Carolyn Maloney

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I would like to be associated with the comments and remarks of my colleague, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), and really every Member that has risen in opposition to the Istook amendment. Mr. Chairman, since the September 11 attacks, the objectives of our Nation have changed dramatically. We are focused on combatting terrorism, enhancing intelligence, and upgrading our public health system. Each of these efforts costs money and deserves additional funding. The Istook amendment would give $33 million, a three-fold increase, to a narrowly-focused program that puts teens at risk and is rooted in wishful thinking. Abstinence-only education works only when it is combined with comprehensive sexuality education. Evidence shows that comprehensive sexuality education helps delay sexual relations among young people, and increases contraceptive use among those who become sexually active. Telling independent-minded teenagers what not to do and depriving them of information they might use to decide is a recipe for unplanned pregnancies and sexually-transmitted diseases. Ninety-three percent of Americans support teaching sexuality education. We should follow the numbers and reject the Istook amendment.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, 1 month after September 11, Americans continue to contemplate the vulnerability of human life. So I think it is very fitting that we pass a bill today which does so much to preserve and prolong human life. The bill increases funding for medical research, and keeps within reach the goal of doubling funding for NIH within 5 years. It includes report language that reinforces Congress' commitment to fully fund the NIH Parkinson's disease research agenda for fiscal year 2002. The bill reaffirms the President's commitment to stem cell research. The plan is far too limited, but it is a small step forward. I am pleased that it includes a substantial increase for education, although the bill should have funded the school repair and renovation program. I applaud the gentleman from Florida (Chairman Young), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula), and the ranking member, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), for forging this bill in a bipartisan spirit at a very difficult time. They set an example for the appropriations process this fall, and for American unity and resolve.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, the practice of marketing downed animals--animals unable to walk because of sickness or illness-- is an inhumane and disease-ridden practice. It's cruel to animals. It's bad for people. It's good for nothing. Many livestock yards pass on the costs and disposal of downed animals to slaughterhouses. Often, the result is torture. Downed animals which cannot move must be prodded and dragged to be transported from a livestock yard to a slaughterhouse. Bacterial infection runs high in downed animals. The Humane Society reports an elevated risk among downed animals for ``Mad Cow Disease'' which has been fatal to humans. Since the majority of downed animals are milk cows contamination could be widespread. Unfortunately, the industry's self-imposed regulations against marketing downed animals are not being met. So we need to legislate uniform industry standards by passing the Ackerman amendment.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am thankful that 109 of my colleagues came to New York to view the devastation at Ground Zero. But the severe impact on New York City's economy is harder to see. Restaurants are empty, hotels are vacant, five Broadway shows have closed, and small businesses are suffering all over our State. Tourism is New York's second largest industry, and we need to bring people back to New York State. Along with my bipartisan colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reynolds), and over 60 of my colleagues, including Senators Schumer and Clinton, we have introduced the I Love New York Tax Relief Act. For the next year, it would allow individuals to deduct up to $500, and families up to $1,000, for spending money in New York City's restaurants, lodging, and entertainment outlets. I urge my colleagues and the President to put our money where our heart is and give Americans another way to say, ``I love New York.''

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chairman William J. Ivey, on his retirement from the National Endowment for the Arts. Since 1998, Chairman Ivey has dedicated himself and the NEA to preserving the great arts tradition of this nation and to broadening the public's awareness of the tremendous benefits that the arts have to offer. Under Chairman Ivey's leadership, the NEA and its many programs have exposed countless Americans to the rich rewards of the arts, while benefitting our communities, our children, and our economy. In 1997, he was honored by Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist for his diligent work as Director of the Country Music Foundation, and was praised by the Tennessee Arts Commission for his efforts in reaching out to the community. Chairman Ivey's passion for preserving historic recordings of popular and classical music ensure that generations to come will have the opportunity to learn and appreciate the musical treasures of our past. While I am saddened to see Chairman Ivey's tenure at the NEA come to an end, I am confident that he will continue to be a strong advocate for the arts community. Mr. Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Chairman Ivey for his commitment to the arts and for his leadership to this nation.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I speak today in honor of the 41st anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus. It was on October 1 in 1960, that Cyprus became an independent republic after decades of British colonial rule. I am very fortunate and privileged to represent Astoria, Queens--one of the largest and most vibrant communities of Greek and Cypriot Americans in this country. It is truly one of my greatest pleasures as a Member of Congress to be able to participate in the life of this community, and the wonderful and vital Cypriot friends that I have come to know are one of its greatest rewards. Cyprus and the United States have a great deal in common. We share a deep and abiding commitment to democracy, human rights, free markets, and the ideal and practice of equal justice under the law. While we are pleased to celebrate this joyous day in Cyprus history, it is with a heavy heart in light of the September 11 terrorist attacks. I am deeply appreciative to the people of Cyprus and the Cypriot-American community who have extended their voices of support and have expressed strong condemnation for the terrorist attacks. In fact, within hours of the attacks, Cyprus President, Glafcos Clerides, strongly denounced the terrorist acts. Unfortunately, Cyprus is not without its own difficult history; 37 percent of this nation is still occupied by a hostile foreign power, and it has been for more than 25 years. On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, and to this day continues to maintain an estimated 35,000 heavily armed troops. Nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots, who fell victim to a policy of ethnic cleansing, were forcibly evicted from their homes and became refugees in their own country. Every year, on or around July 20, 1, along with my dear friend Representative Bilirakis, sponsor a Special Order to remember the anniversary of the Turkish invasion in a tradition that has become one of our proudest traditions. Despite the hardships and trauma caused by the ongoing Turkish occupation, Cyprus has registered remarkable economic growth, and the people living in the Government-controlled areas enjoy one of the world's highest standards of living. Sadly, the people living in the occupied area continue to be mired in poverty. Today, Cyprus is one of the leading candidate nations to join the European Union in the next round of expansion, in 3 to 4 years. While we are hopeful that a unified Cyprus will join the EU, fortunately, it is not a precondition to accession as the leader of the Turkish Cypriot side, Rauf Denktash has continued to balk at resuming peace talks. He rejected U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan's invitation to resume talks for a unified Cyprus. In the times we are facing, it is clear that divisions among people create harmful, destructive environments. The United States has expressed its unwavering support for a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem and I wholeheartedly agree. The relationship between Cyprus and the United States is strong and enduring. We stand together in this bittersweet time, celebrating democracy and freedom while mourning a horrific tragedy. Thank you.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of the Sanchez-Harman amendment. Our country is at war. Our troops overseas are risking their lives to protect our lives and our rights as U.S. citizens. One of those rights is a woman's right to choose. But women serving effectively lose this constitutional right at U.S. military bases where they literally cannot even buy an abortion. A male member of the armed services needing medical attention receives the best. A female member needing a specific medical procedure must return to the United States, often at great expense, or go to a foreign hospital which may be unsanitary and dangerous. All she wants is the right to choose and the right to pay for the bill. We need to come together as a Nation to support our armed services. Passing this amendment is the least that we can do.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, it has been nearly 2 weeks since war came to New York City, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and America. These cowards have waged war not on our Army and Navy, but on ordinary men and women who were killed simply because they showed up for work. This unspeakable tragedy has been New York's darkest hour, but it has also been its finest hour. We knew New York's bravest and finest would respond with great courage; but we did not know how many firefighters, police officers, and other rescue workers we would lose. Last week, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella) and I introduced legislation honoring Mayor Giuliani for his leadership, the rescue workers, and the people of New York City for their courage, volunteerism and enduring spirit. Through their selfless attempts to save innocent people, hundreds of rescue workers and citizens made the ultimate sacrifice. We appreciate all that they have done. We owe them our eternal gratitude. Mr. Speaker, our city and country are mobilizing as never before. The day after the terrorist attack at ground zero I saw not only the devastation but the determination in all New Yorkers and Americans to rescue, rebuild--and repay the terrorists in calculated, just, multi- national strikes at them and those who harbor them. We're getting back to work to rebuild Lower Manhattan and to keep our economy strong. From the bottom of my heart I thank my colleagues for their swift support for the $20 billion we've approved to rebuild. I've never seen this Congress more united or more determined. The airline bill passed last Friday was also a boon to New York. It included funds to support the victims and their families. And it helped keep planes flying into New York. Today we will make this airline initiative more comprehensive by passing legislation that supports airline workers who were laid off through no fault of their own. The impact of this tragedy is being felt far beyond ground zero. New York City's second largest industry is tourism. Right now restaurants are empty. Hotel rooms are vacant and Broadway shows are closing. Yesterday morning I met with Don Winter, a Chamber of Commerce President. He said small businesses in particular are being devastated and that they pass under the radar screen of many relief efforts. Last week to help address this problem and bring people back to New York Congressman Reynolds and I introduced the ``I Love New York Tax Deduction Act''. For the next year it would allow individuals to deduct from their income taxes up to $500 and families up to $1,000 for spending money in NYC restaurants, lodging and entertainment outlets whether or not they itemize their taxes. All Americans who want to help the relief effort would be eligible for this deduction. All they would have to do is come to New York and help our economy by enjoying all that our city has to offer. Right now, tourism is patriotism. 3,000 New York City hotel workers have already lost their jobs. The City's 300,000 food service workers are facing heavy layoffs. Eleven current Broadway productions have closed. I think it's important that we as a country remember both this tragedy and the extraordinary human response that is fundamentally American. Even as the ground-zero cleanup continues I've been assured by Ken Holden, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Design and Construction, that fragments of shells of the Twin Towers which landed in the ground like daggers in our heart will be preserved for the purpose of creating a national monument. A reminder of the day our lives turned upside down. And how we have come together as a city and nation.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on September 24, 2001, I was unavoidably detained the train broke down--and I missed rollcall votes numbered 349 and 350. Rollcall vote 349 was on the motion to suspend the rules and pass HR 717, to provide for research and services with respect to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Rollcall vote 350 was on passage of H. J. Res. 65, to provide for continuing appropriations for the fiscal year, and for other purposes. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on both H.R. 717 and H. J. Res. 65.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the the rule and in support of the underlying bill. Last week's attacks did unspeakable damage, unspeakable harm with great loss of life, but last week's attack underscored just how indispensable air travel is to our economy. Since the attacks, hotel occupancy in New York City has plummeted, restaurants are empty, broadway shows have closed. People fly to New York from all over the world, but right now they are scared to fly. With the $3 billion allocated from the antiterrorism package, new safeguards will make air travel safer, but we do not know when passengers will return. In the meantime, if the airlines go out of business, what will be the next business to go out of business? We will all be out of business, and we cannot let that happen. Supporting our airlines is also an act of patriotism. The terrorists wanted to ground America, so we need to fly. We also need to compensate victims, many of whom were my constituents and friends. We need to compensate workers that are not covered in this package. I have been assured by our leader, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt), that he will introduce a bill tomorrow which will do that, with the support of many in the leadership on the other side of the aisle. We need to answer this act of hostility by restoring the friendly skies domestically, and by sending airplanes of a different sort to get the cowards of the September 11 attack.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Young and Ranking Member Obey for their leadership today. Congress has taken swift action to respond to the critical needs of our Nation stemming from the terrorist attack. This emergency supplemental appropriations for $40 billion in disaster relief and increased security means so much to this Nation and to the great city of New York. The support for domestic and humanitarian assistance is a vital and important first step on our Nation's long road of recovery. The emergency supplemental package provides $40 billion both to fund rescue operations and a military response to Tuesday's terrorist attacks in New York and Virginia. I am especially pleased that the supplemental targets funding to New York. To return lower Manhattan to its former state, New York will need this funding and much more support in the future. Today is the first time I have been back to Washington since the attacks. I can tell you that I have never been so moved by the actions of everyday people. Walking through New York City I can tell you that the pain is very deep and very real but so is the resolve to rebuild and not give in to terror. I have held the relatives of the missing as they sob for their loved ones while they proclaim in the same breath that they have never been so proud of New York City and America. I have witnessed ashen-faced firefighters, as they move uptown after working at ground zero, applauded and embraced by total strangers as if returning from battle. New Yorkers will come back. Today I thank all of my colleague and all Americans for this legislation and for helping get the City on its way.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.J. Res. 64/S.J. Res. 23, the use-of-military force resolution. By passing this resolution, the House of Representatives will send a clear message to our country's enemies--the United States is resolute. We stand with the President. We are united in defending our freedom and our liberty. I spent the last two days in New York, offering assistance and comfort to my constituents in this time of great tragedy. Earlier this afternoon, I toured lower Manhattan with the President and other members of the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut delegations. Over these last few days I have not been able to truly describe the landscape of destruction. When I walk among the rubble I am speechless. I have often thought that perhaps I should call upon religious scholars or poets to try to put these visions into words--I do not think I am up to the task. It is an indescribable place. Walking through New York City I can tell you that the pain is very deep and very real but so is the resolve to rebuild and to not give into terror. I have never been so moved by the actions of everyday people. I have held the relatives of the missing as they sob for their loved ones while they proclaim in the same breath that they have never been so proud of New York City and America. I have witnessed ashen-faced firefighters, as they move uptown after working at ground zero, applauded and embraced by total strangers as if returning from battle. New Yorkers want a response to the madness of September 11th. Passage of the resolution will solidify this country's ability to take military action. Congress stands with the President. And when the perpetrators have been identified, this resolution says that we will support President Bush when he takes action against the cowards who attacked our beloved country. A day after Pearl Harbor was attacked, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a great President and a great New Yorker said: ``I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.'' International terrorism should never endanger us again! I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, due to the horrific and incredible attack on the World Trade Center, I traveled to my district to offer assistance and comfort to my constituents in this time of great tragedy. Because of my absence from the House on September 13th, I missed rollcall votes numbered 338, 339 and 340. Had I been present, I would have wholeheartedly voted in favor of the resolution condemning the terrorists attacks against the United States and extending Congress' deepest condolences to the victims of these heinous and cowardly actions; I would have voted in favor of H.R. 2882, the measure that expedites payments of benefits for the public safety officers killed or injured; and H.R. 2884, the legislation that extending tax benefits for the September 11th victims. In addition, I would have voted ``yea'' on the resolution urging people to fly the U.S. flag. My thoughts these past days and in the coming weeks are with all those in my beloved city whose lives have been affected by the tragedy in lower Manhattan. I join everyone in our city in praying for our many friends who are missing and injured and for their loved ones. It is an honor everyday to serve in the House of Representatives as a representative of the greatest city in the world. As soon as I learned of the attacks on the Trade Center, I drove to Manhattan to be with my family and offer assistance to my friends and neighbors. My heart is warmed by the response of our city--the rescue workers, the medical response teams, the orderly evacuation of lower Manhattan by the people who work and live there and the thousands who have gone to blood donor centers. All New Yorkers will forever remember the bravery of the rescue workers who rushed into lower Manhattan as the Trade Center towers burned. It is apparent that many hundreds of these firefighters, cops and medical personnel may be among the thousands now unaccounted for. We in the city witness countless selfless acts by these heroes on a daily basis. Today we are awed by their response to the tragedy and heartbroken by their fate. The victims at the Pentagon and of the air highjackings are also in our thoughts and prayers. We are the most diverse city in the world but today we are united as one. We stand squarely with the President, our Governor and Mayor and pledge to bring the perpetrators of these tremendously cruel acts to justice.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to come to the floor this evening to mark the fourth anniversary of the passage of the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research Act, an anniversary that occurred this week. In 1999, along with my friends and colleagues, Fred Upton, Lane Evans, Joe Skeen, Mark Udall, Tom Udall, and Henry Waxman, I formed the Congressional Working Group on Parkinson's Disease. The Working Group strives to ensure that the nation's decision makers remain ever aware of the needs of the more than one million Americans struggling with the devastating disease of Parkinson's. Four years ago this past Monday, Senator Wellstone was successful in adding the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research Act as an amendment to the Senate FY98 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill. Not surprisingly, the amendment was approved by a vote of 95-3. Named for Arizona Representative Mo Udall to honor his legacy, the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research Act was originally introduced on April 9, 1997 in the House of Representatives. Mr. Upton and Mr. Waxman were the bill's lead sponsors in the House, with Senators McCain and Wellstone sponsoring it in the Senate. In the 105th Congress, this bill, H.R. 1260, had 255 cosponsors in the House; I was a proud original cosponsor, too. The Udall Act expanded basic and clinical research in Parkinson's Disease. It established Udall Centers of Excellence around the country and set up the Morris K. Udall Awards in Parkinson's Research to provide grants to scientists who are working to cure Parkinson's. One of the eleven Udall Centers is located in the great city of New York. The Morris Udall Center for Parkinson Disease Research at Columbia University is doing innovative research, including identifying new genes that, when either expressed or suppressed, contribute to the degeneration of key nerve cells. The New York group is also investigating gender and ethnic differences in people with Parkinson's Disease. Notably, too, Columbia University's Dean of Medicine is the former Director of NIH's National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Dr. Gerald Fischbach. The work at this Udall Center, as well as Centers across the county, is leading to a better understanding of the brain and how this disease affects it. The groundbreaking research at the Udall Centers, as well as our nation's public and private sector research effort, will lead to better treatment and a cure for Parkinson's. In this Congress, I will proudly join Congressman Mark and Tom Udall and members of the Congressional Working Group to introduce a reauthorization of the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research Act. I urge all of my colleagues to join us in reauthorizing this important legislation. In the spirit of Mo Udall's tenacity and strength of purpose, we cannot stop now. We must wholeheartedly support Parkinson's research until we find a cure! As the President has said, we must continue on path to doubling the NIH budget by 2003. In last year's appropriations, $71.4 million of the NIH budget was designated for Parkinson's Disease research. But this is only year-one funding of the NIH's Five Year Plan for Parkinson's Disease Research. We have to remain vigilant and keep the pressure on. Leading scientists describe Parkinson's as the most curable neurological disorder! That is why I urge my colleagues to support the second-year funding of the Five Year NIH Plan. Recent advances in Parkinson's Disease research have given us great hope that a cure is imminent. The science regarding Parkinson's has advanced to a stage where greater management and coordination of the federally-funded research effort will accelerate the pace of scientific progress dramatically. I ask all my colleagues to support NIH's research agenda by fully funding the $143.5 million increase for FY02 in the Labor-HHS appropriations bill. Secondly, we must continue to fund the U.S. Army's Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Research Program. The research not only strives to improve the treatment of neurological diseases, but also aims to identify the causes of disease and prevent them. I am heartened by the scientific progress being made. We are so close to a cure of this disease. As you may know, this is a personal issue for many of us. Some of our colleagues are struggling with Parkinson's or have family members who are living with this illness. My own father has been afflicted by Parkinson's I have seen the impact of this disease first hand and have spoken to the experts. Professionals at NIH have said that this disease is curable within as little as 5 years. My government should be a part of that research. Better treatment and a cure for Parkinson's Disease also depends on stem cell research. With further research into embryonic stem cells, scientists should be able to reprogram the stem cells into the dopamine-producing cells which are currently lost in Parkinson's Disease. President Bush's August decision to fund limited types of stem cell research is a small step forward for this life saving medical research, though a limited one indeed. The President's decision to permit research on existing cell lines, without allowing for the derivation of new cell lines, falls short in the eyes of many top medical researchers. Experts tell us that different cell lines hold disparate research and therapeutic potential, and elimination of federal funding for certain lines will hold major consequences. I am quite troubled by what Secretary Tommy Thompson said yesterday. He noted that less than one-third of the embryonic stem cells lines that President Bush and said were available for federally-funded research are fully developed and currently adequate for research. This is unacceptable. We must not tie the hands of the scientists. So again, I urge my colleagues to support the scientists and the researchers who are battling this disease by providing the funding levels needed to cure Parkinson's. In addition, we must keep the pressure on the NIH to stay true to their Five Year Plan for Parkinson's Disease Research. Let this be the Congress that history points to that fulfilled the promise of the Udall Act and provided the unwavering support that led to an end to Parkinson's Disease.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to an event that took place on August 18, 2001. Nikos Sifounakis, Minister of the Aegean, was the sponsor of Aegean Regatta 2001, an international event that highlights the rich culture and history of the Aegean islands. This event pays tribute to the ancient mariners who first introduced Hellenic culture to other parts of the world and honors today's international mariners. The Aegean Regatta celebrates the incomparable beauty of the area, as well as its remarkable history. The poetry of Sappho and Elylis of Mytilini, Seferis of Smyrna and Homer of Chios, who derived their inspiration from the national beauty of the Aegean, continues to enchant and enthrall modern readers. The Aegean Regatta stands as a testament to the legacy of sportsmanship community of this great civilization, a tradition also exemplified by the Olympics. Like the Olympics, the Aegean Regatta fosters community bonds among people of different countries and cultural backgrounds. The ancient mariners of the Aegean were known far and wide for their skill. Their vessels carried both raw materials and new concepts of democracy, vision and hope. Participants in the 2001 Aegean Regatta are heirs to the old seafarers. They enjoyed the phenomenal experience of sailing the routes traveled by the ancients. The beauty of the Aegean is mesmerizing, a beauty connected to the spirit and the soul, forged by the waves and sculpted by the wind. The Aegean Regatta is not simply a sailing competition. It is an international event that continues the maritime tradition, and emphasizes two of Greece's most successful ``exports,'' sports and culture. This unique event allows mariners of today to pay homage to mariners of the past and to carry on an ancient tradition in which sailing was a way of life. Sailing enthusiasts from around the world participate in the Aegean Regatta, proof of the respect and admiration other countries continue to bestow upon this timeless community. Many of my constituents attended this event, and as a friend and co- founder of the Hellenic Caucus, I would like to say that I hope all who attended enjoyed a time filled with great sailing and great fun. Participants were the recipients of the Aegean's best and most lasting prize, the hospitality of island residents. I request that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Minister of the Aegean, Nikos Sifounakis, and the sailing community for participating in this wonderful event. We can all take pride in an extraordinary celebration of history and athleticism as well as an opportunity to forge new bonds among different people from different communities. Islanders, organizers and competitors will have the opportunity to join together beneath the Aegean sky in universal friendship and understanding.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Cyprus Federation of America, Inc. which will be hosting its annual Awards Gala on September 28, 2001, and to pay tribute to the distinguished guests it will honor that evening. The Cyprus Federation of America is an umbrella organization representing the Cypriot American community in the United States. The largest Hellenic Cypriot community outside of Cyprus is located in the 14th congressional district, which I am fortunate to represent. As the founder and co- chair of the Hellenic Caucus, I am proud to be their representative. This year the Cyprus Federation of America, Inc. will honor four individuals who have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to the cause of justice and freedom for Cyprus, and to the preservation of the ideals and principles of the Hellenic American community. The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Glafcos Clerides will present the guests of honor with their awards. The honorees are, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, the State Treasurer of California, the Hon. Philip Angelides, past president of Cyprus Federation of American, Inc., Mr. Andreas D. Comodromos and noted businessman and philanthropist, Nicholas Bouras. His Eminence Archbishop Demerios will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his unsurpassed contributions to the field of spiritual guidance. Archbishop Demetrios, was born on February 1, 1928 in Thessaloniki, Greece. The older son of Christos and Georgia Trakatellis, he attended the Experimental High School of the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki from which he graduated as valedictorian in June of 1946. Throughout his life his devotion of God and spirituality played an integral role in his education and career aspirations. He entered the School of Theology of the National and Capodistrian University of Athens in 1946 where he received his theology degree and special recognition for his outstanding work. In 1960, at the age of 32, he was ordained to the office of the Diaconate and in 1964 ordained as a Priest. In 1965 he enrolled at Harvard University to pursue his Ph.D. He received scholarships to study at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and was also honored with the prestigious Arthur Darby Nick Fellowship. On June 20, 1967 he was elected Titular Bishop of Vresthena. He received a Doctorate of Philosophy from Harvard University in November 1971. In 1977, he received a second Doctorate in Theology from the Faculty of the School of Theology of the National and Capodistrian University of Athens. Three years later he was invited to teach at the Harvard University Divinity school as a visiting professor. His academic and theological accomplishments made him an incomparable candidate for the position of Greek Orthodox Archbishop of North and South American, a position he was named to on September 18, 1999, and continues to hold to this very day. The Honorable Philip Angelides, Treasurer of the great state of California has provided outstanding leadership as a businessman, and civil servant. The policies and programs implemented by Mr. Agelides as Treasurer have been credited with bolstering the economic strength of California. Mr. Angelides graduated from Harvard University and was a Core Foundation fellow. He served in California government for eight years, during which time he established a reputation as being a leader on issues such as affordable housing and urban planning. In 1986, he formed his own investment management Mr. Angelides has been active in the civic life of his community and State for more than 25 years during which time he helped coordinate a unique bi-partisan civic committee, which helped reform the once troubled Sacramento City Unified School District. Mr. Angelides made history by becoming the first Greek American elected to statewide office in California. He and his wife Julie continue to reside in their hometown of Sacramento where they have three daughters: Megan, Christina and Arianna. Mr. Andreas D. Comodromos is being honored with the Justice for Cyprus Award for his impassioned work to bring justice and peace to Cyprus. Andreas was born in Famagusta Cyprus on March 27, 1949. The son of Demetrios and Aphrodite Comodromos, he was raised in the Village of Vatili and after completing high school served in the military. He then joined the Cyprus offices of American Life Insurance Co. In 1973, he married American born Anna C. Zachaiades. They built their home in Cyprus, where they planned to raise their family. The 1974 Turkish invasion resulted in the loss of their home. In April of that year they emigrated to the United States where Andreas pursued his college degree. Mr. Comodromos graduated Magna Cum Laude from Saint Peter's College in 1978, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He later founded the accounting firm of Comodromos Associates, P.A. with his brother Michael. He has remained the President and managing partner of the firm, which is based in Paramus, NJ, ever since. Andreas's immense success in America has not diminished his love and appreciation for the land in which he was born, which is why he continues to work for justice and peace in Cyprus. He has held several positions on the Board of the Cyprus Federation of America and served as its President for two consecutive terms. He was also elected to the National Council of the Order of Saint Andrew. Andreas was a recipient of the 1996 Ellis Island Medal of Honor for outstanding contributions to America and distinguished community service. He is currently serving as President of the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), North and South American Region. He continues to reside with his family in Kinnelon, New Jersey. Nicholas Bouras is being honored with the Humanitarian and Philanthropic Award for his many contributions to various humanitarian and philanthropic efforts. Mr. Bouras was born in Pontiac, Michigan and was raised in Chicago, Illinois. In 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served in combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. During his service he flew 42 combat missions in B-26 and A-26 medium bombers as a lead bombardier and navigator until the end of the war in Europe. He was discharged with the rank of major and awarded the distinguished Flying Cross, eight Air Medals and five Battle Stars. In 1955, he graduated from the School of Commerce at Northwestern University, located in Evanston, Illinois. Beginning in 1940, Mr. Bouras worked for the United States Steel Corporation for nearly two decades. In 1960 he began his own steel construction company with his lifetime partner, Anna K. Bouras. He continues to work as the owner and president of Bouras Industries, which now has locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and South Carolina and approximately 750 employees. Mr. Bouras is also the founder of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield, New Jersey. He is also a member of the Archdiocesan Council and a member of the Executive Board of the Archdiocesan Council of America for which he also serves as Secretary. He is a member of the National Board of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle and also serves as its Executive Vice President. In 1999 he too received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and a year later was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Subcontractors Association of New Jersey. Ernst and Young awarded him the 2000 entrepreneur Award and in 2001 he was presented with the Hellenic Heritage Achievement Award by the American Hellenic Institute. On May 19, 2001 he was awarded a Doctorate of the Humanities by the Hellenic College of Holy Cross. In March 2001 the American Hellenic Institute of Political Affairs Committee (AHIPAC) honored him for his outstanding contributions to the Hellenic Community. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Cyprus Federation of America, Inc. and its distinguished guests for their tremendous accomplishments, and tireless efforts for human rights and justice for Cyprus.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to come to the floor this evening to mark the fourth anniversary of the passage of the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research Act, an anniversary that occurred this week. In 1999, along with my friends and colleagues, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton); the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans); the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Skeen); the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Mark Udall); the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Tom Udall); and the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), I formed the Congressional Working Group on Parkinson's Disease. The working group strives to ensure that the Nation's decisionmakers remain ever aware of the needs of the more than one million Americans struggling with the devastating disease of Parkinson's. Four years ago this Monday, Senator Wellstone was successful in adding the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research Act as an amendment to the Senate Labor-HHS Appropriations bill. Not surprisingly, the amendment was approved by a vote of 95 to 3. Named for Arizona Representative Mo Udall to honor his legacy, the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research Act was originally introduced on April 9 of 1997. The gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) were the bill's lead sponsors in the House, and Senator McCain and Senator Wellstone were the sponsors in the Senate. In the 105th Congress, this bill had over 255 cosponsors, and I was proud to be an original cosponsor. The Udall Act expanded basic and clinical research in Parkinson's disease. It established Udall Centers of Excellence around the country and set up the Morris K. Udall Awards in Parkinson's Research to provide grants to scientists who are working to cure Parkinson's. One of the 11 Udall Centers is located in the City of New York. The New York group is doing innovative research, including identifying new genes, that when either expressed or suppressed, contribute to the degeneration of key nerve cells. They are also investigating gender and ethnic differences in people with Parkinson's Disease. Notably too, Columbia University's Dean of Medicine is the former director of NIH's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Dr. Gerald Fischbach. The work at this Udall Center, as well as centers across the country, is leading to a better understanding of the brain and how this disease affects it. The ground-breaking research at the Udall Centers, as well as our Nation's public and private sector research efforts, will lead to better treatments and hopefully, a cure for Parkinson's. In this Congress, I will proudly join the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Mark Udall) and the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Tom Udall) and members of the Congressional Working Group in introducing a reauthorization of the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research Act. I urge all of my colleagues to join us in this effort. In the spirit of Mo Udall's tenacity and strength of purpose, we cannot stop now. We must wholeheartedly support Parkinson's research until we find a cure. As the President has said, we must continue on a path to doubling the NIH budget by 2003. In last year's appropriations, over $71 million of the NIH budget was designated for Parkinson's disease research, but this is only year 1 funding of the NIH's 5-year plan for Parkinson's disease research. Leading scientists describe Parkinson's as the most curable neurological disorder. That is why I urge my colleagues to support the second year funding of the 5-year NIH plan. Recent advances in Parkinson's disease research have given us hope that a cure is very near. The science regarding Parkinson's has advanced to a stage where greater management and coordination of the federally funded research effort will accelerate the base of scientific progress dramatically. I ask all of my colleagues to support the NIH research agenda by fully funding the $143 million increase for fiscal year 2002 in the Labor-HHS appropriations bill. Secondly, we must continue to fund the U.S. Army's Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Research Program. The research not only strives to improve the treatment of neurological diseases, but also aims to identify the causes of diseases and prevent them. I am heartened by the scientific progress being made. We are very close to a cure for this disease. As my colleagues may know, this is a personal issue for many of us. Some of my colleagues are struggling with Parkinson's or have family members who are living with this terrible disease. My own father has been afflicted by Parkinson's, and I have seen the impact of this disease firsthand and have spoken to the experts. Professionals at NIH have said that this disease is curable within as little as 5 years, and I hope that our government will be part of making this research happen. Mr. Speaker, an important part of curing Parkinson's disease depends on stem cell research and allowing that research to go forward.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the 3-year reauthorization of the Defense Production Act of 1950. This is bipartisan legislation that was reported by the Committee on Financial Services by voice vote. First enacted during the Korean War, the DPA has proven a useful tool in ensuring the delivery of goods and services needed for the defense of the Nation during times of war and peace. The act was used in Operation Desert Storm to assist in the massive deployment of forces to the Gulf. Most recently it was used by the Clinton and Bush administrations to maintain the supply of natural gas to California. Without this action, the administration contended that defense installations in northern and central California could have faced interrupted natural gas service. The DPA has played an important role in dealing with recent natural disasters. Should the country face a major domestic terrorist attack, the DPA could be valuable in ensuring that emergency supplies are delivered to those who need them and in a timely manner. As the representative of a city that has been the target of terrorist attacks and many terrorist threats, I can attest that, unfortunately, such a potential use of the DPA is not a mere theoretical possibility. Given the DPA's relevance to natural disasters, the Federal Emergency Management Administration, FEMA, has taken the lead in reviewing the act and requesting its reauthorization, which is set to expire October 12 of this year. The Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy, Technology and Economic Growth held a hearing on June 13 of this year, a meeting at which Members were able to raise concerns and have them answered by FEMA and other agencies. It is after careful review of the act and following this hearing that I chose to cosponsor the reauthorization. Finally, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Oxley), the gentleman from New York (Chairman King), and the ranking member, the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce), for moving quickly on this legislation. In the past, Congress has often rushed to renew the DPA under the gun of its pending expiration. I appreciate the fact that we have followed committee process, culminating with today's vote. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 17 Lexington Avenue, the site of the Free Academy, the first free publicly funded institution of higher education in the United States. Baruch College now carries on the proud tradition of public education at this location. The Free Academy was approved by New York's legislature in 1847. Townsend Harris, a strong advocate of publicly funded educational opportunities, advocated a school that would ``Open the door to all-- let the children of the rich and poor take their seats together and know no distinction save that of industry, good conduct and intellect.'' The original building was designed by James Renwick, Jr. who went on to design St. Patrick's Cathedral. Gaslights, warm-air heating and drinking fountains made the building modern and luxurious, yet he managed to keep the final cost $2000 under budget. In January 1849, the Free Academy held its formal opening, admitting its first class of 149 students. The exquisite building that originally housed the Free Academy became too small for the growing business campus. In 196, using the proceeds of a $1.5 million bond offering by the City, the college built a 16- story structure that housed a new library, science labs and accounting classrooms. Since its opening, 17 Lex has welcomed generations of talented students, students with limited means, but unlimited dreams. Scores of prominent and successful business leaders have been educated in the building, which came to represent the place where they began to achieve the American dream. In 1866, the Free Academy became known as the College of the City of New York, popularly called CCNY or City College. When CCNY moved its campus uptown in 1909, 17 Lex continued to house the downtown business campus. CCNY grew into City University of New York, which today educates 200,000 students on more than 18 different campuses. In 1919, CCNY's business campus became an independent entity known as the School of Business and Civic Administration, which changed its name in 1953 to the Bernard M. Baruch College of Business and Public Administration, in honor of the economist and financier, Class of 1889, who advised six U.S. Presidents from Wilson to Truman. By 1968, Baruch College emerged as a separate senior college in the CUNY system. Today, Baruch College enrolls over 15,000 students and enjoys a national reputation for excellence in business education and public administration. Baruch College continues to open doors for young people from all types of backgrounds. U.S. News and World Report has called Baruch College the most diverse school in the United States. 17 Lex is about to undergo its third incarnation, thanks to a $200 million capital project approved by CUNY. The new building will, no doubt, continue the tradition of educational excellence available at this location for the past century-and-a-half. Mr. Speaker, I salute the visionaries who believed that everyone should have an opportunity to have higher education and I ask my fellow Members of Congress to join me in celebrating a new beginning for 17 Lexington Avenue, the site of the first free public institution of higher education.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Patients' Bill of Rights. It is a measure that embodies much of the spirit of our original Bill of Rights. It improves the lives of millions of Americans by guaranteeing their basic rights as health care patients. The Bipartisan Patient Protection Act enjoys strong support from the American people and grants all 167 million privately insured Americans the fundamental protections they deserve. The bill we are debating today, H.R. 2563, was forged by the hard work of Messrs. Dingell, Ganske, Norwood, Berry and many others. The base bill will make the health of patients, and not the wants of managed care insurers, the top priority. If a patient is harmed by HMO negligence, he or she should be able to seek legal redress; under this legislation the patient will be able to do just that. The Patients' Bill of Rights will guarantee these protections and do much more to improve the lives of millions of our citizens--all without increasing healthcare costs significantly. We also have before us three amendments. They are three amendments that are poison pills to the underlying bill and I cannot support them. The Norwood amendment weakens the strong and sensible Dingell-Ganske bill. It holds HMOs to a lesser standard than doctors and hospitals and it undermines state patient protections. The Thomas-Fletcher amendment fully expands Medical Savings Accounts and would allow associations to offer health insurance to their members without critical state insurance standards. This amendment could actually cause more people to become uninsured. The Thomas-Boehner amendment preempts state medical malpractice and tort law. The bottom line: these amendments do not strengthen the base bill, but weaken it. If these amendments pass, I will vote ``no'' on final passage. Protecting patients' rights inherently benefits women and their families because women are the primary healthcare consumers. More specifically, the underlying legislation gives American women direct access to an obstetrician-gynecologist and gives families direct access to specialists, such as pediatricians, without a referral. Women need regular, accessible OB/GYN care. They do not need the added expense and hassle of having to get a ``permission slip'' from their managed care insurer. I am fortunate to represent a state that has enacted very comprehensive regulations that mandate direct-access to OB/GYNs without a gatekeeper's pre-approval. But, the Norwood amendment would roll-back state protections. I support the underlying bill because we must have a federal standard. Why? Look at the numbers: 15 states limit the number of times a women see her OB/GYN; another 12 prohibit or restrict a woman's direct access to follow-up care, even if this care is covered by her health plan; and a full 38 prohibit or restrict an OB/GYN's ability to refer a woman for necessary OB/GYN-related specialty care. Obstetric and gynecological care is integral to women's health. As things stand now, women in some states receive better care than others. It's time we made direct access to OB/GYNs a fundamental patient protection enjoyed by all women enrolled in managed care plans. The Bipartisan Patient Protection Act protects the health and well- being of not just women, but all Americans. Every American will have the right to choose his or her own doctor, and will not be forced to see one chosen by an HMO bureaucrat. Under this legislation, doctors, not health insurance companies, will decide which treatments, procedures and specialists are necessary. In addition, the legislation--absent any amendments--will give patients the peace of mind that all external reviews will be conducted by independent, qualified physicians. If a plan denies coverage, the patient will be able to appeal the decision to a doctor, not an insurance clerk. And if the plan continues to deny coverage, the patient can demand a review by an unbiased, independent medical specialist, whose decision is legally binding. Image if you or someone you love is injured by the decision of an HMO. It is only fair that he or she should be able to hold that HMO accountable. We would all rather get the care we and our families need to begin with than go to court in the end, but we should have the right to do so if administrative course of redress are exhausted. Under the Dingell-Ganske bill--absent any amendments--disputes involving medical judgments will be subject to applicable state laws; if the case involves an administrative benefit decision, the patient will be able to seek limited compensation in federal courts under federal law. Employers need not fear this bill. They will be protected from liability in either federal or state courts, unless they directly participate in a decision that causes irreparable harm or death. Indeed, employers can completely ensure that they will be fully protected from liability by choosing a ``designated decision-maker'' to assume all liability. The critics of the Bipartisan Patient Protection Act also claim that these common-sense liability provisions will cost too much. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office reported that the liability provisions will cost only about 23 cents per employee per month. The entire bill is projected to increase premiums 4.2% over 5 years. That translates to a mere $1.20 per month. Isn't quality, protect healthcare worth the added price of a cup of coffee? By allowing direct-access to OB/GYNs and pediatricians, authorizing physicians and not HMOs to make medical decisions, and establishing avenues for legal recourse, the Bipartisan Patients Protection Act puts the health of patients first. It will make a real difference in the quality of lives of millions of Americans. And that is what the work we do here is all about. I urge my colleagues to vote against the three poison pill amendments and for a clean Dingell-Ganske-Norwood-Berry bill.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Johnson-Markey amendment.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to stand here today alongside Representative Markey, Representative Nancy Johnson, and the many other cosponsors of this critical legislation to say loud and clear--we will not sacrifice America's unique natural treasures to satisfy the whims of the oil industry. Today, we are sending a bipartisan message to Congress and to our President: don't let the Energy bill pass out of Congress if it calls for tapping the arctic national wildlife refuge for oil, one of the most unblemished national resources in our Nation. In my fight to ensure that the industry paid their fair share of the royalties that they owe to the Federal Government for taking oil from Federal lands, they claimed for years that their system for calculating royalties was fair. Now, they have settled lawsuits with the Federal Government and States for close to $5 billion. This may not be an admission of guilt, but it is the closest thing you will ever get from a multi-billion dollar industry that gets more wealthy each year. After they ripped off American taxpayers for years, I must admit I am skeptical that this industry is terribly concerned with the ``national interest'' or preserving our Nation's most pristine resources. We do not believe the oil industry when they claim that they can somehow extract millions of barrels of oil without leaving any trace. Does anyone remember the Exxon Valdez? In 1995, there were more than 500 oil spills ``reported'' on the north slope, spilling over 80,000 gallons of oil, diesel fuel, and acid. Is this considered ``acceptable'' environmental damage by this administration? This is the number one priority of the environmental community. The main point is, oil rigs don't belong in the Arctic refuge. Oil drilling in this pristine area is both foolish and short sighted. Former justice William Douglas called the Arctic refuge ``the most wonderous place on earth.'' We need a balanced energy program. We should not allow the oil companies to drill everywhere. Protect the Arctic refuge. Vote for the Markey-Johnson amendment.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I thank the gentleman for yielding me time and for his leadership. Mr. Chairman, I rise against the manager's amendment because it does nothing to correct the rip-off of corporate welfare in the royalty-in- kind program. I also rise in opposition to the underlying bill, as it might as well have been written in 1901 instead of 2001. It spends billions of taxpayers' dollars on corporate welfare to help dirty, polluting oil energy sources, old energy sources, and it does little to encourage newer, cleaner fuels. I am particularly disturbed that an amendment was not accepted of mine to delete the royalty-in-kind program and that this manager's amendment does not delete it. The oil companies call it a new way to pay. I call it a new way to rip off America's taxpayers. Recently, because of work in this body and oversight, the oil companies were revealed that they were underpaying dramatically what was owed the Federal Government for oil extracted from federally owned lands. They settled over $5 billion to the Federal Government, admitting that they underpaid the Federal Government. Now that we have tied their payment to market price, they come up with a new idea, they are going to pay in oil. What are we going to do with this oil? We are going to probably take it and send it back to the very same companies who just sold it to us and who have been historically cheating us and let them determine what the price is. I ask, why are we letting the government get into the oil business? Since when did this Congress consider creating new massive Federal bureaucracies that we have no idea what they cost? There have been several GAO reports have pointed out that all of the royalty-in-kind programs have cost taxpayers money. So why are we going to proceed with corporate welfare? What will this body do next? Will we allow bakers to pay their fees with pies? It is an outrage. It is wrong. Vote no. Contrary to the Department of Interior's claim that the Wyoming RIK pilot program was successful, an independent analysis determined that it actually LOST almost $3 million compared to what would have been paid by Big Oil if royalties had been paid based on market prices. Fact Sheet on Royalty-in-Kind in H.R. 4, the Energy Security Act New Oil Rule Collects $70 Million More Annually--Stops Cheating. In June 2000 the Department of Interior implemented a final rule that collects $70 million more annually from companies drilling oil from federal and Indian lands. As a result, the oil industry's decades-long practice of shortchanging the taxpayers ended. The rule came after years of public debate and litigation that forced the industry to settle with the Justice Department for $425 million. Oil Industry Pushes Royalty-in-Kind (RIK). During the oil rule battle, the industry promoted RIK--where companies pay royalties in, for example, barrels of oil rather than dollars--as their alternative to paying fair market value under the proposed rule. RIK Pilot Programs Have LOST Money. Interior has completed two royalty-in-kind pilot programs. Both failed, losing significant revenues compared to dollars received from programs collecting cash. According to Interior, the first pilot program to collect gas royalties-in-kind lost $4.7 million. Earlier this year, a second pilot program to collect oil royalties-in-kind lost $3 million, in spite of Interior's claim that it made $800,000. An independent economist discovered that Interior used old valuation standards in estimating the profit. Expansion Of RIK Pilots Can Only Lead to Further Losses for the Taxpayer. The two pilot programs failed despite the fact that the Interior Department selected oil and gas leases most likely to succeed in generating comparable income. Expansion of royalty-in-kind programs to leases less likely to succeed will only lead to additional revenue losses for the American people. GAO Says RIK Won't Work For Federal Royalties. In 1998, the General Accounting Office analyzed the prospect for a successful federal RIK program and concluded: ``According to information from studies and the programs themselves, royalty-in-kind programs seem to be feasible if certain conditions are present . . . However, these conditions do not exist for the federal government or for most federal leases . . .'' The report also notes that requiring RIK on all federal leases will cost the government $140 million to $367 million annually. There is no evidence that royalty-in-kind will end litigation or disputes over how much oil and gas companies should be paying. Pending lawsuits filed by whistleblowers allege that companies manipulated the volume and heating content of gas taken from public lands in order to avoid paying royalties. The allegations call into question the wisdom of accepting any payments in- kind--until the allegations are fully investigated.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Greenwood-Deutsch amendment that bans the cloning of humans. I am concerned that the Weldon bill could negatively impact future research and bring current research that offers great promise to a halt. I cannot support an all-out ban on this important technology. The Weldon bill would not allow therapeutic cloning to go forward. A ban on all cloning would have a dramatic impact on research using human pluripotent stem cells, and stem cell research really holds the greatest promise for cures for some of our most devastating diseases. The possibilities of therapeutic cloning should not be barred in the United States. This research is being conducted overseas in Great Britain and other places. Do we want to become a society where our scientists have to move abroad to do their work? This important bill allows important groundbreaking, lifesaving research to go forward. We should support it. It is in the tradition of our country to support research and not send our scientists abroad to conduct it. Mr. Speaker, The Washington Post agrees, and I will place in the Record an editorial of today against the Weldon amendment and in support of the Greenwood-Deutsch amendment. [From the Washington Post, July 31, 2001] Cloning Overkill In the rush that precedes August recess, the House of Representatives has found time to schedule a vote today on a bill to ban human cloning. Hardly anyone dissents from the proposition that cloning a human being is a bad idea; large ethical questions about human identity aside, the state of cloning technology in animals at present ensures that all but 3 percent to 5 percent are born with fatal or horrendously disabling defects. But the bill to ban all human cloning, proposed by Rep. David Weldon (R-Fla.), goes well beyond any consensus society has yet reached. It levies heavy criminal penalties not only on the actual cloning of a human baby, termed ``reproductive'' cloning, but also on any scientific or medical use of the underlying technique--which many support as holding valuable potential for the treatment of disease. The bill's prohibitions go well beyond those under debate for the separate though related research involving human embryonic stem cells. At issue is not the withholding of federal funding from research some find morally troubling; rather, the Weldon bill would criminalize the field of cloning entirely. Such a ban would have ripple effects across the cutting edge of medical research. A complete cloning ban could block many possible clinical applications of stem cell research, and could curb even the usefulness of the adult stem cell research many conservatives claim to favor. (Without the ability to ``reprogram'' an adult stem cell, which can be done by the cloning technique, adult stem cells' use may remain limited.) The bill bans the import from abroad of any materials ``derived'' from the cellular cloning technique; that could block not only tissues but even medicines derived from such research in other countries. A competing bill likely to be offered as an amendment bans reproductive cloning but creates a complex system for regulating so-called ``therapeutic'' cloning, registering and licensing experimenters to make sure that none would implant a cloned embryo into the womb. A House committee split closely on the question of whether to ban therapeutic along with reproductive cloning, with Republican supporters of the Weldon bill voting down amendments that would have carved out some room for stem cell therapies. The prospect of human cloning is a cause for real concern, but it is not an imminent danger. There is still time and good cause for discussion over whether some limited and therapeutic use of cloned embryos is justified. The Weldon bill is a blunt instrument that rules out such possibilities. prematurely, and in doing so, goes too far . Congress should wait.