Carolyn Maloney

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to your attention a terrific community leader from my district in Astoria, Queens. His Eminence Metropolitan Vikentios was born in Athens, Greece where he received his basic education. After graduation from high school, he enrolled at the Theological School of Jerusalem in Israel and graduated with honors. His educational life then brought him to the United States for further studies. During the past 20 years, he has served in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis, Archdiocese, of the Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America. His Eminence has often been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the community, his efforts on behalf of human rights, and his humanitarian services. All this good work has not gone unrewarded. On July 20, 1995, he was elected Metropolitan of Piraeus and Salamis by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Church of the Orthodox Christians of Greece and the Diaspora. On July 21, 1995, in the presence of the President and Prime Minister of Greece, he was enthroned in his new position. Astoria misses him very much, but we know he will continue to fight for the citizens of the world and that we truly have a friend in Piraeus. I ask my colleagues to join me in offering him our highest congratulations and best wishes for a wonderful life.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the conference report on H.R. 1530, the National Defense Authorization Act for 1996. I cannot support a bill which calls for spending $7 billion more of defense than even the Pentagon has requested. I believe that is the height of absurdity in the current fiscal climate. The $495 million in long-lead funding for future B-2 bombers is particularly egregious. This bill also actively encourages the Pentagon to violate the ABM treaty. This may cause a serious setback for international nonproliferation efforts, as Russia has declared it will not ratify the START II accord if we abrogate the ABM treaty. In yet another blow to reproductive freedom, this conference report denies the constitutional right of choice to women serving our country by prohibiting women from obtaining abortions at U.S. military facilities. This report contains major reforms to Government-wide procurement laws, on which I was proud to be named a conferee. These reforms are not perfect, and would undoubtedly be significantly different if Democrats had been doing the drafting. However, they represent an improvement over H.R. 1670 in a number of ways and I would like to commend Ranking Member Collins and Chairman Clinger for their hard work on these issues. The House bill dramatically altered the full and open competition standard which was created in the landmark Competition in Contracting Act of 1984. This standard has ensured the Federal Government the best return on its dollar for over a decade while at the same time allowed the full participation of small businesses in Federal acquisition. I opposed this change, along with Members from both sides of the aisle. I am glad that, while recognizing the Government's interest in efficient procurement practices, this conference report leaves the full and open competition standard essentially unchanged. I remain concerned about the use of the streamlined procedures for the purchase of commercial items authorized by this bill. I would have preferred to have had a much lower threshold than the $5 million contained in this report. But at least we have some threshold, the House passed version contained none at all. The 3-year sunset of this provision, contained in this bill, is also a good idea. This conference report modifies the repeal of recoupment of research and development costs on U.S. weapons systems contained in the House bill. It requires off-sets through the year 2005 and grants only a limited waiver. I offered an amendment to the House bill which would have had a very similar effect and am glad that this provision is included in the report. I am less pleased with other procurement provisions in this bill. This bill gives the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy the authority to waive numerous laws relating to procurement of commercial items. This could significantly alter the system without enactment of legislation, raising troubling constitutional questions. This conference report also eliminates the jurisdiction of the General Services Board of Contract Appeals over bid protests, consolidating bid protest hearings in the GAO. I much preferred the approach of the original House bill on this issue--consolidating bid protests and contract appeals into two boards, one for defense and one civilian. Mr. Chairman, on a different vehicle and with some minor modifications I might well support many of the procurement reforms included in this conference report. I must however oppose this defense authorization conference report. One final note. I am pleased that this conference report includes the House-passed language establishing the Civilian Marksmanship Program as a nonprofit corporation. As a long-time critic of this program, I plan to monitor the transition of the National Rifle Board very closely. I have worked hard to get this boondoggle out of the Army and to eliminate its annual $2.5 million appropriation. While not perfect, this provision is a big step in the right direction.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. This amendment is a gross misuse of the political process to thwart the will of the American people who overwhelmingly support family planning in this country and around the world. Once again, the new majority is attempting to put the radical right's agenda ahead of good government and global responsibility. It is clear that their actions show little concern for women's health, pre and postnatal care, health and nutrition for children, families, and stabilizing global population, and the problems that flow from it, including the massive increases recently in refugees. The Callahan measure would make it illegal to appropriate funds for international family planning programs unless they are authorized. We need to vote to save international family planning programs. We need to vote to protect families, children, and women around the world. We need to defeat this politically motivated action by anti-family, anti-women Members here. It goes against everything this country agreed upon, and I might add, 187 other countries agreed upon at the International Conference for Women in Beijing. Supporting international family planning programs is socially responsible, fiscally sound, and it serves our national purposes. Vote to support women and families around the world. Defeat the Callahan motion.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was unavoidably detained in my district, but had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on both rollcall votes 822 and 823.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I believe we have the greatest health care system in the world and New York City has many of the Nation's best hospitals to support that great system, hospitals that have the enormous responsibility of caring for the citizens of America's largest city, that train a disproportionate number of our next generation of health professionals, that conduct the cutting edge research to save and improve our lives. Yet many of these hospitals will be decimated by Republican Medicare and Medicaid cuts that will cost these great New York City hospitals billions in reduced payments. Where will these institutions be forced to make up these cuts? Conservative estimates put the New York City job loss at 107,000 health care positions, more than 2.3 percent of the city's total employment. Doctors will be cut, nurses will be cut, janitors who keep our hospitals clean and sanitary will be cut. New York medical technology will not be purchased. Yes, this will hurt seniors; yes, this will hurt the poor; yes, this will hurt the health care of every New Yorker and every American. The House of Representatives voted to cut Medicare spending by $270 billion over 7 years and to cut $170 billion to the Medicaid Program. There are several unique features of the New York City health care system which make it especially vulnerable to the type of targeted cuts in the spending contained in the Republican legislation. The New York City metropolitan area trains 15 percent of the medical residents for the entire Nation. The New York biomedical system is a recognized world center of advanced science, medicine and education. New York hospitals reach these heights while simultaneously serving a high percentage of patients with special needs far exceeding the national average. These patients include the elderly, the disabled, the chronically ill, and the poor, and it is not only the health care we all receive that will be affected by the proposed cuts. New York's economy will also be hard hit due to the State and city's dependence on its large and complex health care system. Cuts in the formulas for Medicare, graduate medical education, and disproportionate share payments, would create unacceptably severe reductions in payments for New York's hospitals. This is because indirect medical education and disproportionate share payments are based on percentages of overall medical payment rates. As the overall Medicare payment rates are reduced as a result of smaller inflation adjustments, payments for graduate medical education and disproportionate share are automatically reduced and their rates of growth are slowed. Thus, further reductions in graduate medical education and disproportionate share would amount to double cuts, which our hospitals, most of which are operating below the break-even point, simply cannot withstand. Changes in Medicaid will also have a drastic impact on New York's health care providers, especially those providing long-term care. New York has received one of the lowest rates of Medicaid payment increases among the States. New York's nursing homes could lose 25 percent of the money necessary for their survival by 2002. According to the Health Care Association of New York, New York State, with 7 percent of the Nation's population, would take 11 percent of the cuts in Medicare and Medicaid. New York City, with 2.9 percent of the Nation's population, would absorb 6.5 percent of these cuts, more than double its fair share. Over 7 years, cuts in Medicare and Medicaid payments to hospitals would cost New York State $20 billion and New York City $12 billion. Funding for long-term care and personal health services would decline by $11 billion in New York State and $7 billion in New York City. The proposed cuts will dangerously damage health care services, but that is not all. The cuts would wreak havoc with New York's many health care workers, their employment and their income. New York City will lose 107,000 jobs, and New York State may stand to lose well over 200,000 jobs. Any budget plan must include everyone having to do their part to balance the budget, but I argue that any budget plan must treat all States equally. I think the cuts to Medicare and Medicaid and the impact on hospitals and health care systems across the country is deeply disturbing. The disproportionate impact of these cuts on New York State and New York City is [[Page H 13725]] unacceptable. Protecting New York State's and New York City's hospitals, health care providers and medical educators helps to safeguard the health of our Nation while preserving the health and economic well-being of one of our country's most densely populated cities and States. As the budget negotiations continue, I ask my colleagues to join me in fighting to reduce these cuts. I am proud to have voted against the reconciliation bill and I will oppose any future budget that cuts with the injustice and scope of the Republican proposal. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation 20th Anniversary. One of the corporation's projects is Jennings Hall, a 150-unit residence for senior citizens, which was once a vacant nurses' residence which had been abandoned when St. Catherines Hospital closed its doors in the early 1970's. Jennings Hall is just one of many success brought forward by the St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation--St. Nicks. St. Nicks opened its doors for business in the rectory of St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church on May 12, 1975. Three of the original staff members were on hand on May 12, 1995 to present awards to St. Nicks' five founding advisors. Mr. Speaker, the founding advisors deserve special recognition, they are: Erica Forman, Cathy Herman, Jan Peterson, Ron Shiffman, and Brian Sullivan. They were presented with the Founding Members' Award for the creative and forward-looking planning and technical assistance they provided to St. Nicks at its inception and throughout the years. I join Marion Wallin and Marie Leanza in recognizing them for ``the invaluable contributions they had each made to the organization and the neighborhood in their unique ways during the past 20 years.'' St. Nicks Board Chair, Louis Pellegrino called the commemorative events for the 20th Anniversary of the St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation just one more effort ``to bring together all those who contribute their time, effort, and support to make the community a better place in which to live and work.'' Mr. Speaker, I am proud to add my voice to those who recognize the significant contributions of all the St. Nicks members and staff to our community. Groups like St. Nicks galvanize our neighbors and provide the spark necessary to stop the all too common deterioration of communities, neighborhoods, and cultures. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I can only hope that the 20th Anniversary of the St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation will inspire others to follow their lead in making our communities better places to live and work.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the bill. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1995. Change is needed in the Federal Government. Many programs need to be modernized. But we need fair change. And there is nothing fair about this budget. Simply put, the painful cuts in this budget disproportionately hurt the old, the sick, the poor, the disabled, low-income children and, to an extreme degree, urban areas. During my first term in Congress, I sat on the Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs Committee. I sit on that same committee now. Only now it's called Banking and Financial Services. It's as if urban areas are no longer a part of America. And this budget reflects that attitude. No place in the country will be hit harder by this budget than New York City. Make no mistake: if the Medicare and Medicaid plans in this bill were signed into law, health care for the poor and the elderly will be severely affected. The Medicare trust fund needs $90 billion to remain solvent for the next 10 years. But this budget tries to solve a $90 billion problem with a $270 billion solution. It will double premiums over the next 7 years for some seniors, and sextuple them for others. Recently, Speaker Gingrich told a group of insurance lobbyists that he expects Medicare to ``wither on the vine,'' and said he wouldn't try to ``get rid of it'' right now because it wasn't ``politically smart.'' Senate Majority Leader Dole bragged in a recent campaign speech that he voted against creating Medicare in 1965 because he knew it wouldn't work. The views of the leaders of the House and Senate are way out of the mainstream. So, too, are their draconian solutions to what ails Medicare. This budget also cuts $170 billion from Medicaid. Tragically, this budget seeks to end the guarantee of universal health care for our poorest citizens. And one out of every four children in the United States is born into poverty. The economic consequences for New York City of the Medicare and Medicaid cuts are catastrophic. Over the next 7 years, Medicare and Medicaid cuts alone will cost the city of New York more than $24 billion. Mount Sinai and Beth Israel Medical Centers will, combined, lose $1 billion in Medicare and Medicaid funding. New York City could lose up to 140,000 jobs. Our local economy simply cannot absorb cuts of that magnitude. New York City's most vulnerable children will also be drastically impacted by cuts to nutrition and protection programs which help them survive extreme poverty, neglect, abuse, and deprivation. The extremely successful School Lunch Program will be among the programs cut. So will the earned income tax credit, which will be reduced under this budget to effectively raise taxes by $400 dollars on the working poor. All tolled, cuts to programs assisting New York City's children will be impacted by a staggering $25 billion over 7 years. These cuts might be more palatable if they were absolutely necessary to balance the budget in 7 years, which is a sincere and honorable objective. But they are not necessary. They are reflections of the new majority's skewed priorities. They're making these cuts because they are increasing defense spending by $8 billion more than even the Pentagon requested. They're making these cuts because they refuse to cut $30 billion in corporate welfare that even the Republican House Budget Committee chairman says do not help the economy. And they're making these cuts because they want a $245 billion tax cut that this country simply cannot afford right now. Only the working poor will be asked to pay more in taxes. Mr. Speaker, there has been much rhetoric in this debate about balancing the budget for our children and grandchildren. But you cannot save children in the future by abandoning children in the present. This budget disinvests in all the things that prepare our children for a better future: nutrition, education, health care and protection from abuse and neglect. This is not a thoughtful budget; it is a reckless budget. It is not a budget that fairly distributes the pain; it is a budget which punishes those least capable of absorbing the pain. Mr. Speaker, I favor and have voted for reform and restructuring of our Government. But the restructuring in this bill is shortsighted, unfair, and unwise. America did not become the greatest country on earth by deserting seniors in their time of need. Or by disinvesting in our children's education. Or by raising taxes on people who don't have two dimes to rub together. Or by denying health care and nutrition to our neediest citizens, especially our innocent children. The American people believe in fairness. They will not suffer this budget lightly. Because there is nothing fair about this budget.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the imminent arrival in New York of a great leader of the Catholic Church; Msgr. Francesco Cuccarese, Archbishop of Pescara-Penne. Mr. Speaker, Archbishop Francesco Cuccarese has spent his life in the service of God. He was ordained as a priest over 40 years ago, and ever since, Archbishop Cuccarese has served the church with faith, intelligence, and devotion. His hard work was ultimately recognized when he was elected to the Archdiocese of Aceranza in 1979 and was consecrated as bishop in that same year. In 1987, he was transferred to Caserta, bearing the title of ``Archbishop.'' In 1990, he was again transferred to the Archdiocese of Pescara-Penne. Archbishop Cuccarese is well known for his spiritual character. He has tremendous knowledge of cultural, theatrical, and sociological matters, and has always shown concern for Italian-Americans abroad, seeking to further their religious social, and cultural advancement. In addition, Archbishop Cuccarese is a noted author, with a string of publications to his name which are too numerous to list here. Archbishop Cuccarese has, in particular, shown special concern for the needy, especially those undergoing health problems. On numerous occasions, he has arranged for those requiring complicated or dangerous treatment to come to the United States so that they can receive the best medical attention possible. He has also worked closely with teenagers and young adults who were suffering from alcohol or drug abuse, and with juvenile delinquents. I am pleased that so eminent a man will be visiting New York to further his work and the work of the church, and I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming him to our country.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and for underlying bipartisan bill. Mr. Speaker, we were sent here to give Americans a better life, not to live the good life at the expense of lobbyists. But Congress has played games with gift bans for years, grandstanding against perks, but quietly preserving them. Today we can stop playing games and pass real gift ban reform, either the Shays-Barrett gift ban bill, or the Gingrich total ban on gifts, or we can keep playing games, especially golf, and pass the Burton substitute. We need to vote against the Burton substitute. House Resolution 250 is a good, tough gift ban. It limits single gifts to $50 and annual gifts to $100. The Burton substitute is not a gift ban; it is a gift bonanza. It will continue free round trip tickets to charity events; it says a gift under $50 is not really a gift. How many Americans would agree with that? The only true gift ban bill before us today is the bipartisan Shays- Barrett bill, or Speaker Gingrich's total ban, but in order to get to them, we need to vote for the rule and against the Burton substitute.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Chairman, the events of the last week have shaken the public's confidence in this great house. Now, we have the chance to restore some of that confidence by passing the lobbying disclosure bill. The time for delay is over. It is time the public knew who is lobbying who and for how much. It is time Members stop taking contributions from lobbyists for legal defense funds or charities they control. The people send us here to represent them in the greatest legislative body ever conceived. That is what it's all about. Not the lobbyists. Not the trips. Not the gifts. And the American people know that. We need to send a clear, bipartisan message that we understand that all of us together and that we know that too. Finally, we need to reject any amendment that would restrict the ability of businesses, universities, and charitable organizations from using their own money, just because they receive some federal funding. A lobbying disclosure bill passed the other body 98-0. Let us pass this bill with the same bipartisan spirit and reject any extremist amendment designed to make it partisan.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a man whose work has touched the lives of millions. On November 10, 1995, several leading Greek-American institutions will honor Demetris Kastanas for his extraordinary contributions to the Greek-American community over the past 20 years. Demetris is a media entrepreneur whose television programs and magazine have brought Greek communities in both America and Europe closer together. He has also used this resources and expertise to raise money to help people in need. Demetris is the president and chief executive officer of National Greek TV of U.S.A., Inc., and Athens Productions, Ltd. He is also the publisher of ESEIS magazine. Both organizations are based on Astoria, NY, with branch offices in Athens and Chicago. Since 1975, Demetris has been the chief executive producer of the ``National Greek TV Show,'' a weekly ethnic variety program on UHF channels in the Midwest and Northeastern United States produced by Athens Productions, Ltd. It is the longest running Greek program outside the United States. Since 1987, Demetris has served as chief executive producer of the Greek Channel, a daily cable channel broadcasting Greek programming on the Time Warner cable system. It is produced by National Greek TV of U.S.A., Inc. The Greek Channel broadcasts 19 hours a day, 7 days a week. In 1988, Demetris began publishing ESEIS, a Greek-American biweekly magazine that is distributed internationally. For the past 20 years, through his television programs and his magazine, Demetris has been providing the Greek-American community with news, sports, music, documentaries, cultural, informational, educational and entertainment programs. He has put the power of the media to good use in helping Greek compatriots who have come to the United States seeking medical treatment. He has publicized their cases on television and in his magazine, helping to raise money for their medical expenses. Demetris has conducted four telethons to raise money for the needs of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York. He has also conducted one telethon for the Greek Children's Cancer Fund at Memorial Sloan Kettering, with the second telethon scheduled for December 17, 1995. So I join with the Pan-Macedonian Association, the Pan-Peloponnesian Association, the Federation of Sterea Hellas, the Cyprus Federation, the Pan-Pontian Federation, and the Pan-Dodecanese Association in honoring this extraordinary man for his contributions to the Greek- American community over the past 20 years. Mr. Speaker, bringing people together has been Demetris' life's work. And on November 10, the Greek-American community will come together to celebrate his extraordinary service. And now, to make this year even better, he has taken on his business partner, Norma Papamihaliou, as his wife.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, a beautiful and sad teenage girl captured the attention of the world as she spoke softly in Hebrew. The simple eloquent speech of Yitzhak Rabin's granddaughter Noa broke our hearts. And Prime Minister Rabin's death breaks our hearts and tries to break our spirit. The man who fought to create the State of Israel, led Israel to victory in bitter wars, and was leading his nation down the difficult path of peace, is gone. But the Yitzhak Rabin who did all this would not want our spirits to be broken. If only he could have seen the historic gathering Monday in Jerusalem: Former Arab enemies wept alongside Leah Rabin; dozens of countries which once had no use for Israel sent their Heads of State to his grave; the President of the United States spoke as movingly as if he had lost his brother. The legacy of Yitzhak Rabin is a State of Israel that is strong, secure, and welcomed in the community of nations. The best way to honor his memory is to ensure that his beloved nation can live and prosper in peace.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I could stand here and tell you that Republicans in Congress want to end Medicare. But do not take it from me. Take it from them. Here is what the Speaker said about Medicare to a group of insurance lobbyists: Now, we don't get rid of it in round one because we don't think that's politically smart and we don't think that's the right way to go through a transition period. But we believe it's going to wither on the vine because we think people are voluntarily going to leave it. In a recent campaign speech, the leader of the other body bragged, and I quote: I was there, fighting the fight, voting against Medicare, one out of twelve, because we knew it would not work in 1965. Well, Medicare turned out to be one of the most successful Government programs in American history. The Republicans say they want to save Medicare. I say, we need to save Medicare from the Republicans.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this antiwoman, extremist, unwise legislation. They would not even allow an amendment to save the mother's life. Apparently, the supporters of H.R. 1833 think it is more important to save a doomed fetus than to save the life of a woman and her ability to have children in the future. This is the first time that this body has moved forward to criminalize a medical procedure. As the mother of two children, I know firsthand the joy and excitement that a pregnant woman has when she awaits the birth of a very much wanted child. I cannot think of anything more horrible than to learn that the baby, the fetus, has abnormalities incompatible with life. In these situations, the family is confronted with the child dying in her womb, possibly killing the mother, or this lifesaving procedure. Vote to put people over propaganda. This legislation is bad medicine and bad policy.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of my colleagues the achievements of Eli Hertz. Mr. Hertz will be honored on November 8 by the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry for his work in fostering commercial ties between the United States and Israel. Mr. Speaker, since its establishment in 1953, the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been a major force behind the growth of trade and investment between the United States and Israel. Now in its 42d year, the Chamber counts among its members today's leading consumer, industrial and financial companies. Its effectiveness as a non-political, nonprofit organization has resulted in closer ties between our two great countries. Mr. Speaker, the chamber could hardly have picked a more deserving honoree. Eli Hertz has been a leader in the personal computer industry for well over a decade. As the founder and President of the Hertz Technology Group, Eli is responsible for the overall management, strategic planning and new product development of one of the most highly successful companies in the industry. The fact that the Hertz computer corporation has won numerous awards for design excellence and outstanding performance and technical support is a testament to Eli's vision and leadership. In addition, Eli is a bestselling author, having written several highly successful books, including ``Now That I Have Os/2 2.0 On My Computer, What Do I Do Next?'', as well as many thoughtful industry- related articles. Eli also authored the chapter on Science and Technology of ``Partners for Change: How U.S.-Israel Cooperation Can Benefit America,'' detailing the promises of technology in Israel. This important book promotes ways in which our two countries can build on our shared values and mutual interests. But Eli doesn't just write about United States-Israel economic cooperation. In 1991, his company established a subsidiary in Israel, and this year the Hertz Technology group's exports to Israel will exceed $2.5 million. Eli is also a director of the Jerusalem-based Har Hotzvim Incubator project for hi-tech start up companies. Eli gives his time freely to many important groups and causes, including his service on the Executive Committee of the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee, as Chairman of the American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, and on the Executive Committee of the America Israel Friendship League. It is indicative of his generous and caring nature that Eli has donated personal computers and computer consulting services to youth and disadvantaged children in this country and overseas. In particular, he contributed computers and technical assistance to three grade schools in Israel and four schools in Morocco. Mr. Speaker, it is always a pleasure to learn that individuals who have given so much to our country and the world will be recognized for the work that they do. So I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Eli Hertz for his well-deserved honor and in wishing him many more years of success.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, before us today is not political theater, as the gentlewoman suggested, but a clear opportunity to vote for gift and lobbying disclosure reform that is exactly like the Senate so it will be passed and sign into law. Let me first stress that this has been a bipartisan fight. There are many Republicans like the gentlewoman from Washington [Mrs. Smith], the gentleman from Connecticut [Mr. Shays] who have courageously taken on their own leadership to convince them to do the right thing, and the right thing is to take these relatively small steps forward to clean our own House. It has been 142 days since the Speaker shook hands with the President in New Hampshire and pledged to act on lobbying reform and campaign finance reform. I cannot understand why the Republican leadership, which took only 100 days to pass the Contract With America, has waited 142 days and still has not fulfilled the commitment of the Speaker's handshake. Mr. Speaker, today it is time to turn the promise of a handshake into the reality of law, and we certainly do not have to wait 16 days until the arbitrary November 16 date of the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Armey]. The proposal before us is not earth-shattering reform. The House has passed an even tougher reform bill twice in the last Congress, and the package is identical to the legislation overwhelmingly passed by the Senate. Is it too much to ask Members to pay for meals over $50?

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise tonight, the last day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to ensure that our attention to the elimination of breast cancer will continue, because one month of awareness is not enough, when over 47,000 women will die this year from breast cancer. Our messages this evening are now without hope. In the last few years we have made substantial progress on breast cancer research, diagnosis and treatment. The gains regarding breast cancer are considerable. In this year's budget alone, well over $400 million is dedicated to breast cancer research. Mammograms have decreased the death rate from breast cancer for women over 50 by 30 percent. Unfortunately the losses relating to breast cancer continue to rise and compel us to continue our battle. In 1983, Madam Speaker, the odds of a woman developing breast cancer were 1 in 10. Today they are 1 in 8. This year there will be 182,000 new cases diagnosed. In New York City alone approximately 8,500 cases of breast cancer will be reported this year, and in the decade of the 1990's, Madam Speaker, estimates say that 1.5 million cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed and nearly 500,000 women will die of this disease. Unfortunately an amendment to the Medicare legislation that would have expanded Medicare to fully cover annual mammograms for Medicare beneficiaries over the age of 49 failed. This denial of services is yet another reason the President must veto the Reconciliation Act and negotiate to have this AMA-approved coverage put back in. Obviously in the interest of all women's lives we need to cut our losses and increase our gains in breast cancer screening, prevention, and treatment. We must work together to eradicate breast cancer, not just raise awareness. To reach that goal we need to fight to insure increased research into the cause of and treatments for breast cancer, improved access for all women to high- quality screening diagnoses, and treatment and inclusion of the wisdom and courage of breast cancer survivors, and the influencing of research clinical trials and national policy. For the approximately 2,750 New York City women who will die this year from breast cancer and the thousand who will be diagnosed, I call on my colleagues to join me in a call to action on breast cancer awareness. Say it, fight it, cure it, fund it. Madam Speaker, I would like to add into the Record two statements from colleagues of mine from the great State of New York who could not be here tonight but who would like their remarks in the record, the gentleman from New York [Mr. King] and the gentleman from New York [Mr. Frisa].

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, in the interests of good health care and good public policy, I urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 1833. In the first 6 months of the 104th Congress, 12 antichoice bills passed. This one, H.R. 1833, is by far the worst. The bottom line is, H.R. 1833 represents an unprecedented politically motivated intrusion into the practice of sound and acceptable clinical medicine. Here are the facts choice opponents purposely ignore. Abortion in late term pregnancy is rare, very rare. Only four one-hundredths of a 1 percent of abortions are performed at 26 weeks. H.R. 1833 provides no exceptions for cases in which the procedure would be necessary to preserve a woman's health or life. The bill presents a direct constitutional challenge to Roe versus Wade. If facts do not convince you, maybe this family's story will. Vickie Smith, a mother of two children, ended a wanted pregnancy because the fetus had abnormalities incompatible with life. A large part of its brain was formed outside the skull. Because Vickie went through the safest procedure available, she was able to have more children. She is now expecting her third child. With the safest procedure known, Vickie could have become infertile or could have died. In the interests of good health and public policy, please vote against H.R. 1833. Do not allow an already cruel situation to be politicized. It is bad public policy and bad medicine.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Chairman, when speaking about Medicare this week, the Speaker said, and I quote, ``Now, we don't get rid of it in round one because we don't think that's politically smart and we don't think that's the right way to go through a transition. But we believe it's going to wither on the vine because we think people are voluntarily going to leave it.'' How can you both be trying to save Medicare and talk about getting rid of it at the same time? The answer is: you cannot. The only true way to save Medicare is to vote against this destructive Republican budget bill. In fact, between the slashes to both Medicare and Medicaid, $50 billion will be torn from New York State's economy over the next 7 years. And $12 billion of that will come directly out of New York City hospitals. These are the same hospitals that are responsible for caring for the citizens of America's largest city; that train a disproportionate number of our next generation of health care professionals; and that conduct cutting-edge research to save and improve our lives. This plan will eliminate 140,000 jobs--everyone from doctors and nurses to janitors--that maintain the quality of health care and training at these institutions. This degradation of our hospitals endangers the health care of every American. However, our seniors and poor children will unfortunately be hurt the most. More than a quarter of New York's children rely on Medicaid funding for their most basic health care needs. This means things like immunizations and regular checkups--care that no child in this country should be denied. Yet the Republican budget will deny that basic care to half-a-million children in New York. That is a disgrace. This same budget will deny SSI payments to 65,000 disabled children in New York, children whose parents are already struggling to make ends meet. Some parents may have to choose between poverty and institutionalizing their children. Our seniors will see their premiums go up more than $400, forcing many to choose between basics like food and health care. After all our parents have done to build this country and give us opportunities, we owe them better than that. Mr. Chairman, this budget is destructive to every New Yorker, and I urge my colleagues to vote against it.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the dedication of the statue honoring Father Jerzy Popieluszko, the young, idealistic priest who was brutally slain in October of 1984. To honor Father Jerzy and the people who built the statue in his honor, a special commemorative mass will be said on Sunday, October 22, at the Stanislaus Kostka Church. The people of Greenpoint, home of the statue, and the members of the Polish-American Congress deserve our support and praise for honoring a man as brave and good as Father Popieluszko. Father Popieluszko lived his life as an outspoken supporter of solidarity and human rights. Twelve years have passed since his death and his name has become a symbol of a heroic battle for truth and justice. Father Popieluszko's funeral was a mass celebration which drew crowds of tens of thousands. His grave is always covered with fresh flowers and surrounded by many people--Poles as well as foreigners who visit Poland. His memory and his statue remind our community of the impact he had on his native Poles and the important message of what he preached and the way of life he showed. Many people have been and continue to be positively changed by his message of truth, justice, and moral strength. The fifth anniversary commemoration at his statue between Bedford Avenue and Nassau Avenue in Greenpoint, Brooklyn will continue what Father Popieluszko did to unify people. His statue and his memory continue to teach us his message of forgiveness in the place of hatred and the importance of truth and courage. Father Popieluszko was born to a poor farming family in 1947, in the village of Okopy, 20 miles from the Soviet border. From early childhood he was deeply religious: he rose every morning at 5 a.m. and walked 3 miles to serve as an altar boy before school. He became a priest in 1972 and worked as a priest for the next 8 years. He was loved by all with whom he worked. Mr. Speaker, it is important that we honor and remember a man who went wherever he was needed and worked hard, even in the face of his own serious illness. The circumstances surrounding Father Popieluszko's abduction and murder are still unclear. But, the spirit of Father Popieluszko has outlived him and is rightfully honored in his statue and the fifth anniversary commemoration of its dedication. Mr. Speaker, I hope all [[Page E 1955]] of my colleagues will join me in honoring Father Popieluszko, the Polish people, and the members of the Polish-American Congress who will honor him on Sunday, October 22.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a wonderful event that will be taking place in my district this weekend. On Saturday, October 14th the Broadway-Astoria Merchants & Professionals Association will be holding their 15th Annual Dinner Dance. This year's dinner dance will pay tribute to Mr. George Delis as the Association's Man of the Year. The life of George Delis is one of those classic American success stories. Born in Greece in 1945, George's parents left Greece to move to the United States when George was still very young. In 1962, the entire Delis family moved from Manhattan to the Astoria section of Queens, and they still live there today. I am proud to represent this wonderful community in the U.S. Congress. George Delis' contributions to Queens are well known throughout the community. After graduation from college, George was hired by the Youth Services Agency as a youth counselor. This marked the beginning of a life devoted to helping out both those in need and the community in which he lives. In 1974, George was appointed to Community Board 1, and was hired as district manager of the board in 1977. George wrote the proposal for the Motion Picture Museum and has worked for the development of the Steinway Industrial area, which in turn became the single largest industrial development in Queens. In addition, George has played a large part in the organization of the Greater Astoria Historical Society, the 30th Avenue Merchants Association, and the Colon Council. He is married to Terri Angelis, a public school teacher from Forest Hills. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending George.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, the recent incidents involving China's proposed nuclear reactor deal with Iran have focused attention once again on Iran and its troubled place in the community of nations. I commend to your attention a thoughtful piece which appeared in the Washington Post, written by Hushang Ansary, a former Iranian Ambassador to the United States and Minister of Finance in the Iranian Government before the ouster of the Shah in 1979. While I do not necessarily agree with or endorse all of Ambassador Ansary's proposals, I believe that he lays out an interesting road map for setting relations between the United States and Iran on a new course. [From the Washington Post, July 9, 1995] Beyond the Great Satan (By Hushang Ansary) THE CLINTON administration has taken a series of steps to further isolate Iran and tighten the economic sanctions that could throttle its economy. If successful, these new U.S. initiatives against the Islamic Republic are likely to have a farreaching impact on the course of events in a region that supplies much of the West's oil needs. At the same time, U.S. failure to win strong international backing for its containment policy would allow Iran to continue its pursuit of a nuclear development program, one that continues to raise questions. President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has retorted that the United States will be the ultimate loser. And so far, America's European allies and Japan have not been supportive. The latest move to raise the stakes in a decade and a half of hostility between the United States and Iran is no surprise. Secretary of State Warren Christopher has called Iran an outlaw state. President Clinton has used his executive authority to nullify an agreement between Iran and Conoco. A more alarming hint was dropped in February by Gen. Binford Peay, commander of the U.S. Forces in the Middle East, that the two countries might even become involved in military conflict. By the time the last of the American hostages returned home from Tehran just over 15 years ago, even the most optimistic knew that the historic friendship between the United States and Iran has suffered a terrible setback. Successive U.S. administrations have pursued policies of accommodation, military pressure and sanctions against Iran. Some of these policies have backfired, [[Page E 1950]] as in the case of the Iran-contra affair. Some have inadvertently provided trading opportunities for others. By and large, this potpourri of U.S. measures has not altered the fundamental positions of Iran. These measures have, however, helped to push Iran toward international isolation and accelerated the pace of its mostly self-inflicted social and economic ills. Even a policy of critical cooperation, advocated by Germany with French support, has not had the desired effect. Now that the Clinton administration and the new Republican majority in Congress appear to agree on placing Iran high on the agenda of U.S. foreign policy, is it not time to address the Iranian dilemma at its roots? The United States may hold to its current course of isolating Iran, but it has to reckon with all the international forces at work on this issue. Russian and Chinese nuclear agreements, and German and Japanese debt refinancings, give evidence of the fragility of the administration's approach. This appears to be a propitious time for a different approach and it is, therefore, worth considering how relations between the United States and Iran might be set on a new course. Iran is now facing mass unemployment, double-digit inflation, falling productivity and massive foreign debt. The value of the Iranian currency, the rial, dropped from 75 to the dollar in 1977 to 6,000 at one point. Iran's GNP per capita is now less than half its 1977 level. Iran is also feeling the weight of diplomatic isolation. Sixteen years after the revolution, the only Western head of state to have paid a visit to Tehran is Kurt Waldheim, the former Austrian president. Economic and governmental disorder have unleashed political forces beyond the control of the radical clergy. In recent months, Iran has faced a number of industrial strikes and anti-government demonstrations. Important social groups, including lawyers, doctors, bazaar merchants, retired military officers, writers and journalists, have publicly challenged the government and its policies. Even the Shiite Muslim clergy, initially the backbone of the revolutionary regime, has asserted its independence. Some senior ayatollahs have said publicly that they would support new policy makers and policies capable of turning the economy around and ending the nation's diplomatic isolation. The constant theme of these dissenting voices is a call for a new political course, one freely chosen by the Iranian people. As the level of dissent rises, there is reason to believe that even some of the more extreme elements of the regime, their customary rhetoric notwithstanding, may now be inclined to consider a plan that would address the country's economic disorder and diplomatic isolation. General elections are scheduled in 1996 and presidential elections in 1997. A workable plan, properly monitored and performance-related, could have a positive effect on these two crucial events. Such a plan should let the people of Iran normalize the state of the nation. At home, it should aim for democracy, respect for human rights and an agreeable quality of life. Abroad, it would need to restore the image of Iran as a responsible member of the United Nations, ready to live in peace with all other nations. In the first phase of such a plan, Iran would have to take appropriate steps, in keeping with its constitution, to dismantle the bureaucracy it created to cope with the problems of the early years of the Islamic revolution. These steps should include the rehabilitation of those unjustly deprived of their civil rights on the basis of their political beliefs, the repeal of laws and regulations that discriminate on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity and faith, and the removal of restrictions, often unconstitutional, on freedom of expression, association and election. The normalization of political life in Iran would facilitate the no less complex task of bringing the country's foreign policy into line with its international obligations. This would, of necessity, include measures to dispel any notion that Iran supports international terrorism and the assassination of dissidents abroad. Iran would also need to cease its campaign against the Middle East peace process, adhere to the now renewed version of the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty and take steps to make credible its announced decision not to acquire nuclear weapons. Iran could also facilitate visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross to prisons where it is alleged that prisoners of conscience and members of religious and ethnic minorities are being held, often without charges being filed. It should allow international human rights organizations access to its officials and open itself to the international media in the normal manner. Linking its response to Iranian performance, the United States would need to give evidence of its own willingness to make positive contributions. First steps would include establishing a timetable for the final settlement of all outstanding claims between the two countries and for the release of the remaining Iranian assets, setting up a procedure in which sanctions against Iran would be lifted in stages and normalizing visa requirements for Iranian nationals visiting the United States. The United States could encourage the formation of a Council on Trade and Economic Cooperation with Iran with the participation of the leaders of the U.S. business community. The United States might also form an appropriate body to advise on various aspects of U.S.-Iranian relations. While policies are obviously formulated by governments, this could help mobilize private resources in the services of the new set of foreign policy objectives as containment gives way to rapprochement. In the next phase, Iran would resume its quest for democracy that started almost 100 years ago. The Iranian people would be given the opportunity to return to the electoral process and the organization of presidential and parliamentary elections in line with the provisions of Iran's constitution. These elections should be open to political parties of all denominations and conducted in a verifiably fair fashion. The last phase of the plan would thus begin in an atmosphere of stability, without which all attempts at reviving Iran's economy through domestic and international cooperation will remain tentative and fragile. At this point, the Council on Trade and Economic Cooperation with Iran, having completed its initial studies, would be in a position to sponsor a series of conferences designed to help Iran reintegrate into the world-economy and to realize its economic potential, estimated to reach $100 billion in annual trade and economic opportunities. The stage could thus be set for the Middle East to open a chapter in regional economic cooperation--possibly including Central Asia, which hungers for peace and development--an enterprise that could foster opportunities not dissimilar to those in the Pacific Rim nations. Moderate Arab nations too would be helped to accelerate the pace of their social and economic transformation, and the way would be paved for a more constructive relationship between the West and the world of Islam as a whole. Is this farfetched? It is no more farfetched than the thought of a visit to Jerusalem by President Anwar Sadat of Egypt in the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War or the thought in the mid-1980s that the Berlin Wall could be brought down before the end of that decade. The Middle East has always dealt with logjams that block the normal course of its politics through courageous steps that have defied conventional wisdom. History belongs to those who do not merely contemplate the sour aspects of present reality, but labor with persistence to give birth to new possibilities of hope.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring recognition to the Greenpoint World War II 50-Year Commemorative Day, October 21, 1995. The St. Stanislaus Memorial Post 1771, Kings County's largest American Legion will honor all veterans of Greenpoint on this day. Veterans of the United States involved in any war or conflict will be honored while World War II veterans will be a focus of these observances. Since the Civil War, Greenpoint maintains the exclusive honor of defending this Nation's freedom throughout the years with the largest number of resident representatives compared to similar urban communities anywhere in the United States. As World War II festivities honoring D-day, V-E Day, V-J Day, and signing of unconditional surrender by all aggressive nations wind to a memorable conclusion, the Greenpoint World War II 50-Year Commemorative Day will include over 13 hours of events including outdoor ceremonies, recognition of honored guests, recitation of patriotic letters and poems, an explanation of the proper flag presentation. Boy and Girl Scouts of the Greenpoint community will demonstrate flag presentations; and patriotic music will be played throughout the day by the John Erickson Junior High School (P.S. 126) band. Acknowlegment of all Greenpoint veterans will be completed by playing of military theme songs and acknowledgment of every veteran in attendance. Mr. Speaker, the show of community pride in this thank you to their veterans deserves our praise and notice. I am proud to represent the people of Greenpoint and other fine neighborhoods of northern Brooklyn, and I am also very pleased to offer recognition to the St. Stanislaus Memorial Post 1771's World War II 50-Year Commemorative Day.

Mrs. MALONEY

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the People's Firehouse, Inc. which is celebrating its 20th anniversary of service to the Williamsburg and Greenpoint communities of northern Brooklyn this November. PFI was founded when, in November of 1975, the city of New York announced that it would close fire engine company 212. The threatened loss of prevention services brought the people of north Brooklyn together to form the People's Firehouse. In an act of courage rising out of concern for their community, residents entered the firehouse and refused to leave. They held the firetruck hostage and, for 16 months, lived and worked in the fire station, all the while pressuring the city to reopen engine company 212. One official called off attempts to remove the protesters from the firehouse saying that the fire station was now ``the people's firehouse.'' The name stuck and after much negotiation, engine company 212 was reopened as a fully operational fire station. Those involved in the firehouse situation decided to form a permanent organization to assist their community, and, this year, the People's Firehouse, Inc. a Housing and Community Development Co., celebrates its 20th anniversary. Mr. Speaker, PFI offers a number of services to the community deserving of recognition. PFI provides legal rights outreach and mediation services to tenants, landlords and the homeless; housing management programs; and housing preservation and development. Seniors and immigrants are given special assistance in English, Spanish and Polish. PFI manages 16 buildings consisting of 141 residential units. The NYC Housing Preservation and Development Community Management Program provided funding for PFI to renovate and manage previously abandoned, city-owned buildings. Since beginning contracting with Housing Preservation and Development in 1979, PFI has rehabilitated nine city-owned buildings and later sold them to the tenants as limited equity cooperatives. As if their housing and citizen-outreach programs were not enough, the PFI has received fire and arson prevention funding from the U.S. Fire Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the New York Department of State, and the mayor's office arson strike force. The PFI also offers a weatherization assistance program; participates in historic restoration; strengthens the Northside Merchants Association with marketing assistance, store renovation and a matching grant program; improves streets with the Bedford Avenue street reconstruction project; and engages in protection of the environment. Mr. Speaker, the 20 years of service to the community provided by PFI deserve our recognition and praise. PFI takes great pride in its community and responds to the needs of its citizens throughout Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Northside and Southside. One of PFI's most recent projects includes youth job training and establishment of the People's School which offers programs designed to address issues of unemployment, poverty and neighborhood stabilization. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognition of the People's Firehouse Inc.'s 20 years of service to its community. At a time when many argue that neighborhoods and any ``sense of community'' no longer exist--PFI strives to find more and more ways to serve its citizenry.