Carolyn Maloney

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, census day, April 1, may be 17 days away, but the census has begun. Almost 100 million questionnaires have been delivered by the postal service this week, and 22 million more are being delivered by the Census Bureau in rural areas. I received mine the other day, and I urge all Americans to fill out their questionnaires and mail them back. It is the civic responsibility of every American to participate in the census. The news on preparations for the census is good. Things are going well. So far, over 2.4 million people have returned their forms to the Census Bureau, and they have actually processed over 1.5 million forms already. On Monday alone the census questionnaire assistance phone handled 636,000 calls, 636,000 calls in 1 day; and they handled 434,000 yesterday. That is over a million calls in 2 days. All 520 local census offices are up and open, computers and phones are operating, and the major data capture centers are tested and are already working. Though there are localized problems, recruiting is already ahead of schedule nationwide, at about 80 percent of the total needed. Given the prosperity of our Nation, it is very impressive, with this historically low unemployment, that the recruitment is going so well. Mr. Speaker, for the benefit of my colleagues here, the number that Members can give to their constituents who are interested in working for the Census Bureau is 1-888-325-7733. I urge all of my colleagues to share this number with any constituent who may want full- or part-time work helping to obtain an accurate count. While the most labor-intensive phases of the census are yet to come, it is important as well to take note of the successful operational elements of the 2000 census which have already been completed. The paid advertising campaign is in its most active phase; and I, for one, feel that the quality of that effort has been tremendously effective. Other promotional activities include the census road tour vehicles. There are 12 of them moving through our Nation's cities and neighborhoods. The master address file of 120 million addresses may be the most complete ever, due to some improved processes, including the LUCA, Local Update of Census Addresses, today and new construction programs. One of my favorite initiatives, the census in the schools program, has exceeded its original goals and sent over 1.5 million teaching kits to schools around the Nation. Particularly noteworthy is a new USA Today-CNN Gallop poll, one just the other day which came out and said that 96 percent of the respondents say they will mail back their questionnaires. I doubt that it will be that high, but it is certainly an important indicator of the all-important mail response rate and Americans' willingness to participate in the census. And all of this is very good news. As the GAO indicated in a hearing before the Subcommittee on Census yesterday, in the final analysis it is the American people who will determine whether we have a successful census or not. It all comes down to filling out and mailing back the form. A year ago, many prophets of doom questioned the likely success of the 2000 census. While we are far from done, I think we can all take pride in the excellent work of the career professionals at the Census Bureau in successfully meeting the milestones to date. As Census Director Ken Prewitt has emphasized, unexpected problems could develop tomorrow. In any massive operation there will be problems. But as of today, the census, as a whole, is running well and it is on track. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield to my colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Sawyer), who is the former chair of the Subcommittee on Census.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I thank my colleague for his consistent outstanding work and commitment to getting an accurate count. Our goal in this body has been to get the most accurate census possible, conduct it using the most up-to-date methods as recommended by the National Academy of Sciences and the vast majority of the professional scientific community. It is very important that we get an accurate count because the census has a real impact on the lives of real people. Information gathered in the census is used by States and local governments to plan schools and highways by the Federal Government, to distribute funds for health care and other programs, and by businesses in deciding where to build new stores and factories and provide new services. We are pleased to have the gentleman from Patterson, New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell) with us, a former mayor, and he has firsthand knowledge of conducting a census which was conducted during the time that he was mayor. I thank him for joining us today, and I yield to him.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his comments. I agree completely that the census is about people, it is not about politics, it is about getting the most accurate count possible. Because the census is so important, we must do everything we can to ensure that everyone is included in the count. We know that previous censuses overlooked millions of Americans, especially children and minorities. That is not fair, it is not accurate, and it is not acceptable. We are determined to do better. One of the programs that the Census Bureau has initiated is one called Partnerships With Community Groups and the formation of Complete Count Committees that work in the neighborhoods to help work with the Census Bureau to make people aware of the census, encourage them to fill out their forms, and to improve the counting of all Americans. Our next speaker, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), is the chair of the Baltimore City Complete Count Committee. He is also one of the most active members on the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight on which the Census Subcommittee resides. I thank him for his work on the subcommittee and for taking a leadership role in his community, and I thank him for being here tonight.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to really elaborate on a tremendous threat to an accurate count which has been brought up by some of my colleagues. At a press conference from Oakland on March 5, 2000, Governor George W. Bush finally revealed what we, many of us, suspected all along. He has no intention of helping minorities, children and even the people of Texas by supporting the use of modern statistical methods for the census. Let me read directly from the transcript. A reporter asked Governor Bush, and I quote, ``Governor, you mentioned the similarities between California and Texas. One of the issues in the minority community in California is regarding the census and an undercount that they experienced 10 years ago and can expect to experience again. What is your position on the idea of using sampling methods which would count minority communities more fully? Your party is against it,'' end quote. Governor Bush responded, and I quote, ``Yeah, so am I. I think we need to count, an actual count. I think we need to spend the money, make the effort and work hard to get an actual count,'' end quote. That was a very telling exchange. Governor Bush is willing to put his party's position ahead of what is right for the American people. Governor Bush sided with those in Congress who believe their partisan political power is best served by pretending that minority voters do not exist. Why is this important to the presidential race if the census is now, if the census is this year? Let me say why. Under the plan that the professionals at the Census Bureau have devised, the more accurate data will correct the historical undercount of minorities. This will not be available until the beginning of the term of the next President. The next President, if he should choose, could try to stop the numbers from being released to the States. This is exactly what President Bush did 10 years ago. That is why his statement from last week cast serious doubt on Governor Bush's claim that he wants to reach out to minority communities. The Bush census plan would effectively disenfranchise millions of Americans, disproportionately minorities, children, and the poor, and prevent them from getting their fair share of resources for priorities in their neighbors like schools, hospitals, and roads. That is not compassionate. That is not conservative. That is not fair. This decision puts Governor Bush at odds with the entire scientific community; from the National Academy of Sciences and the American Statistical Association to current Census Bureau professionals and even Dr. Barbara Bryant, former President Bush Census Bureau director. All of these individuals and organizations agree that millions of Americans, disproportionately minorities, children and the poor, will again be missed if corrected numbers are not released. That is why a fair and accurate census is a priority for the civil rights community and groups like the Children's Defense Fund. Many civil rights communities have called getting the use of modern scientific methods to correct for the undercount the most important civil rights issue of the decade. The governor's remarks remind me of something former Speaker Gingrich said in his book, Lessons Learned the Hard Way. Speaker Gingrich wrote about the error he made in holding the 1997 flood bill hostage in his effort to stop modern scientific methods. In explaining his actions, he said he stopped the flood bill because preventing a fair and accurate census was an issue, and I quote, ``of great importance to our party,'' end quote. Still it seems that Governor Bush did not always share the party's view on the census. Like our former speaker, who used to support modern statistical methods, the Texas Office of State Federal Relations under Governor Bush's leadership used to be in agreement with the scientific community on this issue. I quote from the 1997 Texas State Federal Relations Office priorities, and I quote, All sides in the census debate concede that traditional methods of calculation which seek to identify and count each individual resident will never provide a full and accurate portrait of the U.S. population. At issue is how to correct that so that everyone can acknowledge it is an undercount and specifically an undercount of certain populations, most often urban minorities. This issue is important to Texas, because many Federal funding distributions are made according to census results. Most Texans do not realize that well over one-third of the State budget is derived from Federal sources, and all of these Federal sources are tied to census numbers. Consequently, the accuracy of the census is vitally important to the State, and even members of his own State. end quote. This is a tremendously important issue. There was a report that was issued earlier last week by PriceWaterhouseCoopers and it was based on the impact of an accurate census data across the Nation; but on my city it stated that New York City stands to lose approximately $2.3 billion during the next decade if the Census Bureau is blocked from releasing the most accurate population data; $2.3 billion over 10 years. That is a lot of teachers; that is a lot of police officers, roads, bridges. It is important that we get an accurate count. It means a great deal to the people of America. I have with me the next speaker, the gentleman from California (Mr. Baca). He is a first-term Congressman, a former Senator and he has direct knowledge of the problem of the undercount in his State.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, our next speaker is the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gonzalez), an outstanding and consistent leader on this issue and others. He is the Chair of the Latino Caucus's Task Force on the Census and Civil Rights.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this special order.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), a member of the Census Subcommittee, who has been our most consistent advocate for an accurate count and a strong voice for civil rights and social justice and all scientific methods to correct the undercount. I thank the gentleman for all of his hard work and leadership this year. We all appreciate it. (Mr. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman very, very much for those kind statements and his professional statements. Mr. Speaker, our next speaker is the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), the Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, who has been a leader on this issue and many other issues that are important to our country. I thank the gentleman for coming tonight. (Mr. MENENDEZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman and all of the other speakers tonight. I urge my colleagues and all Americans to support and participate in the census, to fill out their forms and mail them in and finally to urge this House to let the professionals at the Census Bureau do their job so that the 2000 Census will be the most accurate and inclusive ever.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to James Bergin. Mr. Bergin is an honorable citizen who has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for countless New Yorkers. Mr. Bergin is an invaluable community leader of the Upper East Side. While Mr. Bergin seeks no praise for himself for what he does, he deserves our gratitude for his years of service to the community. James Bergin has distributed over one million pounds of government surplus food to the poor in his community and has found apartments for veterans and seniors in difficult times. Mr. Bergin has participated in efforts to reduce crime in his neighborhood through Community Patrol programs, on foot and in his wheelchair. He has met with gangs and succeeded in significantly reducing gang activities in his neighborhood. Among Mr. Bergin's many contributions to the health and well-being of New York City residents, Mr. Bergin has solicited funds from local store owners to give 15 scholarships to children to continue their education. He has solicited city funds to build two playgrounds for children, one for ages two to five and one for ages six to eleven. Mr. Bergin's efforts to solicit money for charitable causes is never ending. He has an annual holiday party for children in low income neighborhoods and makes sure they all have a present to open and an opportunity to visit Santa and enjoy ice cream soda and Christmas candy. Mr. Bergin recently filmed a video on the proper way to handle a 911 call that involves armed intruders in residences. Mr. Bergin was asked to sign a release for possible distribution of his video. Mr. Bergin has attended every Manhattan North Community Picnic and interacted with the Manhattan North Community. Mr. Bergin's work in the community has helped in reducing drug traffic by 30% on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Mr. Speaker, I salute the life and work of Mr. James Bergin and I ask my fellow Members of Congress to join me in recognizing Mr. Bergin's contributions to the New York community.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, last session, this House passed a sound and responsible managed care reform bill with solid support from both sides of the aisle. The conference committee has finally met and the appointees are now negotiating critical provisions such as direct access to OBGYNs for women and direct access to pediatricians for children. Faced with a daunting number of managed care reform bills, our fellow lawmakers in all 50 state legislatures are urging us to take action soon. Their pleas echo those of millions of patients, family members, and providers who feel disenfranchised and exploited by the Big Business of Big Medicine. These are real patients with real diseases, real pain, and real fear. We have heard for so long about the onerous obstacles that patients face in getting the care they need. We have come together as a House to pass sound legislative remedies. Now let us finish the job we began last session without further delay. Mr. Speaker, these patients don't have any more time to wait, nor should they have to wait . . . We owe it to them to finally deliver the relief that is promised in the Norwood-Dingell bill. And the Patient's Bill of Rights isn't just about patients--it's about beleaguered health care providers gagged from speaking their expert opinion and prohibited from practicing to give the best medicine they know. No single piece of legislation passed during this Congress has more support and more urgency than the Patients' bill of rights. I call on my colleagues assigned to the conference committee to waste not one more minute in bringing this legislation to the desk of the President, so that the Patients' Bill of Rights can become law.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation, and I applaud my colleague from New York City [Mr. Fossella] for his work in bringing it to the floor today. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill honoring a great man and a great New Yorker. I rise too, to celebrate John Cardinal O'Connor's eighty years and his more than fifteen years of service as the Archbishop of New York. Cardinal O'Connor was not only a spiritual leader, but a secular leader as well. He spoke softly--and sometimes not so softly--about our most pressing problems: homelessness, the AIDS crisis, and condition of the poor, and he worked with others on concrete plans and strategies to address them. Former Governor Mario Cuomo recently cited Cardinal O'Connor's efforts as paving the way for the City's aggressive response to AIDS. Cardinal O'Connor was a great leader and a friend of all leaders in our city. More than one mayor told me they often consulted with him on how to handle their work and to respond to the challenges of leading the City. He received almost every award his Church and City could bestow on him, although he once told me once that the only award that impressed his mother was the time he was named Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick's Day parade. Cardinal O'Connor was a permanent fixture at many of our City's major events. I remember him at every parade, coming out to greet the people. In addition, he was an outstanding pastor, taking care of individual needs, and putting the most personal of touches into his sermons. Cardinal O'Connor will be retiring later this year, and will be solely missed by all residents of the City. Whoever is selected as his successor will face a great challenge--to bring together a diverse population, and to serve--as Cardinal O'Connor did--as a beacon and an inspiration to the less fortunate and to all residents of the City. In light of his years of public service and his devotion to people of all walks of life, it is only fitting that we give him this honor today. I applaud Cardinal O'Connor for his leadership, and for his service to the people of New York and to Catholics around the world. I thank my colleague from New York for introducing this legislation, and I urge all my colleagues to support this bill to pay a fitting tribute to a genuine humanitarian and a great leader.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of repealing the earnings test for Social Security beneficiaries between the ages of 65 and 69. There is currently a shortage of workers in the U.S. There is no good reason for Social Security to punish people who want to work. These more mature workers are some of our Nation's most skilled. Mr. Speaker, the earnings limit is a relic of the Depression era. With Americans living longer, Social Security should not dictate their life-style choices to them. This bill is good social policy and good economic policy. It does not make sense to punish Americans for working when Congress is being lobbied to allow additional workers into the country from other countries. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are approaching this in a bipartisan manner; and I hope that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle can use this year to address broader reform. When discussions turn to handling the budget surplus, we must insist that the solvency of Social Security and Medicare are addressed first and that our older citizens have a prescription drug benefit. We should be addressing this now, not adjourning.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, Daniel Perry, with the Alliance for Aging Research, contributed an important article on stem cell research and ethics to the February 25, 2000 issue of Science. I submit it for the Record and urge my colleagues to read it carefully. Patients' Voices: The Powerful Sound in the Stem Cell Debate (By Daniel Perry) Millions of patients may benefit from the applications of stem cell research, although there is disagreement about whether public funds should be used to develop the science. Patients have been key to winning political support. Acting as advocates, they have contended that public investment will speed the research and bring accountability to biomedical technology. A political dispute about the new research, which holds the potential for cures to devastating diseases and to foster healthy aging, shows the need to respect public sensibilities and to court public approval, as well as the importance of involving patients in debates where the methods of biomedical discoveries and ethical beliefs collide. The achievement of isolating and growing cultures of self- renewing human pluripotent stem cells has set off waves of optimism among both researchers and the lay public (1). The promise is tangible for effective new approaches to incurable diseases and underlying biological processes (2). As shown in table 1, over 100 million Americans suffer from illnesses that might be alleviated by cell transplantation technologies that use pluripotent stem cells. Yet some representatives in Congress and some of the lay public, as well as religious groups such as the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, oppose putting public funds behind the technology. They say that stem cell research belongs under a federal ban that currently prohibits federal funding embryo research (3).

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), in speaking out for equality, equal opportunity, freedom of choice, and freedom to live. There was once a time when these words were only meaningful to men. However, more than 50 years ago, the universal declaration of human rights declared once and for all the principle of equality for women and men around the world. Then why is it that in the year 2000, the beginning of the year and the decade of hope and advancement and greater opportunity that there is an entire population of women who still live in constant fear and violent oppression? Since 1996, the Taliban, an extremist militia, has seized control of 90 percent of Afghanistan and then unilaterally declared an end to women's basic human rights. Women are banished from working, girls are not allowed to attend school beyond the eighth grade, women are beaten for not fully covering themselves, including their eyes and ankles. Women and girls are not allowed to go out into public without being covered from head to toe with a heavy and cumbersome garment and escorted by a close male relative. Women are not allowed to seek health care, even in emergency situations, from male doctors. The Taliban has allowed some women to practice medicine, but women must do so fully covered and in sectioned-off special wards. And even these services are only available in very few select locations, leaving women to die from otherwise treatable diseases. A 16-year-old girl was stoned to death because she went out in public with a man who was not her family member. A woman who was teaching girls in her home was also stoned to death in front of her husband, children, and students. An elderly woman was beaten, breaking her leg, because she exposed an ankle. These are atrocious actions and they are real. They are happening now. They will continue tomorrow as long as the extremist Taliban government is still in control. The restriction on women's freedom in Afghanistan is not understandable to most Americans. Women and girls cannot venture outside without a burqa, a heavy and expensive restrictive garment, that covers the entire body, including mesh over the eyes. For some women, not having the means to afford and purchase this expensive garment will banish them to their homes for the rest of their lives. The effects of this decree have been severe. Many Afghan women are widows and have no means of income because they cannot work. And unless they have a close male member in their family, they have no access to society for food, for their families and for themselves. It is no wonder that under these conditions, the Feminist Majority Foundation reports that the Physicians for Human Rights found that 97 percent of Afghan women show signs of major depression. I join my colleague, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), in condemning the Taliban regime. We must continue to speak out against the Taliban, on behalf of the women and girls that risk death for speaking out for themselves. We must not accept the Taliban as a legitimate government. We must send a strong and clear message that gender apartheid is unacceptable and a gross violation of the most basic human rights. Afghanistan may be physically located on the other side of the world, but the voices of the women and girls suffering there are heard loud and clear here. I urge my colleagues to continue their support of the women and girls in Afghanistan by cosponsoring my resolution, H. Res. 187, to prevent any Taliban led government from obtaining a seat in the United Nations, and refused any attempt to recognize any Afghan government, while gross violations of human rights persist against women and girls. In closing, I want to share with you an excerpt from a poem written by Zieba Shorish-Shamley called ``A poem dedicated to my Afghan Sisters'': I remember you . . . When you have no choice, no voice, no rights, no existence When you have no laughs, no joy, no freedom, no resistance Your pain, your agony, your silence, your loneliness Your anger, your frustration, your cries, your unhappiness To the women of Afghanistan I say, we remember you, we will not forget you, we will fight for you!

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise in favor of H.R. 2086. Investment in long-term fundamental information technology research is critical to the continued evolution of the Internet and to the economy of New York City and the country. Mr. Chairman, I believe this investment in IT research will benefit the country many times over. As the economy becomes increasingly global in nature, the U.S. must continue to invest in developing safer and faster information technology. While the press has largely concentrated on the incredible wealth that has accumulated in high-tech stocks, the most substantial impact of IT on the economy can be measured in productivity gains and in job growth. In New York City, the power of IT as a job creator has been stunning. According to a November report in Craine's New York Business, New York's Silicon Alley has created 56,000 jobs since 1994. When peripheral jobs that work with Silicon Alley companies are included, the total is well over 100,000 jobs, twice the number that neighboring Wall Street has added during the unprecedented Bull market. Research projects funded by the bill include the development of the next generation Internet and ``terascale'' computing equipment. Funding will also go to information technology education and training grants that will be jointly funded with the private sector. Mr. Chairman, I applaud the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) for their hard work and leadership in this important bill. I would also like to thank President Clinton and Vice President Gore for their 8-year commitment to technology issues.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join members of the Asian American Business Development Center in celebration of the Lunar New Year, the largest and most festive of all celebrations in most of Asia. The Lunar New Year is a time when families and friends congregate, when social bonds are strengthened, and life celebrated. The celebration of the Lunar New Year, Mr. Speaker, underscores many commonalities throughout our diverse cultures, like an appreciation for the cyclical nature of life and the need for reunion and renewal. I wish everyone in America and throughout Asia who celebrates this occasion a very happy New Year full of good fortune and good health. This Lunar New Year 4698, which falls on February 5, is a special one marking the Year of the Dragon. In Chinese mythology, the Dragon is a symbol of supreme power, controlling the wind and rain to benefit the earth or, sometimes, unleashing a destructive typhoon. Dragons, as we know, are found in Western mythology as well, carved on the helm of Viking ships and woven into children's stories about European Princesses and gallant knights. The Dragon, then, is very much a part of our world culture as is the celebration of the annual renewal of life. Mr. Speaker, today in New York City, I joined the Asian American Business Development Center in celebrating the Lunar New Year. The Lunar New Year is a triumphant occasion for millions of people throughout the world. Mr. Speaker, I ask my fellow Members of Congress to join me and the Asian American Business Development Center in celebration of this special holiday.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution to allow Federal Funding of human pluripotent stem cell research to help us further understand Parkinson's disease and other medical conditions. I am asking for no specific amount of money, nor to direct disease-specific research. I am only asking that Federal money be allowed to be used to utilize the next best chance science has, to not only treat, but to cure, debilitating and life threatening illnesses that afflict millions of Americans. Many people have been confusing human pluripotent stem cell research with human embryo research. Stem cells are not embryos. There is a ban on the use of Federal funds for human embryo research in the United States. Stem cells cannot develop into a complete human being, and therefore, under the law, they are not embryos. Stem cells are a type of cell that can be turned into almost any type of cell or tissue in the body. With further research, these cells may be used as ``replacement'' cells and tissues to treat many diseases including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, AIDS, Lou Gehrig's disease and others. Stem cell research holds hope of one day being able to treat brain injury, spinal cord injury, and stroke for which there is currently no treatment available. And they may solve the problem of the body's reaction to foreign tissue, resulting in dramatic improvements in the treatment of a number of life-threatening conditions, such as burns and kidney failure, for which transplantation is currently used. The resolution discusses Parkinson's disease in particular for many reasons. My family has been personally affected by this devastating illness and I am proud to serve as co-chair of the Congressional Working Group on Parkinson's Disease. However, it is science that makes the best argument to lead with this disease. With all that is already known about Parkinson's disease, it is believed that with Federal funds and stem cell research it is very possible that Parkinson's disease could not only be treatable, but curable within as little as five years! Dr. Gerald D. Fischback, the Director of National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, in testimony last year to the Senate said, ``I concur that we are close to solving--and I mean the word `solving'--Parkinson's Disease. I hesitate to put an actual year number on it. I think, with all the intensive effort, with a little bit of skill and luck, five to ten years is not unrealistic. We will do everything possible to reduce that below five years. I would not rule that out.'' Mr. Speaker, here is why that is possible. Parkinson's disease is a progressive degenerative brain disease which kills a specialized and vital type of brain cell, a cell which produces the substance dopamine, that is essential for normal movement and balance. The loss of these dopamine-producing cells causes symptoms, including slowness and paucity of movement, tremor, stiffness, and difficulty walking and balancing, which makes the sufferer unable to carry out the normal activities of daily living. In 30% of the cases those symptoms include dementia. As the disease progresses, it inflicts horrific physical, emotional, and financial burdens on the patient and family, requiring the caregiver to assist in the activities of daily living, and may eventually lead to placement in a nursing home until death. With further research into stem cells, scientists will be able to ``reprogram'' the stem cells into the dopamine-producing cells which are lost in Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease affects at least one million Americans. Fifty- thousand are diagnosed each year and for every one diagnosed, two who have Parkinson's disease are not diagnosed. It is alarming to think that two million Americans with Parkinson's disease are undiagnosed. Parkinson's disease costs the Federal Government approximately $10 billion in healthcare costs, and on average, the cost per patient is $5,000 per year. As a society, we spend $15 billion a year on Parkinson's disease and that is only in direct costs for treatments that only bring temporary relief. Building on the technology developed from research on Parkinson's disease makes treatments and even cures possible for many conditions. These include Alzheimer's, diabetes, AIDS, Lou Gehrig's, brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, and problems with the body's reaction to foreign tissue. It may even provide for safer and more effective ways to test drugs without experimenting on humans and animals. We cannot allow the opportunities afforded us by stem cell research to go untapped! The National Institutes of Health has proposed guidelines to human stem cell research to address the legal and ethical issues surrounding this particular type of research. It is being approached in a responsible way to utilize the technology while being sensitive to the ethical questions raised. The National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC) even felt they could have gone further and is very supportive of allowing this type of research to continue with Federal funding. The NBAC points out that Federally funding this research will allow Federal oversight to ensure this type of research continues ethically. And finally, the American people support stem cell research as shown by a nationwide survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation International last year that found that 74% of those polled favored funding of stem cell research by NIH. Federal funds are crucial to allow scientists to proceed with stem cell research and to exploit fully this novel, innovative, and ground- breaking technology.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Timothy Leo Donohue, a long time employee of the House of Representatives who passed away on November 11, 1999. Tim loved politics, government service and the House of Representatives where he worked for more than twenty years. Tim was usually in the Speakers Gallery, helping to control access to the Floor. Generally assigned to the Democratic side, Tim understood that just because our work is important does not mean it must be cheerless. Always there with a warm smile and a good word, Tim made us all feel good about ourselves and our work. Tim was the consummate professional. He took his job seriously without taking himself too seriously. When questioned about his ability to recall names and faces, he joked ``After you have memorized the faces of 435 white males the rest is easy.'' Prior to his service with the Doorkeeper, Tim worked for Congressman Charlie Wilson and Senators Leahy and Cranston. His last service on the Hill was with Congressman Barney Frank. Tim was a deeply spiritual person, who had studied for the priesthood before deciding to devote himself to public service. In making this choice, Tim was motivated by the belief that public service was the best way for him to serve God and country. Tim was also a gay activist who served that community in a number of ways. He devoted countless hours to ``Food and Friends'' a charitable group dedicated to easing the suffering of those afflicted with AIDS and to gay political groups, especially ActUp. Tim also encouraged a number of gay writers. Tim is quoted in Michelangelo Signorile's ``Queer in America'' on the role of gays in Government. While some were arguing about the risk posed by gays in the military, Tim presents images of gays who love their country and choose government service. Without ``naming names,'' Tim helped correct the historic record to point out the important role played by gay staffers in Congress. As a proud liberal who loved his country, Tim sacrificed a high position as an energy company lobbyist because he questioned Interior Secretary James Watt's statement that America was divided between ``liberals and Americans.'' Today, we mourn the passing of a loyal and hardworking staffer. Like many others who work in this House, Tim sacrificed high pay and other benefits to serve his country. He appreciated that the worth of a man is not measured in how much he earns but in how much he contributed to the common good. This House and our country suffered a loss when Tim Donohue left this world.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to the Panpaphian Association, its members, friends and special honoree, this year, Savas Tsivicos. The Panpaphian Association was founded in 1987, by a group of Cypriot-Americans of Paphian ancestry in order to encourage and help promote awareness of the customs and traditions of the region of Paphos and Cyprus. It is a vital philanthropic organization concerned with education, the health and well-being of students from the United States and Cyprus, and the liberation of Cyprus from the Turkish invasion of 1974. This year's honoree, Savas Tsivicos, exemplifies the honorable characteristics of the people from Paphos. He came to the United States in 1982 from a farming community in the village of Inia to live the ``American Life.'' His life embodies the dreams, hopes and aspirations of thousands of immigrants who arrive in the United States to construct a decent life. Mr. Tsivicos holds a Bachelor's Degree and MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Masters Certificate from George Washington University, where he received numerous scholastic awards and honors. Mr. Tsivicos has also become an outspoken community leader. He serves on the Ethnic Advisory Council of New Jersey and he has been elected President of the Cyprus Federation of America. He is a member of the Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Church of America and is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Mr. Tsivicos is on the Advisory Board of the Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies of Queens College, and on the Board of Directors for the Foundation of Hellenic Studies, the Greek American Chamber of Commerce, and the Council of Overseas Cypriots. Savas Tsivicos is a proud American who has not forgotten his roots. He is imbued with determination to bring justice and freedom to Cyprus and has served as Vice President of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus. A very successful businessman, Mr. Tsivicos is president and owner of Paphian Enterprises, Inc. He is married to Maria Tsivicos and they have three children, Haralambos, Elpetha and Evangelos ages 11, 9 and 6. The Panpaphian Association is now led by Florentia Christodoulidou, and supported by: George Sophocleous, Debbie Riga Evangelides, Spyros Stylianou, Michael Hadjiloucas, Kyriaki Christodoulou, Irene Theodorou, Andreas Pericleous and George Theodorou, plus the Advisory Board, Stavors Charalambous, Annoula Constantinides, Andreas Chrysostomou, Anna Chrsostomou, Savvas Konnaris, Georgios Kouspos, Chrusi Kleopas Notskas, Ismini Michaelides, and Evan Tziazas. Mr. Speaker, I salute Mr. Savas Tsivicos and the work of the officers and friends of the Panpaphian Association of America.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to HR 3075. When the BBA of 1997 was enacted, it wrought havoc with a sea of unintended consequences in Medicare cuts. Mr. Speaker, in my state alone, the BBA will reduce Medicare hospital payments by $4.8 billion dollars over five years--these cuts are mostly permanent. They will cripple the delivery of healthcare to seniors and to the under-served far beyond 2002. While this bill begins to fix some of the devastating cuts, it does not go far enough. The bill before us today provides restorations equaling only 15.6 percent of the BBA Medicare reductions and these are only temporary fixes. Where does the money for the fixes come from? The restorations come at the expense of direct- graduate- medical- education funding. This means that teaching hospitals in my state will be deprived of $100 to $130 million dollars over 5 years. The situation of the teaching hospitals is already dire. Because of the BBA, many of these hospitals are close to financial ruin. These institutions are not only the academic centers that train our future healthcare providers--they are the hotbeds of medical research that produces life-saving treatments. The teaching hospitals are the ``safety net'' hospitals that care for the nation's low-income and uninsured patients when they are sick and have nowhere else to turn. Mr. Speaker, let me walk you through how this will hurt each off the teaching hospitals in my district. Because of the teaching hospital provisions included in this bill, Mt. Sinai hospital will lost $14.4 million over 5 years; Lenox Hill hospital will lost $4.5 million over 5 years; Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital will lose $180,00 over 5 years; Beth Israel hospital will lose $33.9 million over 5 years; the hospital for Special Surgery will lose $3.6 million over 5 years; the Hospital for Joint Diseases will lose $1.9 million over 5 years. The bill before us today neglects to adequately address the crisis in the teaching hospitals. While the bill's restoration of funding to skilled nursing facilities is favorable, only a band-aid, temporary remedy is provided for outpatient hospital departments. Mr. Speaker, let's go back and do this right. Give us the change to offer amendments and let's have a real debate. While there are some provisions in this bill that I support, I believe that we can do a better job at protecting our Medicare beneficiaries, providers and teaching hospitals. I urge a ``no'' vote.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Zachary Fisher, a true American patriot. H.J. Res. 46 passed unanimously today, and I would like to thank Mr. Fisher's surviving family and his friends for their continued commitment to the men and women who put their lives on the line for our country. Without their support, this legislation would not have been possible. First, I would like to thank Mrs. Elizabeth Fisher, his devoted wife who worked along-side Zach to help our service men and women; his brother, Larry Fisher; and his nephews, Anthony and Arnold Fisher who are carrying on his work. I would also like to thank his close friends, whose energies and expertise brought to life the many contributions Zach made--Mike Stern, a close and valued friend; Bill White, longtime Chief of Staff to Mr. Fisher and his dear friend Mary Asta.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Mink amendment. I strongly support fatherhood and any efforts to help men be better parents. I just do not believe these programs have to be isolated. Right now under the welfare-to-work program, men and women can receive job training, educational training, and likewise equal support. We do not need a gender-specific law now. The Mink amendment eliminates all gender discriminatory language and replaces it with parents. By replacing the word ``father'' with ``parent'' in title I of the Fathers Count Act, the Mink amendment emphasizes the fact that both fathers and mothers are important to families. Providing grants to help only fathers will pit dads and moms in a fight for welfare assistance against each other. Targeting only fathers ignores the fact that 84 percent of single-parent families are headed by mothers. Tying Federal benefits to only fathers violates the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment to the Constitution. We must help all parents, whether mother or father, acquire the skills and training to become self-sufficient. This bill, without the Mink amendment, would undo the protections of the family violence option that many States have adopted under welfare reform. The Mink amendment improves the Fathers Count Act by giving preference to programs that consult with domestic violence organizations in the development and implementation of the project. Nearly 30 percent of women on public assistance are experiencing violence in their lives and two-thirds report having been victims previously. The Mink amendment improves upon the goal of the fatherhood program by stating that the program must help parents in their marriages, through counseling, mentoring and teaching, how to control aggressive behavior. Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the Mink amendment.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Michael Michalisin, CPA, on the occasion of his sixtieth birthday. In 1963, Mr. Michalisin began his career in accounting and auditing with a focus on corporate mergers and acquisitions. In 1975, Mr. Michalisin was admitted to Partnership with the firm, Hurdman and Cranstoun. Later, as an Audit Partner in the New York office of KPMG Peat Marwick, Mr. Michalisin specialized in work with trading companies, chemical and aluminum manufacturers, consulting engineers, book publishers, and venture capital investors. Mr. Michalisin has participated extensively in accounting processes during mergers and acquisitions. As a member of the client acquisition team, reporting to top management, he has supervised pre-acquisition reviews and the due diligence team. Mr. Michalisin has vast experience coordinating world wide audits with client management in many countries. One of Mr. Michalisin's particular areas of expertise has been with Japanese firms. He has worked with Japanese companies for the past 20 years and has a strong knowledge of the Japanese management style, business approach, culture and thinking. Since leaving the public accounting profession in late 1991, Mr. Michalisin has been an independent consultant to businesses and has established himself in the interim professional services business. He provides corporate clients with interim executives and consultants to solve their immediate and short-term problems. Mr. Michalisin is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts and New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is past President of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Accountants. Married and the father of two sons, Mr. Michalisin and his wife reside in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Mr. Michalisin has been active in his town's baseball association as coach and president. He is currently the Commissioner of the Scotch Plains Youth Baseball Association.