Marty Meehan

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the gentleman from California, for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, last night we heard two speeches about priorities and values. The Senate majority leader said, and I quote, ``The President claims to embrace the future while clinging to the policies of the past.'' Mr. Speaker, let us take a look at this legislation. This bill is clearly an improvement over the one that we worked on before, and I commend the conferees for their hard work, but the Republicans claim this bill, like the one before it, embraces the future of the U.S. defense policy. But the U.S. defense will not sail smoothly toward the future, because this bill is anchored by the policies of the past. The Republicans speak of the need to balance budgets, cut fat, make difficult choices, but the Republicans are not making these difficult choices in defense. This bill does not make cuts, it gives the Pentagon $7 billion more than they asked for. The Republicans speak of the need to strengthen this country's defense. The Department of Defense will grow stronger when it is allowed to become leaner, more efficient and equipped for the challenges in a new world order. This bill, however, builds up programs that the Department of Defense was moving away from, like the B-2, the ballistic missile defense, and the cuts in the Department of Defense environmental cleanup programs. We are closing military bases all over the country, realizing that the Federal Government is one of the biggest polluters, and we are not providing the money to clean up those sites. The Republicans speak of supporting our men and women in uniform, yet this bill requires a discharge of service personnel with HIV, and prohibits members of the military from obtaining abortions in our military facilities overseas. Risking the health of our military, and needlessly taking away their careers, will hardly build morale. As Americans watch this bloated defense budget pass this Congress, they will realize which party is really tethered to the past.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the firemen and the emergency services workers who worked so hard to extinguish a fire which burned down the Malden Mills in Methuen, MA, the region's largest textile manufacturer. I would particularly like to thank Chief Ken Bourassa of the Methuen Fire Department, who coordinated the firefighting efforts, and also Mayor Dennis A. DiZoglio, who is working with Federal and State agencies in order to rebuild the mills which are so important to his town. On December 12, there was an explosion in one of the buildings of the mill complex. Within a short period of time, the flames spread to the surrounding buildings, reducing four of them to ashes and damaging a fifth. The flames were fanned by winds which exceeded 45 miles per hour which hindered the efforts to contain the blaze. Firefighters also experienced collapses in their water lines. Despite these and other problems, they were able to contain the fire within 12 hours. Chief Bourassa assembled a force of over 100 firefighters from 30 departments throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts to combat the fire. The operation that he organized on that evening was a model of cooperation. If it were not for the dedication of these professionals, the fire would have spread further, damaging a large section of Methuen and leaving hundreds homeless. Malden Mills is the region's largest manufacturer of textiles and also the town's largest employer. Each year, the company's sales exceed $500 million, and the plant employs over 1,400 workers. Its presence in the region has brought economic prosperity to Methuen and contributed to Merrimack Valley's commercial growth. Under Mayor DiZoglio's leadership, and with assistance from Lawrence Mayor Mary Claire Kennedy, plans are under way to rebuild the mills. He has secured funding from the Department of Labor and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to aid in the redevelopment. He has also been working to secure Federal disaster relief funds. I applaud the efforts of these officials to rebuild Malden Mills. With the leadership of Methuen's officials and with assistance from State and Federal agencies, Malden Mills will be rebuilt quickly. Then, like the Phoenix, it will rise from its ashes and once again take its place as the leading manufacturer in this region.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this rule because of the fact that this conference committee report guts the COPS program. In listening to the arguments of the other side of the aisle, I just cannot believe it, as a former prosecutor. When this bill was passed in the last Congress it had bipartisan support, bipartisan support. But then the new majority came in and had to make some adjustments to it because they wanted to appear to be changing the crime bill. What did they do? They gut the COPS program. This program is an extremely effective way to fight crime. In fact, it is the cutting edge, cutting edge of how you rebuild neighborhoods and fight crime in neighborhoods. I hear talk about the county commissioners can decide how to fight crime. County commissioners are not necessarily experts on the latest techniques in fighting crime. The politicians in cities, they will know how to spend the money. This crime bill is the result of an attorney general who had ability in the front lines in the fight against crime, and with police chiefs across America who used statistical data about how you win the war against crime. That is where it came from. In a short period of time, 25,000 to 26,000 police officers are already on the streets, and now I hear some of my colleagues on the other side say it really will not work, we just instinctively know it. In Lowell, MA, we have a community policing program going, and I asked the police chief to provide statistics of what happened since this program was started. Burglaries in residential areas, community policing 1 year, down 34 percent; burglaries in business areas down 41 percent; larcenies down 23 percent; car theft down 20 percent. That is what is happening in communities all across America, and they want to tamper with the crime bill that is working, for pure politics. [[Page H 14085]] Law enforcement and fighting crime is not a political issue. We ought to be working together to implement this crime bill. It is the smartest, most effective crime bill that this country has ever passed. We are playing games at the last minute because it might give the President some credit on fighting crime. Do the right thing. Vote against this bill.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan bill. Not all lobbying is bad, and not all gifts are given for cynical reasons, but there is no denying that members of Congress are getting too close to lobbyists, and it is up to us to break up the symbolic relationship between legislators and the people hired to influence them. Many of us were elected promising to change the way Congress does business, because the American people are convinced that Members of Congress take too many free trips, take too many expensive gifts, and have too many free steak dinners. I am not so sure they are wrong. Just look at all the political wrangling and legislative game playing that has been going on on this issue, all in the name of saving free golf trips and greens fees. Can you imagine, in the same week that we are closing down the Federal Government, we are thinking about voting to open up free trips for golf and free trips for greens. Last Congress, my freshman class, my Democratic freshman class, led the way of fighting for a gift ban, but that died in the U.S. Senate. The Republican leadership this year has procrastinated and capitulated and delayed long enough. Working in a bipartisan way, we have this before the floor today. Four times earlier this year we tried to do it through Democratic amendments. Now is the time to pass it. In the elections last November, voters gave Congress a mandate to change the way Washington does business. It is time to stop the political games and start working together to make this institution more accountable. Vote against the Burton substitute, and let us vote for real reform. Let us pass it today.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, last week a study from the University of California concluded that the ``Weekly Reader,''--a staple of American classrooms--had been used as an instrument of propaganda by the tobacco industry. For 5 years, between 1989 and 1994, the largest shareholder of RJR Nabisco owned the Weekly Reader. Look at the poster. RJR Nabisco, the epitome of corporate responsibility, uses Joe Camel as its spokesman. During the period when RJR owned the Weekly Reader, 68 percent of the articles on tobacco reflected the industry's viewpoints. One of the articles went so far as to actually debate whether or not Joe Camel encourages kids to smoke. Mr. Speaker, the Weekly Reader study further explains why Joe Camel is more recognizable to 5-year-olds than Ronald McDonald and why the smoking rate among eight-graders has jumped up in the last 5 years. Tobacco giants, like RJR Reynolds and Philip Morris, have been--and continue to--target our kids. They plaster their misleading messages on every billboard, magazine, and convenience store in sight. And the penetration of the youth market to pre-adolescents, now extends to the classroom. What is next, the Marlboro Man math book?

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding newsman in my district. Bob Schufreider, news director for WCCM-AM in Lawrence, MA, is leaving the station after 8\1/2\ years of dedicated service to the listeners of the Merrimack Valley and southern New Hampshire. His talents will sorely be missed. Bob came to the station from Chicago in 1987. He worked his way up from a part-time on-air personality, to covering fires, storms, and city council meetings full-time. He has hosted numerous public affairs shows, sharing important information on topics of interest to his listeners. In addition, he has broadcast countless high school football and basketball games in communities throughout my district. He will be remembered by his listeners for his smooth play-by-play and uncanny command of statistics and sports trivia. His is a special craft, Mr. Speaker. In this era of media mergers and superstations, what Bob, and others like him in small and medium-size markets do, is vitally important to stitching together the fabric of a diverse community. It takes a sharp eye, and a good ear, to stay rooted and connected to the community one serves. Bob has demonstrated those abilities time and time again. He does not depart greater Lawrence with only the memories of persons interviewed and stories filed. He leaves with his wife, Kathleen McEvoy, a native of North Andover, MA, and their daughter Hannah. On behalf of the many listeners of WCCM-AM, I wish Bob, Kathleen, and Hannah well in their new endeavors, and look forward to their return visits to his many fans in the greater Lawrence area.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen, Mr. Mitchell Harb. Mr. Harb, a retired U.S. postal clerk, was the driving force behind a proposal to allow for [[Page E 1863]] a moment of silence before the school day begins in all of the Lawrence public schools. With the help of Mr. John Housianitis, vice chairman of the Lawrence school committee, Lawrence School Superintendent James F. Scully, and Lawrence Mayor Mary Claire Kennedy, Mr. Harb was able to convince the school committee to establish a moment of silence in the schools as a way of fostering a more positive atmosphere in the classrooms. Since its adoption in March of 1994, many students have expressed their gratitude for the moment of silence before their school day begins. Many have used this period as a time for personal reflection and thought. Others have used it as a time for prayer. Regardless of religious denomination, students in Lawrence public school system now have the opportunity to take a moment to express themselves through reflection, thought, or prayer before each school day begins. Today in our country, our children face many challenges at school. Not only are there academic rigors, but there are also social pressures that our young people must constantly address, day in and day out. A moment of silence and reflection will not eliminate these pressures, but it can ease them. Again, I applaud the efforts of Mr. Harb and the other community leaders who have been at the forefront of this movement. I hope other communities will follow the lead of the Lawrence public school system and institute a moment of silence before each school day. It has benefited the students in Lawrence and it will benefit others.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, the theme of World Population Awareness Week, to be held this year from October 22 to 29, is taking the goals worked out in Cairo and putting them into action. His Excellency Governor William F. Weld, of my home State of Massachusetts, has joined State Governors across the country in proclaiming World Population Awareness Week. In honor of this, I would like to request that the following proclamation be entered into the Congressional Record. A Commonwealth of Massachusetts--A Proclamation Whereas: World population is currently 5.7 billion and is increasing by 100 million each year, with virtually all growth occurring in the poorest countries and regions where it can least be afforded; and Whereas: The annual increment to world population is projected to exceed 86 million through the year 2015, with three billion people--the equivalent of the entire world population in 1960--reaching their reproductive years within the next generation; and Whereas: The environmental and economic impacts of this level of growth may prevent inhabitants of poorer countries from improving their quality of life, and may affect the standard of living in more affluent regions; and Whereas: The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, Egypt crafted a 20-year Program of Action for achieving a balance between the world's populations, environment, and resources, which was approved by 180 nations, including the United States; and Whereas: It is appropriate that all Massachusetts citizens recognize the purpose of the Cairo Program of Action; Now, therefore, I William F. Weld, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim the week of October 22nd through October 28th, 1995, as World Population Awareness Week and urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the DeLauro amendment to allow women in the armed services access to safe abortions abroad at their own expense. I respect my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who oppose abortion for moral or religious reasons. But this summer I have witnessed an unprecedented move by moderate Republicans to join with their conservative colleagues in an all-out attack on women's reproductive rights. Members who for years have professed to support the rights to choose have voted to deny entire groups of women--like federal employees--access to safe abortions. Time and time again they have sacrificed women's constitutional rights for political, not moral ambitions. Allowing military women to pay for their own abortions abroad is not a radical idea. The DeLauro amendment will simply continue to permit women who are voluntarily serving our country to practice the right to choose and to pay for that right themselves. Please do not continue to sacrifice women's constitutional rights in the Republican fight to maintain control of Congress. Women don't deserve to be the losers in the political battle between Democrats and Republicans in Washington.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, this amendment missed by one vote last year, in the last Congress, and it is kind of interesting. This Congress was going to be the one to balance the budget. We would make more progress on deficit reduction. In fact, over 300 Members of this House voted for a balanced budget amendment. What have we done since then? Well, we have increased defense spending by $10 billion more than what the Pentagon wanted. We have left untouched about $100 billion in corporate subsidies. We have passed a tax cut that will provide $357 billion in lost revenue. This is the balanced-budget Congress. This is an easy decision. I understand it is difficult to cut a program where in some districts it means a cut in contracts. But you do not balance the budget by not making these decisions. The Space Station is something that is long overdue to be cut. The cost overruns have been outrageous. There may be another point in time in our history where we can afford it, but we cannot afford it now. We are spending $221 billion on interest on the national debt this year alone. It is the third largest Government program. Before Members go back to their districts and talk about how they are going to balance the budget, let them look at this amendment where you really have an opportunity to cut spending and not talk about the fact that we cut student loans or we cut school lunches or we cut these trivial things. This amendment should be a very easy vote for Members of Congress. I cannot believe that after coming within one vote in the last session and getting new Members elected to Congress committed to a balanced budget that we could lose it this year. [[Page H 7926]]

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Kennedy]. No doubt I was probably one of those young prosecutors before I got down here and became an old Member of Congress. In any event, I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Kennedy] for his efforts over the years in this program. The tremendous thing about this program is not only does it identify those worst offenders and have the community identify those worst offenders and remove them from society, but once those individuals are removed, there is a program in place where the police officers coach soccer leagues and football leagues and work with the rest of the communities so they get kids headed in the right direction. They opened up gymnasiums, opened up the schools. That is a program that is working extremely effectively. I think when the Justice Department looks for a model in terms of community-based prosecution, as the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Kennedy] said, they have to look no further than Lowell, MA, and Somerville, MA, as well. This program has been implemented there. I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Kennedy] for his efforts. I think this is extremely important.

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, earlier this year I put together my own plan to balance the budget. I had to make some difficult decisions, but I learned a valuable lesson: If we're serious about balancing the budget, Congress has to stop allocating scarce resources to pork-barrel projects. The Market Promotion Program is a flagrant example of misallocated funds. Last year alone the Department of Agriculture spent $110 million helping market American food products abroad: $2.9 million went to Pillsbury to sell pies and muffins; $465,000 went to McDonalds to market Chicken McNuggets; $10 million went to Sunkist to sell oranges; and $1.2 million went to the American Legend to market mink coats. Ronald McDonald and the Pillsbury doughboy shouldn't take priority over feeding young children when it comes to Government spending. Congress should end the special interest handouts before cutting programs that people rely on--like WIC, and other nutrition programs. Let's put an end to the Market Promotion Program. Vote for the Schumer-Zimmer amendment, and start cutting corporate welfare now.

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, after last night's debate, I think what is needed is some clarity on the issue. What many of the opponents of this amendment suggested is that this amendment is adopted, and Public Law 480, title I funding is cut, that starving people around the world would not receive food assistance. If that were the case, I certainly would have never cosponsored this amendment. An action such as this would be mean-spirited at the very least. Title I is a market development program, not an emergency humanitarian food program. Other titles of the Public Law 480 act are responsible for these activities. Title II authorizes donations for agricultural commodities for emergency feeding programs and to carry out activities to alleviate the causes of hunger and disease and death. Title III authorizes grants of agricultural commodities to be used for food distribution programs and development of food reserves. The distinction between these differing objectives was made clear by the Committee on Agriculture itself. The 1990 Agricultural Development and Trade Act distributed the responsibility for these programs to two different agencies with distinct missions. The management of title I activities was kept in the Department of Agriculture. Mr. Chairman, I urge that Members vote for the Hoke-Meehan amendment. The administration is in favor of cutting back this appropriation.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, entitlement spending is the fastest growing portion of the Federal budget. And if we don't do something to slow the rate of growth now, in 35 years the entire budget will be spent on mandatory programs. Most people know that Medicare and Social Security are entitlement programs, but they don't realize that farm subsidies and business tax breaks are entitlements, too. If we want to be even-handed about making spending cuts to eliminate the deficit, every mandatory spending program will have to be on the table. The Lowey-Schumer amendment is a reasonable and fair approach to curbing farm entitlements. Let's face it, a farmer with an annual non- farm adjusted income of more than $100,000 doesn't need any more government handouts. If we're serious about balancing the budget, and getting a handle on the growing national debt, we need to stop giving money to people who clearly don't need it. Vote for the Lowey-Schumer amendment, and put some reasonable limits on farmers' access to the Federal trough.

Mr. MEEHAN. I am well aware of it. That is a $23 million giveaway long, long overdue. I think it is time we turn around and give the American taxpayer a break and give the American public a break.

Mr. MEEHAN. I yield to the gentleman from Kentucky.

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of Durbin-Hansen-Smith amendment, to finally end the $23 million giveaway to the tobacco industry. Each year 420,000 people die from tobacco-related illnesses, which makes it the leading cause of preventable death in the United States today. Each day 3,000 kids pick up their first tobacco product. According to the FDA's diagnosis, they become inflicted with a pediatric disease. This epidemic costs our Nation's economy over $100 billion in health care and lost productivity. How can we give one cent of taxpayer money to support this industry? The tobacco industry spends billions, not $23 million, Mr. Chairman, but billions of dollars in advertising and marketing to entice children. An industry that snares 3,000 new customers a day into a lifelong addiction does not need our help. Already Joe Camel is more recognizable to 5-year-olds than Ronald McDonald. We should be debating how to regulate and restrict this industry, not how to support it. Not only does the tobacco industry target children, it has the distinction of not being truthful to the Congress, to numerous Federal agencies, and to the American people. How many times have we heard that the tobacco industry does not market to children, that nicotine is not addictive, or that the level of nicotine is not manipulated by tobacco companies? Mr. Chairman, the tobacco industry has not been telling the truth. The American Medical Association knows that they are lying. The FDA knows that they are lying. The American people know that they are lying. According to their own internal documents, the tobacco industry knows that they have consistently misrepresented the truth. When are we, my colleagues, going to learn? Usually when I rise in favor of eliminating programs, I like to point out that in order to balance the budget, difficult choices need to be made, and that as conscientious legislators, we have to balance the good programs and what they achieve with their cost to the American taxpayers. Not today, not with tobacco, not with this amendment. The Durbin-Hansen-Smith amendment is an easy choice. We must pass this amendment tonight.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, this amendment will bring some reason back to the expenditure of taxpayer money for the Public Law 480, title I program. The present funding level in the bill is $120 million above the administration's request. That is an incredible 80 percent above the administration's request. In a letter to the Committee on Appropriations, OMB Director Alice Rivlin expressed the administration's opposition to this increase in funding. As Director Rivlin stated, ``The subcommittee has funded P.L. 480 in excess of the President's request, title I has been shown to have limited effectiveness in advancing its goal of market development. The administration urges the committee to reduce this program so that higher priority programs can be funded.'' As with scores of other Federal programs, this initiative, when begun, had a valid policy purpose. In the 1950's, impediments such as the inconvertibility of foreign currencies, and the lack of foreign exchange held by potential customers, limited the commercial export of large domestic agricultural commodity surpluses. The situation that now exists is a far cry from the circumstances that existed in the 1950's. Even though this program has been redirected in recent years these reforms have not solved many of its inherent problems. In a recent report, the GAO stated ``the importance of title I, domestically and internationally, has declined significantly since the program's inception. Increased food aid donations from other countries and the establishment of new USDA export assistance programs has reduced the importance of title I aid as a humanitarian, surplus disposal, and export assistance program.'' Programs such as the Commodity Credit Corporation's short and intermediate-term credits, and the Export Enhancement Program, are also designed to penetrate new markets. In light of these complementary programs the current funding level in the bill for title I is excessive. I wish to assure my colleagues that this funding in no way diminishes the emergency and humanitarian food programs available through title II and III of P.L. 480. Nor is this amendment an attack on the ocean freight differential, otherwise known as cargo preference. This amendment is about providing a responsible level of funding for a program that needs additional reform and focus in order for it to accomplish its stated goal. The reduction provided for in this amendment will still enable the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue this program, and to support the expansion of markets in developing countries. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, last Sunday on ``Face the Nation,'' Speaker Gingrich backed down on his promise to pass campaign finance and lobby reform. His excuse--Congress is moving too quickly on the issue. Too quickly? Is he serious? Mr. Speaker, we have yet to have a hearing this Congress on campaign finance reform. And there has been no floor action on lobby reform since the Republican leadership stopped us on the first day of the session. Even the loyal class of freshman Republicans is starting to get fed up with Speaker Gingrich's string of broken promises on these reform issues. Mr. Gingrich, I know you are enjoying the dramatic increase in PAC contributions to the Republican Party and it's clear you don't mind if industry lobbyists co-write legislation. But if you're really serious about curbing the power of special interest in Washington and making Congress more accountable to the voters, it's time to move on campaign finance reform. You're not fooling anyone with your call for exploratory committees, Mr. Speaker. It's just another transparent delay tactic coming from a party leader benefiting from the status-quo.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding educator, Mr. James Smith. For over 30 years, Mr. Smith was a member of the Methuen, MA public schools family. He dedicated his life to teaching, coaching, and guiding young students at the Tenney Middle School. Mr. Smith began his distinguished career in 1958 as a teacher in Plymouth, NH. Seven years later he moved to Methuen and began his long tenure in the Methuen public school system. Throughout his career, he has assisted countless numbers of students. Each of his students has been a recipient of his sincere kindness, care, and responsible guidance. His supervision and instruction have been significant factors in shaping young students and preparing them for the future. In his role as principal, teacher, coach, and sometimes parent, Mr. Smith has provided emotional as well as educational support. He has made many invaluable contributions to the Methuen community. Unfortunately, our society often takes its teachers for granted. But, when we consider the positive effects a teacher can have on the lives of children we begin to appreciate the value of the profession. Mr. Smith's commitment is a lesson about teaching through example. He dedicated himself to improving his community and he succeeded. He is held in the highest esteem by all who know him. I know many parents, students, and colleagues are grateful to James Smith for his contributions. I extend my congratulations and best wishes to him on his retirement. I know that the Tenney Middle School will continue to benefit from Mr. Smith's involvement and contributions.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program. This bi-partisan inspired initiative has leveraged our defense spending by reducing a variety of threats that eminate from the States of the former Soviet Union. Throughout the cold war the United States expended a great deal of resources to confront the Soviet Union in central Europe, and across the world. We now have the unique opportunity to work with our former adversary to reduce the threat posed by weapons created during this period. The United States in cooperation with the government's of Russia, the Ukraine, Kazakstan, and Belarus have already made progress in moving to a more secure future through arms reductions and the safeguarding of nuclear materials. This program is a pragmatic response to developments in Russia. It allows the United States to work with the Russians in areas of mutual benefit, while hedging against any reversal in the reforms now underway. The mere pledge of this funding was a motivating factoring in the Ukraine's decision to return their nuclear weapons to Russia for safeguarding and destruction. In a similar vain, funds have been used to provide equipment and training necessary for the destruction of strategic nuclear delivery vehicles and facilities. A prime example of the result of this program has been the destruction of Russian Bear bombers. The treat of the dispersal of nuclear materials is at the top of most everyones list of concerns. We know of several arrests in Europe that have allegedly involved the attempted sale of nuclear materials from the former Soviet Union. Currently, materials control, accountability and physical protection practices in Russia are rudimentary at best. The Cooperative Threat Reduction Program includes efforts to rectify this situation. There is plenty of work left to be done. This program is in the forefront of our post-cold-war defense strategy and should receive the support of each of my colleagues.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding educator, Mr. Mark Biscoe. For 36 years, Mr. Biscoe was a member of the Fenn School family. He dedicated life to teaching, coaching, and guiding young students at this small school for boys in Concord, MA. Mr. Biscoe began his distinguished career in 1958. Throughout his career, he has assisted countless numbers of students. Each of his students has been a recipient of his sincere kindness, care, and responsible guidance. His supervision and instruction have been significant factors in shaping Fenn boys into young men and preparing them for the future. In his role as teacher, coach, and sometimes parent, Mr. Biscoe has provided emotional as well as educational support. He has made many invaluable contributions to the Fenn community. Unfortunately, our society often takes its teachers for granted. But, when we consider the positive effects a teacher can have on the lives of children, we begin to appreciate the value of the profession. Mr. Biscoe's commitment is a lesson about teaching through example. He dedicated himself to improving his community and he succeeded. He is held in the highest esteem by all who know him. I know many parents, students, and colleagues are grateful to Mark Biscoe for his contributions. I extend my congratulations and best wishes to him on his retirement. I know that the Fenn School will continue to benefit from Mr. Biscoe's involvement and contributions.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Asian Pacific-American Heritage Month, I think we should take a moment to consider the need for the United States to engage in a more extensive dialogue with India, which will be the world's most populous democratic nation by the year 2050. As a member of the Congressional Caucus on India and India Americans, I want to help promote greater understanding between the United States and India, particularly in economic, political and cultural areas. Our shared geopolitical interests dictate that we make a concerted effort to improve Indo-American relations. In the last several years, India has embarked on a sweeping reform program that opened the way for economic growth and increased foreign trade and investment. However, we cannot ignore the difficulty involved in the ongoing economic transformation, and progress must continue if bilateral trade is to grow. About 1 million Indian-Americans live in the United States. Many Americans assume that Indian-Americans, because they are often well- educated, do not face the same problems as other minorities. They are wrong. In many parts of this country, Indian-Americans are victims of hate crimes and racial harassment. They are the victims of discrimination in business and education. Members of Congress cannot ignore these issues. The Glass Ceiling Commission reports that minorities plateau at lower levels in the workforce than women. Educational institutions and the Department of Labor need to aggressively enforce laws barring discriminatory practices in recruitment and advancement, and no one should be denied an education or job because of their race or ethnic origin. The United States has always been considered a melting pot of peoples, religions and ethnic groups. We in Congress cannot allow people who come to this country to be victimized or subjected to bigotry. I urge my colleagues in Congress to pay more attention to concerns of India and Indian-Americans. I can think of no more appropriate time to reflect on our shared interests than during the observance of Asian Pacific-American Month.

Mr. MEEHAN

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to address the House of Representatives to commemorate the Armenian genocide. Only by remembering the tragic events of the Armenian genocide can we ensure respect for human rights and democratic principles throughout the world. In 1894, a pattern of persecution emerged in the Ottoman Empire, placing the Armenian population in great jeopardy. The persecutions climaxed in 1915, marking the height of systematic massacres and forced exile of the Armenian people. Over 1 million people were murdered. Today, less than 100,000 Armenians remain in Turkey. We must never forget the atrocities of the Armenian genocide as we look back on this 80th anniversary. I feel proud to be the Representative of an active and prosperous Armenian community in my own district of Massachusetts. They have given me hope for future generations of Armenians. It is for these people, as well as Armenians around the world, that I both commemorate the Armenian genocide and urge the world not to tolerate anything of this kind again.