Steven LaTourette

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1729) to designate the Federal facility located at 1301 Emmet Street in Charlottesville, Virginia, as the ``Pamela B. Gwin Hall.''

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, we are now honored to have one of the two independents in the House of Representatives on the floor with us. This independent holds a special place in the heart of the Republican conference, because he has chosen to conference with us. Mr. Speaker, I yield whatever time he may consume to our good friend, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goode).

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1405) to designate the Federal building located at 143 West Liberty Street, Medina, Ohio, as the ``Donald J. Pease Federal Building.''

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1405 designates the Federal building in Medina, Ohio, as the ``Donald J. Pease Federal Building.'' Congressman Pease was born in Toledo, Ohio, where he attended public schools. He earned his undergraduate and masters degrees from Ohio University before becoming a Fulbright scholar at Kings College University of Durham, England. Congressman Pease served in the Oberlin City Council, the Ohio State House of Representatives, and in the Ohio State Senate before being elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1976. He served in the House from 1977 until his retirement in 1993. Congressman Pease began his congressional career on the Committee on International Relations. He later secured a spot on the Committee on Ways and Means and by the time of the 102nd Congress earned one of the three seats on the Committee on the Budget that is reserved for members of the Committee on Ways and Means. This bill is a fitting tribute and this naming a fitting tribute for this fine former Member. I urge passage of the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1901 designates the United States border station in Pharr, Texas, as the Kika de la Garza United States Border Station. Congressman de la Garza was born in Mercedes, Texas, in 1927. He attended St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, earning his law degree in 1952. Prior to that, he served in the United States Navy from 1945 until 1946 and in the United States Army from 1950 until 1952. After serving in the Texas State House of Representatives for 11 years, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1964. He was reelected to serve for 16 consecutive terms. Congressman de la Garza began serving on the Committee on Agriculture in 1965. He served as chairman of the committee from 1981 until 1994. As chairman, he compiled an impressive record of achievement and dedication to America's farming community. During his tenure as chairman, the United States Department of Agriculture underwent major restructuring. This bill and this naming is, at this time, fitting tribute to an esteemed former colleague. I support passage of the bill and urge my colleagues to do the same. 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. 1901) to designate the United States border station located in Pharr, Texas, as the ``Kika de la Garza United States Border Station.''

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the bill, and I yield back 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 and include extraneous material on H.R. 1725, H.R. 1405, and H.R. 1901, the measures just considered.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure be discharged from further consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 314), authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for a bike rodeo to be conducted by the Earth Force Youth Bike Summit, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me for an explanation. Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 314 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for Get Outspoken, Youth Bicycle Summit to be held on May 10, 2000, or on such date as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate may jointly designate. The resolution also authorizes the architect of the Capitol, the Capitol Police Board and the sponsor of the event to negotiate the necessary arrangements for carrying out of the events in complete compliance with the rules and regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. The event is open to the public and free of charge. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend for yielding. I also want to thank him for his leadership and sponsorship of this measure. (Mr. BLUMENAUER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the resolution. And, 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. House Resolution 448 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives in continued sympathy for the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of that bombing. On April 19, 1995, one of the worst acts of terrorism in the United States took place. A bomb exploded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, collapsing the north face of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The explosion resulted in the death of 168 people, including 19 children, and injuring more than 700 other people in the area. This resolution recognizes the countless acts of goodwill, of thousands of volunteers, including those donating goods and services, who aided in rescue and recovery efforts following the bombing. It also sends continued condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones who still suffer from the consequences of that act. It also pledges to make Federal buildings safer while maintaining a level of openness to its citizens. This resolution also pledges to create an awareness of the dangers of flying glass and debris in the case of such tragedies. Finally, it pledges to support efforts to make buildings more secure for people by promoting the use of available technology to protect people from flying glass and debris. Two weeks ago, Mr. Speaker, our subcommittee received testimony from Aren Almon-Kok, a young mother who lost her 1-year-old daughter, Baylee, in this senseless act. This woman has put aside her grief over this loss to speak out on the dangers of flying glass and to promote safety in child care centers. Ms. Almon-Kok has also established a Web site for individuals concerned about flying glass and child safety at www.protectingpeople.com. This awareness is slow in coming to the government; but with the help of citizens like Aren, those who attend child care centers can be made safer through conscious efforts on our part. I wholeheartedly support this resolution. I urge our colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 448) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in continued sympathy for the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the bombing.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, 5 years ago on April 19, America was glued to radio and TV broadcasts for the latest news, sights and sounds for Oklahoma City. The minutes, hours, and days that followed the senseless destruction of the Murrah Federal Building filled our citizens with shock, horror, anger, rage, and sadness. Each story of pain and loss was shared by everyone in America, each story of heroic rescue by Federal and State safety officials made us proud, and each memorial service caused us to pause and mourn as a Nation. The character and resilience of the Federal workforce posted in the Murrah Federal Building and the people of Oklahoma City remain a symbol of courage for the Nation, and it is only fitting and appropriate that the Congress of the United States remember, honor, and commemorate the 5th anniversary of this insane act of terrorism. And since I have so much time left, Mr. Speaker, if it is not inappropriate, I ask my neighbor and colleague from Ohio to join me in a moment of silence for the victims in Oklahoma City.

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 House Concurrent Resolution 277, as amended, House Concurrent Resolution 280, and House Resolution 448, the measures just approved by the House.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella).

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as the great chairman of our committee says, there is no such thing as a Republican soap box and no such thing as a Democratic derby. I urge passage of the resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 277) authorizing the use of the Capitol grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby, as amended.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 277, as amended, authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby qualifying races to be held on June 24, 2000, or on such date as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration jointly designate. The resolution also authorizes the Architect of the Capitol, the Capitol Police Board, and the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association, which is the sponsor of the event, to negotiate the necessary arrangements for carrying out the event in complete compliance with the rules and regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. The event is open to the public and free of charge, and the sponsor will assume responsibility for all experiences and liabilities related to the event. In addition, sales, advertisements, and solicitations are explicitly prohibited on the Capitol Grounds in this event. The races are going to take place on Constitution Avenue between Delaware Avenue and Third Street, N.W. The participants are residents of the Washington Metropolitan area and range in age from 9 to 16. This event is currently one of the largest races in the country, and the winners of these races will represent the Washington metropolitan area in the national finals to be held in Akron, Ohio. I support this resolution. I urge my colleagues' support. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 280) authorizing the 2000 District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run to be run through the Capitol Grounds.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 280 authorizes the 2000 District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run to be conducted through the grounds of the Capitol on June 2, 2000, or on such date as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration jointly designate. The resolution also authorizes the Architect of the Capitol, the Capitol Police Board, and the D.C. Special Olympics, the sponsor of the event, to negotiate the necessary arrangement for carrying out the event in complete compliance with the rules and regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. The sponsor of the event will assume all expenses and liabilities in connection with the event and all sales, advertisements, and solicitations are prohibited. The Capitol Police will host the opening ceremonies for the run starting on Capitol Hill and the event will be free of charge and open to the public. Over 2,000 law enforcement representatives, Mr. Speaker, from local and Federal law enforcement agencies in Washington will carry the Special Olympics torch in honor of the 2,500 Special Olympians who participate in this annual event to show their support of the Special Olympics. For over a decade, the Congress has supported this worthy endeavor by enacting resolutions for the use of the grounds. I am proud to support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella).

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would urge passage of the resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LaTOURETTE

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure have until midnight tonight to file reports on H.R. 809, as amended; H.R. 3069, as amended; and H.R. 3171, as amended.