Steven LaTourette

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the Senate concurrent resolution just concurred in.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate Concurrent Resolution (S. Con. Res. 139) authorizing the use of the Capitol grounds for the dedication of the Japanese-American Memorial to Patriotism.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, Senate Concurrent Resolution 139 authorizes use of the Capitol grounds for the dedication ceremony of the National Japanese- American Memorial on November 9, 2000, or on such date that the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration jointly designate. The resolution authorizes the Architect of the Capitol, the Capitol Police Board, and the National Japanese-American Memorial Foundation, the sponsor of the event, to negotiate the necessary arrangements for carrying out the events in complete compliance with the rules and regulations governing the use of the Capitol grounds. The event will be free of charge and open to the public. In 1991, former Congressman and now Secretary Mineta introduced House Joint Resolution 271 authorizing the Go For Broke National Veterans Association Foundation to establish a memorial to honor Japanese- American patriotism during World War II. This measure had the support of 132 cosponsors and unanimously passed the House and the Senate. In 1995, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported legislation transferring land between the Architect of the Capitol, the Department of the Interior, and the District of Columbia for the purpose of setting aside a parcel of land suitable for this memorial. The memorial, which was authorized by Congress and is privately funded, occupies a triangular Federal park just south of the Capitol at Louisiana and New Jersey Avenues and D Street, Northwest. This memorial will help us all better understand Japanese-Americans' World War II experiences. I would encourage all members to attend this important dedication ceremony. I support this measure, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, last March the Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on aviation security, and at that time it heard some disturbing testimony. For example, the General Accounting Office testified that although security screeners have detected about 10,000 guns over the last 5 years, weapons still often pass through airport checkpoints undetected. This is not surprising, given the repetitive, monotonous, stressful job that the screeners have. Moreover, screener pay is very low, only about $6 or $7 an hour. Some only get minimum wage. Most could probably make more working in a fast food restaurant. As a result, turnover exceeds 100 percent at most large airports; and at one airport, turnover of security screeners topped 400 percent a year. But it is not turnover that is the problem. For example, the DOT Inspector General told us that even though Congress has authorized about $350 million for the purchase of explosive detection systems, airlines often do not use this equipment as much as they could. The IG also testified that the list of 25 crimes that disqualified one from being a security screener did not include such serious crimes as burglary, bribery, and felony drug possession. As a result of that hearing, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan), along with some of my colleagues on the Subcommittee on Aviation, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster); the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar); the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski); and the gentleman from California (Mr. Gary Miller), introduced H.R. 4529. That bill expanded the list of crimes that would disqualify one from being a security screener. In the Senate, Senator Hutchison of Texas introduced a similar bill. That bill, S. 2440, passed the Senate on October 3. Mr. Speaker, S. 2440 not only expands the list of disqualifying crimes, it also attempts to plug some of the other holes in our aviation security system that hearings have revealed. Let me emphasize that I believe that our aviation system is safe. There has not been a hijacking of a U.S. airline flight since 1991, and that hijacker did not actually have a weapon as he claimed, so he was arrested. However, as recent events demonstrate, it remains a dangerous world for Americans, and aviation is still a tempting target for terrorists. That is why it is so important to maintain a strong aviation security system, and that is why passage of this bill is so important. This bill will take several steps to improve aviation security. For one, it will mandate fingerprint checks for all employees who will have access to the airfield or who will be responsible for screening passengers and their baggage. Previously, fingerprint checks were required only where a background investigation revealed gaps in a person's employment history. To expedite these fingerprint checks, the bill expands the electronic fingerprint transmission project into an aviation industry-wide program. Each airport, airline, and screening company will have the option of deciding whether they want to participate in this new program. This bill, like the original House bill, also expands the list of crimes that would disqualify a person from working as a screener or getting a job with an airport that would provide access to the airfield. Another important feature of this bill is the directive to make greater use of explosive detection systems. Taxpayers have already spent millions on these systems, and we want to make sure that they are fully utilized. FAA and the airlines have been relying on a profiling system to ensure that suspicious bags are examined by an explosive detection system. However, there is no guarantee that this profiling is 100 percent effective. Increasing the number of bags randomly selected for further examination improves the odds that a 1-in-a-million bag with a bomb will be discovered. In short, while security in this country is good, it could be better. By upgrading screener training and making other changes that I have described, this bill will make it better, and it will do this at very little cost to the FAA, the airlines, and the airports. Therefore, I urge passage of this legislation, and I will include a more detailed section-by-section summary of the bill in the Record at this point. Security Bill--S. 2440 section-by-section summary Section 1 is the short title. Section 2 changes the system and requirements governing criminal history record checks (i.e. fingerprint checks). Subsection (a) expands the electronic fingerprint pilot program. Paragraph (1) directs FAA to develop the electronic fingerprint transmission pilot project into an aviation industry-wide program within 2 years. This may require airports to purchase new equipment but will expedite the fingerprint checking process. Paragraph (2) makes clear that small airports do not have to buy the new equipment or participate in the electronic fingerprint transmission program if it would be too costly. They can continue to do the fingerprint checks under the current slower process. Subsection (b) describes the implementation of the new fingerprint transmission program. Paragraph (1) directs the FAA to report to Congress within 1 year on the FAA's progress in making this program available throughout the aviation industry. Paragraph (2) requires the FAA to notify Congress if the fingerprint transmission program will not be operational within 2 years as required by subsection (a)(1). Subsection (c) requires that fingerprint checks be done for anyone applying for a job as a security screener, a screener supervisor, or that will allow unescorted access to the air field. This requirement takes effect within 30 days at category X airports and within 3 years at all other airports. During the first 3 years, the person can be temporarily employed without the fingerprint check if the fingerprints have been submitted and an employment or background investigation has been done and found no cause for suspicion. This temporary employment without a fingerprint check can last 45 days within 2 years of enactment and 30 days during the third year of enactment. After that, all new employees must have a fingerprint check before beginning work. Applicants who are subject to the fingerprint check do not have to also undergo an employment or background investigation as was formerly the case. Government employees and others with access to the air field, who are exempted under FAA rules from fingerprint checks, will not be subject to them as a result of this bill. Subsection (d) lists additional crimes that would disqualify a person from being a security screener. Section 3 calls for improved training. Subsection (a) adds a new subsection (e) to section 44935 of title 49 establishing new training standards for screeners. Paragraph (e)(1) requires FAA to issue a final rule for the certification of screening companies by May 31, 2001. This is the rule that was previously mandated by section 302 of public law 104-264, 110 Stat. 3250. Paragraph (e)(2) requires this rule to prescribe 40 hours of classroom instruction, or an equivalent program, before a person can be a security screener. Paragraph (e)(3) requires that a person complete 40 hours of on-the-job training and pass an on-the-job exam before exercising independent judgment as a security screener. Subsection (b) directs FAA to work with airlines and airports to ensure that computer-based training devices for screeners are conveniently located and easily accessible. Section 4 adds a new subsection (g) to section 44903 of Title 49 to tighten access controls to the airfield. Paragraph (g)(1) requires FAA to publish a list of sanctions for disciplining employees who violate airport access control requirements. The guidelines shall incorporate a progressive disciplinary approach. Airports, airlines and screening companies shall include the sanctions in their security programs. Paragraph (g)(2) requires FAA to work with airlines and airports to improve airport access controls by January 31, 2001. Section 5 calls for better security at air traffic control facilities. This applies only to those facilities that are staffed, not to those that merely house equipment. Subsection (a) requires FAA to improve security at ATC facilities so that they all can get security accreditation by April 30, 2004. Subsection (b) requires annual reports from the FAA on the progress being made in getting its facilities accredited, including the percentage that have been accredited. Section 6 requires FAA to increase the number of checked bags that are selected for screening by explosive detection systems (EDS). The purpose of this requirement is to increase utilization of explosive detection systems at those airport terminals where they are installed. However, the requirement is not intended to require an increase in the number of ``selectees'' when an air carrier instead employs a bag match system--even if the carrier serves an airport in which explosive detection equipment is installed. Section 7 transfers responsibility for a noise study mandated by section 745 of AIR 21 (P.L. 106-181, 114 Stat. 115) from the General Accounting Office to the National Academy of Sciences. Section 8 makes several technical changes. Subsection (a) changes the total number of members of the Management Advisory Council to conform to the number that were added by AIR 21. Subsection (b) changes incorrect cross references in the National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 2000. Subsection (c) rewrites section 723 of Air 21 dealing with restrictions on scheduled charters to remove double negatives and make it more understandable. Section 9 states that the bill becomes effective 30 days after enactment. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the Senate bill just passed.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 423.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 423) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Million Family March, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Ballenger) for this bill, H.R. 5178, and commend him for his hard work in bringing it to the floor today. I also want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens). I share their commitment to reducing the risk of exposure from men and women whose occupation places them in close proximity to bloodborne pathogens in the workplace. H.R. 5178 amends the OSHA standards on blood-borne pathogens to include the definition of safer medical devices. I especially want to thank both gentlemen today for including that in their manager's statement of legislative intent, clarifying that it is not the intent of the legislation to limit in any way any engineering controls or safer medical devices to the few examples that are cited in the legislation. The statement offered today clearly expresses the intent of the bill's crafters to provide for innovative and evolving technology in our efforts to minimize risk. As the gentleman from North Carolina knows, I am particularly concerned about a device that is manufactured not surprisingly in my district by a fellow named Joe Adkins through his company, Safeguard Medical Devices. The product they have developed is roughly the size of a pocket pager, and is intended to be carried by all personnel who may encounter unsafe used syringes. It is designed to blunt and seal the end of the needle with a ``BB'' type ball that seals the syringe hub, further reducing the risk of downstream infection. The language thankfully included in the manager's statement leaves no doubt that products that minimize the risks of exposures to blood-borne pathogens, like the one developed by Safeguard Medical Devices, are intended to be covered by the broad language of section 3 in the bill referring to safer medical devices, and that the examples cited in the bill were intended to be illustrative, rather than exhaustive. For that, I thank the chairman and thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens).

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5284 designates the United States customhouse, in Norfolk, Virginia, as the Owen B. Pickett United States Customhouse. Congressman Pickett was born in Richmond, Virginia, and attended public schools. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech and the University of Richmond School of Law. In addition to being admitted to the Virginia and District of Columbia bar, he is also a certified public accountant. Congressman Pickett began his distinguished career in public service in 1972, when he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. While he was in the House of Delegates, Congressman Pickett served on numerous boards and committees within the local community. After 14 years in the House of Delegates, Congressman Pickett was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1986. Representing Virginia's Second District, which consists of the Nation's largest military complex of facilities serving commands of the Navy, Army, Coast Guard and the NATO Atlantic Command, Congressman Pickett has been an ardent supporter of our Nation's military. Accordingly, he sits on the Committee on Armed Services and is the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Military Research and Development. Congressman Pickett is also a member of the Congressional Study Group on Germany, as well as the Congressional Study Groups on Japan and the Duma-Congress. He participated in the first Congress-Bundestag-Japanese Diet Trilateral seminar. Owen Pickett is retiring from his lengthy and productive career in this body at the conclusion of this 106th Congress. While we will be losing a valuable Member, this legislation is a fitting gesture of our appreciation of his fine service. I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5284) to designate the United States customhouse located at 101 East Main Street in Norfolk, Virginia, as the ``Owen B. Pickett United States Customhouse''.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bliley), the author of the resolution and the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am pleased today to rise in support of H. Con. Res. 396, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of James Madison's birth and his contributions to this great Nation. This resolution recognizes the historical significance of Madison's birth and his many contributions to the United States during his lifetime. It also encourages American patriotic and civic associations, historical societies, schools, universities, and other organizations to develop appropriate programs and educational activities to recognize and celebrate the life of this remarkable man. Finally, Mr. Speaker, the resolution asks that the President issue an appropriate resolution to recognize the importance of his birth and call upon the people of the United States to observe Madison's life and legacy with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Mr. Speaker, it is impossible to do justice to James Madison's achievements and the importance of his life and thought to America in the brief time allotted to us today. His was truly one of the most consequential lives in American history. His biography is also a history of the founding of this great Nation. Let me today simply attempt to sketch some aspects of his life. Madison was born in 1751 and was raised in Orange County, Virginia. He attended what is now Princeton University; and he became well read in history, government, and the law. He participated in the framing of the Virginia constitution in 1776, served in the Continental Congress, and was an important figure in the Virginia Assembly. He was also, of course, Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State and the fourth President of the United States. Madison's greatest contribution, however, may have been his role in framing the Constitution of the United States. As a delegate to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia, Madison was a leading participant in the debates of that body. Along with John Jay and Alexander Hamilton, Madison also contributed to securing the ratification of the Constitution by authoring parts of the Federalist Papers. Not only were the Federalist Papers important in persuading his contemporaries to ratify the Constitution, they are consulted to this day by judges, lawyers, political scientists and others who seek an understanding of the framers' intent. Madison's ``Notes on the Constitutional Convention'' are also our primary source of information on the debates at the Constitutional Convention. As a Member of Congress, Madison was instrumental in framing the Bill of Rights. Madison's contributions to the drafting and ratification of the Constitution were so great, Mr. Speaker, that he is often referred to as ``the father of the Constitution.'' Mr. Speaker, there is much more to say about James Madison and his continuing importance to all Americans, much more than can be covered here today. I encourage all Americans to learn about this man whose ideals and principles are, as the resolution recognizes, ``the foundations of American government and life.'' As the resolution states, the ``ideals and inspiring example of James Madison are of utmost importance to the future of the American Nation as it enters a new millennium.'' That is why I urge all Members to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 396) celebrating the birth of James Madison and his contributions to the Nation.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Mrs. Cubin).

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 1794 designates the Federal courthouse in Jackson, Wyoming, as the Clifford P. Hansen Federal Courthouse. Senator Hansen was born in Zenith, Wyoming, in 1912. He attended the University of Wyoming where he would later serve on the university's board of trustees for over 2 decades. Shortly after graduating, he became a member of his local school board and began his lengthy and distinguished career as a public servant. In 1963, he was elected governor of Wyoming and after completing his term was elected to serve Wyoming in the United States Senate. During his two terms as Senator, he was a crusader for the interests of the citizens of Wyoming and a guardian of private land ownership. Upon completing his second term, Senator Hansen remained in his native State, continuing to serve the people of Wyoming in various capacities. The naming of this courthouse is a fitting tribute to a highly respected public servant. I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5267 designates the United States Courthouse in Central Islip, New York, as the Theodore Roosevelt United States Courthouse. Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York City in 1858. He attended Harvard University, where he was elected Phi Beta Kappa and graduated in 1880. At the age of 23, he became a Member of the New York State Assembly. He served in the Assembly until 1884, when President Benjamin Harrison appointed him to the United States Civil Service Commission. In 1897, President William McKinley appointed him Assistant Secretary of the Navy. During the Spanish-American War he resigned as Assistant Secretary and organized the First Regiment, United States Volunteer Cavalry, known as Roosevelt's Rough Riders. In 1899, he was elected Governor of New York and served for 1 year before being elected Vice President of the United States on the Republican ticket headed by President McKinley. In September 1901, President McKinley was shot and died 3 days later in Buffalo, New York. On September 14, 1901, President Roosevelt took the oath of office and became President of the United States at the tender age of 42. President Roosevelt championed reform legislation such as the Pure Food and Drug Act, the Meat Inspection Act and the Hepburn Act, which empowered the government to set railroad rates. During Roosevelt's Presidency the government initiated 30 major irrigation projects, added 125 million acres to the national forest reserves, and doubled the number of national parks. Upon leaving office, President Roosevelt settled in Oyster Bay in Nassau County, New York, and engaged in literary pursuits. He passed away in 1919. This designation is a fitting tribute to the 26th President of the United States. President Roosevelt was a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and well regarded for his conservation efforts. I support this measure and urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Small also counts among his friends former Congressman Ed Feighan and also worked with George Stephanopolous when he was a staffer for Congressman Feighan. Larry Small has witnessed the tremendous transformation and growth of Beachwood over the last four decades. In 1960, when Beachwood first attained city status, it had a population of just over 6,000 residents. Today there are more than 2,900 homes, more than 21 apartments and condominiums, and the population exceeds 12,000. The city covers just six square miles. When Larry Small was first elected to the Beachwood Council, the city has had a tax duplicate of less than $50 million. Today it is more than half a billion dollars. Larry is credited with developing a full-time fire department and bringing parademics to the city's safety forces. He has been a loyal friend to the police and fire departments over the years. He is also responsible for enacting a city ordinance making gun owners responsible for the safe and secure handling and storage of their firearms. Mr. Speaker, Larry Small was also behind the creation of the city's human services department. And let me tell my colleagues that that department is certainly responsive to the residents' needs, particularly those of the elderly. For example, the department has joined forces with Beachwood High School to offer free driveway apron and walkway snow shoveling to the residents in the city over the age of 60. And I want to tell my colleagues that this is no small undertaking, as the city of Beachwood lies within the snowbelt in Cleveland. In this unique program, members of the high school's freshman class have volunteered their time to shovel so the lives of the city's elderly population are made easier. All the older residents have to do is call up the high school, the human services department and the student will come to their home and shovel at their earliest convenience. Larry Small also deserves credit for overseeing the development of most of the great recreational facilities in Beachwood, including the Beachwood pool. As a matter of fact, rumor has it that Larry carried around the blueprints of the swimming pool in the trunk of his car for 8 months after the pool was completed. He has been dubbed the ``Father of the Beachwood Pool'' by the local newspaper. Larry Small, Mr. Speaker, is not just a wonderful guardian of the city of Beachwood but also anyone in need. When he was on the council, he personally responded to about a thousand calls from residents each year. Now, though formally retired from the city council, Larry Small still gets up each day at 5:30 in the morning, heads to his day job as a seniors affair specialist for the county. He is always there to help other seniors or point them in the right direction. He is a champion of senior rights. Mr. Speaker, the city of Beachwood, Ohio, honored Larry Small by designating December 20, 1999, as ``Larry Small Day.'' It is now time for the Congress to honor him as well and name the post office on Green Road in Beachwood the ``Larry Small Post Office Building.'' Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4315. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 4315, which will designate the post office located at 3695 Green Road in Beachwood, Ohio, as the ``Larry Small Post Office Building.'' I can really think of no person more deserving of this honor than Larry Small. My colleagues would be hard pressed, Mr. Speaker, to find a person who cares for, about, or has done more for the city of Beachwood, Ohio, a thriving Cleveland suburb. I am pleased that all 19 members of the Ohio delegation are supporting this measure, as required by the rules of our subcommittee. Mr. Speaker, Larry Small, at the young age of 82, decided to retire last year after 32 years serving on the Beachwood City Council and numerous civic organizations. He prides himself on being a voice of the people and is just as accessible and helpful to the common man as those in loftier positions. He counts among his friends my good friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones). The gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones) and I have the honor of splitting in this world of gerrymandering the city of Beachwood, Ohio; and she is a cosponsor of this legislation. I would note, for the Record, that travel difficulties make it impossible for her to be here at this hour; and even though I have asked for general leave, Mr. Speaker, I specifically ask unanimous consent that the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones) have the opportunity to supplement the Record.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 1794, H.R. 5267 and H.R. 5284, the bills just considered.