Jerry Moran

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding this time to me. Mr. Speaker, I speak today in support of H.R. 2260, the Pain Relief Promotion Act, and in support of this rule. This legislation will establish that the practice of assisted suicide and euthanasia are neither legal nor condoned medical procedures in this country. In addition, this legislation is a significant step forward in our efforts to effectively encourage pain management for terminally-ill Americans. For those who have concerns with this measure, I would encourage them to read the bill language. The legislation is explicit that it does not affect health professionals providing care and treatment even in the case of accidental death. In fact, H.R. 2260 encourages, encourages physicians to provide the full range of treatment to alleviate pain and suffering for their patients. Physicians in the hospice community have endorsed this bill, and the evidence is clear that banning assisted suicide does not deter pain relief. I would encourage any remaining skeptics to look at the experiences in my home State of Kansas and other States where similar measures have been implemented. The concern by the opponents of this legislation is that it would deter the use of pain medications such as morphine. While I was a member of the State Senate, Kansas first enacted legislation to ban assisted suicide in 1993 and then again strengthened those protections in 1998. The evidence in our State of Kansas is clear. The use of morphine to alleviate pain has not declined and in fact has risen significantly. In 1993 Kansas health professionals administered roughly 561 grams of morphine per 100,000 individuals. Six years after the ban on assisted suicide, morphine prescriptions rose to 4,573 grams, a significant increase, not a decrease. Mr. Speaker, rather than encouraging euthanasia, we need to aggressively pursue effective pain management. Today, we have the technology and medication to successfully control pain. This legislation establishes education and training initiatives to ensure that health professionals recognize the array of pain management tools that are available to them. I encourage my colleagues to support this rule and to ultimately support the passage of this act.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to support S. 1652. This legislation, as we have heard, will designate the current facility at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, in Washington, D.C., now known as the Old Executive Office Building, to be known as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The House version of this legislation was introduced earlier this year by me and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall). In the Senate, S. 1652 was introduced by Senator Chafee and because of his untimely death became one of his last legislative accomplishments. I thank the Senator for his leadership on this matter and express my condolences to his family and to the citizens of Rhode Island. Kansans wish to claim Dwight D. Eisenhower as our own, but Senator Chafee has reminded us that no State has ownership of this great American. It is my honor to recognize a fellow Kansan and this great American, Dwight David Eisenhower. The life of President Eisenhower serves as an inspiration to all Americans to work to make this country and this world a better place. Born in Denison, Texas, and raised in Abilene, Kansas, Ike came from humble beginnings and grew to be one of the most influential figures in our Nation's history. Ike is an American hero and few would disagree that his accomplishments warrant the numerous monuments that pay tribute to him across our great land. This is an appropriate time to bring the life of Dwight D. Eisenhower to the attention of Members of Congress and the American people. Last week we celebrated the anniversary of the President's birth. This week C-SPAN is highlighting the life that we honor here today. Abilene, Kansas, which I have the privilege of representing in Congress, is the home of the Eisenhower Center, featuring the Dwight D. Eisenhower Museum, the presidential library, the Eisenhower family home and the Place of Meditation where the President and his wife Mamie Doud are buried. In the gentleman from Texas' district, visitors can view the Eisenhower Birthplace Historical State Park. We all represent districts that contain schools or streets named for President Eisenhower. While many tributes have been paid to this great man, nothing of significance exists here in our Nation's capital to honor and remember President Eisenhower. It is a fitting tribute to name a great building, the Old Executive Office Building, for this great American. The Old Executive Office Building is symbolic of Ike's career. Constructed in 1871, 19 years before Ike's birth, the Executive Building was first the home of the State, War and Navy Departments. Ike had a personal connection to the Old Executive Office Building. He was first assigned there in 1927 as aide to General John J. Pershing. Following his victories in Europe, Ike returned to the building as the Army Chief of Staff. General Eisenhower served in the State, War and Navy Building a total of 7 years and 2 months. On January 19, 1955, Ike made history by holding the first televised presidential press conference on the building's fourth floor. Knowing of this connection, it is not surprising that as President, Eisenhower was fundamental to the building's survival. In 1957, according to the White House historian and scholar William Seale, the advisory committee on presidential office space recommended that the building be demolished and replaced with an expensive modern structure. Mr. Seale reports that the architect in charge of the project tried to persuade President Eisenhower, who recently had suffered a heart attack, that a new building would not have as many stairs to climb. ``Nonsense,'' said Ike. ``My doctors require I climb so many steps a day for the good of my heart.'' Following that conversation, efforts to replace the building lost steam and the building and history were saved. Both as a soldier and a statesman, Ike's more than 50 years of service to his country have had a profound effect upon the course of mankind. Considering his work as soldier, staff member, chief executive, the dedication of the Old Executive Office Building is an especially fitting tribute to the memory of this great man. The naming of this building is supported by many, including those who know his historic life the best. The great historian of Eisenhower's life and the chronicler of World War II has indicated his support. Stephen Ambrose has written: ``Renaming the Old Executive Office Building for him would be appropriate as well as much deserved. He served in the building in the early 1930s as an aide to General Douglas MacArthur, then Chief of Staff, U.S. Army. In the late 1950s as President, Eisenhower saved the building from demolition. Eisenhower was a leader in war and in peace of the men and women who saved our country and democracy. Surely something can be done in Washington to pay at least a bit of our eternal respect and gratitude for this great man.'' Stewart R. Etherington, President of the Eisenhower Foundation, has lent support of the foundation to this effort of national significance. Dwight David Eisenhower's life achievements should encourage all of us as Americans to aspire to greatness, to respect those around us, and to take great pride in our country. His character teaches parents the importance of instilling values, such as hard work, determination and honesty in our children. I still like Ike, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this fitting tribute. Mr. Speaker, I include the following for the Record: The Eisenhower Foundation, Abliene, KS, October 22, 1999. Re Executive Office Building, Washington, DC. Congressman Jerry Moran, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Moran: The Eisenhower Foundation has been watching the progress in the legislation to name the Executive Office Building for President Eisenhower. We fully support this effort as a way of honoring a man that worked in the building and helped save the building from destruction, but more importantly, a General and President that can still be looked at as a role model. I thank you for the endeavors in this matter. Sincerely, Stewart R. Etherington, President Eisenhower Foundation.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, unfortunately, to oppose this legislation. I wholeheartedly support the original intent of this bill, and I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1180. Improving the current system to provide real choices for people with disabilities is essential. The Work Incentives Improvement Act would address the barriers to employment by improving job training and rehabilitation services and providing the health insurance which is so critical. Unfortunately, the bill we are considering today is not H.R. 1180. The bill today includes troubling language from a substitute bill, which could cost Kansas and other states' school districts, million of dollars. Section 407 of this bill would limit Medicaid funding for school districts and their education of disabled children. Section 407 precludes or significantly restricts the use of bundled rates. The bundling system allows schools to minimize paperwork by billing for a package of medical services, rather than for each individual service provided to each child. In May of this year, HCFA sent a letter to all State Medicaid directors prohibiting bundled rates for school based services for special education health costs. At that time, there were seven states that had HCFA-approved bundled rate systems, including Kansas. Since this announcement, I have heard from nearly every school superintendent in my district. They are extremely concerned about this rule. The administrative burden this will impose on schools will be enormous. The end result of Section 407 of this bill will be to legislate this HCFA rule. Without proper committee hearings and discussion of this issue, it is upsetting that we are forced to vote on it now. If this provision is passed, I believe we could be punishing states that are efficient and accountable. We will once again be turning our backs on our students. When the Individuals with Disabilities Education was first passed, Congress promised that the federal government would pay 40% of the costs to schools. The federal government has never lived up to this promise and currently only pays out about 10% of the costs. Then Congress and the Administration told schools that they could seek reimbursements by Medicaid for school-based medical services for students with disabilities. HCFA told schools that it would even work with states to come up with a system of reimbursement that would not be so administratively burdensome to schools. So states and schools agree and are enthusiastic about getting more federal funds for special education costs. Yet, now both HCFA and Congress turn around and change their minds. In order to bill Medicaid for these services, schools will now have to record each service provided. The administrative burden for small schools will keep schools from seeking this reimbursement. The time and cost will be so high that schools in my district will not be able to afford to seek a reimbursement. So this provision is putting schools between a rock and a hard place. They do not have the resources to seek reimbursements for Medicaid, yet then their school budgets will be devastated because they cannot access these federal funds. We are bankrupting our small schools and--who pays in the end--our students. The budgets of small schools are already being drained by costs associated with special education services. Funds they should have access to for books, retaining teachers, and school modernization. This bill will now go to a conference between the House and Senate. I hope that conferees will take this time to listen to the concerns of school superintendents and state Medicaid directors. We need their advice and input as we form this legislation. I ask that we study this issue further before we legislate a rule that could hurt our schools.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, it is often hard to find good economic news for my constituents in Kansas. Many of them are farm families involved in farming and ranching, and with the historic low commodity prices that we are suffering through, there is not always good news. But one of the areas of the Kansas economy that has had good news, that does provide Kansas families with jobs, is the aviation, the small general aviation industry; and it is an important segment not only of the Kansas economy but of the American economy, and part of the President's proposal to raise taxes by $240 billion is to significantly increase taxes on general aviation. Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues not to adopt that proposal. It has been around a long time. It is risky; unintended consequences can occur; and our economy in Kansas and around the country can be detrimentally affected. Terrible impact upon safety, eliminating incentives for the FAA to be efficient and operate more smoothly, and significant administrative costs to administer this new tax scheme of $240 billion. Mr. Speaker, I urge rejection. Protect the industry that is providing jobs in my State.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, in this chorus of accolades, and I wholeheartedly support the original intent of this bill, in fact I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1180, improving the current system to provide real choices for people with disabilities is essential; but unfortunately, this bill we are considering today is not H.R. 1180. This bill includes troubling language from the substitute bill which will cost Kansans and other State school districts millions of dollars. Section 408 of this bill would impact medicaid funding for school districts and their education of disabled children. 408 precludes or significantly restricts the use of bundled rates. The bundling system allows schools to minimize paperwork for billing, rather than individual services provided to each child. Kansas is one of seven States that has a HCFA-approved bundling system. This administrative change will impose burdens, economic costs upon our schools to the tune of $17 million. Mr. Speaker, small schools are struggling today to survive and in the time and cost it takes to package this reimbursement opportunity we will not be able to afford the reimbursement. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the conferees take a look at this provision.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to join with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) in introducing House Concurrent Resolution 198. It is my honor today to commend a fellow Kansan and the gentleman from Texas commending, I guess, a fellow Texan, Dwight David Eisenhower. Today is the 109th anniversary of the birth of our 34th President. The Kansas legislature recently passed a resolution recognizing today, October 14, that day of each year as Dwight D. Eisenhower Day, an official State observance and an opportunity for schools to teach students about our former President. The resolution encourages museums and schools to develop educational programs for our young people to learn about Eisenhower. The city of Abilene in my district is commencing holding 3 days of celebrations so that people across the State and country may recognize, celebrate and learn more about the life of our most accomplished son. Today, I am speaking in hopes that we can follow Kansas' lead by encouraging Americans all across the United States to take time to remember, honor and learn about Dwight David Eisenhower. President Eisenhower's life should be an inspiration to all Americans to work continuously to make this country and this world a better place. Born in Denison, Texas, in the district of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) and raised in Abilene, Kansas, in the First District of my State, Ike was one of seven sons and grew up in a home of modest means. He became interested in the military at an early age. Following his graduation from Abilene High School in 1909 and a job at the Bell Springs Creamery, young Ike was accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1911. On July 1, 1916, Ike married Miss Mamie Geneva Doud of Denver, Colorado. The Eisenhowers had two sons, Doud Dwight who died in infancy and John Sheldon Doud who followed his father into national service, is now a retired brigadier general in the Army Reserves, a former U.S. ambassador to Belgium and one of our Nation's leading military historians. In 1935, Ike assumed the rank of captain and accompanied General Douglas MacArthur to the Philippines, serving as a senior military assistant to the Philippine government. After an impressive series of promotions, Mr. Eisenhower was appointed the supreme commander of the Allied forces in December 1943. On June 6, 1944, the day now known simply as D-Day, Ike commanded Operation Overlord, leading the invasion of Normandy which led to the successful liberation of France and the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany. On November 19, 1945, Eisenhower was designated as chief of staff for the U.S. Army, and in 1947 he became President of Colombia University in New York City. Upon hearing the call of his country, Ike returned to service and was named supreme allied commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization where he served until May of 1952. That year, Eisenhower returned to his hometown of Abilene, Kansas, to announce his candidacy for President of the United States. Ike served two terms as President, from January 20, 1953 to January 20, 1961. As President, Ike saw the end of the Korean War, and the entry of Alaska and Hawaii into the union. Upon signing the Civil Rights Act of 1957, Ike helped desegregate public schools as well as the U.S. military claiming, ``There must be no second class citizens in this country.'' As his civil rights policies changed the course of history, so did his establishment of the Federal interstate highway system. As the Eisenhower highway system connects the States, Eisenhower was instrumental in connecting us to space by signing the bill which created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Clearly, Eisenhower had a profound effect on the course of mankind. This past March marked the 30th anniversary since Eisenhower's death. He died on March 28, 1969, at the age of 78 and was buried in Abilene, Kansas. Eisenhower's life achievements illustrate to kids that it is possible to aspire to greatness from humble beginnings, to respect those around you, and to take pride in our country. His character teaches parents the importance of instilling values of hard work, determination and honesty in our children. October 14 is a day to reflect on the contributions Dwight D. Eisenhower made to this country over his lifetime. We can all learn from his actions which is why folks in Abilene and in Kansas and all across the country still say, ``I like Ike.''

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah) for their work on this piece of legislation, and I thank the chairman for yielding me this time. As indicated earlier, I rise to join my colleagues in recognizing a man who served for 20 years in public service. William H. Avery served as governor of our State and as Congressman for a portion of our State from 1950 to 1960s, and it is my honor to speak on behalf of this legislation which names the post office in his hometown of Wakefield, Kansas. Bill Avery became the 37th governor of Kansas in 1965, but his public service first began over a decade earlier. However, he never intended to follow a career in politics or government service. When he graduated from the University of Kansas, the country was in the midst of the Great Depression, so rather than going on to school, he went back to his family farm to raise crops and livestock. He made a life with his wife and four kids on that farm, the same farm that his family had worked since the Civil War. In these early years he expanded the farm and served on the local school board. At the age of 39, Mr. Avery became involved in politics for the first time when construction of several big dams in our State threatened to take farmland of his and his neighbors out of production. A reservoir was being planned that would take his farm and force relocation of nearly two-thirds of his hometown. Avery was encouraged to run then for the State House of Representatives, and he won, serving from 1951 to 1955. Effective and well-liked by all of his colleagues, he then went on to serve in the United States Congress in this House for 10 years. As Governor, Mr. Avery was bold and direct. He took his job in public office very seriously. In his service, Governor Avery worked for everything that was important to Kansas: agriculture, rural communities, water conservation, and education. He was not afraid to make effective but unpopular policy decisions. Avery inherited a deficit when he came to the Kansas State House, and he worked to direct funds towards schools and economic growth. He effectively reformed education, and brought new industry to our State. After serving as Governor, he became active in the oil and grain industries. Avery also served in both the Department of the Interior and the Agency for International Development. For those who know Bill Avery, just mentioning his name often brings out a smile or a chuckle, and provokes a personal story about the Governor. Often described as a big, kindhearted, jovial fellow, Governor Avery is an extremely colorful, personable, and funny man. Having great appreciation for farming and being near the people he grew up with, he returned to Wakefield when he retired in 1980. With his love for horses and agriculture, Avery bought a team of horses, collected a line of antique farm machinery, and worked a small piece of farm ground as a hobby. Members of the Wakefield community fondly tell his stories of antique machinery and his love for agriculture. One community member recollects that in one parade, the press did not even recognize Governor Avery because he was wearing overalls and a straw hat behind his own team of horses. I have a feeling Governor Avery likes it that way. Bill Avery takes very great pride in being a farmer. Bill Avery was born and grew up in a farm near Wakefield. Today, at the age of 89, he continues to reside in his hometown in a house overlooking the reservoir that took his farm. He still is active in public policy, and in fact, writes letters to me and other Members of Congress on a regular basis. Governor Avery was a true farmer and family man who did not let politics change him. I admire both his integrity and his character, and I am honored to pay this small tribute to our Governor Avery. This bill will name the Post Office in his hometown where he daily goes to collect his mail. I ask that this body pass this legislation.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure today that I rise to join my colleagues in supporting National Co-op Month. Across Kansas and across the country, cooperatives form the economic backbone of many communities. Co-ops provide power, purchase the agriculture products, add value to the farmer and rancher, and allow individuals to join together in their local communities. Across the country, over 70 million people belong to some type of cooperative. Since Ben Franklin formed the first co-op in 1752, co-ops have operated with three basic principles: user ownership, user control, and user benefits. It is with those three principles that individuals can work together to add value and compete in a world where mergers and concentration are often the stories of the day. In Kansas, farmers and ranchers have joined in innovative cooperative projects aimed at moving them from being producers, to being processors and providers of wholesome food products in the grocery store. Kansas' 21st Century Alliance has taken risks to move farmers into grain processing, beef processing, high-volume dairying, and even dry-edible bean processing. All of these ventures have been cooperatives, allowing producers ownership, control, and, hopefully, the benefits. The challenge for Congress is to support and encourage more opportunities for farmers and ranchers to add value and gain a greater portion of the food dollar. Cooperatives provide that opportunity, and I look forward to pursuing new ways to assist cooperatives as they grow and advance on behalf of their member-owners. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in congratulating cooperatives on their first century and a half, and wish cooperatives success in these and other ventures for the next century.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I just finished hosting 66 town hall meetings across the 66 counties of the First District of Kansas during the August recess; and my constituents, like the rest of the country, feel alienated from government and from politics. The conventional wisdom that the ordinary citizen no longer has a say in our government is growing and that their voices are drowned out by a sea of special interests and campaign contributors is prevalent. Unfortunately, their concerns are often justified. I rise this evening in support of the Campaign Integrity Act and want to thank the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hutchinson) for his hard work in bringing this legislation before this session of Congress. Ever since we were elected in 1996, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hutchinson) has worked to achieve a bipartisan solution to improve our campaign finance laws. I support this legislation because it represents real reform, it is constitutional, and it is our best chance in passing legislation this year to help restore public faith in our system of campaigns and elections. By banning so-called soft money at the Federal level this bill closes the biggest loophole in our current finance system. Soft money contributions effectively shred the contribution limits in our current campaign finance law. As long as we allow special interests to contribute millions from soft money outside the regulated campaign finance system, the public will remain skeptical about the integrity of our system. This legislation also improves the disclosure requirements for candidates running for federal office. It would provide more detailed information regarding the origin of campaign contributions and the time in which they need to be reported. It also calls for electronic disclosure to allow voters more timely access to campaign information. Finally, this bill improves disclosure requirements for third party groups and lobbying organizations which run television and radio advertisements. Unlike other campaign reform proposals, this bill does not seek to restrict or regulate free speech of outside groups. It only seeks to inform the public about who is running the ads. Organizations that stand by their messages and by their missions have nothing to fear from this legislation. As students return to the classroom this fall in high schools and colleges across the country, they will be taught the virtues of political democracy. Those students cannot help but be skeptical of a system that is perceived and perhaps in reality is driven by dollars rather than people. They need to know that their voice matters. They need to know that this still is their government. This legislation provides a common-sense evenhanded approach to help restore the faith in our American political process. Mr. Chairman, I urge the adoption of the Hutchinson substitute.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) to respond to the statement of the gentleman from Oklahoma (Chairman Istook).

Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I would yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), the distinguished ranking member of the full Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the gentleman from South Dakota, Mr. Thune, to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the arrival of the Mennonites in the United States. To do so, I would like to read from a poem written by my constituent, Mrs. Gladys Graber Goering of Hutchinson, Kansas: ``A Hymn of Heritage'' Sing a song of deep gratitude To our God, Who by His grace, Led a people through centuries To this special time and place. Glad hosannas to you belong, Joy of the Lord, our strength and song. Tell the prairies' welcoming call Soil rich to the farmer's hand, Grasses and sky and spacious fields Beckoned families to the land, Promised them freedom to pursue The peaceful life which once they knew. Simple homes built on the broad plain, Church and school as their domain, Mennonites soon felt richly blest, Stretching borders east to west, Children and children's children grown Claimed the new land as their own. One-room schoolhouse and ABC's Played a part in wisdom's call. Stumbling now with a language strange, Students soon embraced it all. Learning continued through the years Pointing the way to new careers. Caring families eased the way Through the stresses of each day Dust and storm, depression and fears, Conscience and war, conflicts and tears, As generations moved along, Anchored safe in families strong. Sing a song of our heritage, Home and church and values true, Faith enduring, foundation firm, Building blocks on which we grew. God of the ages, help us, pray, Increase the good gifts of today. The accomplishments of the Mennonite community, in Kansas and South Dakota and in America are many. What continues to endure is the strength of their communities and of the values that they share. In a world that is rapidly changing, where information is shared around the globe instantly, and where too often, faith is an antiquated notion, the Mennonite community has retained its belief in service to the global community, peaceful resolution to conflict, and faith in God. From Moundridge, Kansas to Freeman, South Dakota, Mennonites have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve people in need. Today, farmers are still growing the Turkey Red Winter Wheat that the Mennonites brought with them 125 years ago. Midwestern states like Kansas and South Dakota make up the ``Bread Basket of the World'' and our farmers produce more wheat than any other states. The gentleman from South Dakota and I are grateful that so many Mennonites chose Moundridge and Freeman as their homes and helped to shape our great states. It is an honor to commemorate this anniversary.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who positively affected the lives of many people. Last month Mr. Julius Johns of Johnson, KS, passed away. Julius fulfilled many important roles in his life--each of them with honesty, compassion, and common sense determination. Julius proudly served his country. During World War II he was stationed in Australia as a member of the Army Air Corps 19th Bombardment group. Upon returning to the United States Julius was stationed at Pyote, TX, proceeded to earn an honorable discharge in October 1945. Julius was an effective leader for Kansas Agriculture. For years he owned and successfully operated a family farm in Stanton County. In addition to his own operation, Julius found time to help his fellow agricultural producers. Julius first served on the Stanton County Agricultural Soil Conservation Service Committee. Later he was appointed chairman of the Kansas ASCS Committee, serving in that role for nine years. In that role, Julius was an advocate for the farmers of Kansas--always searching for ways to help producers achieve higher productivity and greater success. Julius was a successful aviator and business owner. He was a licensed multi-engine airplane pilot and for several years managed Johns Piper Sales of Hutchinson and Johnson, KS. He was also a member of the Kansas Flying Farmers and International Flying Farmers. Most important to Julius was his family. Over the course of 57 years he and his wife Millie raised two sons and devoted endless love and attention to two grandsons and four granddaughters. Julius fulfilled many important roles in his life--each of them with honesty, compassion, and common sense determination. Today I join his many friends and admirers in extending my deepest sympathies to Millie and her family during their time of loss.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I keep a board in my office that lists the cash prices of the major commodities grown in my home State of Kansas. An arrow next to the price indicates whether the price is up or down, and for too long now, and for more days than not, all the arrows are down. Prices for all our major commodities grown in the State of Kansas are at historic lows. The wheat crop in Kansas is worth $500 million less this year than last, and prices for corn, soybeans, and milo paint a similar picture for the fall crops. The prices for beef and pork are depressed as well. And behind these numbers are real people. Every day, farmers and ranchers are being forced out of business and off the farm and ranch never to return. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the statements made on Friday about the crisis in agriculture and the call upon President Clinton to work with Congress to provide relief soon. I could not agree more. We need to do something and we need to do something now. On July 21, I introduced H.R. 2568, the Market Loss Assistance Act. H.R. 2568 would provide supplemental farm income program payments equal to 75 percent of a producer's 1999 payment under the Agricultural Market Transition Act. This is the same mechanism that Congress used last year to provide emergency relief to farm country. Today, the need is greater and more urgent than it was a year ago. I hope the House will honor my request to consider H.R. 2568 or other disaster relief before Congress goes home for the August recess. Our farm and ranch constituents are counting on us to do the right thing and to do it sooner rather than later. Farmers need assurance that Congress and this administration will respond to the crisis. Otherwise we will lose another generation of family farmers and rural America will continue its difficult struggle. Over the long haul there are many things that Congress can and must do to get the price arrows up on the chart and pointed in the right direction. We need to open new markets and expand trade opportunities for U.S. producers. We need a farm policy that preserves flexibility and provides price protection. We need adequate risk management tools and research that enhances our competitiveness. But these are all long- term solutions to a near-term crisis. H.R. 2568 can get assistance to farm country immediately. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. The time to respond is now, not later.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, last Thursday I spoke on this House floor about the crisis facing farmers and ranchers. This evening, I continue my efforts to inform my colleagues about the seriousness of the issues and the need to act now. Last week, I introduced with some of my colleagues legislation that takes an important step to help producers make it through this period of extremely low prices. I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 2568, the Market Loss Assistance Act of 1999. This straightforward bill provides producers an immediate shot in the arm. Under this bill, producers would receive an additional payment equal to 75 percent of their current farm payment. While this is only one part of a solution to help producers, it is an important part, and it provides immediate assistance. We need to assure our farmers that relief is on its way. Let us begin the debate on disaster assistance now. Part of the problem is the loss of exports. In 1996, agricultural exports hit a record of $59.9 billion, and since then, agricultural exports have fallen substantially. This year, exports are predicted to be $49 billion for a loss of over 18 percent since 1996, just 3 years ago. Not surprisingly, as exports have fallen, so has net farm income. Since 1996, net farm income has fallen to $45 billion, a decline of 15 percent. That $45 billion net farm income now stands at the same level as a decade ago. Does anyone think the cost of fertilizer, land payments, equipment, and other farm inputs have remained the same price for the last decade? Of course not. In the world of agricultural export promotion we have lost the battle on behalf of farmers, and if the current trend continues, we may soon lose the war. This chart paints a very clear picture on where the United States is on its commitment to helping American farmers and ranchers compete around the world. About $8.45 billion is spent each year on agricultural subsidies. Of this, the United States represents $122 million or roughly only 1.4 percent. We repeatedly tell our farmers and ranchers to produce for the world and compete for world markets. When your principle export competitor is the European community, the battle for market share under these conditions does not take long. In 1996, the EU spent 69 times more than we spent for export assistance. We cannot let this go on. Out of this pie, 83.5 percent of the export assistance programs are spent by the European community. Ours are 2.5 percent. When I first arrived in Congress, the Department of Agriculture indicated that we could not use export promotion funding because prices were too high and that shipping our U.S. farm products overseas might make them even more expensive. Now I am told we cannot use export funds because it would drive the prices even lower; a story I find particularly hard to believe in light of tight storage situation and low farm prices already well under the loan rate. If the bitter medicine of low prices must be taken, I would recommend we aggressively work through this period and move U.S. agricultural products. Our farmers are locked in a battle competing for international markets. We cannot continue to abandon them. We must use our export programs forcefully, and we must act now. Mr. Speaker, farmers are willing to compete in the global marketplace, but they cannot compete with foreign treasuries. I urge all my colleagues to join in the fight for the American farmer. We need short term disaster assistance; and for the long run, we need agricultural exports.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, in Kansas, combines and harvesting crews have just finished another annual wheat harvest. While many farmers have seen harvests come and go, this one will certainly be one to remember. Unfortunately, it is the low wheat prices that will not be forgotten. Wheat prices recently closed in Goodland, Kansas at $1.96 a bushel, the lowest price in over 30 years. Let me put this disaster in perspective. In my State of Kansas alone, the loss in market value of the wheat crop will be over $500 million below last year's dismal level. Let me restate that. In one State, in one crop, the lost value is a half a billion dollars when compared to last year's income. Nationwide, the losses will be tremendous. In Kansas, that is $500 million less that farmers have to pay bills and to take care of their families. I do not know exactly what disaster relief legislation this year will look like, but I must impress upon my fellow Members of Congress the seriousness of the circumstance and the ongoing damage to the agricultural economy. This year, there will be no crop with higher prices that comes to the rescue of the wheat farmer. United States Department of Agriculture indicates that corn prices are at a 10-year low and soybean prices are at a 27-year low, with both prices to decline further by the time of their fall harvest. This problem, however, is not about numbers, estimates, or projections. It is about people. It is about the future of rural America and the survival of a generation of our farmers and ranchers. Mr. Speaker, I received a letter, for example, from my constituents that is pretty typical. ``Dear sir: We are now beginning the 1999 wheat harvest in Kansas. The price of wheat here in Ness County is $2.22,'' this is back in June, ``as of close of markets on June 19, lower than we could sell wheat for in the troubled 80's. ``Prices of all our supplies, seeds, fertilizer, et cetera, have rose steadily since then and are still going up. Are farmers not supposed to have a decent living for all their hard work? We as farmers have every right to just as good a living as most blue collar workers in this country. Someone, Senators, Representatives, administration, and Agriculture Secretary need to spend a little more time and effort to improve our circumstances. ``Most farmers have land payments coming due in August. Interest on them went up again. Payments of harvest expenses, fuel, repairs and labor all have to be paid; $2.22 a bushel of wheat does not go very far to pay an $8,000 land payment and expect a living expense the rest of the year. Farmers cannot be put on hold much longer. Something needs to be done now, not 6 months from now. ``I have farming interests in Ness and Hodgeman Counties in Kansas. My husband passed away in 1992 and my son is trying to hold things together. We are just a medium-sized family farm of which there are a great many here in the Midwest.'' As the writer of this letter says, something needs to be done now, not 6 months from now. Mr. Speaker, on July 1, I joined other Members interested in agriculture, Members of this Congress, in a letter to President Clinton. In that letter, we outlined our request to work with the President and the administration in providing assistance to agriculture producers this year. Today, I rise to urge all my colleagues in Congress to join in the efforts as we work together to try to make certain that we do not lose another generation of the American farmer and rancher.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this procedural motion which precludes consideration of a cost of living increase for Members of Congress. Failure to allow an up or down vote on this issue only serves to increase cynicism towards the political process and confirms the feelings of many voters that their representatives are out of touch. This process needs to be reformed. Members of Congress should be on record with the citizens of their districts as to whether they believe an increase in their salary is justified. Given the opportunity, I would vote ``no.'' I believe that fiscal discipline must start with elected officials. At a time when farmers and ranchers are struggling, our domestic oil and gas industry is collapsing and rural hospitals and other health care providers are curtailing services, there is no place for a Congressional cost of living increase, especially one born in a cloud of secrecy.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, 1999 has been designated the International Year of Older Persons. The year marks a time to reflect upon the contributions of our seniors and assess our efforts to secure their continued health and well-being. During this year, we honor those who contribute to our communities as grandparents, parents, workers, volunteers, and as role models. They are the keepers of our traditions and the teachers of our values. While honoring these heroes this year, we must also work to support them where help is needed. This means looking to the future and ensuring the strength of our programs that serve our elders. The next century is anticipated to be a golden age for seniors, with life expectancy increasing and predictions that older persons will outnumber children for the first time in our history. America's seniors are more physically and mentally fit than ever before. Yet with these positive changes, we can anticipate a greater burden for our health care system. One way of preparing for the future is to renew the Older Americans Act, which has not been reauthorized since 1995. Since that time, our Nation's seniors and the programs established to serve them have faced an uncertain future. Because these programs help our seniors to remain active, healthy and part of their communities, I have asked the House leadership to make it a priority for passage this year. The Older Americans Act has been a special program for over 34 years. Using a small slice of the Federal budget, the Older Americans Act has provided hot meals, legal assistance, employment for seniors and services for the home-bound. I have seen firsthand how these programs assist and benefit seniors in my home State of Kansas. Kansas seniors have given a lifetime of service. Renewing these programs that preserve their well-being allows us to give back a little to those who have made our country what it is today. We take pride in celebrating older Americans who demonstrate new horizons for what is thought impossible for older persons. Both Bob Dole and John Glenn are these types of heroes who continue to defy limitations and inspire others to play leading roles in their communities. However, there are other, lesser-known older Americans who have been important to their own communities and now make use of the services of the Older Americans Act. The least we can do is to assist those who have given all they can and want to continue to live healthy and active lives. Long life is a gift we treasure, and along with this gift comes a responsibility. Renewing the Older Americans Act is responsible action that provides security for the next century and will foster longer, healthier, and more productive lives for all Americans.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the dedication of Mrs. Esther Kraus to the young people of Kansas. She has served with distinction for ten years as the coordinator of the We the People . . . Program for Kansas' First congressional District. Mrs. Kraus' superior efforts on behalf of this program have far exceeded the normal duties of a district coordinator. She has tirelessly promoted the program, identifying local people who are interested in civics and government and finding ways for them to contribute to the goals of We the People . . . Mrs. Kraus has also provided materials and support to high school government teachers who are interested ion entering their classes in the competitive Citizen and the Constitution hearings. My district has been proud to be represented for the past two years on the national level in this prestigious competition. Mrs. Kraus has also been a dedicated participant in state and national coordinators' meetings related to We the People . . . She has never missed a single state or national meeting. Esther Kraus has performed a remarkable and valuable service to Kansas' First District. She has tirelessly promoted for young citizens an understanding of the United States Constitution. Through her efforts, the youth of the First District have become aware of this document and the power which it holds. On her tenth anniversary as a district coordinator for the We the People . . . Program, I would like to recognize and commend her for her excellent job promoting education and patriotism among the youth of Kansas.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. I yield to the gentleman from New Mexico.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I appreciate the comments from the gentleman and I look forward to working with the gentleman from New Mexico on this issue. It is a significant one.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to commend the chairman and the ranking member for their efforts in appropriations in this appropriation bill related to agriculture. Obviously a Member of Congress who comes from the district I come from is very concerned about the agriculture economy, and the impact of this appropriation bill upon my State is significant, and I commend the committee for its efforts. I do want to raise a topic that is of great concern to me and to the many small businesses that I represent within the agribusiness community of Kansas. I have an amendment to be offered later today that would allow small meat processors with sales under $2.5 million and less than 10 employees to have an additional year before their compliance with USDA's HACCP, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points Inspection System would take effect and impact them. This amendment would apply only to the smallest local meat processors and would in no way change the inspection system in our large nationwide plants. There are significant problems out there. In fact, the U.S. Small Business Administration has concluded in its letter to USDA that something must be done. Their conclusion in their letter to USDA, dated July 5 of 1995, says, ``The Office of Advocacy at the SBA remains deeply troubled by the failure of FSIS to analyze properly the impact of HACCP on small businesses.'' Requires, among other things, that an agency tailor its regulations to impose the least burden on businesses of differing sizes. There are many alternatives which USDA could pursue which have been either rejected or overlooked by FSIS and which would reduce the compliance burden on our smallest businesses. This is Sam's Locker across the country in the smallest communities of our Nation, and many of them are going out of business, really on a weekly basis. I pick up the paper and the local locker plant in one of my communities across Kansas is closing its doors because of the cost and burden of compliance with this rule which will take effect January 1 of the year 2000. The Small Business Administration says that the smallest firms face the greatest burden in both absolute and per-unit costs and suggests that there are a number of alternatives which USDA has not explored. So I intend later today to offer an amendment that would delay the implementation for approximately 9 months of this last phase of HACCP regulations.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Davis) yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to speak today on behalf of this legislation honoring Clifford R. Hope. Mr. Hope was an active public servant involved in Kansas politics for more than 37 years. Naming the post office in his hometown of Garden City, Kansas, is an honor. It is a small tribute to Mr. Hope's lifetime accomplishments. During Mr. Hope's political career, his first leadership opportunities presented themselves as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives. First elected in 1921, Mr. Hope at the age of 31 became the youngest speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives. As in many other States in the 1920s, tension mounted surrounding civil rights issues. Mr. Hope, an ardent opponent of the Klu Klux Klan, took the politically difficult stance to ensure that Kansas' history as a free State was not tarnished and that individual liberties of all its citizens were protected. After 3 terms in the State legislature, Clifford R. Hope was elected to Congress in 1926. Mr. Hope became a respected leader in this House, ultimately serving as the chairman of the Committee on Agriculture from 1946 to 1951. Mr. Hope was the last Republican chairman of the committee until another Kansan, Pat Roberts, assumed that position in 1995. Mr. Hope was deeply involved in establishing many of the agricultural programs that still exist today. In addition to his work on behalf of agriculture, Mr. Hope was a strong advocate for defense programs and was heavily involved in the military programs essential to our successful war efforts during World War II. Mr. Hope was a veteran of World War I. Spanning the presidential administrations of Presidents Coolidge, Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman and Eisenhower, Mr. Hope's time in Congress was a period of extraordinary change in our Nation. Through the end of the roaring 1920s, the Depression and World War II, and the critical rebuilding years that followed, Mr. Hope faithfully served Kansans and was actively involved in many legislative accomplishments that we take for granted today. He was an avid supporter of conservation programs. Mr. Hope first experienced legislative success by passing into law the bill creating the Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands in Kansas. It was created in 1928, and this wetland still today serves the goals of environmental restoration and preservation. While Mr. Hope's initial bill was aimed at Kansans, it was followed by one of the largest nationwide conservation programs, the Small Watershed Program, which was developed under Mr. Hope's tenure as the Committee on Agriculture Chairman. Passed in 1954 and known as P.L. 566, the Small Watershed Program has been successful in reducing runoff, controlling erosion and protecting countless communities from flooding for more than 40 years. In addition to conservation programs, Chairman Hope also had great success in promoting the United States humanitarian role in the world. The Food for Peace Program, P.L. 480, was signed into law by President Eisenhower in July of 1954. From its inception, Food For Peace has been the backbone of the United States's food donation efforts around the world. However, not all of Mr. Hope's feeding programs had such worldly goals. Authorized in 1946, the zeal with which Mr. Hope promoted the School Lunch Program earned him the title of ``Hot Lunch Cliff.'' While it is often common to measure a man by his accomplishments, it is the manner in which those accomplishments are achieved that is truly important. In this day of harsh rhetorical battles, it is refreshing to honor a Member with character and demeanor. Our former Governor of Kansas, William H. Avery, also a former member of this body, perhaps said it best about Mr. Hope's character: ``I never heard Cliff speak a harsh word against those with whom he disagreed, either in debate or in personal conversation. He had the respect and admiration of all who knew him. He will always be remembered as an honest man with an infectious personality, kind to both his friends and adversaries, but unshakable in his convictions.'' In the epilogue to the book ``Quiet Courage,'' written in 1997 by Congressman Hope's son, Clifford Hope, Jr., also a distinguished Kansan, the son speaking of his Congressman father concludes that: First of all, Congressman Hope had a solid record of substantial legislative accomplishments. He probably spent more time from 1933 until 1957 on farm support legislation than any other single issue, seeking to secure a safety net for farmers and, equally important, striving to ensure a stable supply of inexpensive food and fiber for consumers. His more lasting legislative accomplishments were in the area of soil and water conservation, agricultural research and marketing, and the Food For Peace program. Although preoccupied with agriculture problems, Congressman Hope spent many hours studying and seeking the truth on all important issues. Hope's legislative achievements were not, in his son's opinion, his primary reason that he considered his father a role model Congressman and considered so by many of his contemporaries as well. He was a role model, rather, because of the virtues and values he held dear. In recent years there has been a rediscovery of, or at least a renewed interest in, personal virtues. William J. Bennett, in his ``Book of Virtues'' quotes stories and poems which exemplify 10 virtues: responsibility, self-discipline, compassion, friendship, work, courage, perseverance, honesty, loyalty and faith. Senator Frank Carlson, also a former member of the House of Representatives, in his congressional ceremony honoring his friend Cliff Hope in 1956 cited a list of nine virtues that make up the stature of the perfect man: patience, kindness, generosity, humility, courtesy, unselfishness, sincerity, good temper, and guilelessness. Hope would be the first to disclaim that he was a perfect man, but in large measure, he did possess the virtues cited by Bennett and Drummond. All of these in particular were ones imparted and taught to all of those he came in contact with. So, Mr. Speaker, today as we seek passage of this legislation, H.R. 197, I encourage all of us to strive for these characteristics. We too will leave a mark on the history of this country, and I hope that during my term of service in the United States Congress that I will never forget a fellow Kansan, Clifford R. Hope, that he provided a role model for those of us who engage in this business each and every day, and that we will all strive to serve with quiet courage.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize Lew Ferguson for his dedication and service to the people of Kansas. On July 1, Mr. Ferguson will retire after 29 years of distinguished service as the Associated Press correspondent at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kansas. Upon graduation from the University of Oklahoma, Mr. Ferguson began his career in journalism working as sports and wire editor for the Ponca City News in Oklahoma. He eventually joined the Associated Press staff and made his way to their Kansas City office. Although he had established a formidable career in sports journalism, Mr. Ferguson developed an interest in politics. In late 1970, he transferred to Topeka to cover Kansas state politics and government for the Associated Press. During his tenure as the Associated Press correspondent in Topeka, Mr. Ferguson developed into a legend, earning a reputation for objectivity and impeccable integrity. For 29 years he faithfully informed Kansans of the issues and actions in state government that would affect their everyday lives. In recognition of his work, he received the Kansas Supreme Court's Justice Award in 1992. Lew Ferguson will be remembered for his impartiality and knowledge in reporting and his friendliness and enthusiasm in all aspects of his activities in the Statehouse. I wish Lew and his family the very best.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, where's the beef? May 13, today, marks the day in which the European Union is set to respond to its loss of the beef hormone dispute. The 11-year-old ban on American beef has prohibited our ranchers from exporting to Europe an estimated $500 million worth of beef each year. U.S. cattle producers have won each and every decision of the World Trade Organization to open European markets. It is now time for the European Union to comply with international trading laws and to eliminate its ban on American beef. Rarely has European protectionism been so soundly defeated. In this case, the U.S. was not alone. Argentina, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand all joined in filing complaints to open markets. The countries have won, and it is time to begin shipments of beef to Europe. Yet again we hear that the EU will not open its markets, will not allow beef imports, and will continue to defy the World Trade Organization. Perhaps trade barriers may be lowered on other products, perhaps tariffs reduced on goods and services, but no relief will be afforded the U.S. rancher. Access to European beef markets is the objective. Compensation is not an acceptable alternative. The Clinton administration, its Departments of Agriculture and State and its trade ambassador must aggressively retaliate to force market access. Anything less than the shipment of fresh U.S. beef is unacceptable. Madam Speaker, where's the beef? It should be on the tables of European families and in the restaurants of France and Germany.