Ray LaHood

Mr. LaHOOD

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

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill. I want to compliment the chairman of the committee, who has tried to work with all parties to fashion a bill that makes sense. It is a little bit comical to see some people come trotting out here with ideas about the fact that this maybe does not meet all of the budget considerations they want or the environmental considerations, when in reality the chairman has worked for 7 months with every group in this town to fashion a bill that makes sense in a bipartisan way, and he deserves credit for that, and he deserves support for it, because the bill gives added stability in being able to plan for the future. With more stability, ranchers will be able to continue to be good stewards of the land, which is what I guess environmental groups want and should want. This has been a 7-month consultation with many, many groups. It contains new cooperative management authority for agencies and ranchers and will allow more flexibility for ranchers for them to continue achieving rangeland management goals. If there has ever been a bipartisan bill come on this floor that represented all sides, this is it. I encourage the support of all of the Members on both sides of the aisle.

Mr. LaHOOD. The point of fact is that the chairman has worked with a lot of different groups over a long period of time. This is not a 7- week bill. This bill has taken an extended period of time.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for allowing me to offer a few comments regarding this important issue that the gentleman has taken time to set aside this hour for to discuss. I have some prepared remarks that I would like to make, and as a member of the Subcommittee on Aviation of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, our committee has discussed this issue, and there is an awful lot of concern about it. In 1952, the United States and Japan entered into a highly restrictive aviation agreement that to this day severely restricts the number of flights between O'Hare International Airport in Chicago and Japan. Despite being the busiest airport in the world, O'Hare ranks only 30th in terms of the international passenger travel. This makes no sense at all. Because of this restrictive 1952 agreement, all of the Midwest and the entire country have been hurt by the lost business opportunities. Fortunately, the U.S. and Japan are currently negotiating an agreement that would drastically increase the number of flights to Japan and all of Asia. The potential economic impact of this agreement cannot be overestimated. An independent study by Arthur Andersen has concluded that lifting the current restrictions would increase passenger travel between Chicago and Tokyo to more than 700,000 by the year 2000, bring in over 2,600 jobs to the Midwest, and result in an additional $80 million in spending throughout the region. I might add that the Midwest-Asia Aviation Coalition has stepped in to provide important leadership in this effort. This coalition is made up of a diverse group of business, trade associations, labor and civic organizations, and tourism groups. Additionally, this group includes a very distinguished list of over 290 individuals, including Gov. Jim Edgar of Illinois, Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago, and our former Republican leader Bob Michel. I have no doubt that through the efforts of the Midwest-Asia Coalition and others, that when the final negotiations are completed, we will all soon realize the tremendous benefit of this new aviation agreement. Again I wish to thank my friend the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Hastert], and all of the Members who are contributing so much in this issue that we are discussing this evening.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to express, in part, my agreement with the gentleman from Texas who says that local people want to have control over their local school boards. That is why we have local elected board members, to run the schools so that they can hire the administrators and the teachers to do that. Yet, here in Washington, we have people at the White House and other agencies wanting bureaucrats to tell local boards what kind of test scores they should have, what kind of standards they should have. Mr. Speaker, local people do not want to be told what the standards should be. They know what the standards should be. They do not want bureaucrats in Washington dictating to them what kind of standards should be set. That is why they get elected. I would encourage those people who are trying to persuade local elected officials that people in Washington know more about it is just absolute nonsense. We should discourage that and give people back the opportunity to run their schools the way they should be run.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the chairman of the subcommittee on this important matter setting aside or making available or having available some funds for this study, and I look forward, hopefully, to the opportunity. I would like to finish my prepared statement because I want to be on record with the statement that I had prepared earlier. According to published reports, the Department of Agriculture and the Small Business Administration raised serious concerns when the new regulations were first proposed. Chief among those concerns was the tremendously high cost that farmers and small business would have to pay in order to be in compliance with the new regulations. The regulatory consequences for nonattainment would include bans on economic development, mandatory car pooling, sanctions on existing agricultural practices, and a greatly expanded vehicle inspection and maintenance program, the cost of which would probably lead to a motor vehicle fuel tax increase and/or regulations or outright bans on items of existing consumer convenience and choice, such as snow blowers, lawn mowers, powerboats, and charcoal grills. In addition, the new regulations would increase my State's nonattainment areas from 11 counties to 23 counties. The present nonattainment areas are the eight-county Chicago and suburban Chicago area, and the three-county Metro East St. Louis area. New areas would include my hometown of Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, LaSalle-Peru, Effingham, Decatur, the Quad Cities, and a much larger Metro East area, and Jo Daviess County. Illinois and the Nation has already paid a high price for existing Clean Air Act requirements. Our Nation's energy and industrial strength could be imperiled needlessly by new regulations, and it has been estimated that the Chicago area alone could face compliance costs of $5 billion. Other parts of the State and country could also have to incur the loss of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in compliance costs.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's commitment to the further study of this. I think common sense dictates that all Americans want clean air, but common sense also dictates that Americans want reasonable and commonsense approaches to the way that we deal with these matters, and I hope that further study will enable us to reach an agreement and compromise in how we go about doing that.

Mr. LaHOOD. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. LaHOOD. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Chairman, in April of this year I, along with 10 other Members of the Illinois delegation, sent a letter to Carol Browner, the Administrator of the EPA, urging her to suspend promulgation of those proposed regulations so that further study and analysis could be completed. In light of the Environmental Protection Agency's own recent acknowledgment that health benefits for those proposed regulations were overstated, I thought it was important that the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee attempt to reach a consensus on the health-related data that underlies the proposed regulations by doing further study and investigation. Earlier on I had considered offering an amendment, but due to other considerations and other deliberations that will be taking place later on, I am not going to do that, but I do believe that asking an independent agency such as the National Science Foundation to conduct an impartial cost-benefit analysis is important, and I would like to ask the chairman of the subcommittee if there would be funds available for an independent agency to look at these standards that now today have been promulgated and will be printed in the Federal Register.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. (Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. I yield to the gentleman from New Mexico.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Chairman, I wonder if I might enter into a colloquy about a particular research program. As a part of the President's budget there was a proposal to stop many ongoing agricultural research projects. Many of these are very good research projects and have had long-term agricultural benefit. I appreciate very much the chairman and the ranking minority member in helping continue some of these projects. There is one project I do want to ask about specifically. This project is known as the ``Genetic Engineering of Anaerobic Bacteria for Improved Rumen Function,'' research effort conducted at the Ag research lab in Peoria, IL. This project was not mentioned in the committee report, and I would ask the Chairman if he would assist me in ensuring that this project be included as a worthwhile project when the bill comes out of the committee on conference.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, we are privileged to have Rev. Lloyd W. Johnson, Jr., as our guest chaplain today. A native of Hartford, CT, Reverend Johnson has served as a priest of the Episcopal Church for 30 years. He is presently the Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Pekin, IL, which is in my district. Born to Lloyd and Vera Johnson in 1939, he was raised in Connecticut and Vermont. In 1963, Reverend Johnson graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in business administration. He later was awarded his master of divinity degree from Nashotah House, a seminary of the Episcopal Church in Wisconsin. Ordained to the ministry in 1966, he has served congregations of the Episcopal Church in southern Florida and in central Illinois. Now Reverend Johnson is married to Jane Fontaine Gray, and together they have raised three children: A son, Mark, who toils in the House of Representatives as deputy chief of staff to our friend, the gentleman from Tennessee, Congressman Ed Bryant; Andrew, living and working in New Orleans; and Mary, living and working in San Antonio. Above and beyond his ministerial duties, Reverend Johnson and his wife have devoted the majority of their free time to supporting the establishment of marriage through volunteer service in the ministry of Worldwide Marriage Encounter. Mr. Speaker, I hope you will join me in welcoming Reverend and Mrs. Johnson to this Chamber and in thanking him for his words of thanksgiving and prayer. Welcome, Reverend Johnson.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 207, I was unavoidably detained for the vote on final passage of House Joint Resolution 56, a resolution celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. Had I been present for this vote, I would certainly have voted in favor of this important resolution because of its historical significance to our country.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I along with Congressman Lipinski and ten other colleagues are introducing the Highway Restoration Act. This bill will address the tremendous need that has arisen for the maintenance and restoration of our Interstate Highway System. The National Highway System is second to none in its ability to provide an efficient and safe network of roads, highways, and bridges linking the country together. Its existence has been crucial to our national defense and to interstate commerce. The System that we know today was largely the result of President Eisenhower's leadership and foresight, and just last year, we celebrated its 40th anniversary. Unfortunately, many pieces of this 42,000-mile system are getting old and in need of repair. Current Federal programs for interstate maintenance and restoration do not adequately address the growing costs and needs associated with our aging highways. That is why I have introduced the Highway Restoration Act of 1997. This bill calls for funding the Discretionary Interstate Resurfacing, Restoration, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program [I-4R] at $800 million per year. The I-4R Program is the Federal discretionary program responsible for helping States maintain our highways, and it is separate from the Interstate Maintenance Program [IM] which distributes funds to the States based on a formula. An adequately funded I-4R Program is necessary to ensure the longevity of our Interstate Highway System, because it allows factors, other than lane miles and vehicle miles traveled, to be taken into account when funds are distributed. Such factors for which the I-4R Program is able to account, include: The need to complete a project in a short period of time in order to reduce or minimize traffic disruptions; a particularly costly section of highway; traffic congestion caused by repair work; and delays in construction. The I-4R Program gives States the flexibility they need to effectively manage the repairs and preservation of our highways. Thus, sufficient funding for this program is crucial if we are to prolong the lifespan of our Interstate System, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me as a cosponsor of this important piece of legislation.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a high school basketball team in my hometown of Peoria, IL. The Peoria Manual Rams won their fourth consecutive Illinois State title, with a final record of 31-1. Consequently, they were recently named the high school boys' basketball national champions by USA Today. In the 90-year history of Illinois high school basketball, no team had ever won four consecutive State championships. In addition, Manual captain Sergio McClain, a team leader all 4 years, became only the second Peoria area player to win the coveted title of Illinois' Mr. Basketball. This award recognizes not only his athletic skills, but also the inspiration and leadership he provided his team throughout the year. The team is led by head coach Wayne McClain, and All-American center Marcus Griffin, All-State guard Frank Williams, and Mr. Basketball Sergio McClain. The other title winners on the team are: Greg Andrews, Marlon Brooks, Creston Coleman, Drake Ford, Jerron Hobson, Robert Johnson, Jerral Page, Alphonso Pollard, and Alex Stephens. The city of Peoria is very proud of the Manual Rams, only the second Illinois team to win the national title. Coach McClain and the Rams have proven that teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship are still an important part of high school athletics. Perhaps we can all learn from their example.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to salute five outstanding young women from the 18th district of Illinois who will be honored with the Girl Scout Gold Award by Kickapoo Council of Girl Scouts in Peoria on May 4, 1997. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement award in U.S. Girl Scouting, symbolizing outstanding achievements in the areas of leadership, community service, career planning, and personal development. The award can be earned by girls aged 14-17, or in grades 9-12. The recipients of this award at this time are Angela Hess of Girl Scout Troop No. 301, Renee Hinnen of Girl Scout Troop No. 4, Rebecca Roth of Girl Scout Troop No. 345, Katy Rodgers of Girl Scout Troop No. 257, and Amy Hale of Girl Scout Troop No. 357. Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., an organization serving over 2.5 million girls, has awarded more than 20,000 Girl Scout Gold Awards to senior Girl Scouts since the inception of the program in 1980. To receive the Gold Award, a Girl Scout must earn four interest project patches, the career exploration pin, the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, and the Senior Girl Scout challenge, as well as design and implement a Girl Scout Gold Award project. A plan for fulfilling these requirements is created by the Senior Girl Scout and is carried out through close cooperation between the girl and an adult Girl Scout volunteer. In the process of earning their Gold Awards, these Girl Scouts made significant contributions to their community. Angela Hess completed her project by working with a local children's hospital in planning activities for the children and then doing the activities with them. Renee Hinnen planned, organized, and implemented the registration, snack time, and lunch time activities for the Isaac Walton League's ``Kids in the Woods'' program. Rebecca Roth planned and implemented a sports and games day for the purpose of recruiting others to become Girl Scouts. Katy Rodgers taught dance to underprivileged children who cannot afford lessons, and Amy Hale organized a reference library at her church, and designed study sheets for Sunday school teachers and youth group leaders. I believe these young women should receive the public recognition due them for their efforts and their service to their communities and country.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a woman in my congressional district who was recently named Illinois' Mother of the Year. Paula ``Polly'' Myers, from Petersburg, IL, has been chosen for her involvement in her church, school, and community, but mostly for the love and dedication she has shown in raising seven wonderful children. Polly Myers has lived her life displaying the qualities that inspire this type of award. Even as she was working and going to school to provide better opportunities for her children, she found time to teach Sunday School, serve on the PTA board, and play an active role in all aspects of her children's lives. She dedicated herself to her four natural children, and her three step-children, whom she raised as her own. To be selected for this award, a nominee must meet a very rigid list of criteria. The search committee looks at the character and accomplishments of her children, her involvement in religious and civic institutions, her adherence to the Golden Rule, and how she embodies traits such as courage, patience, kindness, and understanding. By all of these standards, Polly Myers is a deserving recipient. Polly Myers said herself that ``You never go into motherhood thinking you're going to get an award.'' She is certainly right about that. Still, I am glad that awards such as this are given, and I am proud to honor Polly Myers, a truly deserving recipient.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, and I too want to add my thanks to all of those who worked so hard on making the retreat possible, including the Pugh Charitable Foundation, the Aspen Institute, and the Congressional Institute. Those folks contributed mightily to making our weekend a success. But in large measure it was successful because of the Members who came, the 200 Members, about equally divided between Republican and Democratic Members, and then about 150 spouses and 100 children, and the weekend was a success because of the fact that Members took the time to come. The kind of encouragement that Members have been exhibiting to carry on the suggestions that were made at the weekend I think means a great deal. I hope that our group can get together and come up with some recommendations. I think many of the recommendations have a great deal to do more with running the House, the institution of the House, how to make it more effective in the sense that people have a chance to debate, knowing that there are going to be differences, there are going to be partisan and political differences, but in reality when we leave the floor and the vote has been cast people will continue to talk to one another and carry on discussions beyond the House floor, and it does not relegate itself to the extent that Members will not carry on conversations after they leave the House floor.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the spirit of bipartisanship on this side of the aisle to express my thanks and gratitude to the 200 Members who attended the bipartisan retreat that was held in Hershey, PA. It was an enormous success. We had about 150 spouses and over 100 children, and the headline in the Harrisburg paper on Sunday I think really depicts the outcome, which says: ``Retreat declared success.'' And it was a success, in part because so many Members came, so many families came, and people really had an opportunity to build friendships and relationships that I believe will last well beyond our careers in Congress and, I think, will lead us to opportunities to really have meaningful dialog and debate in I hope what will be a much more civil atmosphere. I want to express my deep gratitude to the gentleman from Colorado [Mr. Skaggs], who cochaired this with me, the steering committee, the Speaker of the House [Newt Gingrich] and the Democratic leader [Dick Gephardt] for the extraordinary leadership that they showed in assisting us in getting the Members to come. It was a great weekend, it was a great start. It is not the panacea, it is not the solution, but we have begun what I believe is an important event that will lead us to more civil discourse and continue, I think, to build the idea that the House of Representatives is the highest legislative body and the work that we do here is very important and should be held in high regard.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the business in order under the calendar Wednesday rule be dispensed with on Wednesday next.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 2 p.m. on Monday next.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns on Monday, March 10, 1997, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 1997, for morning hour debates.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thought I would deliver my 1 minute on this side of the aisle today, given the fact that we are beginning, this weekend, the first historic bipartisan retreat, where over 220 Members from both sides of the aisle will depart to Hershey, PA, with 165 spouses and 100 children to begin to work together and, hopefully, develop a rapport so that we can carry out the people's business in a more civil way. Today, I rise, though, to pay tribute to a high school basketball team in my hometown of Peoria, the Manual Rams, who are currently ranked No. 1 in the country by USA Today. The Manual Rams have been ranked No. 1 for the past 5 weeks. The team is led by head coach Wayne McClain and has three all-State players: Marcus Griffin, Sergio McClain, and Frankie Williams. Manual is the three-time defending Illinois State champion and they are currently on track to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive championship this month as we begin March Madness in Illinois, which will take place in my hometown of Peoria. The team's current record is 24-1. The City of Peoria and all of Central Illinois is proud to have the Manual Rams as a representative in USA Today High School Rankings. Congratulations to Coach McClain and the Manual Rams. We are very proud of their teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship.