Ken Lucas

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Hope for Children Act. This much needed legislation would help more children be placed in loving homes by easing the financial burden of adopting a child. By increasing the adoption tax credit to $10,000 for all adoptions and increasing the employer adoption assistance exclusion to $10,000, more families would be able to adopt. Adoption costs have risen over the years, costing families anywhere between $8,000 and $30,000 to adopt a child. It is important that we pass this Hope for Children Act today because the current $5,000 tax credit for non-special needs adoptions expires this year, as well as the current $5,000 exclusion for employer- provided adoption assistance. This tax credit helps make the adoption process more affordable for middle-class families. Helping to unite children with adoptive parents is an issue that we can all agree on. There is perhaps no greater undertaking than raising a child, nor more rewarding an experience. Thousands of children are waiting to be adopted, waiting for the day they are welcomed into a loving home where they can grow and flourish. Let's help make the dream of so many families become a reality by passing the Hope for Children Act today.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize Lisa Cooney of Park Hills, Kentucky. On January 11th of this year, Lisa generously donated one of her kidneys to Andy Thelen, a resident of Lakeside Park, Kentucky. Andy was born twenty-eight years ago with one polycystic kidney and one underdeveloped kidney. At the time, the doctor told his parents he wouldn't live more than a month. Andy defied the odds from day one receiving a kidney transplant at eighteen months from another eighteen- month-old baby in California who had died in an accident. That kidney allowed him to lead a relatively normal life for twenty-six years. But when that kidney began to fail, Andy and his family embarked on a race against time to find another kidney donor. Everyone in Andy's family was tested, but no one was a suitable donor. As Andy's name languished on a transplant list for a year and a half, his mother summed up her despair when she said, ``How do you turn to somebody else and say, `Will you give up part of yourself and your life for my son?' '' And then one day two years ago, Andy met Lisa Cooney through his sister-in-law. After they met, Lisa felt compelled to get tested to see if she might be a suitable donor--and miraculously, she was. Two months after their surgery, I am pleased to say that both Lisa Cooney and Andy Thelen are doing well. Andy returned to work on March 5th and reports that he is feeling great. As a news anchor for WLWT Eyewitness News 5 in Cincinnati, Lisa has a unique opportunity to raise the public's awareness of the urgent need for organ donors. In addition, Lisa and Andy's experience serves to highlight the advances in transplant technology that enabled Andy to receive a kidney from a living donor. I rise today to commend Lisa Cooney. Her courage and compassion should serve as an inspiration to us all. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing both Lisa Cooney and Andy Thelen a long and healthy life.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Thomas G. Fern, immediate past State Director of the United States Department of Agriculture in Kentucky. For more than 35 years, Mr. Fern has served the people of Kentucky thru his work at USDA/Rural Development, formerly the Farmers Home Administration. Mr. Fern served as Assistant County Director, County Director, and District Director before being appointed State Director by President Clinton in 1993. His broad experience in agriculture, housing, and community development made him a strong advocate for the people of rural Kentucky. His wealth of experience and knowledge qualified him to serve on various committees and commissions such as the Kentucky Renaissance Committee, The Kentucky Rural Water Resource Commission, and the Kentucky Appalachian Commission. Mr. Fern administered with great professionalism the programs offered by USDA Rural Development, including Rural Utilities Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Business Service, as well as the Empowerment Zone, Enterprise Community, and Champion Communities programs. Mr. Fern worked hard to help rural Kentucky reap the benefits of these programs. As a result, many community improvements were funded during Mr. Fern's time as State Director of USDA/Rural Development, and I and my fellow Kentuckians owe him a big thank-you. Projects funded under his leadership will improve the quality of life in the great Commonwealth of Kentucky for decades to come. I rise today to commend Thomas G. Fern for his 35 years of service to the people of rural Kentucky. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him and wishing him well.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Silver Grove High School. This is a success story about a school in a high poverty district that has overcome adversity and has become one of the models in education reform. Silver Grove High School is one of eight schools to be recognized by Kentucky's Commissioner of Education for its outstanding performance in Kentucky's state testing program. Silver Grove High performed so well that it has become a model of the best Kentucky's public schools have to offer. I rise today to commend Silver Grove High School and all of the educators, staff and students of this fine educational institution. I ask you to join me in congratulating Silver Grove High School and the entire community of Silver Grove on their achievements.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 547, a bipartisan resolution calling upon the British Government to fully implement reforms to Northern Ireland's police force. These reforms are long overdue and are a crucial part of the overall peace process in this troubled region. After a quarter century of political violence that left thousands dead, the people of Northern Ireland have taken a brave step forward. The Irish are on the brink of a new era of peace with Catholics and Protestants, for the first time, sharing in government responsibility. The people have spoken and the spirit of peace is alive and strong. As part of the historic Good Friday Agreement, an independent commission was established to make recommendations for future policing needs. The focus of the report was to take politics out of the police force. The population of Northern Ireland is divided almost equally between Protestants and Catholics, yet the police force is nearly entirely made up of Protestants. With a record of brutality and human rights abuses, this type of demographic cannot work to protect the citizens fairly. In order for these communities and families to feel safe, reforms are desperately needed. When the Patten Commission completed its report, it included almost 200 recommendations. Among other things, the Patten Commission calls upon the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) to change names and symbols, to increase the number of Catholic officers and to provide human rights training and a code of ethics. We must all remember that the Patten report itself was a compromise between the Unionist and Nationalist perspectives. It is not acceptable to compromise further on a compromise already made. The Patten report must be implemented without any significant change. I have a deep interest in seeing the historic Good Friday Agreement go forward and policing reform must go hand in hand with this effort. We must work to advance this peace process and implement each and every one of the Patten report's recommendations. It is not an easy task that the Irish have before them, but rather an extremely difficult and defining one. As the world's greatest superpower and home to over 40 million Irish-Americans, the United States must honor its commitment and stand up for peace and justice. We must lead in promoting human rights for all the world's citizens and lend our strong support to the people of Northern Ireland as they continue this journey towards peace.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Jimmy Sims, who recently retired as Fire Chief of the Robertson County, KY Fire Department. Mr. Sims' retirement wraps up nearly a half-century of dedicated service to his community. He is the only surviving founding member of the volunteer department, which was started in 1951. Mr. Sims served as chief from 1975-1999. Another example of his extraordinary level of dedication--his home served as the county fire dispatch center for 24 years. From 1969-1993, he took emergency calls and dispatched crews from his home. Mr. Sims helped his neighbors countless times over the years, responding to round-the-clock calls for help, saving lives and protecting property. I rise today to commend Chief Sims for his commitment to helping his neighbors in Robertson County. I ask all my fellow Members of Congress to join me in commending this fine public servant, and wishing him well in his retirement.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, because of unexpected storms, my airplane was delayed and I was unable to make the first two rollcall votes on Monday, July 10. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote number 373 and ``nay'' on rollcall vote number 374.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, in Iran today, thirteen Jews are awaiting judgement in a trial that I suspect is no trial at all. Although the thirteen Jews in question are accused of espionage, they have been imprisoned for over a year without being formally charged and have been denied the right to choose legal counsel. They have also been denied access to family members, fellow members of the Jewish community, and human rights workers. It is deplorable to put these thirteen people on trial, possibly with their lives at stake, then shut the courtroom doors to the world. Diplomats, members of the media, human rights activists, and even the accuseds' fellow Iranian citizens are barred from attending the court proceedings. In short, these thirteen persons are being denied even what limited due process of law is regularly available to the Iranian people. In March of this year, Secretary of State Albright announced that the U.S. ban on certain Iranian imports would be lifted. This move was designed to encourage ongoing political reform in Iran. However, as Iran works to improve its relations with the international community, I urge my fellow members of Congress to keep a watchful eye on the developments in this case. Judge Sadiq Nourani, better known to his countrymen as ``the butcher,'' will soon decide whether or not these thirteen Jews indeed committed acts of espionage against Iran. I am deeply troubled by the shroud of secrecy under which this trial proceeds, bringing into question the integrity of any guilty verdict. My colleagues in Congress should view Judge Nourani's decision, and any subsequent sentencing, as a strong indication as to the sincerity of Iran's attempts to reform. Omid Tefillin, a 25 year-old man whose brother has already been condemned, said, ``I am innocent, and I believe the court is just. God willing, I will be acquitted.'' Mr. Speaker, I wish I shared Mr. Tefillin's faith in the Iranian judicial system. Based on the proceedings I have observed thus far, I am doubtful the thirteen Jews can receive a just verdict.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the 70 X 7 Evangelistic Ministry's upcoming trip to the former Soviet Republic of Latvia. The 70 X 7 Evangelistic Ministry was founded by Rev. Gregg W. Anderson, who lives in Highland Heights, in Kentucky's Fourth Congressional District. Next month, Reverend Anderson will make his eighth missionary visit to Latvia. Reverend Anderson and his team will spend 2 weeks (July 11-27) ministering to people in Latvia's prisons and missions and providing humanitarian aid to the prison system. Today I commend Reverend Anderson and his team for their commitment to helping those in need. I also commend Dr. iur. Viltold Zahars, the Head of the Latvian Prison Administration. Without his cooperation, these humanitarian trips of goodwill would not be possible. I ask you to join me in commending these fine people, and wishing the 70 X 7 Evangelistic Ministry a safe and productive journey.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate some terrific young constituents from Kentucky's Fourth District, the girl's basketball team at West Carter High School. These small-town girls beat all the odds this season, bringing the state championship to Olive Hill, Kentucky, for the first time since the girls' team began at West Carter in 1974. It is also the first Sweet Sixteen win for the 16th region of northeastern Kentucky as well. I hope that this will be only the first of many championships for this community. The Lady Comets set a wonderful example for young people all over Kentucky. Their hard work, dedication, and athleticism are evident, as are the many hours they spent in practice to earn the state title. I would like to take this opportunity to enter their names into the Record: Leah Frasier, Shelsa Hamilton, Cassondra Glover, Jenise James, Mandy Sterling, Megen Gearhart, Cathy Day, Kandi Brown, Shanna Shelton, Kayla Jones, Brooke Mullis, Nicki Burchett, Meghan Hillman, and Robin Butler. Kandi Brown was named the Tournament Most Valuable Player, and joining her on the All-Tournament Team were Megen Gearhart and Mandy Sterling. I also salute Head Coach John ``Hop'' Brown who worked so hard for these young women, as well as the assistant coaches, Von Perry and Dana Smith. I also congratulate the people of Olive Hill who have strongly supported their team and so richly deserve this honor. Mr. Speaker, this year's Sweet Sixteen set a record for attendance. over 40,000 people attended the four-day event, a record in the tournament's 39-year history. This bodes well for women's athletics in Kentucky, and it is good news for our daughters and granddaughters as well. I am pleased to commend these young women to the House of Representatives, and I couldn't express better than the words of one fan, who stated, ``They're just a super bunch of girls.''

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, today I salute an outstanding group of young women in the Fourth Congressional District of Kentucky. This weekend, the Northern Kentucky University Women Basketball team-- the Norse--won the NCAA Division II National Championship in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Their achievement capped a year of hard work and dedication, and they are role models for girls and boys in Kentucky and across the nation. I also congratulate Nancy Winstel, now in her 17th season as Head Coach. Nancy is a native of Newport, Kentucky, and a graduate of NKU. She played for the Norse from 1974 to 1977. Nancy returned to the University in 1981 as an assistant coach, and has served as head coach since 1983. During her tenure, the Norse have compiled a 362-120 overall record and have made ten NCAA tournament appearances. Winning the 2000 National Championship is a particularly fitting reward for her 22 years of commitment to the NKU Women's Basketball program. Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I failed to commend Michelle Cottrell, a starting forward for the Norse, and the Most Outstanding Player for this year's tournament. During the final game, Michelle scored 23 points and tallied 19 rebounds. Her double-double is not surprising to anyone who has watched her play over the years; this season, she scored an average of 17.3 points and 9.4 rebounds. Michelle is a graduate of Boone County High School, and I know that the entire Northern Kentucky community takes pride in her accomplishments. I also salute the other members of the team, many of whom were also raised in Northern Kentucky. I submit their names here for the record: Heather Livingstone, of Winneconne, Wisconsin; Suzie Smith, of Florence, Kentucky; Michele Tuchfarber, of Cinncinnati, Ohio; Rebecca Bell, of Taylor Mill, Kentucky; Lisa Geiman, of Cold Spring, Kentucky; Julie Cowens, of Cold Spring, Kentucky; Amy Mobley, of Harrison, Ohio; Bridget Flanagan, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Kristin Polosky, of Bobtown, Pennsylvania; and Jessica Jenson, of Barberton, Ohio. I also recognize Assistant Coaches Brian Neal and Chris Gramke. Mr. Speaker, in this era when we worry about role models for our children, I am proud to know these young women. They have proven that athletics can help instill values like hard work, discipline, and teamwork. I know that young people all over the Commonwealth and across the Nation will recognize the achievements of NKU Women's Basketball and follow their example. As for myself, I am looking forward to another exciting season of Norse basketball in 2000-2001.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. I thank the distinguished gentleman from California for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5, the Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act. The elimination of the Social Security earnings limit is a reform that is long overdue. Under the current system, senior citizens are forced to choose between the loss of their Social Security benefits and dropping out of the workforce. What a terrible message to send to our seniors that their work is not valued. With their wealth of information and experience, senior citizens are a truly vital part of the stability of our workforce and the development of the workforce of tomorrow. The current limit takes away the benefits from those who have rightfully earned them through a lifetime of hard work. We should not be punishing our senior citizens for continuing to work but, rather, encouraging them. That is just common sense.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to congratulate Stephanie Jackson of Ashland, KY, who is being recognized for outstanding service to her community. Ms. Jackson has been named one of Kentucky's top honorees in The 2000 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. This honor is annually bestowed upon the most inspiring student volunteers nationwide. The Prudential Insurance Company of America, in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, instituted their Spirit of Community Awards in 1995. These awards applaud young people who so generously donate their time and effort to bettering their neighborhoods and towns. In 5 years, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards has become the largest youth recognition program based solely on community service in the United States. I'm proud to say that Stephanie Jackson is one young lady who is certainly deserving of such recognition. Ms. Jackson is at the age of 15, the founder of the Boyd County branch of the Kentucky Youth Council of Volunteerism and Service. Through this group, she has already implemented two service projects to better her community. Stephanie Jackson is a positive example for young people across the nation, and I am proud to say, an indication of great things to come in Kentucky. It is with pride and gratitude that I congratulate her on being recognized for her dedication to community service.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I support the Pain Relief Promotion Act. The Pain Relief Promotion Act will make important strides in giving health care providers around the country better access to the most advanced ways of dealing with patients' pain. It will assure physicians who prescribe federally controlled substances that they can safely authorize adequate amounts to manage pain without jeopardizing their Drug Enforcement Administration registration. It will also ensure a uniform national application of the existing principle that federally controlled and regulated drugs should not be used to assist suicide or for euthanasia, even if a particular state legalizes the practice as a matter of state law. This is a good complement to the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act that passed by an overwhelming margin two years ago. That Act said that euthanasia shouldn't be carried out in federal facilities, such as Veteran's Hospitals, and that federal tax dollars shouldn't fund it. This bill says that those narcotics and other dangerous drugs that have long been regulated by the federal government under the Controlled Substances Act should not be used to kill patients. Congress must not blur the distinction between pain relief and assisted suicide. In order to protect the vulnerable in our society, it is critically important that we maintain the difference recognized by the medical profession and the Supreme Court between treating patients appropriately even if it means risking increasing the likelihood of death and giving patients the means to intentionally kill themselves. We in Congress must not facilitate turning doctors into killers by giving permission to use federally controlled drugs for assisted suicide and euthanasia. We must enact H.R. 2260, the Pain Relief Promotion Act.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the city of Newport, Kentucky, where the World Peace Bell arrived at its permanent home this weekend. At 12 feet in diameter and 12 feet in height, the bell weighs 66,000 pounds. It is the world's largest swinging bell. I also rise to recognize Wayne Carlisle for his vision, commitment, and enthusiasm, without which the World Peace Bell would not have been possible. The World Peace Bell is a powerful symbol of freedom and peace. It was cast in Nantes, France, on December 11, 1998, the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Bell has an inscription commemorating that document, as well as engravings marking the most important events of the past 1,000 years. The World Peace Bell was first rung in Nantes on March 20, 1999, in a public ceremony, and it began a month-and-a-half-long sea voyage from France to New Orleans, where the Bell was made part of that city's July Fourth celebration. The Bell was transported by barge up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, making stops in 14 cities along the way. The Bell arrived at its final destination on August 1st. The World Peace Bell will officially open on September 21, 1999, the International Day of Peace, when it will toll to observe the opening session of this year's United Nations General Assembly. On New Year's Eve 1999, the Bell will be rung once every hour and broadcast so that people in every time zone around the globe will hear the new millennium rung in by our World Peace Bell. This celebration will include leaders of church and state from around the world, as well as participants performing native rituals and wearing traditional costumes. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the city of Newport and neighboring river cities on their successful revitalization efforts. The World Peace Bell is only one of a number of projects coming to fruition in the region. The success of these efforts is a testament to the spirit and hard work of the people of Northern Kentucky.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, the people sent us here to do a job. They sent us here to preserve Social Security and Medicare. We must save Social Security and Medicare first before squandering any of the Social Security surplus or any other government surplus. Paying down the Federal debt is truly the greatest gift we can give to our children and our grandchildren. Paying down the Federal debt means lower interest rates for a working family, more capital available for small businesses, and a brighter future for our children. Let us not get carried away with this budget surplus feeding frenzy. Let us remain disciplined, focused, and fiscally conservative. The time to fix the roof is now, while the sun is shining.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, it is my intention to ask for the yeas and nays on the previous question when the question is called because it is my understanding that if the previous question is defeated, then an amendment will be in order to preclude a COLA adjustment in Members' pay. I support doing that.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition and celebration of the 150th birthday of Dayton, Kentucky. Dayton is a city that has overcome much adversity in its 150 years, including three major floods. Dayton's resilience can be traced to the strong work ethic of its people. The people of Dayton, including its government, business, and education leaders, have always had a ``roll up your sleeves and get to work'' attitude. It's that kind of work ethic that helped build America's great cities--big and small. Earlier this month, I was honored to take part in Dayton's sesquicentennial parade to commemorate Dayton's many accomplishments and to celebrate this important milestone. And today, in the U.S. House of Representatives, I rise to congratulate the city of Dayton. To the people of Dayton on the occasion of your city's sesquicentennial--Happy Birthday to you.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House will consider legislation to protect the social security trust fund which for too long Washington has treated as a pork barrel slush fund. I am proud that today we will debate this issue. Creating a lockbox for social security just makes common sense. The legislation offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Herger) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw) is a step in the right direction, but it is really the bare minimum that we can do to preserve social security and Medicare for future generations. Mr. Speaker, I intend to offer, along with my colleagues, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt) and the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore), an amendment that would protect the entire budget surplus for social security and Medicare. We intend to offer this proposal as a motion to recommit, and I would urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it. The Herger-Shaw legislation does nothing for Medicare. Kentucky seniors know that you cannot talk about social security without talking about Medicare. The health of both these programs is crucial to the health of our elderly population. Kentucky seniors know that, and Congress ought to have the good sense to protect Medicare, too. H.R. 1259 only addresses the social security surplus. It does not commit us to save the entire Federal surplus for social security and Medicare. It does nothing to secure the long-term solvency of social security and Medicare. Our proposal would save the social security surplus, the Medicare surplus, and the overall budget surplus to save social security and Medicare, and it would require that we make the solvency of social security our first priority. I ask my colleagues to vote for the real commitment to social security and Medicare. I urge Members to vote for our motion.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, the people sent us here to do a job. They sent us here to preserve Social Security and Medicare, and that is exactly what the Social Security and Medicare Lockbox Act of 1999 seeks to do. The lockbox raises the bar for protecting Social Security and the Medicare trust funds. The bill requires that all spending be fully offset until solvency has been extended for Social Security by 75 years and Medicare by 30 years. We must save Social Security and Medicare first, before squandering any of the Social Security surplus, the Medicare surplus, and any other government surplus. The Social Security and Medicare lockbox is the only alternative that seeks to extend the life of the Medicare trust fund. The Holt-Lucas- Moore lockbox is the only measure that locks the safe and throws away the key. The lockbox requires that all surpluses be reserved until solvency has been extended by 75 years for Social Security and by 30 years for Medicare. Paying down the Federal debt is the truly greatest gift that we can give our children and our grandchildren. Paying down the Federal debt means lower interest for our working families, more capital available for small businesses and a brighter future for our children. Social Security and Medicare are vital for protecting the quality of life of our senior citizens. More than three-fifths or 60 percent of senior citizens depend on Social Security for a majority of their income. Social Security is not just retirement. For some families it is insurance that many of the disabled, the widows and the elderly of our community depend on just to get by. With something this important, we simply cannot afford sleight-of- hand tricks from Washington. For too long we have promised to save Social Security and Medicare. To my colleagues I say it is time we put our money where our mouths are. It is time to support the Social Security and Medicare Lockbox Act of 1999.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of our nation's dairy farmers. In my home state, Kentucky farmers are experiencing price volatility in all commodities from hogs to tobacco and dairy. When dairy farmers are hurt, it has a multiplying effect on the community. We have an opportunity here in Congress to provide stability to our dairy farmers. We can do this by ratifying the Southern Dairy Compact. Already in Kentucky, the General Assembly passed legislation authorizing Kentucky to enter the Southern Dairy Compact and I am pleased to support federal legislation that authorizes the Compact. Because of fluctuating milk prices, Kentucky has lost almost one dairy operation per day in the last two years. Just this year, the BFP (Base Formula Price) for April milk fell by more than $7 per 100 weight. If ever there was a time to protect our dairy farmers and consumers from fluctuation in fluid milk prices, it is now. H.R. 1604 would provide a safety net for dairy farmers and their families and allows for the establishment of a pricing mechanism for fluid milk sold in the region. Ratification of the Dairy Compact will give our dairy farmers the tools they need to survive and prosper. It will reduce the instability in milk prices, which has hurt both consumers and dairy farmers alike. Another issue that has a major impact on our dairy farms is the recent announcement by the Administration of the final rule on the Federal Milk Marketing Order reform. These reforms were directed as part of the 1996 Farm Bill. Milk marketing orders classify milk by use, set minimum prices that handlers must pay for each class of milk, and provide for paying average prices to all dairy farmers who supply a particular region. In Kentucky, our dairy farmers already face economic pressures. Our milk is coming from fewer farms. In fact, there has been a 26 percent decline in dairy operations from 1993-1999. Unfortunately, the plan that the Administration proposed ignores what 46 of 48 states prefer. This is why I support Option 1A and have cosponsored a bill that would legislate this reform, H.R. 1402. Kentucky produces a high volume of Class I, fluid milk. I believe Option 1A is the best choice to guarantee our consumers an adequate supply of fresh, wholesome milk. Our farmers should not have to spend their time figuring out a complex system of milk prices, when instead they could be out working on their farm. Option 1A would reduce volatility of the dairy market and assure that there will be enough fresh milk in all markets of our nation. With over 2000 dairy farms in Kentucky, our neighbors, families and communities are counting on us to pass these important pieces of legislation. Now is the time to help our farmers.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, to so many Americans, owning a home means living the American dream. And the mortgage interest deduction has allowed so many Americans to fulfill this dream. The mortgage interest deduction and the property tax deduction have been a part of the Internal Revenue Code since its inception in 1913. It is a broad-based deduction, widely available to all taxpayers. In 1995, of the 28 million taxpayers who used the mortgage interest deduction, 71 percent had incomes below $75,000 and 42 percent had income below $50,000. Sixty-seven percent of American households own their own home. Most of this growth is among minorities and first-time homebuyers. We must ensure that we protect and preserve the mortgage interest deduction, a powerful tool of upward mobility.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, we, the Blue Dogs, are here today to blow the whistle on partisan wrangling and to act as a budget referee. Neither the Republican nor the Democratic alternatives have achieved a fiscally responsible approach to this budget. The Democratic budget uses most of the projected on-budget surplus for new spending and some tax cuts. On the other hand, the Republican budget will consume nearly 100 percent of the projected budget non-social security surplus over the next 5 years. In an economic downturn, the Republican budget would result in deficits, a return to the practice of raiding the social security trust fund. That is just not right. Our backlog budget allocates 25 percent of the on-budget surplus for tax relief, a net cut of $41.7 billion over the next 5 years. It is time to do the right thing.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, it is imperative that we pass the Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act of 1999. The proposed measure would eliminate the Social Security earnings limit for retirement age Americans. We must end the practice of penalizing seniors and discouraging work. With their wealth of information and experience, senior citizens are truly vital to the stability of our work force and the development of the work force of tomorrow. The current limit takes away retirement benefits from those who have rightfully earned them through a lifetime of hard work. We should not be punishing our senior citizens for continuing to work but, rather, encouraging them. That is just common sense.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I express my thanks to the gentleman from New York for allowing me to have this opportunity. Mr. Speaker, we must ensure that our young people not only have the best teachers and the best resources, but also the best classrooms to meet the challenges of this oncoming 21st century. Children cannot learn if their schools are falling apart. Children cannot learn when they are packed beyond capacity in a classroom. Children cannot learn when they cannot get the individual attention they need. Kentucky serves about 590,000 students, with over 350 schools in either fair or poor condition, suffering from deterioration and requiring immediate attention. The 1998 Kentucky school facility need assessments indicated there is $2.4 billion worth of unmet need, including new construction for growth and renovation of existing facilities to address declining infrastructure, life safety upgrades, technology wiring, and handicapped access. We must provide our local school districts with tax credits to modernize classrooms, to improve the learning environment for students, and to end overcrowding. We owe it to our children, we owe it to our future.