the 50 States will be no different. Each State will have the opportunity to provide input on the design elements of the quarter. The complete series will represent the diverse history and culture of each State in the Union. I believe this commemorative quarter will stimulate interest in our Nation's history, and its coins. Besides the obvious benefits of this program, it will save money for the Government and the taxpayer. Like the bicentennial quarter, the 50 State series will be very popular with the public. Americans will keep these quarters allowing the Mint to produce more. It is estimated that the additional coins minted and held by the public will produce $3.4 billion in savings that the Government would otherwise have to borrow by issuing Treasury bonds. These savings will reduce interest on the debt by $1 billion over 10 years. Although I will have to wait until the year 2006 before Oklahoma's quarter is minted, I look forward to honoring each State during the next decade. I encourage all Members to support this bill.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. I thank my colleague for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise to compliment the gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Watts] for bringing up this matter, and I thank Chairman Wolf for allowing the colloquy. I would like to associate myself with the remarks made by Mr. Watts, and would like to reiterate my support for retaining the $1.7 million for the academy in Oklahoma City. I hope this can be addressed during conference and that Members will the language in last year's conference report.

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I want to enter into a brief colloquy with the gentlewoman from Ohio, if that would be possible. Being a farmer-rancher by trade back in Oklahoma, I am particularly sensitive about the nature of the farm bill and appropriation bills or any other pieces of legislation that might have an impact on rural American production in agriculture. If I could, I would ask of the gentlewoman, it is my understanding that her provision in this appropriation bill does not impose any new requirements or provisions beyond those in the farm bill; is that correct?

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. I yield to the gentleman from Iowa.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for her reassurance that her language or provision does not impose any new requirement on producers beyond those in the farm bill.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, last Thursday, I addressed the House about a situation very important to the rebuilding efforts in Oklahoma City following last year's bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Eight days later, the clock continues to tick, and money desperately needed by the people of Oklahoma City continues to not be fully utilized for disaster relief purposes. I am here today to remind the President that he, and he alone, has the statutory authority to follow up on his declaration of the bombing as a national emergency, by suspending the Davis-Bacon Act for these funds. I stress the word ``remind'' because I have already sent him two letters on this subject, and this is now my second speech on the floor of the House. The President witnessed first hand the devastating destruction caused by the bombing and had the chance this past April to see how little progress has been made in rebuilding Oklahoma City despite enactment of the $39 million in CDBG funds last July. If the President agrees with me that the people of Oklahoma City should be able to fully utilize the funds we granted them, then he should agree to suspend the Davis-Bacon Act and treat this situation as nearly all other disasters and emergencies have historically been treated. The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as utilized by FEMA, makes no mention of Davis-Bacon, meaning that these requirements do not apply to FEMA funds. Oklahoma City should not be treated any differently. As long as small contractors are forced to spend more time filling out paperwork and computing the correct wages than actually completing their job, this goal cannot be accomplished. Every dollar that is spent in excess of original estimates due to Davis-Bacon, is a dollar that is essentially taken away from the rebuilding efforts. Mr. President, as you know, this can all be resolved today. By stating that you intend to suspend Davis-Bacon for these DCBG funds, you will be siding with the people of Oklahoma City who are working hard to rebuild their city despite all obstacles. We should all be doing everything we can to make their job easier. In fact, I believe that the Federal role in disasters such as this is to empower the communities affected. The national response to Oklahoma City after the bombing was truly special, and I am forever indebted to all those who acted quickly to assist Oklahoma City. Now, I believe we must continue this cooperation and suspend Davis-Bacon so that the relief efforts are not hindered and so that Federal relief funds are not taken away from those attempting to rebuild this great city. Despite your silence on this matter, Mr. President, I trust that you too want these funds to be properly used, and I sincerely hope that you will take the necessary action to ensure this. At this time, I ask unanimous consent to enter into the Record a letter from Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating, and the mayor of Oklahoma City, Ronald Norick, supporting my efforts and urging the President to use his authority to suspend Davis-Bacon. The City of Oklahoma City, June 5, 1996. Hon. William J. Clinton, President of the United States, The White House, Washington,

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I yield to my friend from Georgia a few seconds.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 55) to correct the enrollment of the bill S. 735, to prevent and punish acts of terrorism, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma

Mr. LUCAS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report to S. 735, the Terrorism Prevention Act. A year has passed since downtown Oklahoma City was ravaged by the worst domestic terrorist attack our country has ever endured. Yes my friends, a year has passed since we as a nation watched in horror the images of the pain and suffering that this heinous act brought. The name Alfred P. Murrah will be etched in our minds for many years to come, and most assuredly April 19 will never be the same. As you vote today and reflect on the events of tomorrow, I implore you to remember those who perished and have long since been laid to rest. Our citizen's scars are deep and open wounds still abound. Oklahoma City is an innocent slowly rebuilding itself back to the greatness it strives to attain. Although we cannot turn back the clock and prevent this horrendous act from occurring, we must pass this antiterrorism conference report. This bill will bring an end to the abuse of our Nation's appeals process. It will ensure this country has an effective and enforceable death penalty. It means justice will be served, and that the guilty will receive their punishment in a swift manner. Further, the measure provides for closed-circuit broadcasting of court proceedings in cases where a trial has been moved out of State, more than 350 miles from the location in which the proceedings would have taken place. This provision is timely in light of the upcoming bombing trial. I believe all Americans who must endure such a tragedy, like the people of Oklahoma, deserve the opportunity to view the trial in their State. This measure provides the best way to ensure that those most severely impacted by this tragedy will have access to the court proceedings of those accused in this case. I would like to thank Chairman Hyde and his staff for their assistance on this measure. You have done a great service for Oklahoma City and the entire country. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report to S. 735. It is truly the right thing to do.

Mr. LUCAS

Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, in most years Rogers and Hammerstein hit the nail right on the head when they penned, ``Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain, and the waving wheat can sure smell sweet when the wind comes right behind the rain.'' Well, my friends, this is not a typical year. There has been no rain, there is no waving wheat, and it seems all we are getting this year is the wind. It is dry, my farmers and ranchers are facing another bad year, and I am just praying that most of them will make it through this tough time. Now I know this might not be a proper place to give a Southern Plains crop and weather report, but it's the only forum I have got. On national agriculture day, we in unison should all tip our hats to the men and women that fight the elements to provide us with the cheapest and safest food and fiber supplies that this world has ever known. We can't bring them rain. But colleagues, we can give them a workable farm policy. While I have great faith in the conferees on the farm bill to do what is right for American agriculture, I take this floor to urge them to work expeditiously to make this happen.