Carolyn McCarthy

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am a freshman, and one of the things that we first did when we first got here, freshmen Republicans and Democrats, we tried to work together on campaign finance reform. We wanted to make a difference. Tonight what is going on is wrong, only because there are a lot of good bills out there that could make a difference. We have to go home and face the people and they do not understand. To be very honest with you, when I am working with people and they are thinking that because someone comes in to lobby me I am getting money out of this, I do not like it. I have a campaign coming up. I do not want to have to raise the amount of money I have to raise. I think it is obscene. I would rather see it go to education and health care. I think our businesses and people would rather see the money go there also. I hope tonight does not end the debate. I am hoping we will truly get finance campaign reform before I retire from this place.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in support of school construction. I believe that the best way to give young people the chance to succeed in life is to ensure that they have a quality education. I spend every Monday and Friday in the schools on Long Island, talking with students, teachers, principals, superintendents, and parents about how we can make the education system work better. In visiting these schools, I see teachers and students who are committed to education. And these visits show me that we have great schools on Long Island. But these visits also show that many of the buildings in which our students learn are inadequate, overcrowded, and in poor condition. Mr. Speaker, what kind of message do we send kids about reading when their libraries have no books? What message do we send to our teachers about teaching when their classrooms are overcrowded and run-down? And what message do we give to the world about our ability to compete globally when our computers are hopelessly outdated? These problems were repeated in many of the schools I visited across Long Island--overcrowded classrooms, leaky roofs, broken doors, poor heating and bad ventilation systems. And this surprised me. I thought as many others do that this was an urban problem. Well, I was very wrong. I decided to find out the true extent of the problem. Last Fall, I sent out a survey to every Superintendent in my District, asking them about the physical condition of their schools--the age of the buildings, whether they needed renovations, the quality of the roofs, the windows and the walls, and whether they had access to the Internet. The response was overwhelming and insightful. Twenty three percent of schools say that additional space is a top problem and 44 percent said that classes are held in other areas. After the survey results were in, I visited the Washington Rose School, a school that reported many problems. I toured the facility with the principal, superintendent, and parents. And I talked with wonderful, bright children who are very eager to learn--but stuck in a school with physical problems. In fact, one of the most serious was the speech teacher's office--a small desk with two chairs out in the stairwell. I thought to myself, how can any child work through a learning disability in the stairwell, with other children passing by? Who is to blame for these problems? I have spoken with the principals, superintendents, teachers and the parents in my district. They are committed to making their school buildings the very best they can be. But it is expensive to rebuild and repair schools. And local money is simply not available. School construction and renovation affect every corner of the nation, and each child in school now demands our attention. If we provide funds for school construction, then we will send a clear message to our young people that, yes, we do care about your education, and, yes, we do want you to learn in the best environment possible. We can do no less for our children.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening in support of women business owners, particularly small business owners on Long Island. Small Businesses are the backbone of the economy in my district on Long Island. As of 1996, there are over 527,000 women-owned businesses in New York, employing nearly 1.4 million people and generating $205.6 billion in sales. Since 1987, Census figures indicate that the number of New York women-owned firms increased by 39%, employment increased by 78% and sales grew by 100%. Women owned firms account for over one-third (36%) of all firms in New York, provide employment for 26% of New York's workers, and generate 14% of the state's business sales. I am proud to inform you that New York ranks third out of the 50 states in the number of women-owned firms as of 1996, second in employment, and second in sales. These statistics indicate the enormous power of women in the small business community. And the benefits to women are not only financial. Women-owned businesses are more likely than all businesses to offer flex-time, tuition reimbursement, and, profit sharing as employee benefits. And by owning their own business, women gain control over their own fate. This sense of pride and self-sufficiency are vital as more former welfare recipients move into the workforce. We need to encourage this dynamic and innovative segment of the business economy. While women owned businesses have made significant strides, they still face many obstacles. Yesterday, I attended a public affairs breakfast hosted by the Long Island Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. This association, along with others like the Women Economic Developers of Long Island, plays an important role in encouraging women small business development. As we discussed at the meeting, the major problem women business owners face is the lack of capital investment available to them. As a member of the Small Business Committee, I am working hard to expand capital investment opportunities to women business owners. I was pleased that the Small Business Association's 1999 budget request contained significant increases for the microloan program, the traditional funding source for women entrepreneurs. In addition, the budget requests increased funding for Women Business Centers. These centers were established in 1988 as a demonstration project to provide long- term training, counseling and technical assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged women and have been very successful. We need to expand these centers so that women across the country have access to these important resources. Mr. Chairman, small business is the future of our nation's economy and women are at the forefront of this field. It is our responsibility to encourage and expand women's business opportunities as they lead small businesses into the 21st century.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate and honor Anna DeMartino of Melverne, New York who received The 1998 Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Anna attained her exemplary recognition for her fundraising campaign at school for a family affected by domestic violence. With the money raised, Anna purchased winter gloves, hats, toys and stuffed animals, and wrapped them herself. She delivered the goods to a local domestic violence coalition who, in turn, distributed the contributions to a family adversely touched by domestic violence. Despite statistics that indicate Americans are less involved in their communities now than previously, it is vital we encourage and support the kind of selfless contributions such as Anna DeMartino. We must all think how we can ensure the health and vitality of our communities. Young volunteers like Anna provide inspiring examples. Anna DeMartino should be extremely proud to have been singled out from such a large group of dedicated volunteers. I heartily applaud Anna for her selfless initiative and contribution to the community. She demonstrated a level of commitment and accomplishment truly extraordinary in today's world, and deserves our sincere admiration and respect. Anna demonstrates that young Americans can--and do--play important roles in our communities, and that America's community spirit continues to hold tremendous promise for the future.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I wish to join my colleagues from Long Island in honoring the accomplishments of a distinguished public servant, State Senator Norman J. Levy. Senator Levy recently passed away, leaving behind a strong legacy of commitment and dedication to the State of New York and Long Island in particular. Norman J. Levy was well known and respected by the people of Nassau County. He was born on January 24, 1931 in Rockville Center, New York and attended elementary school in Lynbrook and Malverne. After receiving degrees from Bucknell University and Brooklyn Law School, Mr. Levy began his career of service to the American people by joining the U.S. Army as a Chief Legal Clerk to the Army Staff Judge Advocate from 1954 to 1956. In 1958, Norman Levy became the first law intern of the Nassau County District Attorney's office and moved-up to become Assistant District Attorney of Nassau County in 1959. In 1962, he was appointed Chief of the Nassau County Rackets Bureau where he fought organized crime until being elected to the New York Senate in 1970. While representing the people of Nassau County in the Senate, Senator Levy distinguished himself as a true leader. He served as Chairman of the Committee on Labor and later as Chairman of the Committee on Transportation. He also served as Chairman of the Senate Task Force on Drunk Driving. Chairman Levy became a nationally recognized advocate for safety by sponsoring anti-DWI legislation and highway safety laws, including our nation's first mandatory seat-belt law. Mr. Speaker, we will miss Senator Levy. And we will remember him fondly as a champion in the fight for safety and the fight against crime. Through his dedication and commitment, he made Long Island, and the whole State of New York, a safer and better place for our families.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my fellow Americans to demonstrate my pride in all the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces by observing Veterans Day. Officially designated in 1938 as ``A National Day of Remembrance,'' commemorating the end of World War I, this special day is now deeply embedded in our Nation's tradition and culture. It is a day that generates a myriad of feelings and activities. Many of us will make a special effort to say ``thank you'' to our fathers and mothers, uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, friends and colleagues for their service in America's Armed Forces. Others of us will make a sacred pilgrimage to a national cemetery in order to give thanks for the lives of our beloved soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who have died in service to America. These are appropriate and important ways to recognize Veterans Day-- because all of these choices are available to us only because of the commitment and sacrifice of the millions of men and women who have, with great pride and honor, worn the uniform of the United States of America. They, more than any of us, know that they served so that the rest of us can fully enjoy the fruits of their sacrifice and endeavors--so that the rest of us can live and thrive in a country deeply and securely grounded in freedom and liberty. Americans have traditionally remembered all the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces by building majestic and moving monuments in their honor. These impressive structures stand as strong symbols of our national appreciation for the courage and heroism of our Armed Forces. But these magnificent memorials and statues are not enough to fullfill our Nation's commitment to our veterans. In order to carry out our national responsibility, America has, since the earliest days of our republic, given life to the many impressive memorials by also providing programs and benefits designed to touch and enhance the lives of our veterans. We remember and honor our veterans when we assist them in their readjustment to the civilian community by offering GI bill education benefits and job-search assistance; when we provide compensation payments to those with service connected disabilities and when we provide health care for sick and injured veterans through the VA medical care system. These programs and benefits, which give life to our national commitment to veterans, must be maintained and perfected. They are tangible symbols of our respect for, and gratitude to, those who serve on our behalf in the armed services. Accordingly, we must ensure that veterans' programs and benefits continue to effectively fulfill their purposes--and to ensure that the funding necessary to accomplish this goal is provided. Perhaps the best way to show our appreciation to our veterans, who have sustained and protected us during times of both war and peace, is by exercising our most precious freedoms--voting, worshipping, traveling where and when we want, and expressing our opinions freely. We owe all these freedoms to our veterans. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our veterans and encourage the rest of the nation to do the same.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Deborah Stevens Modica, who was sworn in as a judge on October 17, 1997. Mrs. Stevens Modica has represented the people as a prosecutor in the offices of the district attorney in New York for nearly 20 years, and, in light of the recent implementation of the death penalty in my State, has become the expert in New York and one of the top experts across the country on this issue. A graduate of Fordham University and Fordham Law School, Mrs. Stevens Modica was admitted to the bar in 1978 and has since worked diligently to rise through the ranks in the district attorney's office. Starting in Queens, she moved from a researcher in appeals bureau to trial lawyer on the supreme court, major offense and homicide bureaus to chief of the appeals bureau from 1978 to 1989. In 1990, she moved on to the district attorney's office of Kings County, where she started as the chief of the supreme court bureau. Her work there earned her a promotion to executive assistant district attorney in 1991. In 1995, she was promoted yet again to deputy district attorney. Her extensive knowledge of the justice legal system continued to grow, gradually catching the eye and gaining the respect of experts in the law profession across the country. In addition to her mastery of law, she is a generous woman, devoting hours of time each month to the Adopt-A-School program which teaches fifth grade students how the legal system works. She was instrumental in successfully implementing this program in the schools in Brooklyn after a study proved that children 10 years old are at the most impressionable age in making decisions about the law. Most amazingly, Mrs. Stevens Modica raised five daughters ranging in age 5 to 27. Her perseverance in work, the community, and family has undoubtedly paid off, as evidenced by her appointment as judge to the criminal court in the city of New York. My warmest regards to Her Honor, Judge Deborah Stevens Modica.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 2 of rule IX, I hereby give notice of my intention to offer a resolution which raises a question of the privilege of the House. The form of the resolution is as follows: Whereas, Loretta Sanchez was issued a certificate of election as the duly elected Member of Congress from the 46th District of California by the Secretary of State of California and was seated by the U.S. House of Representatives on January 7, 1997; and Whereas A Notice of Contest of Election was filed with the Clerk of the House by Mr. Robert Dornan on December 26, 1996; and Whereas the Task Force on the Contested Election in the 46th District of California met on February 26, 1997 in Washington, D.C. on April 19, 1997 in Orange County, California and October 24, 1997 in Washington, D.C.; and Whereas the allegations made by Mr. Robert Dornan have been largely found to be without merit: charges of improper voting from a business, rather than a resident address; underage voting; double voting; and charges of unusually large number of individuals voting from the same address. It was found that voting from the same address included a Marines barracks and the domicile of nuns, that business addresses were legal residences for the individuals, including the zoo keeper of the Santa Ana zoo, that duplicate voting was by different individuals and those accused of underage voting were of age; and Whereas the Committee on House Oversight has issued unprecedented subpoenas to the Immigration and Naturalization Service to compare their records with Orange County voter registration, records, the first time in any election in the history of the United States that the INS has been asked by Congress to verify the citizenship of voters; and Whereas the INS has complied with the Committee's request and, at the Committee's request, has been doing a manual check of its paper files and providing worksheets containing supplemental information on that manual check to the Committee on House Oversight for over five months; and Whereas the Committee on House Oversight, subpoenaed the records seized by the District Attorney of Orange County on February 13, 1997 and has received and reviewed all records pertaining to registration efforts of that group; and Whereas the House Oversight Committee is now pursuing a duplicate and dilatory review of materials already in the Committees possession by the Secretary of State of California; and Whereas the Task Force on the Contested Election in the 46th District of California and the Committee have been reviewing these materials and has all the information it needs regarding who voted in the 46th District and all the information it needs to make judgements concerning those votes; and Whereas the Committee on House Oversight has after over nine months of review and investigation failed to present credible evidence to change the outcome of the election of Congresswoman Sanchez and is pursuing never ending and unsubstantiated areas of review; and Whereas, Contestant Robert Dornan has not shown or provided credible evidence that the outcome of the election is other than Congresswomen Sanchez's election to the Congress; and Whereas U.S. taxpayers have spent over $500,000 on this investigation--money that could have provided immunizations for 3,000 children; and Whereas the Committee on House Oversight should complete its review of this matter and bring this contest to an end and now therefore be it; Resolved, That unless the Committee on House Oversight has sooner reported a recommendation for its final disposition, the contest in the 46th District of California is dismissed upon the expiration of November 7, 1997.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We are facing a national epidemic. Breast Cancer is the leading cause of death for women between the ages of 35 and 52. Approximately 1 in 9 women in the United States will develop breast cancer. Every 3 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and every 12 minutes a woman will die of breast cancer. Our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends deserve better. We must find a cure for this disease. In order to find a cure, scientists need to better understand this multi-factorial disease. While important discoveries have been made like the breast cancer gene which accounts for 10% of breast cancer cases, there is still a great deal more to learn. One factor particularly significant on Long Island is the appearance of clusters, high incidence of breast cancer in one geographic area. On Long Island, 110 out of every 100,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer compared to 100 out of every 100,000 women in New York State. Scientists suspect that breast cancer clusters are linked with toxins and other chemical substances present in the environment. In 1993, Congress authorized the National Institute of Health to conduct the Long Island Breast Cancer Study (LIBSCP). This project brings together scientists and breast cancer patients for a comprehensive study to explore the possible connection between environmental toxins and breast cancer. Until we find a cure for breast cancer, we must increase our efforts for diagnosis and treatment. Regular mammography screening is vital for early detection of the disease and all women 40 years old or older should receive an annual mammogram. Last week, I had the opportunity to visit a Mobile Breast Cancer Unit that provides mammograms for underserved women in my district and I was impressed with the number of women who visited the unit in one afternoon. This kind of outreach is the best way to target women in all communities for early detection. For the one women of nine diagnosed with breast cancer, quality medical care is essential. This year, Congress introduced several pieces of legislation to assist breast cancer patients, such as minimum stay requirements for mastectomies, mandatory insurance coverage of second opinions and reconstructive surgery. Today, early detection together with quality treatment is the best way to cope with this disease. Breast Cancer Awareness month is an opportunity to educate women about breast cancer and to promote awareness, research and quality treatment in the United States. I look forward to the day when we have a cure and this month is no longer necessary.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, as you can hear from all of our colleagues, Walter Capps, Congressman Walter Capps, was a wonderful person. Again, I am a freshman, and I can remember meeting him for the first time during orientation. I was scared during those days, because it was the first time that I had come here to try and work and do the people's work, and I remember sitting next to Walter, and he kind of saw me shaking and said, ``Are you okay?'' I said I don't know. I hope I can do this job. And he goes, Carolyn, you got here. You will do it, and you will do it fine. Well, we are here almost 11 months and Walter had become my teacher, and for that I thank him. I loved walking from the halls to here while we would talk about what was going on in our lives and what was going on back in our district. For those things, I thank him for very deeply. The one thing about Walter, he was a quiet man, but he was a giant. We have had a lot of extremely important people here, and more important people will come and do great things. Walter would have been one of those people. We will never know. Yesterday, I was going over my desk and I saw that I had signed on on a bill with Walter, because he was always working to try to make life better for people. I think all of our colleagues will work to make sure his name is on that bill and that bill will pass. That will be our legacy to Walter and to his family. I thank you so much. We will all miss Walter.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, October 24, I had the pleasure of attending the wedding of my son Kevin and daughter-in- law Leslie. Consequently, I was unable to vote on rollcall votes 526 through 531. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote 526; ``yes'' on rollcall vote 527; ``yes'' on rollcall No. 528; ``no'' on rollcall 529; ``no'' on rollcall No. 530; ``yes'' on rollcall vote 531.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to salute the important work of certified nurse-midwives. The week of October 5 through October 11 is National Midwifery Week honoring the professionals who dedicate their lives to this noble calling. As a nurse and a mother, I recognize the need for safe and satisfying health care for women and newborns. Investing in the health care of women and children is essential to the future of our country and should be of paramount importance to our society. The lack of primary health care providers for women has fueled the rise in the U.S. infant mortality and low-birthweight rates. Certified nurse-midwives, in caring for women and their babies, have made outstanding contributions in reducing infant mortality and low-birthweight rates by making accessible quality care to women. Certified nurse-midwives take a personalized approach to women's health, offering a full scope of care including maternity, well-woman gynecological, and family planning care. Their efforts to bring quality care to an often underserved population are to be commended. The American College of Nurse-Midwives has declared the theme of this year's National Midwifery Week to be ``Listen to Women.'' I encourage my fellow legislators and all citizens to take this opportunity to learn more about nurse-midwifery and the important work they perform.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedication, public service, and patriotism of Col. Ronald T. Kelly, U.S. Air Force, on the occasion of his retirement after a career of faithful service to our Nation. Col. Ron Kelly's strong commitment to excellence will leave a lasting impact on the vitality and capability of our Air Force war fighters. This commitment and the manner in which he fulfilled it commands admiration and respect from his military and civilian colleagues alike. Colonel Kelly, a 1970 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy is serving his last assignment in the Air Force as Chief of the Air Force Special Operations Division, Directorate of Operations and Training, Deputy Chief of Staff Air and Space Operations, in the Pentagon. After he completed undergraduate navigator training as a distinguished graduate in 1971, he flew as a C-130 squadron navigator at Forbes AFB, KS, in the 48th Tactical Airlift Squadron. In 1972 he was selected to upgrade to an MC-130 combat Talon navigator and served in the 1st Special Operations Squadron, Kadena AB, Japan until December 1973. From 1974 to 1976 he was an instructor navigator at Mather AFB, CA, flying the T-29 and T-43 aircraft. He attended the School of Engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright Patterson AFB, OH, and received a master's of science degree in astronautical engineering in 1977. He followed with a directed duty assignment to Sunnyvale AFS, CA where he became the Deputy Mission Director for Low Altitude Satellite Programs at the Air Force Satellite Control Facility. He returned to flying duties in special operations in 1981 and became operations officer for the 8th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, FL, flying the MC-130E. From 1985 to 1986 he attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Fort McNair and was subsequently assigned to the Pentagon in 1986. He served as the special operations programmer on the Air Staff and was the primary implementer for major force program 11 for the Air Force. In November 1987 he was selected to be the first military assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict. While in this office, he worked as the Assistant for Resources and Assistant for Logistics. In 1991 he returned to Hulburt Field, FL, as the Director of Acquisition Management for Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command where he supervised the acquisition of Air Force resources in support of special operations. He was assigned to his present job as the Chief of the Special Operations Division in August 1993. Colonel Kelly is a master navigator with over 4,000 hours total flight time of which 380 hours were in combat. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. He has also been awarded the Senior Missileman Badge. He is married to the former Pamela Stark of Sacramento, CA. They have a daughter Erin who is a freshman at James Madison University and a son Sean who is a freshman at Oakton High. Our Nation, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Air Force, and his family can truly be proud of the colonel's many accomplishments. He is a true gentleman of extraordinary talent and integrity. While his honorable service will be genuinely missed in the Department of Defense, it gives me great pleasure to recognize Col. Ronald T. Kelly before my colleagues and wish him all of our best in his future endeavors.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order against section 518 on page 80 because it proposes to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriations bill, and, therefore, violates clause 2 of rule XXI. The rule states in pertinent part no amendment to a general appropriations bill shall be in order if in changing law. The amendment does not apply solely to the appropriations under consideration. I am asking for a ruling from the Chair.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, if section 518 were passed as part of the Treasury and Postal Operations Appropriation bill, I believe the result would be an increase in gun violence and increased danger to the lives and safety of our Nation's police officers. Section 518 would effectively allow foreign governments to resell millions of dangerous, high-powered M1 carbine semiautomatic weapons, M-1 garand rifles, and .45 caliber M1911 pistols in the United States as curios and relics. Importing such high-powered weapons would flood the U.S. gun market, thereby lowering the price of these military weapons, making them more affordable for dangerous criminals. Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney introduced legislation earlier this year that would help keep our streets safe by permanently banning the importation of these military weapons. The point of order offered today will only prevent the importation of such weapons for 1 year. It is time for Congress to follow Mr. Kennedy's leadership and pass his bill to provide protection for America's families and police officers by ending the importation of these high-powered military weapons once and for all. If anyone thinks that these curios and relics are not dangerous and should be imported freely into the United States, I would like to draw their attention to two critical facts. First, with the addition of three inexpensive pieces of hardware, the M-1 carbine--a semiautomatic weapon--can be easily converted into an automatic submachine gun with the potential of firing up to 30 rounds in a matter of seconds. This would effectively squash any rapid response law enforcement officers could ever hope to give. Second, in the last several years, police officers have been killed and crimes committed at an alarming rate by these dangerous weapons. Nine officers have lost their lives to these so-called relics since 1990. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, nearly 2,000 M-1 garand rifles and M1911 pistols were traced to crime scenes in 1995 and 1996. In New York, 71 of these so-called curios and relics were linked to crimes committed during the past 2 years. Foreign governments should not be allowed to profit off of our misery. We need to make sure that we put a stop to that while trying to reduce gun violence. It is bad policy to allow anyone, including our own Government, to profit off of the agony and pain of others. Gun violence takes a serious financial toll on our society and on our Nation's healthcare system. According to a May 1997 Violence Policy Center study, firearm injuries cost society approximately $20.4 billion in 1990. Of that figure, at least $17.4 billion represents the value of lost productivity due to premature deaths. According to the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, direct healthcare expenditures for firearm- related injuries in the United States in 1995 was $4 billion. This figure is high because firearm wounds are the most costly injuries to treat. Aside from the physical healing that takes place after gun violence there is also the emotional healing. Gun violence leaves families in shambles. It leaves the loved-ones to pick up the pieces of their lives and an empty hole in the hearts of family and friends that can never again be filled. I know from my own experience that gun violence can completely alter the course of a person's life--it did mine. Congress shouldn't allow foreign countries to dump their weapons in our country. We all know what happens when high-powered weapons fall into the hands of the wrong people. Although some may consider these weapons collectors' items, they are lethal weapons. We need to permanently end the importation of these weapons.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise to a point of order.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on September 15, 1997, our Nation will celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month to commemorate the achievements of Hispanic-Americans. Since the foundation of this Nation was laid, Hispanics have played an active role in determining the direction of our country. From Joseph Marion Hernandez, the first Latino Member of Congress, sworn into office in 1822, to Bill Richardson, ambassador to the United Nations, Hispanics have made their voices heard. In politics, it was Senator Joseph Montoya of New Mexico and Congressman Edward R. Roybal of California who played an active role in getting the Voting Rights Act of 1965 signed into law. They pushed to get rid of a poll tax which kept many Hispanic and other minorities from voting. Because of their perseverance, today all individuals are able to vote. In recent years, Hispanics, in increasing numbers, have been appointed as state officials, cabinet secretaries, mayors, county and municipal officials, and school board members. In 1988 Lauro Cavazos became the first Hispanic Cabinet Member when former President Ronald Reagan appointed him Secretary of Education. Other political appointees include Katherine Ortega who was appointed U.S. Treasurer under Ronald Reagan; Henry Cisneros who became the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton; and Antonio C. Novello who, in 1990, became the Nation's first Hispanic surgeon general. Today, there are 19 Hispanic Members represented in the 105th Congress, two of which represent New York. Hispanics are also making great strides in education. Since 1990, an ever-growing number of Hispanics have pursued higher education. Hispanic organizations such as the American GI Forum of the United States and the League of United Latin American Citizens have contributed to this influx. Thanks to these organizations and the dedicated individuals who run them, more Hispanics are becoming doctors, lawyers, scientists, teachers, and business owners throughout the Nation. Franklin Chan-Diaz spoke to TV viewers from the space shuttle Columbia in 1986, becoming the first Hispanic to enter space. In 1995, Mario Molino shared the Nobel Prize in chemistry for work that led to an international ban on chemicals contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer. The cultural contributions Hispanic-Americans have made in literature, music, art, television, and athletics are also overwhelming. Who can forget the harmonious sound of Gloria Estefan's voice at the 1996 summer Olympic games? Or Roberto Clemente, one of America's greatest baseball players, who in 1973 was the first Hispanic to ever be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame? These men and women are only a few examples of the thousands of Hispanic- Americans who have dedicated their lives to making this country as wonderful as it is. I invite all people, Hispanics and non-Hispanics alike, to take part in the festivities of Hispanic Heritage Month beginning on September 15, 1997 and ending on October 15, 1997. Through this celebration, individuals will have the opportunity to educate themselves about Hispanic culture and all that it has meant to America. Throughout our history, Hispanic-Americans have left an indelible mark. Hispanic- Americans have helped make this country a true melting pot, one which combines different backgrounds for the enrichment of the American soul.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Engel-McCarthy amendment to the Labor-HHS bill. Our amendment would provide $100,000 to the Department of Education to provide up-to-date information about financial aid and scholarships on its Website. I am a big believer in education. If we can make higher education accessible to more young people, then we will provide them with more opportunities and more hope for the future. What has us all worried is the cost of a college education is rising every year. I spend every Monday and Friday visiting the schools in my district. The students I talk to tell me they are depending upon scholarships and other kinds of aid to help pay for college. The World Wide Web has placed a lot of reliable information about scholarships at the fingertips of these students. But the Internet also is being used by scam artists and conmen to fool students. These scam artists establish Websites with official sounding names. They use hard sell tactics like time limits, excessive hype to throw students off guard, and they promise students guaranteed scholarships if they pay up front fees. Many young people have been lured into these Websites and after paying their money they have learned that there are no scholarships. This is wrong and it is time we did something about it. The Engel- McCarthy amendment would provide the Education Department with the money it needs to broaden its Internet site. This will give more students and their parents access to legitimate information about scholarships and financial aid. It will warn students about Websites that are frauds. This small investment will move us toward our goal of making sure that a college education is in reach of more Americans. It will keep kids from wasting their money on fake scholarships. I urge my colleagues to support the Engel-McCarthy amendment. I would like to thank the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Porter] and certainly the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Obey] for supporting us on this.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, beginning with our first weeks of orientation, I believed this freshman class was a class that could work together. We wanted to talk together about the different points of why we ran. I have to say, working with my freshman class, one of the things that we both agreed on was campaign finance reform. Mr. Speaker, we have to do campaign finance reform. I do not want to waste my time trying to raise money. I want to do the people's work. We are not in the majority here. There are a number of freshman Republicans and Democrats who want to bring a bill on to the floor for campaign finance reform. Please, allow this to happen now so that we can have faith in the American people and they can have faith in us. Mr. Speaker, it is time to do it now.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the families of those caught in the senseless bombing that shattered the fragile peace and security to which so many in Israel cling. Yesterday, three suicide bombers entered the main pedestrian area in Jerusalem and within minutes of each other set off three bombs killing themselves and three and injuring at least 165. The injury toll is still climbing. Watching the carnage, I shuddered how just last week I had walked down some of the very same streets where this violent attack occurred. In fact, I shopped at the stores located in this crowded area and spoke with the shopkeepers about the recent United States warning against travel to Israel. Those streets are crowded with tourists from around the world; residents out for a stroll or enjoying a quiet lunch, and students. Within walking distance of this area is the hotel where I stayed. Senseless and cowardly acts of terrorism like this bombing must stop. They do nothing to advance peace in the Middle East. This time, apologies like those given after the July 30 bombing will never bring about a peaceful resolution. The Palestinian Authority must honor its solemn promise to combat terrorism. If this does not happen, America will be forced to reconsider its willingness to deal with the Palestinian Authority. Knowing how it feels to have your life turned upside down by violence, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies and ask the American people to keep the families of those injured and killed in their prayers.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to express my deep sorrow over the tragic events that occurred in Jerusalem. Yesterday morning, a marketplace crowded with women, children, and elderly men was rocked by two explosions set off by Arab extremists. When the smoke cleared, 13 people lay dead and another 150 were wounded. Two others have since died in the hospital. This suicide bombing was the worst terrorist attack since Prime Minister Netanyahu came to office 1 year ago. Not only has this explosion taken a deadly toll on human life, it has also brought an abrupt halt to the already fragile peace process. This time, mere condolences and expressions of regret by PLO Chairman Arafat will not be enough to get the peace process back on track. There is no excuse for this barbarous act and there must be no tolerance of this kind of inhumanity. It is time for the Palestinians to take concrete steps to fight terrorism and work toward peace. That is why I support the resolution adopted by the House condemning the terrorist attack in Jerusalem, expressing the solidarity of the Congress and the American people with the grieving families and people of Israel and calling on Arafat to begin in earnest a war against the assassins of people and peace in Israel. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the dead and injured and offer my prayers and support for peace in Israel.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Reclaiming my time, I thank the gentlewoman; and I want her to know, as a new Member, I did not know anything about agriculture, and now I see it working in my community and feeding our elderly and our children and our women.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the time. Of the $141 million provided for the commodity assistance program, I understand that the committee intends $96 million specifically for the commodity supplement food program, CSFP, to ensure that there is no reduction in current caseload. Is this correct?

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to WHLI AM, a radio station in Garden City, LI, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary of broadcasting on July 22. WHLI can be found at 1100 on the AM dial with a format of adult sophisticated music, including oldies by the original artists. Long Islanders enjoy music spanning the spectrum from Benny Goodman to Celine Dion; Frank Sinatra to Barbra Streisand, every day. Program Director and legendary radio personality Dean Anthony heads up this radio station, which for 50 years has also been a strong voice for the Long Island community. Informative news programming adds to the appeal of WHLI, which broadcasts at 10,000 watts, making it easily heard by all in the Nassau County area. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues who may find themselves on Long Island to tune their radio dials into WHLI 1100 AM and listen to this terrific radio station, a true Long Island tradition. A hearty congratulation to the wonderful staff of WHLI on the occasion of their 50th anniversary. Here's to 50 more.