Karen McCarthy

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my concerns about the funding levels in this bill for the National Endowment for the Arts. I am disappointed that this bill is substantially less than the President's budget request. While I am pleased that the bill requires the NEA to give priority in granting funds for educational projects, I am particularly disappointed that the bill does not include funds for a new program, Challenge America, which includes arts education, youth-at-risk programs, cultural heritage preservation, and community arts partnerships. As a former schoolteacher, I believe that a key solution to youth violence and a key component to youth development is access to the arts in schools. If we are serious about curtailing youth violence, it is imperative that adequate funding be provided to bring music and art to our children. If the Challenge America program is funded, state arts agencies would receive 40 percent of these funds, and at least 1,000 communities nationwide will benefit. Research has shown that arts programs can have a very positive effect on our youth, helping to increase academic achievement and decrease delinquent behavior. Children who are exposed to arts perform 30 percent better academically. High-risk elementary students who participated in an arts program for 1 year gained 8 percentile points on standardized language arts tests. The Smart Symphonies program initiated by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences provides free CDs of classical music for infants in response to findings that show, among other things, that early exposure to classical music increases a child's ability to learn math and science. In Missouri's fifth district, the Young Audiences Arts Partners Program integrates community arts resources into the curriculum of participating school districts, with a focus on not only teaching students to appreciate the arts, but also on talking about issues that the arts raise in healthy, nonjudgmental ways. Let us make a commitment to our children to provide them with the tools they need to be responsible citizens in a democracy, to make good, informed choices, to live in peace with their neighbors and coworkers, and to enjoy life to its fullest. Let us begin to show our commitment to our children by prioritizing funding for the arts and encouraging arts programs in our schools and communities. Later in the debate, Mr. Chairman, an amendment will be offered to increase funding for the NEA, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for all his efforts on this measure. I request unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my concerns about the funding levels in the bill for the National Endowment for the Arts. I'm disappointed that this bill is substantially less than the President's budget request. While I am pleased that the bill requires the NEA to give priority in granting funds for educational projects, I'm particularly disappointed that the bill does not include funds for a new program, Challenge America, which includes arts education, youth-at-risk programs, cultural heritage preservation, and community arts partnerships. As a former school teacher, I believe that a key solution to youth violence and key component to youth development is access to the arts in schools. If we're serious about curtailing youth violence, it is imperative that adequate funding be provided to bring music and art to our children. If the Challenge America program is funded, state arts agencies would receive 40 percent of these funds, and at least 1,000 communities nationwide will benefit. Research has shown that arts programs can have a very positive impact on our youth, helping to increase academic achievement and decreasing delinquent behavior. The YouthARTS Development Project is the result of a three-year collaborative effort of the Regional Arts and Culture Council of Portland, Oregon; the San Antonio Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs of San Antonio, Texas; and the Fulton County Arts Council of Atlanta, Georgia; and Americans for the Arts of Washington, DC. YouthARTS is funded in part by the NEA, and the program is implemented through local partners across the country. The goals of YouthARTS include defining the critical elements and ``best practices of arts programs designed for at-risk youth populations, strengthening collaborative relationships among local and federal partners, and leveraging increased funding for at-risk youth programs. YouthARTS has already conducted extensive research, which has shown that arts programs really can have an impact on youth, including increasing academic achievement and decreasing delinquent behavior. Perhaps the most amazing change occurred in Portland, where, at the beginning of the program, less than half of the youth were able to cooperate with their peers, but after participating in the arts program, 100% of these same youth were able to cooperate, and approximately one third of the participants reported a more favorable attitude toward school after participating. In Atlanta, 25% of youth who participated in the arts program reported a more favorable attitude toward school than they did before they began the program, and 50% reported a decrease in their delinquent behaviors. In San Antonio, more than 16% of the youth participating reported a decrease in delinquent behaviors. Additional studies show that children who are exposed to the arts perform 30% better academically. High risk elementary students who participated in an arts program for one year gained 8 percentile points on standardized language arts tests. The Smart Symphonies program initiated by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) provides free CD's of classical music for infants in response to findings that show, among other things that early exposure to classical music increases a child's ability to learn math and science. In Missouri's fifth district, the Young Audiences Arts Partners Program integrates community arts resources into the curriculum of participating school districts, with a focus on not only teaching students to appreciate the arts, but also on talking about issues that the arts raise in healthy, nonjudgmental ways. Let us make a commitment to our children to provide them with the tools they need to be responsible citizens in a democracy--to make good, informed choices; to live in peace with their neighbors and coworkers; and to enjoy life to the fullest extent possible. Let us begin to show our commitment to our children by prioritizing funding for the Arts and encouraging Arts programs in our school and communities. Later in the debate, an amendment will be offered to increase funding for the NEA and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment offered by the Gentlewoman from New York.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Madam Chairman, I rise today in opposition to this measure, H.R. 10, as put forth by the Rules Committee. I support financial modernization, but the current bill fails to achieve the goals set out by both the Banking and Commerce Committees. We can do better than the measure that we are considering this evening. The committee efforts were solid and established a procedure for consensus. The Rules Committee refused to allow the consideration of key amendments vital to financial modernization so that opportunities for investment and savings continue fairly, and fair pricing practices and misuse of private information essential to consumers are assured. In the Commerce Committee on which I serve, agreement was achieved on issues such as consumer privacy, state regulatory authority, and the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The bipartisan resolution was altered by the Rules Committee to preempt important language to protect consumers against unfair lending, ATM surcharges, and check cashing charges. Further, the measure now preempts essential state insurance laws across the country, including requirements that insurance companies pay legitimate claims in a timely manner, invest premiums paid by insurance consumers in a prudent and safe manner, and contribute to state funds established to guarantee the solvency of insurers. The measure before us no longer includes full disclosure requirements allowing consumers to control how their financial information will be used, transferred, and shared. Consumers should have confidence that personal information shared with their insurer will be kept confidential. To achieve this goal, the need to safeguard consumers' personal and medical information must be balanced with the need to allow financial institutions, including insurance companies, to efficiently provide services to consumers. The measure under consideration does not proactively address the issue of insurance redlining. Allowing banks and insurance companies to discriminate against consumers for any reason is unacceptable. Violating fair housing practices should be addressed--this is a glaring omission in the bill. Finally, as written, this measure will sanctify the ability of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to override state consumer laws and allow national banks to ignore essential consumer protections, such as unnecessarily high prices on checking accounts and prepayment penalties when consumers sell their homes and pay off their mortgages. Further, we must address the issue of operating subsidiaries. Consumers are easily confused and unfairly targeted when subsidiaries are allowed to coexist with traditional banking services. Further, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and not the Comptroller should regulate these entitles, to ensure that consumers are properly protected. The OCC's focus is on the safety and soundness of investments, while the SEC focuses on consumer protection. Each of our lives are impacted daily by financial transactions--when we write a check, have our paychecks directly deposited, pay our bills, buy something over the Internet, purchase a house, or invest for our retirement. We must successfully address and modernize the procedures to safeguard consumer rights and prevent the inappropriate use of personal information. I will continue my advocacy for the proper balance between consumer privacy and economic growth and hope the measure improves so that I can support passage following Conference Committee efforts.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to support the democratic alternative to the Child Safety Act, offered by Mr. Conyers of Michigan. In particular, I urge my colleagues to support the funding for crisis prevention counselors and anti-violence initiatives in our local schools. Early intervention has been shown to greatly reduce incidences of violence in schools. Children who need help should be able to get help right away. There should be caring adults in the schools who can identify children who might be struggling with a problem or with anger before it is too late. We cannot cut corners when it comes to our children. The other body had the opportunity to adopt a true ban on juvenile possession of semi-automatic assault weapons, but instead they adopted a weak amendment that allows juveniles to possess semi-automatic assault weapons with parental consent. There is no legitimate reason for a teenager to possess a Street Sweeper or an Uzi. Juvenile possession of these weapons should be banned. This provision is an invitation for dangerous juveniles to manipulate or pressure a permissive or irresponsible parent into allow the teenager to have a deadly weapon. We have an opportunity to adopt a strong bill that will prioritize youth safety. Then we can advocate for this strong language when the bill is in conference. I hope that this Congress will prioritize school safety. I hope that we will make a commitment to our children to make their schools safer and more conducive to learning. I also hope that we will make a commitment to examine what our children are learning and to ask if they are receiving a quality education that prepares them to be responsible citizens in a democracy--to make good, informed choices; to live in peace with their neighbors and coworkers; and to enjoy life to the fullest extent possible.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Father Thomas J. Savage, S.J., the 11th President of Rockhurst College. The passing of this exceptional man leaves us with a great sense of sadness and grief. Fr. Thom cannot easily be described in words but the impact he made upon the Greater Kansas City region is monumental and reflects his selfness, lifelong mission to assist those most in need. He was not just a leader but a visionary whose accomplishments continue to positively affect our community. Fr. Thom was especially talented in three areas of expertise: urban planning, education, and spirituality. During his tenure at Rockhurst College, he directed the campus renovation and construction of several facilities including the state of the art Richardson Science Center, the Town House Village, the Jesuit Residence, and Van Ackersen Hall. His goal was to expand Rockhurst's services to its students and to the community. Never forgetting the College's neighbors, the made great efforts to make the school inclusive by taking advantage of its urban location. By using valuable input and resources from members of the community as he further developed the area, he opened communication and strengthened a lasting friendship and alliance with the neighbors of Rockhurst. Committed to lifelong learning and the Rockhurst motto: ``Not what to think, but how to think,'' Fr. Thom supervised and supported the revision of the college's liberal arts core curriculum, the introduction of the master's degree programs in occupational and physical therapy, and a unique partnership with Saint Louis University in South Kansas City at the Ignatius Center. In his own life, education played a significant part in shaping his role as a leader for our community and nation. Fr. Thom obtained an undergraduate degree in philosophy and sociology from Boston College, held a doctor of education and a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University, and a master's degree in city and regional planning from the University of California at Berkeley. Instructed in the Jesuit tradition and officially ordained in 1979, Fr. Thom always aimed for high intellectual and ethnical standards and moral responsibility. He was a trailblazer who celebrated diversity, respect and true justice. In each aspect of his life he sought to bring about goodness. Even with a full workload and schedule, he could be heard in a lively debate on Sunday mornings on the radio as one of the hosts of ``Religion on the Line.'' His past roles in our community are evidence of his conscientious and generous intentions. As Co-Chairman of FOCUS Kansas City, Chairman of the Missouri Humanities Council, Vice President of the Kansas City Chapter of Phil Beta Kappa, Trustee of the Liberty Memorial Association, Member of the Menninger Clinic Board of Directors, the Kauffman Foundation Board of Trustees, the Midwest Research Institute Board of Trustees, the Preferred Health Professionals Board of Directors, and the Holocaust Memorial Advisory Board, Fr. Thom demonstrated his personal commitment to many worthy causes. He wrote for several publications and newspapers to share his views on board governance, trustees, Catholicism, and pedagogical issues. Fr. Thom Savage is truly an inspiration for all who knew him and were touched by his innumerable acts of kindness. His sharp, honed wit and personable, outgoing nature were character trademarks and will be sorely missed. Along with many others from our region and across the nation, I mourn the death of this outstanding man. He will long be recognized as a hero, an agent of change, a champion for the underprivileged, a spiritual leader, and most importantly a friend to everyone in my community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in extending sympathy to his mother and the entire Savage family.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New York (4th District). This amendment will require individuals who wish to purchase a firearm at a gun show to submit to a background check before they are able to complete their gun purchase, thus extending additional oversight to Public Law Number 103-159, the Brady Act. Mr. Chairman, when I was a teacher, we never had to worry about kids bringing guns into schools, and it shouldn't be happening today. We must keep guns out of the hands of our children. A background check provides one more means to protect our children from the irresponsible use of firearms. Our youth must be taught that guns are dangerous and that inappropriate or unsafe use of them has consequences. We must ensure that it is not possible for our youth to buy a gun illegally, nor use a gun without the supervision of their parents. Most law-abiding gun buyers are not inconvenienced by the current 3- day approval period at gun stores or at gun shows. The FBI's Brady Instant Check System is up and running 7 days a week, and about 73% of background checks on potential gun buyers result in an immediate response by the FBI that the sale may proceed. For every 100 requests for background checks on potential gun purchases, 95 are answered within 2 hours. This amendment does not seek to prevent responsible adults from purchasing guns for sports, or for personal protection. This amendment would guarantee no sale to those who should not be approved. It will reduce the incidence of youngsters obtaining firearms. It will help ensure that guns do not get into the hands of criminals or into the hands of unsupervised youth. The American people support these provisions to require background checks for gun purchases made at gun shows, pawn shops, or flea markets by an overwhelming 77%. This support is solid in rural, suburban, and metropolitan areas across our nation. Mr. Chairman, I believe safe schools are too important. I support this amendment and also the Democratic substitute offered by the gentleman from Michigan, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. I urge my colleagues will join me in supporting these amendments to protect our children and reduce gun violence in America. Thank you.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. The gentleman from Illinois attempts solutions to youth violence which threaten to undermine our basic freedoms. The amendment calls for yet another study of the effects of music on child development. The Smart Symphonies Program, initiated by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, provides classical music to infants in response to what we already know, that early exposure to classical music increases a child's ability to learn to read, and to be proficient in math and science. We need not more studies but a national initiative to replicate and expand upon successful programs which further enhance academic excellence and reduce youth violence. We must encourage and allow parents to take an active role in teaching their children right from wrong and allow parents to make the decisions about what children read, listen to and watch. The Federal Government should support funding for solutions that work, such as arts programs in our schools. The Federal Government should not infringe on individual liberties. I intend to vote ``no'' on this amendment, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. As we attempt to reach consensus on how to protect our children, can we rise above partisan rhetoric and focus on the means to reduce youth violence in our country? The gentleman from Illinois attempts solutions which threaten to undermine our basic freedoms. The Chairman of the House Republican Entertainment Industry Task Force has highlighted the dangerous implications of this amendment which would ``dramatically increase the power of the federal government in far too many areas'' (from Mr. Foley's press release, June 15, 1999). The amendment's definition of violence would affect not only many comic books, video games, and movies, but it would also in fact, keep the Holy Bible out of the hands of children, as the Bible itself includes many narrative accounts of sadistic or masochistic acts, torture by or upon a person, and acts of mutilation of the human body, including, of course, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Stifling our expression and cultural experience is not a solution but an equation for isolation and violence. The amendment calls for a study of the effects of music on child development. Current research indicates that children who are exposed to the arts perform 30% better academically. Another study on high risk elementary students showed that children who participated in an arts program for one year gained 8 percentile points on standardized language arts tests. The Smart Symphonies program initiated by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) provides free CD's of classical music for infants in response to findings that show, among other things, that early exposure to classical music increases a child's ability to learn math and science. We need a national initiative to replicate and expand upon successful programs which further enhance academic excellence and reduce youth violence. We must encourage and allow parents to take an active role in teaching their children right from wrong, and allow parents to make the decisions about what their children read, listen to, and watch. The federal government should support funding of solutions that work, such as arts programs in our schools. The federal government should not infringe on individual liberties. Therefore, I find it necessary to vote ``no'' on Mr. Hyde's amendment, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Chairman, I submit for the Record documents highlighting the Smart Symphonies program I referred to earlier and other materials important to this issue: Babies To Benefit From ``Smart Symphonies'' The NARAS Foundation, the non-profit music education and preservation arm of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, and Mead Johnson Nutritionals, maker of Enfamil infant formula, announced today the launch of Smart Symphonies, a national program designed to raise awareness of the benefits of exposing infants to classical music. The cornerstone of the program is a new, specially created compact disc entitled Smart Symphonies, which features Grammy-winning classical music. Scientists and early childhood development experts say that recent studies indicate playing classical music can help stimulate brain development in babies. Beginning in early May, the CDs will be included in more than one million Enfamil Diaper Bags given to new mothers as they leave the hospital. The Enfamil brand is contributing $3 million over the next three years to help establish the Smart Symphonies initiative. The contribution will be used to further research the effect of classical music on brain development in early childhood, and to assist in bringing classical music to more families. This year, more than one million Smart Symphonies CDs will reach parents and newborns throughout the country. ``There are few things more important than giving our children every scientific and cultural advantage possible. The Recording Academy has dedicated itself to aggressively supporting research into the educational and developmental benefits of music and helping to put those findings to practical use,'' said Recording Academy President/CEO Michael Greene. ``Partnering with Enfamil in the Smart Symphonies project is just another example of how the Academy and NARAS Foundation use the power of science and music to give the youngest members of our community a head start.'' Research indicates that babies unconsciously respond to the qualities of classical music--rhythm, melody and harmony. The relationships among these qualities make it easier for infants to understand other kinds of relationships later on-- relationships of time, space and sequence--skills that children need to be proficient in science, math and problem solving. Findings also suggest that good pitch discrimination is associated with children learning to read by enhancing the phonemic stage of learning.\1\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Lamb, SJ and Gregory AH. The relationship between music and reading in beginning readers. Educational Psychology. 1993; 13:19-26. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ``The first year of life is a critical time for development of both a baby's mind and body,'' said Mead Johnson, Vice President of Pediatric Nutritionals, Michael P. Russomano. ``For nearly 100 years, Enfamil has been dedicated to children's healthy growth and development. Through research we continue to strive to provide babies with the best nutrition possible. Now through the Smart Symphonies initiative, we hope to contribute further to babies' brain development.'' The NARAS Foundation and Enfamil consulted numerous experts in music and early childhood development to choose several well-known classical selections for the Smart Symphonies CD. The disc features 16 classical favorites including Beethoven's Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93 (2nd movement), Bach's Prelude in D minor and Mozart's Concerto for 2 Pianos & Orch, K 365 (3rd movement). ``Music enriches our lives and it often touches us emotionally; moreover, music can help our children to think, reason and be creative,'' said John W. Flohr, professor of music at Texas Woman's University, Denton TX. ``Research indicates brain activity is also affected by the style of music.2,}3 Many researchers believe classical may be particularly effective.'' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ Flohr JW and Miller DC. ``What's going on in there? Music and brain research with young children.'' Connections. Austin: Music Educators National Conference, Texas Music Educators Conference. 1998; 12(3):10-13. \3\ Fagen J, Prigot J, Carroll, M, Pioli L, Stein A, and Franco A. Music aids memory retrieval in infants. Child Development. 1997; 68(6):1057-1066. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The NARAS Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping restore music education to all schools across America and works to ensure access to the nation's rich music history. In partnership with the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences and its chapters throughout the country, the NARAS Foundation engages in a variety of cultural, professional and educational activities designed to enhance music education and preserve recorded musical legacy. Mead Johnson Nutritionals is a world leader in nutrition, recognized for developing and marketing quality products that meet the nutritional and lifestyle needs of children and adults of all ages. Mead Johnson Nutritionals is a Bristol- Myers Squibb Company. Bristol-Myers Squibb is a diversified worldwide health and personal care company whose principal businesses are pharmaceuticals, consumer products, beauty care, nutritionals and medical devices.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 204, H.R. 1400--Bond Price Competition Improvement Act of 1999, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to support the amendment offered by my colleague, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton). I commend the gentleman for offering this amendment and I urge my colleagues to support it. We must stand behind our American troops who have spent the past 72 days in harm's way. Through their valiant actions and service, Mr. Milosevic has conceded to NATO's demands to withdraw Serb troops from Kosovo. While America celebrates this victory, our fighting men and women in Yugoslavia would be out of the resources and support that they need. They have served willingly and honorably, and we must ensure that they are able to carry out the peace plan and stabilize this vulnerable region. We must take our role as the defender of democracy seriously so that all citizens of the world are empowered to speak freely out against totalitarian regimes. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to support the amendment offered by my colleague from Missouri, Mr. Skelton, Ranking Member on the Armed Services Committee. This amendment would delete the provision currently in H.R. 1401 which would prohibit the use of any FY2000 funds for operations in Kosovo after September 30. I commend Mr. Skelton for offering this amendment and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of it. We must stand behind our American troops who have spent the past 72 days in harm's way. Through their valiant actions and service, Mr. Milosevic has conceded to NATO's demands and announced that Serb troops will begin their withdrawal from Kosovo immediately. While America celebrates victory, our fighting men and women in Yugoslavia would be without the resources and support that they need. They have served willingly and honorably, and we must ensure that we are able to carry out the peace plan and stabilize this vulnerable region. The United States must stand firm at this point to ensure that the Albanians are able to return to Kosovo and to put America's strength behind the agreement with Milosevic. Besides supporting our troops, we must also be sure that we continue our humanitarian aid to this area. Over a million refugees are depending on assistance from several countries to survive the brutality inflicted upon them by the Kosovar military. Without shipments of food, clothing, and medical supplies, these refugees would be in even worse conditions than the squalor that currently pervades the camps they are living in. We must not desert these people. As the last ``superpower'' in the world, the United States must take its role as the defender of democracy seriously. We must not allow dictators like Milosevic to wipe out whole populations in order to ``purify'' the areas they rule. We must demand that all citizens of the world are empowered and free to speak out against totalitarian regimes. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment of the gentleman from Missouri and support our troops.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 175, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert ``Bob'' Rogers upon his retirement from the position of Chairman of the Board of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which he has held since 1993. Fortunately, Mr. Rogers will continue to serve as the Chairman Emeritus on the Board and pursue his involvement in civic and community service at a national level. I know his valuable work will continue as he serves on the boards of the Independent Sector, the Council on Foundations, America's Promise, the Alliance for Youth, American College Testing, and the Corporation for National Service. During his tenure as Chairman of the Board for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Mr. Rogers was instrumental in the development of the strategic direction of both Foundation operating divisions: Youth Development and the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Under his guidance, these two divisions have effectively impacted youth development and entrepreneurial causes. Before his career with Ewing Marion Kauffman, Mr. Rogers had a distinguished career in the private sector, working for Coopers and Lybrand, TWA, Waddell and Reed, and Gateway Sporting Goods. This experiences, as well as his personal life experiences have allowed him to shape and guide the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to a position as an effective leader of youth development programming and entrepreneurship training into the new millennium. Mr. Rogers is an inspiration to me--his dedication and commitment to public service serves as example to all of us who work to make our constituents lives better. Please join me in thanking him for his service to our community and the nation, Mr. Speaker.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Harry S Truman, the thirty-third president of the United States of America and to celebrate his birthday, which is May 8th. I am proud to represent the fifth Congressional district of Missouri, where Harry Truman spent most of his life. He grew up in Independence, ran a haberdashery in Kansas City, and in his later life helped with the family farm in Grandview. Harry Truman's first year as President, which he called a ``year of decisions,'' dealt with the end of World War II, the beginning of the Cold War, and the founding of the United Nations. As part of this critical time, Truman spearheaded the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan to resist communist threats and revive the ailing economies of Europe. In addition, Harry Truman was a major player in the creation of NATO--an organization that guaranteed peace in a reunited Europe and remains crucial to our efforts to support democracies throughout the world. These tough decisions were not immediately appreciated by all Americans. In 1948, Truman's defeat in his reelection campaign was widely assumed, in fact a prominent newspaper printed before the final ballots were counted featured the headline, ``Dewey Defeats Truman.'' Truman's ``whistle stop campaign'' brought his campaign to the people, and his willingness to confront issues and find solutions to the questions facing the country at that difficult time provided him the margin of victory for a second term as the Chief Executive of the United States. Harry Truman is a daily inspiration to me, and as I look at his picture hanging in my office, I draw strength from his courage and determination to take responsibility for the tough choices he had to make and to do the right thing for this country. I hope that our leaders today will also be inspired by Harry Truman and refuse to continue to be like the historic 1948 ``Do Nothing Congress.'' Let us shoulder our responsibility and rise to the challenges before us at this difficult time in our nation's and our world's history. In my office is a replica of the motto that Truman kept on his desk in the Oval Office: ``The Buck Stops Here.'' Truman referred to this saying often, noting that ``when the decision is up before you . . . the decision has to be made,'' in an address before the National War College in December 1952. The motto inspires me and reminds me that I cannot shirk my responsibility as a Member of Congress. I must make the difficult decisions and cast my votes to do the right thing for this country, our allies, and my constituents. Truman carried his favorite prayer in his wallet, and this prayer is one that we, as Members of Congress, could also find comfort in today, Mr. Speaker. Help me to be, to think, to act what is right, because it is right; make me truthful, honest and honorable in all things; make me intellectually honest for the sake of right and honor and without thought of reward to me. Give me the ability to be charitable, forgiving and patient with my fellowmen--help me to understand their motives and their shortcomings, even as Thou understandest mine! Happy birthday, President Truman! Thank you for your service to our nation and the world.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, the most solemn responsibility a Member of Congress has is the consideration of a declaration of war. The four measures before us today which concern our military actions in Kosovo also concern our nation's standing in the world and the very future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). I support our brave men and women in uniform and all of the allied troops who are part of the NATO operations in Kosovo. Many of those who are flying missions in Kosovo are from Whiteman Air Force Base in my home state of Missouri. I thank them and the other men and women who are there serving our country, the Alliance, and the people of Kosovo. I pray for their safe return from a successful mission. At the historic 50th anniversary of NATO summit, the leaders of the Alliance convened and reached consensus that Slobodan Milosovic's violence against the ethnic Albanians is abhorrent and must stop. As the leader of the free world, the United States is compelled to join in action to prevent the horrendous acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing that are taking place in Kosovo. In addition, we share a humanitarian obligation to assist the more than 550,000 refugees who have been forcibly evicted from their homes, and in many cases separated from their families. Until stability returns to this region, the United States and its NATO allies must provide an example to the world of generosity, compassion and commitment to those who are suffering at Mr. Milosovic's hand. The rebuilding process of both physical structures and people's lives must begin as soon as peace and stability is achieved. Mr. Campbell has introduced two resolutions which we will vote on today--H. Con. Res. 82 and H.J. Res. 44. I am opposed to both of these measures. The gentleman from California assumes only two choices exist for Congress: to declare war or to abandon our allies. These resolutions are partisan in nature and are merely intended to place the President in the politically untenable position of having to make an extreme choice, knowing that either alternative would undermine his ability to effectively act as Commander in Chief. The situation in Kosovo does not present a simple dichotomy of choices. We have entered into this conflict as part of the NATO Alliance, and for the U.S. to pull out now or to declare war as an individual country would directly contradict the agreements reached at the summit concluded just three days ago here in Washington. The resolution introduced by Mrs. Fowler, Mr. Goodling, and others, H.R. 1569, would prohibit the Department of Defense from using funds for ``ground elements'' without the authorization of Congress. I agree with the premise that Congress must protect the checks and balances laid out by the framers of the Constitution. During the ``Gulf of Tonkin'' crises 35 years ago a misinformed Congress conceded its foreign policy powers to the President. The resulting unchecked escalation of forces in Vietnam should never be repeated. While Congress has the responsibility to be vigilant, the President has assured us in writing that he will not commit ground troops without authorization from the Congress, making H.R. 1569 unnecessary. Further, passage would tie the hands of NATO leaders and seriously jeopardize NATO's chances of successfully completing its mission. This measure would also jeopardize our own leadership role in this most critical alliance, and would send the wrong message to Mr. Milosovic, thus undermining much of our efforts to date. For these reasons, I oppose this measure. S. Con. Res. 21, passed in the Senate April 20, authorizes the President of the United States to conduct military air operations and missile strikes in cooperation with our NATO allies against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). I support this resolution. It is consistent with the goals and objectives of the United States and is key to NATO's ongoing military strategy. Fifty years ago, at the end of World War II, President Harry Truman, whose hometown is in the Congressional District I am proud to represent, had a vision to reunite and rebuild Europe to avoid world war in the future. The successful result is NATO. Our country is the foundation and security that NATO requires to succeed in its mission of peace in Europe. For our armed services to succeed in their current mission we must support them with our actions. Let us learn from history and support the young American men and women who carry our flag into jeopardy. Let us support our President, Secretaries of State and Defense, our Joint Chiefs of Staff, our battlefield commanders, and the NATO allies we lead that we are unified in our resolve to end this inhumanity. We proclaim to the world, those who support us and those who would not, that we act in defense of American's core values; life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and, of course, justice for all.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Con. Res. 92 and to express my condolences and sympathy to the victims' families and to the citizens of Littleton, Colorado, in the wake of the tragic shooting that occurred there last week. What can we as a Congress say to our children and their parents in light of such a devastating event? This resolution states that the House of Representatives ``condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the heinous atrocities which occurred at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado; offers its condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were killed at Columbine High School and expresses its hope for the rapid and complete recovery of those wounded in the shooting; applauds the hard work and dedication exhibited by the hundreds of local, state, and federal law enforcement officials and the others who offered their support and assistance; and encourages the American people to engage in a national dialogue on preventing school violence.'' It is important to pass this resolution and officially state our condemnation, condolences, and hope, and yet it is not enough. How will we, as individual Members of the House of Representatives, choose to act in response to this atrocity? Will we be satisfied with the passing of this resolution? We must not allow ourselves to believe that with this resolution, we have done all that we could. We must honor the memory of those that were killed: Dave Sanders, Kyle Velasquez, Matt Kechter, Corey DePooter, Steven Curnow, Isaiah Shoels, Rachel Scott, John Tomlin, Lauren Townsend, Kelly Fleming, Dan Rohrbough, Dan Mauser, and Cassie Bernall. I say their names aloud on this day, in this room, to honor their memory and to urge my colleagues to remember that this teacher and these children had bright futures that will never be realized. Vice President Al Gore asked the community of Littleton at the memorial ceremony on Sunday, ``Now, as we are brought to our knees in the shock of this moment, what say we?'' I repeat this question to you, my colleagues. What say we in the shock of this moment, and what will we say as the shock passes and our lives go on, even as the lives of those thirteen have ended? Will we say, ``No more!''? Or will we turn away from the harsh reality of the world we have helped to create and hide our faces from the dangers our children face every day? We must provide for our children alternatives to violence and opportunities for creative expression which will allow them to deal with their anger and hurt in productive ways. A pilot educational intervention program being developed in the fifth district of Missouri is the E3 system--Emotional and Ethical Education for Children. This curriculum seeks to foster the emotional, cognitive, and ethical development of children through the arts. The E3 system utilizes the theory of multiple intelligences and the arts within the curriculum in order to increase test scores and decrease conflicts and violence. Strong arts programs in schools provide emotional outlets for children and teach them to deal with their emotions without resorting to violence. We must make arts in schools a federal initiative and an essential component to the solution we all seek. I urge my colleagues to remember the shock of this moment as we debate and consider bills in the upcoming months that raise difficult questions regarding individual freedoms and the safety of our children. Let us put partisanship aside as we enter these debates, and let us each consider in our own hearts the responsibility that we hold for the children of this nation and their future.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retiring Consul General of Japan in Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. Tatsuo Tanaka. He has served Japan in the capacity of Consul General for 3 years, and has served his country in numerous capacities for more than thirty years. Throughout his tenure, he has worked successfully toward strengthening the bonds between the United States and Japan. Mr. Tanaka has forged strong ties between Missouri's fifth district and Japan, and his presence will be missed, although I am positive that his good work will continue. Mr. Tanaka served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1962. He has worked in Pakistan, Bonn, and the United States to develop Japan's relationship with these countries. Mr. Tanaka has also done extensive research on the development of electronic money and the implications and benefits of the uses of e-money. Although he represents Japan and Japan's specific interests throughout the world, he is committed to recognizing the importance of international relations and the emergence of a global economy. The Consulate General of Japan at Kansas City was established in 1979 and serves Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Its mission is to foster exchanges between Japan and this region in a variety of consular, commercial, cultural, and educational areas, and to assist Japanese and U.S.-Japan interests in this region. The United States-Japan conference last year held in my district helped to solidify the relationships between American and Japanese businesses. My district has close ties with Japan. For instance, three Kansas City area companies have a strong presence in Japan: Butler Japan, Inc., AMC Entertainment, Inc., and Farmland Industries, Inc. Butler Japan markets construction products and services of Butler Construction Company. Since October 1989, Butler Japan has sold many industrial type buildings to Japanese companies, such as Honda, Mitsubishi, Mitsui and Com., Sanyo, Sony, Toshiba, and Toyota. AMC Entertainment launched its export of theaters to Japan in April 1996 in Mr. Tanaka's hometown of Fukuoka, Japan. AMC's project in Japan has been a tremendous success. Farmland Industries, the largest farmer owned cooperative in North America, began doing business with Japan in 1987. This company now supplies pork, beef, grain, and fertilizer products to the Japanese market. Mr. Tanaka's work to build Japan-U.S. relations in the midwest has definitely contributed to the success of these American business ventures. Mr. Tanaka has also worked to increase the amount of cultural and educational exchange between the United States and Japan. An example of his success in this area is the growth of the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) program. The JET program hires college graduates to teach English in Japanese schools. Currently, there are approximately 2500 American college graduates working in English education and international understanding throughout Japan. Although Tatsuo Tanaka will be leaving the Kansas City area, I know that we will continue our friendship. I benefitted greatly from his wisdom and guidance when I served my U.S.-Japan Society Fellowship in Japan and also have appreciated he and his wife Eri Tanaka's hospitality on many occasions. I also welcome a continued relationship with the office of the Consul General, as well as a continued partnership between the Fifth District and Japan.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Charlie ``Yardbird'' Parker as the Charlie Parker Memorial Site is dedicated at 17th Terrace and Vine Street in my hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. Charlie Parker was a bebop innovator. He not only shaped the sound of modern jazz in the 1940s, but he has also served as an inspiration to all jazz musicians since that time. His alto sax virtuosity marked the zenith of the jazz age and set a standard for other musicians to aspire to. Charlie Parker's family settled in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1927, when Parker was only 7 years old. While growing up there, he pursued his musical education on the stages of Kansas City. By 1936, when Charlie Parker turned 16, Kansas City music had begun to influence the national jazz scene. Parker was a big part of this explosion, having obtained his union card at the age of 14. He spent a few years idolizing and studying Lester Young's saxophone playing, and then continued his studies under Buster Smith, one of the early stars of County Basie's Reno Club band and Walter Page's Blue Devils. By 1938, Parker was playing in the Jay McShann band, the last great band to play in Kansas City, as the principal soloist. The McShann band's national success after 1944 meant that Parker would no longer play in Kansas City. It was in New York that Charlie Parker got his nickname of ``Yardbird'' because he loved to eat fried chicken. From the time he arrived in New York until he passed away on March 12, 1955, his success escalated. As the news of his passing spread, ``Bird Lives'' began to appear all over New York and the nation because his fans refused to let him die. Although he is buried in Lincoln Cemetery in Kansas City, he lives on in the hearts of jazz lovers everywhere. From March 25th through the 27th the nation's ears will focus on Kansas City, where some of Charlie Parker's contemporaries will gather to remember the great jazz legend at the American Jazz Museum in the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District. Max Roach, Dr. Billy Taylor, Jay McShann, Milt Jackson, Claude ``The Fiddler'' Williams, and Ernie Andrews are a few of the internationally acclaimed artists who are participating in the Symposium and Concert celebration. This weekend's dedication of the new Charlie Parker Memorial will remind us all of this great musician and inspire the jazz musician in all of us to hum a little bebop: ``Hello, Little Girl, don't you remember me? I mean, been so long, but I had a break you see.'' (from ``Hootie Blue,'' recorded for Decca Records by the Jay McShann Orchestra, April 30, 1941, Parker's first commercial recording session).

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall votes 58 and 59 on March 18, 1999, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: on rollcall vote 58, ``yea'' and on rollcall vote 59 ``yea.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand up for steel and support H.R. 975. This important legislation will provide for a reduction in the volume of steel imports and establish a steel import notification and monitoring program. This legislation is the result of a consensus reached by my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and representative from the steel industry and unions. It is a welcome example of the way our system of government was designed to work. In addition, H.R. 975 identifies a clear path of resolving the steel import crisis that has burdened our country for more than a year. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bipartisan legislation and support U.S. industry, U.S. workers, and U.S. steel. There are close to 1,500 steelworkers in my district in Missouri, and one plant has announced that it will begin cutting back hours on March 28th. This plant employs 1,000 workers. In addition to steelworkers, I have been contacted by quarry workers who are threatened by the steel crisis because lime is used to purify the steel in the production process. All across the country, workers are living in fear that today will be the day the layoffs affect them. We must show that we support these workers and stand up for the U.S. steel today. The United States steel industry is the most efficient and most environmentally conscious in the world. Since the 1980s, the U.S. steel industry has increased efficiency to the point where it now takes only two man hours to produce a ton of steel, as compared to the ten hours needed to produce a ton of steel before the industry transformed itself. This transformation cost the industry much--tens of billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs. We must recognize these sacrifices and show that this initiative was a good investment. We should value progress in such an economically vital industry. The United States steel industry has also made great strides in its environmental policy. Recently, a group of 20 environmental organizations, including Wildlife Land Trust and Friends of the Earth, wrote to President Clinton in support of the U.S. steel industry. In that letter, the groups stated that U.S. steel companies are ``among the very cleanest, if not the cleanest, in the world.'' Further, they concluded, ``if you want to reduce global emissions from steel making, make more steel in America.'' Moreover, the U.S. steel mills are the cleanest in the world, steel mills in many other countries use outdated practices that are nothing short of an environmental disaster. Many mills still use ``blast furnace'' technology that is not only outdated, but is also a high pollution process. A vote for H.R. 975 will not only support the American steel mills, it will support our global environmental goals.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Ms. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the greatest baseball player who ever lived. Joe DiMaggio was my hero and a hero to our Nation. I am saddened by his passing, and I extend my heartfelt sympathy to his friends and family. The Yankee Clipper personified dignity and greatness. He understood the importance of having both guts and grace, and he took his responsibility as a national figure seriously. DiMaggio and dignity are synonyms. Mr. DiMaggio viewed his position as an example to the young people of America and was always careful about the impression he made. He never lost control in public and was always conscious of his reputation and responsibility. He played every game as if it were the last game of the World Series, so someone seeing him for the first time would not be disappointed. The people of my district in Kansas City, MO, were fortunate enough to see Mr. DiMaggio play in an exhibition game against the Kansas City Blues. A Yankee teammate and Kansas City resident Hank Bauer said of DiMaggio, ``He was the most outstanding center fielder I have seen.'' He taught America what it means to embrace excellence and strive for greatness without seeking acclaim. I and others of my generation are in public service today because of role models like Joe DiMaggio. Joe DiMaggio served as an inspiration to my generation. Simon and Garfunkel memorialized his leadership in their song Mrs. Robinson. The lyrics, ``Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio? Our Nation turns its lonely eyes to you,'' express dismay at the absence of heroes like the Yankee Clipper to lead our Nation to peace and prosperity. The number five will always hold a special place in the hearts of Yankee fans everywhere. His record of safe hits in 56 consecutive games might never be broken. His lifetime batting average of .325 and his 361 career home runs remain impressive numbers even when we have new heroes such as Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. He led his Yankee to nine World Series titles and was the American League's Most Valuable Player three times. As our Nation turns its lonely eyes once more toward this hero, let us learn from his life and his example of heroism. In the words of the Negro League Legend Buck O'Neil, ``I don't cry for Joe. I cry for the people who never got to see him play.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall votes 22 and 23 on February 23, 1999, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: on rollcall vote 22, ``yea'' and on rollcall vote 23 ``yea.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor all girls and women who participate in sports by recognizing the 13th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day, February 4, 1999. This year's theme, ``All Girls Allowed,'' reminds us we all should have an equal chance to participate in sports regardless of gender. In my youth women were discouraged from team sports and were looked down upon if active in an individual sport. ``All Girls Allowed'' characterizes how far we've come. But there is more to do. This day grants us a special time to remember past and current achievements, and reflect on the continuing struggle for equality in sports. In 1987, a Congressional Resolution created National Girls and Women in Sports Day to celebrate the achievements of Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman and to recognize her work to assure equality for women's sports. Today we take this day to celebrate the achievements of all girls and women in sports. Communities such as mine around the country observe this day with events, luncheons, awards banquets, and parades. We can all call to mind significant women in sports who have paved the way for others including the high-profile tennis match when Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs, or the recent emergency of the Women's National Basketball Association. Because of the leadership of these women, there are more sports opportunities today than there were 25 years ago. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination from extracurricular activities--including sports--in federally assisted education programs. One in three girls in high school now participate in athletics. As a former educator, I have seen firsthand the value athletics has played in building self-esteem, establishing confidence and leadership skills in young women. In the 5th District, the Women's Intersport Network for Kansas City (WIN for KC) is sponsoring a luncheon to honor local girls and women that have achieved significant goals in sports. WIN for KC was established to promote sports participation opportunities and recognition for girls and women in the Greater Kansas City area. Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics Shannon Miller will deliver the keynote address to encourage and support fellow athletes. This year's Kansas City award winners include Heather Burroughs for USA Track and Field, Janet Calandro for Spirit, Peggy Donovan for Senior Sportswoman of the Year, Linda Jones for Coach of the Year, Jean Nearing for Physically Challenged Sportswoman of the Year, Lauren Powers for Courage, and Jennifer Waterman for Mentor of the Year. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the 13th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day, congratulate every individual for their dedication and efforts, and thank them for paving the way for other women.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, my colleague, Mr. Moore of Kansas, and I rise today to join my constituents in the Fifth District of Missouri and all baseball fans around the country in congratulating George Howard Brett, the first member of the Kansas City Royals to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. This well-deserved recognition is the highest honor in baseball. I salute George Brett, his family, and the entire Kansas City Royals organization on this achievement. George Brett's unique combination of talent, dedication, and commitment to one team, and his desire to give back to our community illustrates his worthiness of this honor. He played his entire career as No. 5 for 21 seasons in Kansas City where he achieved a career batting average of .305. Mr. Brett holds 3 American League batting titles and is a 13-time All Star. He is the only player in Major League history to have earned at least 3,000 hits, 300 home runs, 600 doubles, 100 triples and 200 stolen bases. Mr. Brett powered the Kansas City Royals to a World Championship in 1985 with a .370 batting average for the Series. The members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America voted 98.19 percent in selecting Mr. Brett to the Hall of Fame. This is the fourth highest percentage in history. As a first and third baseman, George Brett was bigger than life when out on the field. Baseball fans remember when he chased the magical .400 batting average record set by Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox. Mr. Brett was so admired during his playing days that around town there were ``George Brett for President'' bumper stickers. Hard work and dedication made him a sports hero that kids from all over the Midwest and the nation still look up to as a role model. He truly is an inspiration to the young people of our nation and has made the game exciting for fans of all ages. We are all very proud of Mr. Brett and his accomplishments. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Brett, his family and the Kansas City Royals for this monumental achievement.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 611, the four articles of impeachment against President William Jefferson Clinton. I do strongly support the motion to recommit so that censure of the President, a fair and bipartisan compromise, can be debated. To deny us the right to vote on censure is to deny us the right to express the truth of our conscience, and to deny the will of the majority of Americans who want Congress to censure the President, not impeach him. I have carefully studied the evidence and arguments presented to the Judiciary Committee and have concluded that the articles of impeachment drafted by the Committee do not meet the impeachment threshold established by the framers as specifically outlined in our Constitution. Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution of the United States provides that the House of Representatives ``shall remove from office [the President] on impeachment for treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors.'' My interpretation of the intent of the framers is that the phrase ``other high crimes and misdemeanors'' is limited to acts with the magnitude and gravity of the crimes of treason and bribery, crimes that do direct harm to the institutions of our government. Perhaps to avert use of impeachment in a partisan effort to derail a political agenda, Alexander Hamilton wrote that an impeachable offense is of the nature ``which may with peculiar propriety be denominated political, as they relate chiefly to injuries done immediately to the society itself.'' The Judiciary Committee has not demonstrated that the President has so subverted our Constitution and threatened our system of government as to corrupt our Republic. I do support a strong and punitive censure resolution of the President for his reprehensible actions. It is unfair to deny America's Representatives in Congress the opportunity to take positive action on a bipartisan compromise of censure. Censure is warranted, appropriate, and would not undo two national elections nor preclude future legal action that a federal prosecutor could undertake or judgment a court could find when the President returns to the private sector. In addition, the President will face the judgment of history just as we in the Congress will be judged by this defining moment. I urge all of my colleagues to vote to recommit H.R. 611, the articles of impeachment, and support a motion to censure. By not achieving the threshold established in the Constitution's Article II, Section 4, we will have failed in our duty to preserve and protect the law of our land.

Mr. McCARTHY of Missouri

Mr. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 547 on December 19, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution and commend America's armed forces in Iraq. We must destroy Saddam Hussein's ability to make and use weapons of mass destruction and eliminate his ability to wage war against his neighbors. Inspectors began their mission to oversee the elimination of Iraq's weapons seven years ago. Since then, Saddam Hussein has repeatedly failed to comply with UN inspection agreements. Iraq has continued to block UNSCOM from inspecting sites, and has restricted UNSCOM's ability to obtain critical evidence. This defiance poses a clear and present danger to countries in the Gulf and people across the world. In November, the President made it clear that if Saddam Hussein failed to cooperate, we would strike without warning or delay. The President's advisors informed him that mid-December would be the appropriate time for this mission. Failure to act decisively at this juncture would provide Saddam Hussein with time to protect his weapons and prepare for potential action against him. The President's decision was based upon the unanimous recommendation of the Vice President, the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of State and the National Security Adviser. Tony Blair, Prime Minister of Great Britain, concurred that now is the time to strike. In the President's address to the American people yesterday, he had ``no doubt that left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will use these terrible weapons again.'' I strongly support the President's decision and believe that we must stand united behind our troops. Our men and women in uniform are putting their lives in danger to protect the interests of the people of the United States and our allies around the world.