Carolyn Maloney

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire of the time?

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson). (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek), who has been an outstanding participant in this census task force.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green). (Mr. GREEN of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.).

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer). (Mr. HOYER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. My amendment will fix some of the underlying problems of the bill that is before us. But, in the final analysis, this is a very bad bill and should be defeated. There are three things wrong with H.R. 472. First, it calls for a repeat of a failed program in the past. Second, it does not address the fundamental failure of the 1990 census, the large undercount for minorities. Third, this bill will prevent the Census Bureau from being able to correct the final population counts for the millions of errors that are inevitable. The supporters of this bill have proudly claimed that it makes permanent the local review program from the 1990 census. Why would we want to make permanent a program that failed miserably in 1990? Let us look at the record on post-census local review. Only 16 percent of local governments participated. The additions to the address list amounted to less than one-tenth of 1 percent. That means that more than 99.9 percent of the address lists went unchanged. Local review had a nearly 20 percent error rate. That means that one out of every five addresses added to the census was wrong, thus making the census less accurate. In simple language, local review, as it was done in 1990, did not work for the census and it did not work for the local governments. The good thing about the Census Bureau is that they work very hard at trying to fix the things that do not work in the census, and that is just what they are doing now with local review. For 2000, the Census Bureau, spurred on by Congress, decided that it would be better to work with local governments before the census rather than to try to fix it afterwards, and that is exactly what they are doing. The 1990 local review covered less than one-tenth of 1 percent of all addresses. The 2000 local review has already covered 86 percent of all addresses, and they are still working. This is an improvement of over 1,000 percent. Why do my colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to go back to a system that is 1,000 times less effective? The Republicans claim they are trying to help local governments, but a large number of mayors and other local officials oppose H.R. 472. The mayor of Dade County, Florida, said, ``I urge you to oppose H.R. 472.'' The mayor of Detroit, the mayor of San Francisco, the City Council of New York and Los Angeles all are opposed to this bill. And let me share with my colleagues just a few of the editorials around the country. The Sacramento Bee says, and I am quoting from an editorial since my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are saying that I am partisan, let us go to a nonpartisan, independent opinion molder. The Sacramento Bee says, ``At the eleventh hour, Republicans in Congress are proposing legislation that seeks to significantly change census methodology and procedures, adding costs, confusion and, most critically, time to an already tight schedule. Post-census local review was tried in 1990 and 1980 and, according to a Republican former Census Bureau director, turned out to be a logistical and public relations nightmare. The real Republican goal here seems obvious, delay.'' According to the Houston Chronicle, ``One side is so clearly wrong. Republicans fear the more accurate numbers will give Democrats an advantage. But Texas GOP lawmakers ought to put their constituents above narrow partisan interests.'' The Miami Herald says, ``Republicans will prevent an accurate census at any cost. The House Government Reform Committee voted to throw as many monkey wrenches as needed into next year's count with bills that will delay a true count, delay it until all those initially overlooked, black, brown and other minority faces, no longer count. When these bills get to the House, common sense should trump partisan politics.'' And I could put in many, many more. But, Mr. Speaker, what is most disturbing about this bill is that it will prevent the Census Bureau from being able to correct the census for the millions of people missed or the millions of people counted twice. It is those errors that make the census blatantly unfair. It is those errors that will leave millions of people unrepresented in Congress and left out when Federal funds are distributed. My colleagues across the aisle want to make sure that these millions are permanently left out of the census and to make sure that the millions counted twice are forever left in. Why? This bill will do nothing to make the census more accurate. My colleagues want the errors left in the census because they believe that these errors create for them a political advantage. Remember the Republican spokesperson who was quoted in the paper who said that this is a ``do or die'' for the Republican Party? Not ``do or die'' for the American people. Not ``do or die'' for democracy. Not ``do or die'' for our country. Not ``do or die'' for accuracy. But the quote from the Republican spokesperson was, ``do or die'' for the Republican Party. The supporters of H.R. 472 cannot hide from the fact that their entire census agenda is aimed at making sure that millions of minorities are not counted in the next census. Mr. Chairman, my amendment in the form of a substitute is specifically drafted at two areas that were of concern that was raised by local governments; and these concerns can legitimately be addressed, and they are new construction and boundary problems. In addition, my amendment calls for any program on new construction or boundaries to be coordinated with all of the other parts of the census to assure that we get the most accurate count possible. I urge my colleagues to vote for my amendment and save us from the disaster awaiting if H.R. 472 is passed without change. The Conference of Mayors agrees. The overwhelming majority of the editorial boards across this country agree. Defeat 472 and vote for my amendment. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 15 seconds for a point of clarification. Mr. Speaker, in the 1990 Census it was the Secretary of Commerce in the Bush administration that refused to allow the use of modern scientific methods to correct the undercount that caused the 1990 Census to be less accurate than the one before it, not the House and Senate. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Ford), an outstanding member of the subcommittee on the Census.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Blagojevich).

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this is the civil rights issue of the decade. We know what the last Census gave us. We know that millions of Americans were missed, and that these Americans that were missed were primarily minorities and the poor from both urban and rural areas. We should let the Census Bureau correct the undercount and give us an accurate count. The Republican bill is a Trojan horse. It is designed for one purpose and one purpose only, which is to delay and delay and delay, delay designed to prevent the Census Bureau from reporting the most accurate numbers possible to the American people by the statutory deadline. We must not let that happen. Support the Maloney amendment and vote no on H.R. 472.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa).

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gonzalez).

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi).

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a very important bi-partisan piece of health legislation--H.R. 1285, The Cancer Screening Coverage Act of 1999 (CASCA). This bill was recently introduced by myself and Representative Sue Kelly. It provides coverage for cancer screening to private insurance patients. Cancer is extremely prevalent in the United States. It is the second leading cause of death in the United States and, according to the Centers for Disease Control, almost half of these deaths are among women. One out of every 4 deaths is from cancer. The American Cancer Society has said that approximately 563,100 Americans will die from this disease this year. That's 1,500 cancer-related deaths per day. Everyone is at risk. Men have a 1 in 2 lifetime risk of developing or dying from cancer and women have a 1 in 3 lifetime risk. Those are pretty high odds. Cancer also costs both individuals and our society a great deal. The National Institutes of Health has estimated that cancer has an annual lost productivity cost due to premature death of $59 billion. Since 1990, approximately 5 million people have died from cancer. In this day and age, getting diagnosed with cancer is not necessarily a death sentence. Treatments are being improved every day and the overall survival rate has increased dramatically in the last decade. However, according to the American Cancer Society, treatments are most effective if cancer is caught at an early stage. Early detection has been a particular problem for minorities. Cancers among African Americans are more frequently diagnosed after the cancer has metastasized. The first step that needs to be taken to reduce the number of cancer related deaths is to increase access to screening exams in the private sector. We have already increased access for those over 65. In 1997, Congress gave Medicare patients many of the same benefits that are included in my bill. Americans under the age of 65 deserve this same benefit. Cancer screening and early detection offer many benefits. Screening is the search for disease in persons who do not have symptoms or who do not recognize that they have the disease. Early detection can extend life, reduce treatment, and improve cancer patients' quality of life. When conducted regularly by a health care professional, screening examinations can result in the detection of cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, and prostate at earlier stages, when treatment is most likely to be successful. More than forty percent of all cancer cases occur in these screening-accessible cancer sites. Another benefit is that screening tools allow for the detection of cancer in its early form, when treatment costs are less expensive. With an increased availability of screening, the economic and social costs of cancer are kept to a minimum. We know that cancer screening and early detection not only improve the chance of survival and quality of life but also save money. For example, patients diagnosed through colon cancer screenings at a cost of $125-$300 have a 90% chance of survival. Yet, if a patient is not diagnosed until symptoms are apparent, the chance of survival drops to 8% and care during the remaining 4-5 years of life can cost up to $100,000. Similarly, the initial cost of treating rectal cancer that is detected early is about $5,700. This is approximately 75% less than the estimated $30,000-$40,000 that it costs to initially treat rectal cancer that is detected further in its development. As a society, we can't afford not to screen. Mr. Speaker, I would like to read into the record a statement by a woman who spoke about her own life saving experience with cancer screening at a press conference I recently held in New York City on this bill. This woman had the most advanced form of pre-invasive cervical cancer. If she had waited only a little longer for her screening, it may have been too late. ``Hi, my name is Theresa Nygard. I am someone who knows first hand the benefit of cancer screening tests. In November 1991, nine months after the birth of my second child, I received the news that my Pap smear showed an irregularity. I had gone for a regular check-up, suspecting nothing, and came away with the news that I had what is called a `level three displasia,' or a `carcinoma in situ.' When my doctor, Dr. Goldstein, called to deliver the news, we immediately scheduled an in-office laser surgery for him to remove the cancerous tissues (that same day). In retrospect, this potentially devastating bit of news was almost rendered a non-event. I had the surgery, and beyond some lingering anxiety about having `missed a bullet,' my life continued as if nothing had happened. In fact something very significant did happen--my life was saved.'' ``I know how lucky I am. When I was nineteen I lost my mother to ovarian cancer. I saw what cancer can do. To a person's health and vigor, to their family and friends. When I put my experience in the context of that knowledge I am incredibly thankful that this absolutely routine testing saved me from my own ignorance. I had never thought to fear cervical cancer. Since my mother's death I have been concerned (maybe even obsessed) with fears of contracting ovarian cancer, but I had never even thought of the danger of cervical cancer. I had specifically sought out Dr. Goldstein because I had heard that he was an expert on ovarian cancer detection. I thought I was being vigilant, but in fact I was simply lucky. Lucky that this form of cancer screening test was conducted as a routine part of my regular exam and lucky that my mother's experience has at least taught me to assume nothing about my health. I had no clue, no symptom, no ache or pain that would have compelled me to make a special appointment in 1991. Only because this testing had become a routine part of my life was my condition rendered a completely curable `non-event.' I wish that this could have been so for my mother, as I wish it were so for all women faced with this sort of discovery.'' Another woman, Lee Ann Taylor, also shared her story about cervical cancer screening at the New York City press conference. I would also like her statement placed into the Record. ``Hi--my name is Lee Ann Taylor and I would like to briefly explain how pre-cancer screening tests or preventive care has helped me lead a normal life.'' ``I have been a patient of Dr. Goldstein for over 10 years. With Dr. Goldstein's guidance and recommendation I have diligently followed a regimen of annual PAP tests are now semi-annual tests. During these years there has been a number of times when abnormal cells have been detected in early stages.'' ``My family also has a history of breast cancer. Once again annual mammograms and now at the age of 40 and over, a semi-annual sonogram test is recommended for women with a family history of breast cancer.'' ``For me, these annual/semi-annual pre-cancer screening tests have detected abnormal cell changes in such early stages that only minor procedures had to be performed to correct the problem.'' ``I strongly believe that pre-cancer screening tests are absolutely necessary and have helped me lead a normal active life. I have two beautiful healthy children and I want to think that I am doing everything that I can to prevent any unnecessary risk to my health and to my family's health.'' Mr. Speaker, most insurance companies provide coverage for some cancer screening. The problem is that coverage is very inconsistent and plans do not always provide coverage for the appropriate type of screening test given a person's risk level. For example, some New York City health plans have made mammographies available, but would deny coverage for a colonoscopy to a woman with a family history of colorectal cancer. Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between the utilization of preventive services and the level of service provided by health insurance coverage. The more comprehensive an individual's health insurance coverage is, including cancer screening, the more likely that the person will use these important preventive services. Health insurance, covered items and services, deductibles, coinsurance, and other co-payments all affect care seeking behavior. My bill assures that all individuals with health insurance are guaranteed coverage for important cancer screening tools used for the detection of breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancers. Science has shown that the screening exams contained in my bill are effective. If a physician and patient have decided that a patient would benefit from a screening exam, insurance companies should not deny access to this exam. This bill will saves lives and lower the cost of treating cancer by increasing the rates of early detection. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share the following facts and statistics on these four cancers with you and my colleagues. Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among American women. This type of cancer also strikes men. The American Cancer Society has estimated that there will be 175,000 new invasive cases of breast cancer in 1999 among women and about 1,300 new cases among men. 43,700 people will die of breast cancer in this year. Regular mammography screening has been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality significantly by at least 30% in women aged 50 and older. Recent scientific evidence has also shown that women in their 40s also benefit from regular mammography. My bill provides annual mammograms for women ages 40 and over and for women under 40 who are at high risk of developing breast cancer. Annual clinical breast exams will also be provided for women ages 40 and over and for women between the ages of 20 and 40 who are at high risk of developing cancer and every three years for women in the 20 to 40 age group who are at normal to moderate risk. An estimated 4,800 women will die from cervical cancer this year. When detected at an early stage, invasive cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers. The five year survival rate for localized cancer, cervical cancer that is detected in the early stage, is 91%. According to the CDC, the costs of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up associated with early stages of cervical cancer are $4,359, whereas the same costs for late, invasive cervical cancer are more than triple that amount. CASCA ensures that women ages 18 and over and women who are under age 18 and are or have been sexually active will have coverage for annual pap tests and pelvic exams. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. While colorectal cancer is often thought of as a men's disease, women are almost equally affected by it. Early detection is essential for survival of colorectal cancer. When colorectal cancers are detected in an early, localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 91%; however, only 37% of colorectal cancers are currently discovered at that stage. There are several tests that can be used to screen for colorectal cancer. Only a physician can determine in consultation with the patient which test is appropriate. My bill ensures coverage for the appropriate test for men and women ages 50 and those under 50 who are at high risk for an annual screening fecal-occult blood test and a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy every four years or a screening barium enema. Because science has demonstrated the effectiveness of colonoscopy in detecting colon cancer throughout the entire colon, coverage for this exam is ensured for men and women at high risk in any age group. In the past five years, more than 20,000 American men lost their lives to prostate cancer. About one in four prostate cancer cases strikes a man under the age of 65. The number of men in their 40s and 50s who are battling prostate cancer is increasing, and clinicians around the country report seeing more aggressive forms of the disease in younger men. African American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer 35% more frequently than Caucasians and are more than twice as likely to die of the disease. In fact, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among this group. Last year, the American Cancer Society reported a 23% rise in the prostate cancer death rate over a twenty year period. CASCA ensures coverage for annual digital rectal examination and/or annual prostate-specific antigen blood tests for men ages 50 and over. This specific provision is supported by not only the American Cancer Society, but also the American Urological Association. The provisions in CASCA are based on the latest scientific knowledge and have been shown to be effective in reducing cancer mortality. The bill is based on the guidelines of the American Cancer Society and follows the Medicare cancer screening benefits as provided by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. The following 28 organizations have endorsed CASCA: The American Cancer Society, American Society of Clinical Oncologists, Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, American Urological Association, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, American Medical Women's Association, Cancer Research Foundation of America, American Public Health Association, American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, American Nurses Association, National Alliance of Nurse Practitioners, American College of Nurse Practitioners, American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Cancer Care, Inc., Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Cure for Lymphoma Foundation, National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations, National Patient Advocate Foundation, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, Oncology Nursing Society, North American Brain Tumor Coalition, American College of Gastroenterology, Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy, Support & Education, the Center for Patient Advocacy, the Kidney Cancer Association, and the National Cervical Cancer Coalition. ``The Cancer Screening Coverage Act of 1999'' is an important first step to ensuring that the goals of reducing cancer mortality and incidence, as well as improving the quality of life for all cancer patients, are met. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in taking this opportunity to save almost 150,000 Americans a year.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to Sister Pat Myer upon her departure from the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Manhattan for Albany where she will continue her lifelong dedication to helping others. For decades, Sister Pat has been one of the main rocks of leadership in the East Harlem community, an area that I had the honor to represent as a member of the New York City Council. When a neighborhood crisis arose, Sister Pat, in her quiet and dignified manner, worked to solve the problem. She would peacefully direct a solution to any situation. Although one would most often find Sister Pat at the Convent of the Sacred Heart on East 91st Street, where she served as a school administrator. One was just as likely to find her out in East Harlem working with the community. Sister Pat Myer was always at the heart of the important movements in the community, whether it was fighting crime or drugs or simply improving the neighborhood. Among her many endeavors, Sister Pat helped facilitate a Tactical Narcotics Team in the neighborhood, helped to save Metropolitan Hospital from severe cutbacks, fought zoning laws to prevent the destruction of the East Harlem neighborhood, and led the great fight to ``Save the Tenements,'' East Harlem's important affordable housing. An East Harlem resident since 1976, Sister Pat's active involvement in the community came in many different forms. For five years she served as the chair of the Pleasant Village Block Association. She established a neighborhood watch program and helped to shut down places of ill repute. These efforts earned Sister Pat a Snap Award from the City of New York. Her community work did not end there. She chaired the Economic Development Committee of Community Board Eleven; she was involved with the Little Sisters of the Assumption Health Center; she worked on the Big Picture Committee, which looked at East Harlem's larger problems; and she became active with the Neighborhood Advisory Committee's Department of Youth and Community Development where she helped to secure federal funding for community projects. Sister Pat Myer's efforts have made the East Harlem neighborhood a better place to live. The people of Albany should feel blessed to have a woman like Sister Pat in their midst. I will miss the phone calls I used to receive from Sister Pat whenever she saw a problem arising in the community. She reached out to anyone who needed help and made a difference in their lives. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring to your attention the outstanding work of Sister Pat Myer. It has truly been an honor to work with such a dedicated and caring woman over the years. Her unwavering dedication to make her community a better place will always be felt and appreciated. East Harlem and New York City will greatly miss the special touch of Sister Pat Myer.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I thank the gentlewoman for organizing this special order and for her fine leadership in this body this year and other years in support of women's issues and family issues. I was elected in 1992, the so-called Year of the Woman, when many Americans voted for women candidates not as a slogan but as a force to be reckoned with. We came to Congress. There were 48 of us. Our presence did make a difference in doubling moneys for health care for women and access to clinics, in child care, in education, in many, many areas. And we have made progress since then in the number of women that are elected. In 1999 there are 89 women who hold statewide offices across this country, and there are other positive signs. There are now three women governors, 58 women in the House, and nine women Senators. In fact, the First Lady might even choose to run for the Senate in New York State. We have women in posts that never have been held before. We have the first woman to ever serve as Secretary of State, Attorney General, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, head of the National Science Foundation, and many, many more. But I am still concerned that women did not receive the vote until 1920, a right that we should have been born with. In fact, my mother was born without the right to vote. We all owe a great debt to the many women who came before us, on whose shoulders we stand, who worked for and fought for women's rights, Alice Paul, Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott, Carrie Chapman Catt and many, many others, because the vote is so important. The vote is what enables women to be not only at the kitchen table but the peace table, the economic development table, the congressional table. It is important that we as Members of Congress support other women in other countries as they work for and gain the right to vote. Earlier today, a resolution passed this House authored by the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) and the chairman of the International Relations Committee, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman). It was supported by every Member of this body. It congratulated Qatar on the first ever election to be held where men and women could vote and where women could stand for that right. The gentlewoman from New York and I traveled all the way to the tip of the Gulf to be part of this historic and important event. It was held on March 8, International Woman's Day. What better way to celebrate the progress and advancement of women and girls throughout the world than by giving women the right to vote and stand for office in an emerging democracy in the Gulf. The Gulf Cooperation Council, which is in the area, this is the first such election to take place, and we hope it will encourage the movement forward in other countries. In comparison, Kuwait has an elected parliament which exercises limited legislative and oversight powers, but women are not allowed to vote. In Oman they have an elected consultive council; however, only selected male and female citizens are enfranchised, and the Sultan retains the final say over who is part of that council. Bahrain had an elected parliament which was dissolved by the Emir in 1975, and the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have no elected institutions. So we hope this historic election in Qatar will be a banner, a leadership step for the region. We live now in a world economy and we must recognize that democracies help us in our shared world with stable environments and really improved rights for individuals. It was very exciting for the gentlewoman from New York and myself to meet the six women who were running for office. One almost won. She lost by 24 votes, but next time we hope that she will win. It looked very much like an American election, with banners and rallies and meetings, just good plain campaigning. Any democracy is a journey. It is one that begins with many steps. This was the first step towards a full parliamentary election. It was for an advisory council. But it is an important first step. Seeing the faces of the individuals reminded me very much of the faces that I saw on television of our brothers and sisters in South Africa when they first received the right to vote. It was exciting, it was historic and it was wonderful to be there. But as we work here in Congress, we are working every day to help women and families and children. Just this week, along with the gentlewoman from New York, we introduced a very important bill that will provide screening and protection for breast cancer and prostate cancer. Roughly 1,500 cancer- related deaths per day take place in our country. Early detection of cancer through screening can extend a patient's life, reduce treatment time and cost, and improve a person's quality of life. The first step we need to take to reduce the number of cancer-related deaths is to increase access to screening exams in the private sector. In 1997, Congress, through the Balanced Budget Amendment, included a bill that Barbara Vucanovich and I had authored in 1992. Barbara was a survivor of breast cancer. It called for the coverage of annual mammograms for women in Medicare. It was very important that this bill passed and was part of the Balanced Budget Amendment. It will save hundreds of thousands of lives. The bill we introduced will extend these same benefits to Americans under the age of 65 if they are at risk and if the patient and their doctor know that such a test is needed. Most insurance companies provide coverage for some cancer screening, but that coverage is inconsistent and often does not provide coverage for the appropriate type of screening test given a person's risk level. My office has received comments from not only colleagues and constituents but doctors who talk about plans that do not cover tests that are needed to save lives and to prevent cancer from growing. If it is caught in the beginning, it is a very minor procedure. Yet if it continues to a more life-threatening stage, it is not only costly in terms of suffering but also in terms of medical dollars. This bill assures that all individuals with health insurance are guaranteed coverage for important cancer screening tests such as mammograms and prostate cancer screening. Science has proven that these screening exams work. If a doctor and patient have decided together that the patient would benefit from a screening exam, insurance companies should not have the right to deny coverage of a potentially lifesaving exam. This bill will save lives and lower the cost of treating cancer by increasing the rates of early detection. We have worked together on a number of bills, not only in health care, but in child care, in helping women-owned businesses and strengthening educational opportunities for our young people and our people who are displaced from work, and I look very, very much forward to working with my colleagues in the Women's Caucus, especially the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) who has been an outstanding leader in so many issues, particularly those that help women in business, women, children and families. I want to note that the Women's Caucus has probably been the most successful caucus in a bipartisan way of actually passing and enacting legislation. It was my privilege to work with the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) last year when we really enacted into law many important measures to help women, children and families, and the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Johnson) on the other side of the aisle. So I thank my colleague, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly), for organizing this special order for women's history. We have to realize that we are making history every day as we work here to strengthen the rights that so many women gave their lives for as they worked to gain the right to vote for women in this country. I thank her for going to Qatar with us and being part of that exciting election, and I thank all my colleagues for going on record and voting in support of the elections and the right for women to stand for office in Qatar.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to the Pan Gregorian Fund of Metropolitan New York and Long Island on the occasion of their Academic Awards Banquet on Sunday, March 7, 1999. The Pan Gregorian Fund, spearheaded by Tassos Manesis, is a non-for- profit corporation established in 1995 by the Food Industry Cooperative of New York, Inc. The Fund's main purpose is to advance, support, and promote the Hellenic-American education system, the Greek language, and academic excellence. Its activities are directed and carried out primarily by Greek-American restaurants and others involved in the food industry. Since its creation in 1995, the Fund has awarded over $100,000 in grants and scholarships to the top graduates of the Hellenic-American day schools, as well as teachers and principals in the New York City metropolitan area in recognition of their dedication to the education of youth. In addition to the grant recipients, the Pan Gregorian will be honoring Dennis Mehiel, Stanley Matthews and Thomas Calamaras at the awards banquet. Mr. Mehiel, a New York City native of Hellenic heritage, is the chairman, CEO and principal shareholder of the Four M Corporation, Sweetheart Cup Company, and The Fonda Group, Inc. Since 1978, he has been a leader in the field of education as a board member of the New Jersey independent high school for girls, a New York school for learning disabled children, Yeshiva University's Wuzweiler School of Social Work and the American Board of Overseers of Bar-ilan University. In 1966, he returned to his birthplace, Washington Heights, and founded the ``All The Way'' program, a kindergarten through college education support program. ``All The Way'' provides educational enrichment and supplemental health and social services for children and their families, culminating in a four-year, pre-paid college education. Mr. Matthews, born in Varvitsa, Lakonia, Greece, grew up during the German Occupation and the Civil War. He emigrated to the United States in 1951. He founded the Greek Children's Fund at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. As a result of a personal experience, he became acquainted with the financial and emotional stress cancer imposes on its victims and their families. His fund has raised approximately $2 million to help Greek-American families who have to deal with a life-threatening illness in addition to the added burden of adapting to a new culture. Mr. Thomas Calamaras came to the United States as an immigrant and proceeded to establish a family food service business. Today, he and his family are an example of successful businesspeople and community- minded individuals. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise with me in this tribute to the Pan Gregorian Fund and its honorees, a group dedicated to extending a helping hand to others.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be here today in support of H. Con. Res. 35 to honor the State of Qatar and its citizens on the historic elections that took place there on March 8. I am pleased to have this opportunity to share my recent experiences in Qatar. I had the great honor to travel to this Persian Gulf country as an election observer with my colleague Sue Kelly, with whom I serve as co- chair of the Women's Caucus. This marks an historic step toward women having seats at all tables, not only the kitchen table, but the peace table, the economic development table, and international affairs table. All of these opportunities begin with full voting privileges for both men and women--a first among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries of the world. By comparison, Kuwait has an elected parliament which exercises limited legislative and oversight powers, but women are not allowed to vote. Oman has an elected Consultative Council, however only selected male and female citizens are enfranchised and the Sultan retains the final say over the composition of the Council. Bahrain had an elected parliament which was dissolved by the Emir in 1975. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have no elected institutions. I congratulate the citizens of Qatar on this important step for women. It took America 145 years to give women the right to vote; it took Qatar only 27 years. It is wonderful to see Qatar giving rights to women while other countries like Afghanistan are taking them away. In Afghanistan, women and girls are not permitted to work or to go to school, and they have limited access to health care or prenatal care. We live in a world economy and we must recognize that elections and democracy help us in our shared world. An elected government is a more stable government. Qatar's step toward democracy directly benefits the United States because it leads us toward stability and peace. It is important for our nation to support the democratic steps of our allies in the Persian Gulf. It is important to remember that democracy is a journey, not a destination. With the historic step of allowing both men and women to participate in its first-ever municipal elections, Qatar has taken the first step toward embracing democracy. The Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, is committed to democracy and has even talked of continuing towards democracy by having an elected parliament. He has already made great strides in education and economic development. I was proud to represent the United States and meet with members of Parliament from United Kingdom, France, Germany, Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco, Oman and Kuwait--who came to witness these historic elections. I was impressed by how carefully planned the election was. Two hundred and forty-two candidates ran in 29 election districts to serve four-year terms on a central municipal council. Six women ran for office. While none of the women won, Dr. Wadha Al Suwaidi came in second in her district by only 28 votes to Nasser Faleh al Dosari. I had the opportunity to meet with many candidates. They were well educated, and well prepared. Many had very impressive credentials as ambassadors, teachers, and each had prepared a platform of issues on everything from libraries, bridges, and garbage to parks, nurseries, and recycling. The scene on election day was extraordinary. It looked a lot like an American election, complete with banners, posters and campaign materials. The election was held on a national holiday and schools and many businesses were closed. Many schools were used as polling places, and candidates set up nearby tents to continue campaigning throughout the day. We saw many long lines in Qatar, and there was a better than 95 percent voter turnout of the registered voters. It reminded me of the long lines seen during South Africa's first election with people standing in lines for hours in the hot sun. It was a very fair election. They even sealed the ballot boxes with wax during prayer breaks. I met with many of the candidates. One of the female candidates who I met, Mouza Abdullah Al-Maliki, has been working for the vote for several years. In 1993, she was part of a group that petitioned the previous Emir for the vote. She is very grateful to have the vote. She told me, ``It means democracy, it means freedom, it means awareness for women in all aspects of her life.'' To celebrate the first ever direct elections in which women have been allowed to participate in the Gulf, it is important that we pass H. Con. Res. 35 congratulating Qatar on its historic elections. I hope that we will be able to move this bill quickly to show America's support for democracy and universal suffrage throughout the world. Additional Facts Dr. Wadha al Suwaidi came in second in her district by only 28 votes to Nasser Faleh al Dosari. This is very significant because 50 women in her district didn't vote. Of the approximately 600,000 people in the country, there are 150,000 Qatari citizens. Of these, about 75,000 are eligible (over age 18 and not a member of the police or military force.) Approximately 23,000 registered, which was split almost 50-50 between men and women. I saw our American embassy in Qatar, which was recently evacuated. It stood--exposed and vulnerable--right on a busy intersection. Our embassy workers are currently working in makeshift areas, some are even working out of their homes. I hope that work on the new embassy continues, and that our state department personnel will soon be able to work in a safer environment. In Lebanon, 3 of 128 Members of Parliament are women. One of them is Mouauad Naela whose daughter lives in New York City.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to the Pancyprian Association of America Dance Division on the occasion of its 23rd Anniversary on February 6, 1999. The Dance Division, known as the Pancyprian Dance Group, was established in 1976 with the purpose of promoting and teaching traditional Cypriot and Greek dances to the young people of the Hellenic community and others interested in dance and culture. Through dance we are able to enjoy other cultures and learn their history. Only through understanding can we establish positive linkages with our friends abroad. The Pancyprian Association of America Dance Group has performed in many multi-cultural events around the United States and abroad. They have performed before President Jimmy Carter, Senator Paul Sarbanes, Senator Edward Kennedy, Senator Bill Bradley, Congressman Benjamin Gilman, Congressman Michael Bilirakis, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, President Glafcos Clerides, President George Vasiliou, Senator Alfonse D'Amato, Dr. John Brademas, myself, and others. The Pancyprian Dance Group has performed at Hofstra University; the Odyssey Cultural Festival; the Olympic Cultural Center, Washington, DC; the Maliotis Cultural Center, Boston, MA; and in Cyprus, Chicago, New Jersey, Tampa and New York. This evening of celebration will also honor Andreas Christodoulou. Mr. Christodoulou was one of the founders of the organization that established the phenomenal model that President Costas Hadjicharalambous and members of the Dance Division now follow. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise with me in this tribute to the Pancyprian Association of America Dance Division, a group dedicated to bringing understanding, forming bonds and educating with dance and music.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to Dances . . . Patrelle as it performs another magical holiday performance of The Yorkville Nutcracker. Dances . . . Patrelle was founded by Francis Patrelle in 1986. Born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Francis Patrelle studied ballet in Philadelphia with Jean Williams and at the Pennsylvania Ballet before receiving his B.F.A. from Julliard, where he studied on scholarship with Alfredo Corvino, Jose Limon and Anthony Tudor. As an undergraduate, Mr. Patrelle created works for the Julliard School, the Joffrey School Concert Group, the Bel Canto Opera and the High School for the Performing Arts. After Julliard, Mr. Patrelle choreographed for companies around the United States, including: the Santa Fe Opera, Houston's Grand Opera, the Berkshire Ballet Company, the Riverside Dance Festival, the American Opera Center and the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. In 1986, Dances . . . Patrelle premiered at the Riverside Dance festival featuring guest dancers from the New York City Ballet. Dance Magazine declared that ``with this concert, Patrelle moves to the front line of young ballet choreographers.'' The honors did not stop there. Mr. Patrelle went on to choreograph numerous ballets that won praise from critics and dancers alike: Come Rain/Come Shine, American Dreamer, Reeks with Class!, Beloved Memories, Fuoco e Fiamma, Jazz Fools, Black Forest Carousel, Scottish Fantasy, Red Ellington, Get Happy, BING/LOVE . . . and me!, Country Dances/The Hunt, Clara, Anyone Can . . .!, and The Firebird, among others. Over the years, Mr. Patrelle has received numerous grants from the Selz Foundation for Dance, the Dance Magazine Foundation and the Harkness Foundations for Dance. Dances . . . Patrelle premiered the Yorkville Nutcracker in 1986 to critical acclaim. Patrelle's creative adaptation of the traditional children's holiday story, which is set in Olde New York, earned praise from reviewers who called the production ``handsome'' and declared that ``Francis Patrelle knows how to stage a ballet. It looks like The Yorkville Nutcracker is here to stay.'' This year's performance features New York City Ballet dancers Lourdes Lopez and Jock Soto, and Patrelle II students from Ballet Academy East. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring to your attention Dances . . . Patrelle and its third season of The Yorkville Nutcracker. It is an honor to have such a creative and artistic ballet company located in my district.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Women's Issues Network (WIN) division of the Pancyprian Association of America. WIN was established in the spring of 1996 out of an identified need to bring together women of Hellenic Heritage living in America to provide them with information, services and awareness of social, health, economic and other issues. WIN members assist each other and others in developing opportunities for prosperity and progress in the community and perpetuating and integrating the Hellenic heritage and spirit with the best of American culture and values. In the past two years WIN has focused on providing support from women to women and their families. Since its inception, it has successfully organized a series of events, lectures and presentations on health, social and economic issues as they relate to women's roles as mothers, daughters, wives, breadwinners and homemakers. This year's special event will be a women's cancer screening for those who do not have insurance. This year WIN will honor Titina Loizides who grew up in Kyrenia, Cyprus, now occupied by the illegal army of Turkey. Ms. Loizides is a leader in the tourism industry, having been executive secretary of the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association, associate of Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation presenting children's programs on Cyprus history and archaeology, president of Cyprus Tourist Guides, founding member of the ``Equal rights--Equal responsibility'' movement, coordinator of the action group for the protection of Ayios Andreas neighborhood in Nicosia, first woman Rotarian of the Rotary Club of Kyrenia, member of Women Walk Home, among others. She is married and has two children. Ms. Loizides came into international prominence when she successfully sued the Turkish Government for rent on her property in Kyrenia. The Cyprus Government referred this case to the European Court of Human Rights. The court ruling states as of December 1996: The Republic of Cyprus the sole legitimate Government of Cyprus. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has no legal validity. The applicant has not lost title of her property and is the legal owner of her land. The northern part of Cyprus is under the control of Turkish troops. The rights of the applicant to peaceful enjoyment of her possessions under article 1 of protocol 1 have continuously been violated. Within 6 months the applicant and the Turkish government will submit written observations with respect to compensation and costs. Turkey is to pay to the applicant within three months of CYP 300,000 for pecuniary damages, non-pecuniary damages of CYP 20,000, and costs and expenses. Ms. Loizides is being honored for her determination to fight for her rights and for bringing the Cyprus tragedy to the attention of the world. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise with me in this tribute to the Pancyprian Association of American Women's Issues Network, a group of dedicated Hellenic women who have successfully integrated the Hellenic spirit with American ideals and values. I also ask my colleagues to rise in tribute to the Pancyprian Association's Woman of the Year Honoree, Ms. Titina Loizides.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Pantelis and Despina Marangos as they celebrate their 60th Diamond Wedding Anniversary. They celebrated their joyous occasion on Sunday, November 8, 1998. Pantelis, born in Kalavasos, Cyprus, the son of Mary and John Shakalisk, was known as ``Peter the Carpenters' son,'' thus the name Marangos. Despina was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Zaharias Kyriacou from Cyprus and Chrisanthy Protoulis from Greece. At the age of 18, Pantelis arrived at Ellis Island at the height of the Great Depression with five dollars in his pocket. But he soon found work and within a few years as a skilled pastry chef. Despina came to New York as a child and attended P.S. 116 and Julia Richmond High School. During the Depression, she worked in the Garment District with her mother. In 1938, Pantelis and Despina met, fell in love and married. In 1943, their first child, Mary Anna, was born, Their son, John Zaharias, was born in 1950. During World War II, Pantelis served in the Navy as a Petty Officer on a mine sweeper and took part in the invasion of Anzio and St. Tropez while Despina served on the Home Front, working in defense plants. Despina, who had the responsibility of caring for her parents in addition to her own family, found time to be a Den Mother and an Officer in both the Parents' Association and the Women's Auxiliary. After his discharge from the Navy, Pantelis returned to the restaurant business where he was a manager, chef and proprietor of Michael's Restaurant until his retirement in 1975. Despina worked at Macy's Department store during the 1959 Christmas season and retired after 30 years of dedicated service in 1989. In 1966, Pantelis suffered a stroke and once again demonstrated the courage and bravery he showed when coming to this country alone. In the past two years he has become a living symbol for the handicapped. The doctors told Despina that he would never function, yet today he is proving them wrong with a combination of therapies. The Chian Federation honored his courage in 1998. Despina and other Hellenic immigrants were also recognized at a ceremony on Ellis Island. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring to your attention this important milestone in the life of a remarkable couple. It is an honor to have them in my district.