Ken Lucas

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers). It is indeed a pleasure for me to welcome my colleague Ben Chandler here this evening. Ben, it has been kind of lonely up here from Kentucky for us Democrats, and now we have doubled the amount of Democrats from Kentucky, and that is really great. In Kentucky we are known for thoroughbred racing, and of course Ben comes from the heart of the thoroughbred country. And the success of thoroughbreds are based on bloodlines. If one has great bloodlines, they are successful in racing. And Ben comes here with great bloodlines. And I am sure you are really going to be successful, and I am happy to share this moment with you and all your friends and your family, Jennifer and your three kids. It is great for you to be here, Ben. Thank you.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, as the cochair of the Congressional Horse Caucus and a Member from Kentucky, I agree with the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers). Kentucky is where more thoroughbreds are born each year than in any other State. I rise in strong opposition to this amendment, an amendment that seeks to change the very intent of the bill before us. Horse racing is one of the most highly regulated industries, and we do not want to do harm to an industry that employs well over half a million people nationwide. The title of the bill, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Funding Prohibition Act, says it all. The intent is to address the problem of unlawful, unregulated gambling over the Internet. H.R. 2143 does this while respecting existing Federal and State gambling laws. We have heard supporters of this amendment argue that it is needed because it will keep the bill from expanding Internet gambling. This is just not true. In fact, the bill itself without this amendment deals only with the use of credit cards and other bank instruments in connection with unlawful Internet wagering. The bill does not change any Federal or State gambling provision. It does not make any unlawful gambling lawful. It does not make any lawful gambling unlawful. And it does not override any State prohibitions or requirements. The National Governors Association is opposed to this amendment because they understand and support this distinction in the bill and its purpose. Governors in States like Kentucky that allow lawful, state-sanctioned and regulated gaming activities such as pari-mutuel horse racing know the importance of the economic impact of gaming in the form of jobs and tax revenue generated to the State. State governments across the country are grappling with shortfalls. Regardless of what you hear, that is what passage of this amendment will do. We need to oppose this amendment and support H.R. 2143.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to comment on the Federal Communications Commissions recent ruling regarding unbundled network elements. It seems the FCC just can't learn from past mistakes since their network unbundling rules have twice been found by the courts to be contrary to Congressional intent under the 96 Telecommunications Act. Now, these rules have led to massive job cuts among carriers and their suppliers, discouraged investments in new plant and equipment, and slowed the introduction of new, innovative services to consumers. I call on the FCC to implement strong, regulatory reform that will fix its unbundling rules, to help restore this vital sector of the economy. Among the needed reforms is the removal of switching as an unbundled element. Switching is competitive and widely available. FCC policies should promote real facilities based competition not false, parasitical, government regulated competition. Real competition stimulates investment and benefits consumers and should be encouraged. It is important that any reform the FCC undertakes should undermine its earlier decisions on special access services, particularly on safe harbors that have been approved by the courts. When addressing wireline DSL, or broadband, the FCC must arrive at new rules that reflect the state of intermodal competition from cable providers, who have the dominant share of today's broadband marketplace. Competition is needed in broadband and I hope the FCC rules will stimulate that. Not updating the regulations further discourages investment and undermines a national broadband policy that would benefit rural areas like those in my district. Congress gave the FCC the responsibility to address these issues and it is time the FCC moves forward.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington's 150th anniversary. On July 29th, 1853, his Holiness Pope Pius IX issued the papal bull, Apostolici Miniserii, establishing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington. For the past 150 years, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington has contributed to and has met the spiritual, academic, and social needs of individuals from childhood through adulthood in Kentucky. Today, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington consists of forty- seven parishes, six missions, three Catholic hospitals, four homes for the elderly, two residential care facilities for children, three special centers for social services, a retreat center, a diocesan college, seven high schools, two private high schools, twenty-seven diocesan and parochial elementary schools, two private elementary schools, and five diocesan cemeteries. The total Catholic population of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington is over 88,000. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington has been able to use its vast resources to enhance the quality of life for all individuals that live in Northern Kentucky. A portion of what they have been able to do includes assisting those in need through adoption and pregnancy services, counseling services, community and volunteer organizing services, and substance abuse treatment services. The actions of organizations such as the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington are what define a community. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent this community. I ask my colleagues to join me to honor the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington which has changed the lives of thousands of Kentuckians throughout the past 150 years.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate William T. (``Bill'') Robinson III for receiving the prestigious Themis Award. The criteria for this award is ``Extraordinary service by an attorney to the Cincinnati Bar Association, the legal profession and/or the general community, which displays a high level of commitment, dedication or courage.'' Bill Robinson has certainly met this criteria. Bill currently serves as Chair of the Finance Committee and Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association (ABA). He has served as State Delegate to the ABA Nominating Committee, President of the National Caucus of State Bar Associations, member of the Executive Committee of the National Conference of Bar Presidents and is chairing the ABA Standing Committee on Bar Activities and Services and the ABA Standing Committee on Substance Abuse. Bill served as 50th President of the Kentucky Bar Association, founding Chair of the Kentucky IOLTA Fund, President of the Kentucky Bar Foundation, Co-Founder & President of the Salmon P. Chase American Inn of Court. Bill is a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers, a Fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, a Sustaining Member of the American Bar Foundation, Member of the Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference, and a Sustaining Member of The American Law Institute. In addition to his significant accomplishments in his chosen profession, Bill has a distinguished history of serving our local business community. As a co-founder of the Metropolitan Growth Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, he played a key role in the creation of the ``Gallis Report'' which has become a catalyst for a multi- jurisdictional, regional approach toward a wide range of strategic policy, planning and development initiatives throughout our Tri-State region. Bill also was a Founding Board Member and Secretary/Treasurer of the Tri-County Economic Development Corporation, the Vice Chair for Economic Development for the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, and the Chair of the Partnership for Greater Cincinnati, a multi- million dollar initiative for economic development in the region; and a Founding Board Member of CINCY-TECH USA, the new economy initiative of the Greater Cincinnati Chamber. Bill is the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Finance Committee Board of Directors of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport where he has served on the Board and helped direct the airport's emergence as one of the world's most modern and efficient airports. Bill grew up in Cincinnati, was educated at the Anthenaeum of Ohio and St. Gregory Seminary, Thomas More College and the College of Law at the University of Kentucky. He is an educator and serves on the Board of Mount St. Joseph College. He has served on the Board of Thomas More College, the Board of the Anthenaeum of Ohio, the Board of Covington Latin School and on the Board of the Greater Cincinnati Literacy Task Force, the Visiting Committee at the College of Law, University of Kentucky, the Visiting Committee at Chase College of Law, Northern Kentucky University, Adjunct Professor at Chase, and President of Redwood School and Rehabilitation Center where he is currently Chair of the Dorothy Wood Foundation. Bill has served and continues to serve the legal profession, the community, and the Cincinnati Bar Association with the highest level of dedication, professionalism, and commitment. Bill can be proud of the positive impact that he has had on the quality of life in our regional community and I commend him on his many accomplishments.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution before us. This is one of the most important votes I ever expect to cast on this House floor, and I make it after much serious thought and deliberation. The events of the past year have affected every single person in America. Our lives will never be the same. The terrorists on September 11 tried to break the spirit of America, but they failed. The spirit of our Nation is unbreakable and unwaivering. As a Nation, we will work together to fight the war on terrorism, to preserve our own lives and the lives of our peace-loving friends all around the world. During his address to the United Nations on September 12, and again on Tuesday in Cincinnati, the President outlined a powerful case as to why pursuing regime changes by military means, if necessary, in Iraq, is in the vital national interests of America and all freedom-loving people everywhere. I feel that the President provided a clear and compelling case that will lead to broad international support of our objectives. The President told us that Iraq possesses the physical infrastructure required to build nuclear weapons and maintains stockpiles of chemical and biological agents for the purpose of killing literally thousands of people. U.N. inspectors have stated that they believe Iraq has produced as much as four times the amount of biological agents it claims to possess and has failed to account for more than three metric tons of material that could be used to produce biological weapons. Along with this threat, Iraq possesses a force of SKUD-type missiles with ranges beyond the 94-mile limit permitted by the U.N. resolutions. Last week, I stood with the President and congressional leadership in the White House Rose Garden in support of this resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq, and I am proud to rise to the support of that resolution today. All the while, I fervently hope and pray that force will not be necessary. However, I strongly believe that American foreign policy, especially with regard to eradicating weapons of mass destruction and terrorism, must be a top priority. Our actions do not come without sacrifice or consequence; and I want to personally recognize our young men and women, these brave young men and women who are currently engaged in the war on terrorism and who may be called to service in Iraq. As a parent, I know firsthand the sacrifice that military personnel and their families are making. I was a pilot in the Air Force, and nothing made my wife Mary and me more proud than our son Lance as he served his country as an Air Force pilot in the Desert Storm conflict. We know firsthand what it is like to have a loved one in harm's way. However, once again, America is forced to defend herself against forces that do not respect human life, freedom or the American way. We cannot wait until Saddam Hussein or one of his terrorist allies strikes first. We cannot let another horrific event like September 11 happen again while we stand idly by. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join with me in support of this important resolution.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the events of the past year. As I do so, I am reminded that the spirit of America is unbreakable, unwavering, and unshakable. September 11th and the actions that followed have affected all of us. As a nation, I see we are strong--if not stronger--since that great tragedy struck our homeland. The terrorist tried to break the spirit of America but they failed. As Americans, we are united and we will work together to fight the war on terrorism, to improve our lives, and the lives of our neighbors. We will always remember the casualties of September 11th, the brave firefighters, police officers, and civilians that fought to save the lives of so many Americans. They were the first casualties in the war on terrorism. The heroes of September 11th are not just located in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania, but also they can be found all over this great nation and in the military serving our country overseas. For the Americans that donated time, blood, money, and prayers, they are also the heroes of September 11th. These deeds and sacrifices will not be forgotten. I recently had the opportunity to visit our troops in Afghanistan and I am more confident than ever that we are in capable hands. There is no doubt that we have the best and most professional military in the world. And last week, I participated in a Joint Session of Congress in New York to honor those who lost their lives on September 11th. During our visit we laid a wreath at Ground Zero. From my perspective, both events clearly demonstrated America's renewed sense of solidarity, patriotism and pride. Although September 11th will be a difficult reminder for all Americans, this is also an opportunity for the nation to show its strength and its unity. God bless America.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to my colleagues about prescription drugs and Medicare. Specifically, I feel it is an outrage that our senior citizens are being forced to drive to Canada to get prescription drugs at reasonable prices, or even worse having to choose between buying food or medication. This has gone on for far too long. As a couple in Maysville, KY, avowed, ``It is past time! And way overdue! Older people need help, perhaps not all of us, but many of us do.'' This is just one of the many comments that I received in the mail from Kentucky seniors. However, as I read their comments, I realize these are not just the voices of Kentucky's senior citizens, they are the voices of America's senior citizens. These senior citizens are veterans, they are mothers and fathers, they are grandparents, and they are men and women that have worked their entire life to make America a better place. As representatives of the American people, we must work together to pass a meaningful drug benefit for our senior citizens. We need a bipartisan prescription drug plan that helps seniors afford the drugs their doctors are telling them they need. This is not a political issue. This is a quality of life issue. We need to get this done and get this done now. I would like to share with you some of the stories from Kentucky's senior citizens. However, when you listen to these stories from across the Fourth District of Kentucky, remember they are representative of the problems seniors are facing all across America. From Crittenden, KY, ``It is getting so bad we are thinking about driving to Canada to stock up on our prescriptions.'' From Rush, KY, ``Seniors have worked all their lives and now can't enjoy pleasures because medicine is too high.'' From Pleasureville, KY, ``When is it going to end? Something surely needs to be done, people like myself are not going to be able to make it. Sometimes, I wonder do I pay my bills or buy my medicine.'' From Dry Ridge, KY, ``We are both 68 years old. My husband's prescription drug bills were about $600 a month after heart surgery. So we started getting prescription drugs from Canada. My cholesterol medicine is $80 a month from Wal-Mart. From Canada it is $31 a month and is exactly the same prescription drug.'' From Ashland, KY, ``I am 90 years old and it is a choice between food and Medicine.'' From Williamstown, KY, ``We need the medicine but we need to eat too. Sometimes we do not know which comes first. We need help with our prescription drugs.'' Mr. Speaker, it's time for us all to work together to enact a meaningful Medicare prescription drug benefit.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of some outstanding students at Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, located in Kentucky's Fourth Congressional District. Specifically, I would like to congratulate the Kentucky state champions of the We the People . . . program and I salute the young scholars who will represent the state of Kentucky in the upcoming three-day national event in Washington, D.C. These outstanding students have worked hard to reach the national finals. Their hard work has led to a deeper understanding of the basic principles and values of our constitutional democracy. In the aftermath of September 11, it is heartening to see these young people promote the fundamental principles of our government. These are ideas that connect us as Americans and bind us together as a nation. It is imperative that our next generation comprehends the importance of these values and principles, which we hold as standards in our endeavor to preserve and realize the promise of our constitutional democracy. As these students prepare for the upcoming national competition, I wish them the best of luck. The students of Highlands High School have made Kentucky's Fourth Congressional District proud and I am glad I have the opportunity to honor such fine and promising young individuals. Particularly, I want to acknowledge the students--Jessica Horner, Rachel Wallingford, Lexie Dressman, Alexa Summe, Jackie Konen, Lyndsey Hering, Karsten Head, Jamie Baker, Andrew Shipp, Ethan Davis, Megan O'Keefe, Gina Maggio, Brian Healy, Cassie Burke, Jacob Krebs, Andrew Weitze, Chris Hazelwood, Kurt Herschede, Josh Edmondson, Joe Giancola, Jack Altekruse, and Cassie Burke. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending these outstanding students and their teacher, Brian Robinson.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an outstanding organization that is dedicated to helping girls throughout the world. This organization is the Girl Scouts. Specifically, I would like to honor the Girl Scouts of Kentucky, and especially the members of Kentucky's 4th Congressional District, which I represent. Founded on March 3, 1912, by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, GA, the Girl Scouts have earned the admiration of this great Nation. Juliette Gordon Low had a vision. She wanted all young women to be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. After 90 years, Juliette Gordon Low's vision remains the basic mission of the Girl Scouts. Working as a grassroots organization, the Girl Scouts have changed the lives of millions of girls. Worldwide, the Girl Scouts have over 10 million members, both women and girls, in 140 countries. In Kentucky alone, there are over 44,000 Girl Scouts and 13,000 adult volunteers. And right in the Licking Valley of Kentucky, there are 5,000 Girl Scouts and 1,300 adult volunteers. Mr. Speaker, this is an outstanding organization. As the Girl Scouts celebrate their 90th anniversary, I would like to conclude with the Girl Scouts promise: ``On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all time, and to live by the Girl Scouts Law.'' I ask my colleagues to join me to honor this incredible organization that has changed the lives of millions of Americans and people throughout the world.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) for yielding me this time, even though we are on opposite sides of this issue. I rise in support of the Two Strikes and You're Out Child Protection Act. I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Green) for his hard work on this legislation. I think too often Americans have heard the cases of heinous crimes committed against children by criminals who turn out to be repeat offenders. Despite the best efforts of local and State law enforcement officers, convicted pedophiles still threaten the well-being of our children. I believe we must do everything we can to keep sex offenders off the street and away from our youth. This bill takes a step in the right direction. Many States have already passed laws known as Megan's laws to notify communities when a sex offender moves into the neighborhood. Today, we have an opportunity to see that some of these offenders never have the opportunity to move into our neighborhoods in the first place. Today, by passing the Two Strikes and You're Out Child Protection Act, we can ensure that these lowest of all criminals are moved out of residential blocks in our communities and moved into the cells of Federal prisons. I support this bill wholeheartedly. I urge my colleagues to do so.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Blake Haselton. Mr. Haselton is Superintendent of Oldham County Schools, a district which lies in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District, which I represent. Last month, Mr. Haselton was named Superintendent of the Year by the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents. He is also being considered for National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators. Since he began in Oldham County in 1973, Mr. Haselton has served as a high school biology teacher, athletic director, director of guidance services, and principal. He also served as the district's director of pupil personnel before being named superintendent in 1991. His colleagues praise him as an education leader who is ``stays on top of both the academic and financial elements of operating a school system,'' and ``makes his decisions on what's best for kids.'' The Oldham County Teachers Association says Mr. Haselton Is everything teachers want in a superintendent: child-centered, focused on teachers' needs, and an aggressive planner. The chair of the Oldham County Board of Education says Mr. Haselton is a ``leader amongst leaders . . . a master teacher'' who ``Inspires the best in others.'' Mr. Haselton also serves his community by doing volunteer work for several recreational, civic, and scouting organizations. I rise today to congratulate Blake Haselton on being named Kentucky Superintendent of the Year, and to wish him well as he vies for the national. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Haselton for his nearly three decades of outstanding service to the people of Oldham County, Kentucky.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Walton-Verona Independent School System, in Kentucky's Fourth Congressional District, which I represent. The school district has set a state record by not having a dropout in three years. In that same time period, 209 students have graduated. And once again this year, nobody has dropped out, and 76 more students are on track to graduate in May. As part of the district's anti-truancy program, the school attendance officer, who is a sheriff's deputy, checks on students who are truant for two consecutive days. The deputy actually goes to the student's home and takes the student to school in a marked cruiser. Also, a retired principal works with families to help solve problems that often lead students to drop out, such as health problems, eating disorders, pregnancy, and divorce. The district's anti-truancy program, called SAFE, which stands for Schools and Families Empowered, was funded in part by a federal grant that is now expiring. The good news is that the Northern Kentucky Independent Health District is so impressed with the program that it's stepping in to help fund it. Walton-Verona's dropout-free record is a noteworthy accomplishment, and is a wonderful example of what small school districts can do when they are forced to make the most of limited resources. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the outstanding students and dedicated staff of the Walton-Verona Independent School District on such a remarkable dropout rate.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, this evening the Blue Dog Coalition is pleased to take this opportunity on the eve of debate regarding the Shays-Meehan campaign finance reform legislation to stand in strong support of this important reform. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight as chairman of the Blue Dog Caucus on Campaign Finance Reform to voice my support for the Shays-Meehan bill. This bill represent real reform, and I strongly encourage my colleagues to support it. The Shays-Meehan bill is the only campaign finance reform bill that effectively deals with soft money and the sham issue ads. In 1996, $262 million of unregulated soft money was spent on campaigns. Estimates of the 2000 election place that amount of money, soft money, at about one-half billion dollars. That is billion with a B. This money from unrevealed sources has the effect of drowning out the voice of the average citizen, and it is often used to run the so-called issue ads funded by the wealthy interest groups which oftentimes flood a candidate's district just days before an election. These ads are put together by unknown, unaccountable sources and are often misleading or sometimes simply untrue. Of course, no one knows where the ad came from, so no one is called to task for these misleading, sham issue ads. As the recent Enron debacle shows, Congress must avoid even the appearance of impropriety. I cannot say whether or not the executives at Enron broke the law or received special interest as a result of the $1,671,000 of soft money they gave in the 2000 election cycle campaign. They do, after all, deserve a fair hearing, and we are about that process now, but I know that the mere suspicion by the public that Enron did receive special treatment erodes public confidence in our government. There is no question that the campaign finance system is not working well for the American people. An individual or corporation can literally pour thousands of dollars into the system without identifying themselves or what they represent. I believe we can reform the system to shift the balance back to the people and emphasize the voices of average citizens, not special interest groups, reforming a system that will enable us to focus more attention on the needs of all of our citizens, educating our children, passing a real Patients' Bill of Rights and protecting Social Security and Medicare. Campaign finance reform is the right thing to do. While it is not the be-all, end-all in government reform, it is a major step in the right direction. The confidence of the American people is at stake. We must return our government to the people. Mr. Speaker, tonight I have several fellow members of my Blue Dog coalition who are here to speak. The first speaker we have in the coalition to join us this evening, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Boyd), a strong supporter of campaign finance reform since the 105th Congress and the Blue Dog communications chairman. I am happy to yield time to him so he can speak on this subject tonight.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Boyd) for his remarks. Mr. Speaker, the newest member of the Blue Dog coalition and a valuable advocate of campaign finance reform, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel). I am pleased to yield him time.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel) for his comments. It is my pleasure to recognize my colleague and a fellow Member from the 106th Congress freshman class, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Phelps).

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. I thank the gentleman from Illinois for those comments. Now it is my pleasure to introduce a committed promoter of campaign finance reform, the only Member of the House from the State of Kansas to sign the discharge petition, a friend of mine, the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore).

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. I thank the gentleman for those comments, my good friend from Kansas. Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to recognize the gentleman from Crockett, Texas (Mr. Turner), the House sponsor of the discharge petition and the policy Chair of the Blue Dog coalition. I am pleased to yield to this gentleman for his statement.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, in closing this body will have a unique opportunity to restore a voice to our constituents tomorrow when it takes up this campaign finance reform bill. The American system of government is too precious to allow soft money to limit the power of ideas. In the 2000 election cycle, 980 companies and individuals gave over $100,000 of soft money into that process. The type of reform that we are talking about will protect the ability of individuals and grassroots organizations to build on the power of their ideas and not be overwhelmed by this big money. I believe that is the way our forefathers intended our system to work. As one of our friends in the other body often says, because of the lack of reform, the big money sits in the front row, and the average citizen sits in the back. We need campaign finance reform, and we need it now. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues here in this House will do the right thing, stand up for their constituents and pass the Shays-Meehan campaign finance bill.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Blake Haselton. Mr. Haselton is the Superintendent of Oldham County Schools, a district which lies in Kentucky's Fourth Congressional District. Last month, Mr. Haselton was named Superintendent of the Year by the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents. Next month, he could be named National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators. Since he began in Oldham County in 1973, Mr. Haselton has served as a high school biology teacher, athletic director, director of guidance services, and principal. He also served as the district's director of pupil personnel before being named superintendent in 1991. His colleagues praise him as an education leader who ``stays on top of both the academic and financial elements of operating a school system,'' and ``makes his decisions on what's best for kids.'' The Oldham County Teachers Association says Mr. Haselton is everything teachers want in a superintendent: child-centered, focused on teachers' needs, and an aggressive planner. The chair of the Oldham County Board of Education says Mr. Haselton is a ``leader amongst leaders . . . a master teacher'' who ``inspires the best in others.'' Mr. Haselton also serves his community by doing volunteer work for several recreational, civic, and scouting organizations. I rise today to congratulate Blake Haselton on being named Kentucky Superintendent of the Year, and to wish him well as he vies for the national title next month. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Haselton for his nearly three decades of outstanding service to the people of Oldham County, KY.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of some outstanding students at Conner High School in Hebron, in Kentucky's Fourth Congressional District. Specifically, I salute members of the school's chapter of the National Honor Society for their award-winning community service projects in recent years. Most recently, Conner's honor students tackled an issue that we have addressed here in the House as well--the needs of America's homeless veterans. The honor students worked with a grocery bag manufacturer, Duro Standard Products; a local grocer, Flick's Foods; and Wal-Mart Stores, Incorporated; to have information about the Heather Renee French Foundation for Veterans printed on 21 million grocery bags. You may recall that as Miss America 2000, Kentucky's Heather Renee French Henry made increasing our awareness of the needs of America's homeless veterans her mission, and came to Washington to campaign for the homeless veterans legislation we passed last month. Now, thanks to the efforts of the National Honor Society members at Conner High School and some civic-minded business people, many people are learning about the needs of homeless veterans and Heather Renee French Henry's organization. Specifically, I'd like to recognize the students--Ashley Tepe, Jennifer Golatzki, Amanda Kordenbrock, McKenzie Ryle, and Katie Stacy, their National Honor Society advisor Mike Hils. In addition, I would like to recognize these business people--Tom Coughlin of Wal-Mart Stores, James R. Eaton of Duro Standard Products, and Bob Flick of Flick's Foods. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending these outstanding students and fine corporate citizens.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, on September 24, 2001, my plane to Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C. was delayed because of inclement weather. As a result, I missed two votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote 349 to pass H.R. 717, a bill to support additional Federal research, coordination, information, and education on Duchenne and other forms of muscular dystrophy. In addition, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote 350 to pass H.J. Res. 65, a bill to provide continuing appropriations at current levels through October 16 for all Federal departments and programs covered by the fiscal 2002 spending bills not yet enacted.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise to add my voice to the outrage I am sure every American feels today. My condolences and those of my fellow Kentuckians go out to the families who have lost loved ones as a result of yesterday's tragic events. The victims of these cowardly attacks were innocent Americans of every color and creed. Heartbreak is the only word that can adequately describe what I felt as I witnessed one of the most despicable crimes in our history. Franklin Delano Roosevelt described December 7, 1941, as a date which will live in infamy. He described that day's attack upon Pearl Harbor as an unprovoked and dastardly attack. I say to my colleagues here in Congress, and my fellow Americans watching us here tonight, that the evil which fueled the murder yesterday of thousands of peace-loving Americans rivals that evil which plunged our Nation into World War II some 60 years ago. And make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, yesterday's attack was nothing less than an act of war. The terrorist forces against us would see us brought to our knees and see us shaking in terror. They would have us back away from the freedoms we hold dear. But they must be made to understand that those freedoms are the result of 200 years of struggle. Nothing within the terrorists' power can daunt this great democracy and its resolve. It was John F. Kennedy who said, ``Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge and more.'' The circumstances have changed since President Kennedy said these words. The sentiment has not. God bless America.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, America's steel industry has been hit by an unprecedented flood of low-priced, imported steel. As a member of the bipartisan Congressional Steel Caucus, I have become increasingly frustrated as I have watched this flood of low-priced imports force our steel producers to either slow production or close up shop. That is why I was pleased by the Administration's recent decision to heed the advice of the Congressional Steel Caucus and the pleas of the steel industry by initiating an investigation under Section 201 of the Fair Trade Act of 1974. On Friday, June 22, 2001, U.S. Trade Representative, Robert Zoellick requested the International Trade Commission (ITC) to begin that investigation. Pursuing a Section 201 means that we will now investigate the illegal dumping of foreign steel into our marketplace. If the investigation finds that unfair trade practices were used by foreign countries in the United States, we will be entitled to seek relief from imported steel-- including imposing punitive tariffs and trade restrictions. This investigation is a step in the right direction. It puts foreign steel producers on notice that we will not simply stand by while unfairly subsidized steel imports leave our steel plants idle and our steelworkers without work, But we need to do more. Over 15,000 steelworkers nationwide have lost their jobs due to the current industry crisis. Since 1997, at least 18 steel companies have filed for bankruptcy. The health insurance of 70,000 steel-company retirees is now in jeopardy--that's 70,000 Americans faced with losing health care coverage precisely at the time in their life when they can afford it the least. Although a Section 201 investigation must report its findings within 120 days, the ITC can take up to a year to figure out how to respond to unfair trade practices. America's steel industry needs relief now. Simply put, Congress needs to enact the Steel Revitalization Act of 200, H.R. 808. And the President needs to sign it. This bill directs the President to impose quotas, tariff surcharges, or other measures on imports. Among other things, it requires the President to negotiate enforceable, voluntary export restraint agreements. And the Steel Revitalization Act takes care of those who have suffered most from the current situation--the steelworkers who have lost their jobs. The bill establishes programs, such as the Steelworker Retiree Health Care Fund, to help these workers take care of their families. This fund would be accessible by all steel companies to provide health insurance to qualified retirees. The measures included in the Steel Revitalization Act would help families throughout Kentucky's Fourth Congressional District, from Shelby to Boyd Counties, who depend on our domestic steel industry for their livelihood. Our steelworkers work hard to ensure that quality American steel girds our growing communities. That's why I, along with 220 other members of Congress, have cosponsored the Steel Revitalization Act. I am determined to keep our domestic producers in this important industry from falling victim to unfair trade with foreign nations. Along with the Section 201 investigation, the Steel Revitalization Act would go a long way toward ensuring that steel remains a vital industry in Kentucky and the nation.

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky

Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bulter, Kentucky's Phillip A. Sharp Middle School. At a time when our nation is faced with a troubling energy crisis, the students of Phillip A. Sharp Middle School serve as a fine example for our youth. Their school was recently selected as the Middle School of the Year by the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, and they will attend the National Youth Awards Program for Energy Achievement here in Washington, D.C. I am pleased to see young people take an interest in energy issues. They are learning early in life the importance of energy production and conservation. What I find even more impressive is the fact that they are taking what they have learned and, through the NEED Project's ``Kids Teaching Kids'' approach, passing it on to other interested students. This kind of leadership from our middle schoolers means great things for Kentucky's future. I congratulate Phillip A. Sharp Middle School on their recent award, and I thank them for their hard work and for setting a fine example for students across the United States. They are on the right track, and I wish them continued success.