Jerry Moran

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to rise in support of legislation I introduced on March 25, 1999, that will give more veterans the freedom to choose where they receive medical care. Under current law, the VA does not generally treat a non-service connected Medicare-eligible veteran because they have no way to recover the full cost of doing so. With this legislation, a Medicare-enrolled veteran could go to their VA for care and Medicare would reimburse the VA at a fixed rate. This Medicare subvention legislation allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a three year demonstration project at up to 10 sites around the country to test Medicare reimbursements to the VA. While a pilot project for Department of Defense Medicare Subvention was enacted into law in 1997, the VA's Pilot Project was not. This legislation is budget neutral. It caps Medicare payments to the VA at $50 million annually. HHS and VA will monitor this project from beginning to end in order to study its effectiveness in giving more veterans access to VA health care. Last month, this legislation passed in the Senate. Now is the time for the House to act on this issue. The second part of this bill would take steps to ensure that the Department of Defense health care coverage, Tricare, is accessible and patient-friendly through improved business practices and by meeting industry standards. In 1993, the Department of Defense restructured its health care program in order to maintain beneficiary access to high quality care while containing cost. Implementation of this program has been difficult as force reduction and base closures have resulted in fewer military treatment facilities and medical personnel. There is still much to be done to ensure access to Tricare's 8 million beneficiaries made up of active service members, their families, and retirees. This legislation directs the Department of Defense to take several steps to ensure that Tricare is similar to the health care coverage available to all other federal employees; that it ensure portability of benefits from region to region; and that it improve patient management. Changes in this bill will improve Tricare for beneficiaries, providers, and contractors. Identical legislation was passed last month in the Senate and it is time the House did the same. Those who have served in our military deserve accessible health care without the red tape. This bill also encourages the Veterans Benefits Administration to review its policies and procedures in reviewing claims; initiate necessary actions to process claims in a consistent and timely manner; and report to the Congress on measures taken to improve processing time. Processing claims through the VBA, including veterans disability ratings, has grown increasingly slower over the last few years. A veteran's access to VA health care often depends on these decisions. We should not put a veteran's health care needs on hold because of paperwork delays. I commend our veterans for their courage in defending our nation's values and freedoms. They have served their country to the fullest extent, and it is time to serve our veterans.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, it was a year ago today that I rose on this House floor to raise a concern with my colleagues with what is happening in the oil patch in our country. We are in the process of losing our domestic oil industry, which I believe is to our great detriment down the road and in fact today. The domestic oil industry, those small producers, those wells that are producing 2.2 barrels per day on the average, are currently being shut down and closed in. Since 1997, a little more than a year ago, we have lost over 41,000 jobs in the United States with more than 136,000 oil wells shut down. In my State of Kansas alone, the job loss is someplace between 5 and 8,000, with a loss of revenue this year of $955 million. If the problem we face with our economy is not great enough, it is perhaps superseded by the problems we will face strategically in the future. The U.S. dependence on foreign oil continues to rise. We had problems, those of us who are old enough to remember the early 1970s, with long lines at the gas station and the oil embargo. At that time our foreign oil imports were only 36 percent of our U.S. consumption, while today 57 percent of the oil consumed in the United States is derived outside the United States. That estimate is expected to rise to 70 percent in about 10 years. We have set the stage for significant and serious problems in defending our country and in our strategic reserves. Mr. Speaker, this issue needs the attention of the administration, of the Department of Energy and of the President of the United States. It also could use the attention of Members of Congress. Yesterday, I introduced legislation along with several other Members of Congress, the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Pickering), the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions), and the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watkins), and this legislation mirrors legislation introduced last week by the distinguished Mr. Domenici. This bill attacks the issue of foreign dependence upon energy, and by suggesting that when 60 percent of our consumption is derived from foreign sources that the administration, the President of the United States, must begin a process to determine the extent of the problems created by our foreign dependency on oil, must report to Congress those difficulties, his assessment, and must make recommendations to Congress to what we can do to minimize our dependence on foreign oil, issues such as tax reduction, regulatory relief and conservation measures. We have also included in this bill many proposals to react to the days in which the oil and gas industry was considered highly profitable and Congress and the administration then decided to, in a sense, gouge that industry, to take away its profits. And today when western Kansas crude is priced at $8 or $9 a barrel and the costs of breaking even for that production is $16, it is time to reduce, eliminate the tax policy in this country that discourages marginal well production and discourages this industry from remaining alive and solvent. Mr. Speaker, I hope that over the course of the next few days and over the course of the next few weeks, Congress will begin to focus on the fact that we are losing an important industry in our country but perhaps more importantly focus on the fact that we are selling short our future, our children's future, our grandchildren's future by our reliance upon oil from other countries. It is clear that we spend billions of dollars protecting our foreign supplies but next to nothing in protecting domestic production. Perhaps as troublesome to me as anything is the idea that the so- called surplus that results in this price of oil is derived from the fact that we are importing oil from Iraq. So on one hand we are trying to contain Saddam Hussein's activities and on the other hand we are providing the financial resources for him to pursue those activities, and at the same time we are hurting our own men and women employed in the oil and gas industry in the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 1117.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be here this evening and particularly with the distinguished gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kasich), the chairman of the Committee on the Budget, in the Chamber this evening. I would like to point out a few facts to my colleagues. I know that these are issues of importance to all of us, and I think it is useful to be reminded that as of March 1, the first day of this month, 1999, the Federal national debt was $5.62 trillion. That debt is increasing. In fact, it increased in 1999 by $95 billion in all of our trust funds. The total interest that we paid last year on the national debt was almost 15 percent of the total budget, about $243 billion. Mr. Speaker, now is the optimum time to take the steps necessary to reduce the national debt. Our economy, although not necessarily the Kansas economy, is strong and Federal revenues stand ready for debt reduction. On the very near horizon, however, we face a challenge of financing the retirement of the baby boom generation. If we can get our fiscal house in order now, we can meet this challenge. But if we delay, our children will face the dual burden of servicing a large national debt, along with facing the liabilities to Social Security and Medicare. We do not have surpluses as far out as we can see. Mr. Speaker, as the chart indicates, the national debt grows, and by the year 2040, because of that generation of retirees, the national debt increases to 200 percent of the gross domestic product. We need to take advantage of this opportunity to begin the process of paying down our national debt. Paying down the debt can lower interest rates. Student loans, car loans, home mortgages and farm debts can all be less burdensome with lower interest rates that the borrowing from the Federal Government would generate. Last week, the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Pickering) and I introduced H.R. 948, the Debt Down Payment Act, and I spent some time on the floor, an extended amount of time on the floor, explaining this legislative attempt to my colleagues. This bill establishes a 10-year plan for reducing the debt held by the public. It would reduce it by $2.4 trillion; an average annual payment on the debt of $240 billion; no new spending; saves $729 billion in interest payments over 10 years. $729 billion. And it removes the Social Security trust fund from the revenues that we calculate our surplus to provide some honesty, not only to the American people but especially to ourselves. This bill establishes a gradually reduced limit for public debt held over the next 10 years, and by the year 2000, this debt limit would be lowered to $3.5 trillion, requiring a first year debt reduction of $100 billion. Our Nation's most respected economists remind us of the importance of paying down the national debt and the opportunity that provides to shore up Social Security. In just 13 years, payment from the Social Security trust fund will exceed the incoming revenue to the Social Security trust fund. By reducing debt today, we can do something that will make it easier to meet the needs of the next generation's retirement, and by removing the Social Security trust fund revenues from the annual surplus calculations, we will gain a more accurate understanding of where we stand financially. I have been pleased by recent reports the Senate budget proposal may include a similar proposal toward reducing the debt. By establishing statutory debt limits on publicly held debt we can hold our collective feet to the fire by locking in gradual debt reduction. Debt reduction should be a central component of our budget plans, and I urge my colleagues in both chambers to insist that the 2000 budget proposal include a long-term plan to pay down our national debt. Let us agree today to put an end to treating our national budget like a bad credit card spending. Let us agree to pay more than the monthly minimum and stop spending 15 percent of our budget on interest payments. We are like those people with the credit card who just keep spending. We do not even hardly make the minimum payment. We pay the interest, but we have no plan to ever pay the principle, and today we ought to take the steps toward establishing a plan to do just that. We are at a crossroads. Let us make the legacy that we leave to the next generation one of economic hope and prosperity.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the dedication of Dr. Edward H. Hammond on the occasion of the opening to the new Sternberg Museum of Natural History on the Fort Hays State University Campus in Hays, Kansas. In the early 1990's, Fort Hays State University President Edward H. Hammond made the commitment to raise the funds necessary to move the impressive Sternberg fossil collection to an equally impressive facility. After eight years and $11 million dollars, his vision has been realized. The collection's new home is a state of the art 100,000 square foot dome and adjoining facility which will not only house the artifacts but provide a realistic journey through the world of prehistoric flora and fauna. The Sternberg Collection has long been one of the premier collections of fossils in the world. It holds the largest collection of fossil grasses; it has the third largest collection of flying reptiles, and it's mammal collection ranks in the top 20 in North America. The Collection's volume of more than 3,750,000 artifacts and specimens ranks it the world's largest at a small university. Dr. George M. Sternberg, an army surgeon began the collection in 1866. His sons developed a love for fossil hunting, and his son George F. eventually established his paleontology headquarters in 1927 at Kansas State Teachers College of Hays, now Fort Hays State University. George was made Curator of Geology and Paleontology and continued to manage and add to the Sternbery Collection until his retirement in 1961. In 1994, the Sternberg Collection was combined with the Museum of the High Plains under one director, Dr. Jerry Choate. The completion of this project marks a major achievement for Fort Hays State University and the community of Hays. The new facility promises to draw scholars and curious travelers from around the globe and provide them with an exciting experience in prehistoric times. I commend University President Edward H. Hammond and Museum Director Dr. Jerry Choate for their creativity and tenacity in envisioning and completing this project. It is truly a landmark accomplishment.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of my colleagues in Congress a letter I received today. It is a letter from Mr. and Mrs. Alan Paul of Ellsworth, Kansas. The Pauls write to suggest that Congress use its good sense and to do what is best for the country. Mr. Paul specifically writes, ``Comes now a budget surplus. You know and I know that the `surplus' can be what we want it to be depending on how we cook the books. Fact is, without Social Security, there is no surplus. Suddenly, Democrats see new programs we cannot get along without, Republicans get those tax cut dollar signs in their eyes, and our collective brains get all mushy. I have a revolutionary idea,'' Mr. Paul writes. ``Let's do nothing. No new programs, no tax cuts, nothing. Let the surplus reduce the debt, thereby reducing the annual interest payments out of the budget and thereby bolstering Social Security.'' Mr. Paul is right. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced the Debt Downpayment Act, legislation that will establish a plan for paying down our national debt. While many in Washington celebrate the idea that we have balanced the books, Americans, and especially Kansans, have not forgotten that our national debt stands at $5.6 trillion. That is over $20,000 for every American. Twenty thousand dollars per person is not balanced, and using the Social Security Trust Fund to mask the true extent of the debt is not balanced either. Debt is certainly not a glamorous issue in Washington. It is much more exciting to talk about new programs that our surpluses could fund. In each of our districts there are great needs. In Kansas, all of our major industries face record low prices. Wheat, oil, hogs and cattle prices are wiping out family farmers, ranchers and small oil producers. Our hospitals are struggling to meet the needs of an aging and rural population. I rise this evening not to suggest that we should ignore the pressing needs of the American people but to remind Members of Congress that as we meet these needs we must continue to make the difficult choices that can help us reduce our national debt. Mr. Speaker, despite the claims, we do not have surpluses as far as the eye can see. In fact, we have a very short window of time where demographics and a strong national economy will allow us to pay down a portion of our national debt. The Congressional Budget Office, the General Accounting Office, the chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, Dr. Greenspan, have all warned us repeatedly that the good times will not last forever. Assuming we continue with our current economic growth, deficits are still expected to return in the near future. Mr. Speaker, the chart shows where we are today in 1998, and we are headed on the right path but, lo and behold, doing nothing still sends us back and in 2040 the projected debt levels are two times our gross national product. Those are not good signs. This is the window of opportunity for us to do something right, and we cannot afford to let this chance pass us by. The legislation I have introduced is simple. If Congress does nothing to botch this opportunity, the amount of our publicly-held debt is expected to be reduced by $2.4 trillion by 2009. This bill simply locks in today's once in a lifetime opportunity to pay down the debt by establishing gradually reduced debt limits each year. Doing so provides an average annual down payment on the debt of $240 billion each year for the next 10 years and requires no new spending cuts. I urge all my colleagues to consider the benefits of paying down the debt. Today, nearly 15 percent of the Federal budget goes to make interest payments on the national debt. Mr. Speaker, 15 percent of our budget goes to pay interest on the national debt. That is almost as much as national defense, almost as much as Social Security, and more than income security or Medicare. It is a huge portion of the problem we face each year. The budget today looks too much like bad credit card spending. We pay only the minimum amount each month. We spend a hefty sum on interest and we never establish a plan to pay down the principal. My bill would save an estimated $730 billion in interest payments over the next 10 years. That is good for the Federal budget and it is good for the economy. We can lower interest rates for America's car loans, our mortgages, our student loans and our farm debt and free up 11 percent of the budget for tax cuts or other important priorities. Foremost, reducing our debt strengthens our ability to meet our obligations for Social Security. In 2013, just 14 years from now, as the baby-boomers retire, payroll taxes are expected to be insufficient to meet the promised Social Security benefits. Congress will either need to raise taxes or tap into general revenue. By reducing the debt, we can do something today that makes it much easier to meet the needs of the next generation's retirement. This legislation also removes Social Security trust fund revenues from all calculations of the surplus. We must be honest with ourselves and with the American people. H.R. 948 offers a simple, straightforward plan for paying down our national debt. With the right decisions today, we can strengthen economic growth into the next generation, but if we fail we could see an expansion of the size and scope of government and a debt burden that lowers the standard of living for every American. I urge each of us to make the necessary commitment and seize this historic opportunity to do the right thing for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. Mr. Paul's letter concludes, ``And maybe, Jerry, just maybe, if you pull off this miraculous feat, God will forgive us all for the terrible sins we have committed against our future generations.''

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for allowing me the opportunity of raising this issue. It is an important one. For almost a quarter of a century the Federal Government has assisted in the education of our children with disabilities, and for almost that same quarter of a century the Federal Government has failed to meet its obligations. The Individuals with Disability Education Act was first enacted in 1975. At that time, Congress promised to help States and local districts pay for special education by funding 40 percent of the national average per pupil expenditures. Unfortunately, the Federal Government has never even been close to meeting this mandate. Currently, Kansas gets 10 percent from the Federal Government for funding special education. In actual dollar amounts, this means that while combined State and local expenditures for special education equal $420 million, the Federal Government provides the State with only $38 million. If the Federal Government would meet its obligation, Kansas would receive approximately $160 million from the Federal Government level for special education costs. At least $120 million would be freed up by that change on the State and local level, would be freed up on the State and local level for use for other education purposes. A Kansas school on the average uses 17 percent of it budget for special education. In my own community, the Hays School District receives $146,540 in Federal funds. If IDEA was fully funded, the school district would receive $750,686, an increase of over $600,000. Schools in my area of Kansas cannot afford to put almost one-fifth of their entire budget into this Federal mandate, special education. Our schools are already financially strapped. Forced to pay the Federal government's share of special education, the burden becomes so great that other programs and needs are pushed aside. Schools are not maintained properly, teachers do not get hired, and classroom materials do not get purchased. The schools, teachers and administrators in my districts are bending over backwards to assist students with their special needs. They are helping these children, but the Federal Government is not. The Federal Government is not meeting its obligation to these children, nor is it meeting its obligation to all students in elementary and secondary schools across the country. The funding of special education is important to me. I have lived with this issue during my 8 years as a member of the Kansas State Legislature. For each and every year, we struggle to adequately fund the education of our Kansas children. Every time I meet with principals, teachers and other school administrators, the concern that always comes up is the funding of IDEA. Kansans are skeptical about new Federal education programs, especially since we do not adequately fund the current programs. We do not understand why year after year more and more federally-created initiatives receive funding when already established programs are not adequately funded. Last year, a resolution was introduced in this House encouraging the President and Congress to work together to fully fund our obligations under IDEA. That legislation passed the House, signaling that Congress is ready to meet those obligations to local school districts and their taxpayers. The President's budget for the year 2000 provides only a level funding of IDEA. During this same year, the number of children with disabilities is expected to increase 123,000, while this means that the administration's budget will, in reality, be a cut in IDEA from $702 per child in 1999 to $688 in the year 2000. This is not right, it is not fair, and I call upon my colleagues to meet our obligations to the schoolchildren across the country to fully fund IDEA.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, the Washington Post headlines trumpets good news. The economy outpaces growth forecasts, the stock market is up, unemployment is down and prices from the grocery store to the gas pump are low and stable. The conventional wisdom is that life in America is as good as it gets, and perhaps for some Americans it is. But behind the statistics lies pockets in this country where the economic lives of our citizens are not so good. I rise today on behalf of the citizens of rural Kansas, the farmers and ranchers, the independent oil producers, senior citizens on fixed income and communities leaders struggling to hold on to essential services. These folks take little comfort in government statistics showing how good the economy is doing. In rural Kansas times are tough. Agriculture, still our economic base, is caught in a vice grip of depressed prices. Even our most diversified operators are struggling as prices for almost everything we produce in Kansas, cattle, corn, wheat, hogs, milo, soybeans, are all at historic lows. The new Census of Agriculture shows Kansas has 1,685 fewer farms this year than just 5 years ago. USDA reports that net farm income will be down for the third year in a row, and exports are reduced as well. The President's new budget fails to address the difficulties in agriculture. No new money for crop insurance. Farm program spending is reduced, and money for export promotion is cut by 15 percent. Even money for our food donation program such as P.L. 480 is cut by almost a billion dollars from last year's level. Mr. Speaker, we in Congress must find solutions, and removing agricultural sanctions is a start. The American farmer cannot continue with 52 percent of the world markets threatened by unilateral sanctions. I joined in introducing legislation on the first day of this session to remove agricultural sanctions, and we must continue to press hard on this issue. The bottom has been knocked out of the domestic oil and gas industry as well. Thirty thousand wells have been shut down in Kansas alone due to declining prices. Employment in Kansas' oil and gas industry is down from a high of 40,000 jobs to under 13,000 today. According to the Kansas Geological Survey, if prices remain at their current levels, oil receipts in Kansas will drop 900 million and our State will lose an additional 5000 jobs. As a country, we have spent billions, even gone to war to protect foreign petroleum sources. Should we not do something to preserve our domestic industry as well? We now import two-thirds of the oil consumed in this country, and this reliance only continues to grow. Unfortunately, again, the President's budget is little assistance. Energy research and development is cut. No funding is included for additional purchases for the strategic petroleum reserve. With oil prices at this low level, it is an excellent time to replenish this reserve and fill it to full capacity. Tax relief for the oil and gas industry must be a priority. I support legislation to lower taxes on marginal well production in the United States and to create incentives for inactive wells to be brought back into production. This industry has been taxed excessively when times are good, and we must now provide relief when it is needed. Compounding our economic struggles in rural America is the misguided Federal policies that threaten the viability of our communities. The 1997 budget bill made significant cuts on Medicare programs that our seniors and hospitals rely upon. The President has proposed in his budget yet another round of Medicare cuts to hospitals. For rural Kansas, hospitals are already hanging on by a string. Rather than another round of hastily crafted cuts we need a long-term plan to ensure the solvency of this critical program and to ensure that rural health care providers and patients are treated fairly. I, along with other Members of the House Rural Health Care Coalition intend to advance legislation packaged to restore fairness to rural areas under the Medicare program. In addition to improving reimbursements we need greater incentives to encourage doctors and other health care professionals to practice in rural areas. We have a unique way of life in rural America. The rural way of life with all of its benefits is part of our national heritage, and it is one that is worth fighting to preserve. My goal as a representative in 1999 is to ensure that Federal policies recognize our uniqueness and that they are workable, fair and conducive to carrying on our lives in rural America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to accomplish these goals this session.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Congress was called into session to consider whether President Clinton should be impeached as provided by the United States Constitution. Never would I have thought I would be called upon to determine whether another elected official should be allowed to remain in office, especially the President of the United States. I have tried to use my position to make policy decisions beneficial to the people of Kansas and to make certain that each individual Kansan receives a fair shake in his or her dealings with the federal government. Judging others' conduct is not a task I seek, but one required of me by the U.S. Constitution. I am humbled by the responsibility and hope I am equal to the task. I refrained, despite the constant demand from some, from reaching a conclusion on the merits of the case against President Clinton until I had as much factual information as possible and until I had an understanding of the meaning of the words of the U.S. Constitution, ``. . . or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.'' I especially wanted to examine the Judiciary Committee Report concerning the impeachment of the President. I have now had the opportunity to personally review the work product of the Committee and to question the Committee members. No task in my life has created a greater burden. I have no compulsion to turn this president out of office. Whether President Bill Clinton has the requisite qualities or abilities to be president or whether his administration's policies are right for the country was decided by the American people in November, 1996 and is not now the issue before Congress. At issue are the facts and whether such facts demonstrate that the President of the United States committed impeachable offenses. I want this president to succeed for the benefit of all Americans. I do not represent Republican Kansans or Democrat Kansans; I have been granted a privilege to represent all Kansans. I regret the highly partisan manner in which the impeachment of the President has been presented to the American people. I have said, from the beginning of these proceedings, that the process matters; at the end of the day, whatever the outcome, the American people must know that the end result was reached for the right reasons. In my opinion, the Independent Counsel, Congressional leadership and the White House have all contributed to the failure to meet this standard. Many citizens unfortunately will wonder and even be convinced that this is a Republican effort to oust a Democrat president. This belief increases the cynicism already prevalent in our political process. Having now read the Judiciary Committee report, discussed its provisions with Committee members, consulted the Constitution, inquired of many Kansans, both Republican and Democrat, whose judgment I value, and reviewed my basic beliefs of right and wrong, I am compelled to vote for articles of impeachment. Having to make a choice, I choose to be on the side that says no person is above the law, that this is a nation of laws not men, that telling the truth matters, and that we should expect our public officials to conduct themselves in compliance with the highest ethical standards. It is clear that President Clinton on numerous occasions lied to a federal grand jury, lied in a civil proceeding affecting the civil rights of an American citizen, and orchestrated an attempt to obstruct justice. The requirement that a party to a civil or criminal proceeding tell the truth, no matter how humiliating or harmful such statements might be, is a cornerstone of our system of justice. No one wants to tell the truth when the truth hurts. But we all know we have no choice, and if we lie, we know we suffer the consequence. We learn this as children, and President Clinton, a lawyer, knows this as an officer of the Court. The untruthful actions of the President are not mere technical violations of federal law; rather, the President's lies, obfuscation and overt acts to obstruct justice are serious and felonious, and they tear at the essential foundation of our judicial system. His actions were part of a pattern of conduct over many months and not a mere moment of poor judgment. There are those who argue that the subject matter of the President's lies is such that one could not reasonably be expected to tell the truth. But if you cannot believe someone who has raised his hand and has sworn to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, when could you ever rely on that person to be truthful? If we each are allowed to determine on which topics we must tell the truth there will be no due process, no equal protection and no justice. Many Americans do not want the President to be impeached because they do not want any disruption in their lives. Most of us did not want to know the details of the President's personal activities. Other worry that this process of impeachment will interfere with the economic prosperity which some in this country are enjoying. We just want it to go away. I regret that the Independent Counsel chose this path of inquiry. But now that the facts are known, none of us have the luxury of closing our eyes. President Clinton describes this as a private matter. It is not. What the President does affects each of us, especially parents. As much as we would otherwise prefer, we have an obligation to deal with this issue, and our obligation requires some sacrifice. There are some ideals more important than our comfort or our economic well being. We have responsibilities to the next generation. The Preamble to the Constitution reminds us of our responsibility to ``. . . secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.'' We owe the next generation our unwavering support for certain essential ideals on which our nation was founded. Impeaching the President is not popular across the country nor is it supported by all the people I represent. I have received thousands of letters, faxes, e-mails and telephone calls from my constituents, expressing strong and unequivocal positions on both sides of the issue. But this cannot be about polls, partisan politics, which party controls Congress, or even who is the next president, and unfortunately there is no middle ground. Years from now, when my school age children look back on their father's time in Congress, I want them to see their dad as a guy who struggled to make certain he was doing the right thing for the right reason, not one who was persuaded by the political passions of the moment, influenced by party politics, or unable to make a tough decision because of contrary polling data. I want my children to know that their dad chose the side of holding elected officials to high ethical standards, as an advocate for truth and a supporter of the rule of law. Contrary to the impression which one would receive from the television cable shows, the impeachment of the President is not all- consuming. My work in Congress on behalf of the people of the First District has and will go on unabated. We face significant problems on our farms and ranches, the Kansas oil and gas industry is on the verge of extinction, and, if we are not careful, adequate health care, particularly in rural communities, will be a thing of the past. These issues continue to receive my complete attention. It is time for Congress to address our military needs, strengthen social security and insist on a truly balanced budget. The impeachment process must be completed as quickly as possible. Although we cannot close our eyes, we can insist that these proceedings be conducted in a respectable manner and without undue delay. Thank you for the opportunity to provide my thoughts. It is a privilege to represent the people of the First District in the United States Congress.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, tonight Congress considers a spending bill that is troubling. It is the largest appropriation bill that I have ever voted on and I hope it will be the last time I am asked to vote on this amount of spending. At over $500 billion, it is nearly one-third the entire federal budget. This amount of money is beyond our grasp and the details of this legislation beyond our comprehension under today's time frame. There are many provisions in this bill that I support, particularly those for agriculture, home health care and education. This bill includes tax reductions for farmers, ranchers, and small business owners. In addition, this bill is critical to the operation of many government functions such as Social Security and our national defense. However, I am certain that there are numerous provisions in this bill which I do not support. Even worse, there are also items in this bill that I cannot be aware of until after I am expected to make a decision and cast my vote. For these and other reasons, I am very critical of the process which brings this appropriations measure to the floor tonight. I know I am not alone when I say I would appreciate the opportunity to vote on each of the individual provisions contained in this bill. Each provision should be debated on its own merit. Free and open debate is a principle upon which this country was founded and one that we as Members of Congress must work to protect. That is not to say that I am naive enough to believe that every policy which I support will pass and those I oppose fail. In a democracy we are often forced to make difficult decisions. While compromise is part of a democracy, we must not compromise the legislative process. We must work to maintain integrity in the process and restore the faith in the way we govern. We can, and must, do a better job in fulfilling our responsibilities as elected officials.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to once again urge passage of legislation that this body passed several days ago, in fact last Saturday we passed H.R. 4567, which provides funding for home health care agencies hardest hit by changes made in last year's Medicare bill. Unfortunately the Senate has yet to address this legislation, and it is an awfully critical issue for the senior citizens as well as home health care providers in the State of Kansas and across the country. While I recognize the need to curb Medicare costs, we need to direct changes at fraud, waste and abuse. The changes that we made last year in many cases were simply across-the-board cuts in funding, and unfortunately this has had a dramatic impact on some of the most cost- effective providers in our communities across the country. H.R. 4567 would provide relief for our senior citizens in need of home health care. These issues are critical to many senior citizens. Many senior citizens have attempted to keep their loved ones in home. Many people have tried to stay in their home, and they are only able to do so because of the benefits of home health care. In my home State of Kansas, a number of those agencies that provide home health care services have already closed their doors. And for the people that they provide services to in rural areas and small communities, the loss of their home health care agency often means a loss of this service, resulting in increased cost and a lessening of the quality of life. Home health services provide senior citizens with the opportunity to remain in their own homes with their own families, and ultimately they save Medicare program costs, which exist because of the alternative being hospital care or long-term care. While this legislation is not a perfect solution, it does represent a step in the right direction. Congress knew that this payment system was flawed in the home health care area and assured our senior citizens that there would be a short-term fix. We now know that this new ``short-term fix'' will last a long time, causing continual problems for home health care agencies and the people that they serve. This new payment system that we are told is waiting in the wings is now not going to be ready until next year and perhaps not even until the following year. We simply cannot afford to close this session of Congress without the Senate addressing the bill that the House has already passed, without incurring dire consequences to the citizens of this country. The Medicare home health care patients in this country and in Kansas desperately need reforms. I urge the Senate to join the House in passing this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of America's farmers and ranchers. Agricultural producers make up only two-percent of the U.S. population, yet they are productive and efficient enough to safely and inexpensively feed this country and much of the rest of the world. Our agricultural production system is the envy of the world, but we cannot take it for granted. Mr. Speaker, farmers and ranchers work hard for us. Tonight I call on Congress and the President to return the favor. Agriculture is different than other U.S. industries. It is a sector that is at the whims of both government policies and the global economy. Unfortunately, neither one of these influences are controlled by the Kansas farmer. The collapse of the Asian economy has beaten down prices like a hailstorm ripping across the Kansas plains. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, Kansas' agricultural exports to Asia have fallen by 20%. Through no fault of their own, Kansas farmers will miss out on over $2 billion in farm income due to lost markets and low prices. We need to take action, not just for today, but for the next generation. In the short-term, the most important issues is the disaster relief bill for agriculture. This bill passed both the House and Senate, only to be vetoed by the President. The passage of this legislation could not be more timely or important. The price decline, combined with the weather and transportation problems, has left many farmers and ranchers in dire straits. Congress and the President need to put aside their differences to pass a meaningful relief bill. In the long-term, removing sanctions and foreign subsidies must be a to priority for Congress. I am pleased that a bill to limit agriculture embargoes has passed the House. This bill should be approved by the Senate and sent to the President for him to sign into law. Congress should then focus on repealing sanctions that currently damage our producers and work to ensure that new sanctions are done only as a measure of last resort, and not a knee-jerk reaction to the problem of the day. If this is going to be a global agricultural economy, we in the U.S. have to give our farmers a chance to sell and market around the globe. Subsidies must also be addressed. The Export Enhancement Program, one of our only programs available to promote agriculture exports, has been left unused since I arrived in exports, an increase of 300%. The U.S. is still being out spent by nearly $7 billion by the European Union. To do nothing is the worst response possible. We cannot afford to stand by while our competitors take away markets by using aggressive government subsidies. Mr. Speaker, we owe a lot to the American farmer. Working together on their behalf is the least we can do. It is time to act.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, last night, I rose on a similar occasion to plead that, before we go home at this late hour, that we not forget our agricultural sector in this country, that we have many problems due to disease, due to weather, and most importantly due to the low price that we face in all commodities in the agriculture sector. I am glad to learn, throughout the day, as we tried to negotiate agreements, not only with the Senate but also with the White House, that progress seems to be being made in the issue that we care about when it comes to preserving our family farms and protecting our farmers and ranchers across America. Clearly we have lots of problems when we see the price of wheat, cattle, and corn, what they are today, what they have been in the past, and recognize that this Congress should not adjourn. The final gavel should not hit the table before we make certain that those issues are addressed. Again, I ask just briefly tonight that our conferees and our negotiators with the White House continue to pursue tax assistance, reductions in taxes as they affect the family farmer, disaster relief due to the problems we face in price as well as natural disaster; that we clearly do something about the issues of embargoes and sanctions placed against many countries around the world. Our inability to export agricultural products around the world has a dramatic impact upon the income of the farmers and ranchers across this country. This House has passed relief as regard to sanctions and embargoes, and I hope that the Senate and certainly our negotiators will insist that those provisions remain in the version of the final omnibus bill that I hope we pass before we go home. Clearly, the farmers of Kansas, the ranchers of Kansas understand that trade is important, that exports matter, and our inability to export to all countries at a time when we have told agriculture to go out and farm the markets is an important factor in their ability to succeed in doing that. Tonight, having really addressed the issue of agriculture last night and to again plead that it not be forgotten in these last hours, I also wish to point out the difficulties we face in the domestic oil industry. We have significant production of oil in this country and particularly in my home district in Kansas. Forty million barrels annually is produced in our State, representing about 15,000 jobs, very important jobs to the economy. Again, when agricultural prices are what they are, usually something is good in Kansas. But wheat, cattle, and corn are all low. On top of that, the price of oil is the same. It is low, and there is little hope for the future. As that happens in Kansas, our small producers, those wells that produce less than 10 barrels a day, are being shut down and abandoned. When we lose them, we lose our ability to have production in the future. We became more reliant upon foreign sources of oil. So, again, as I asked last night with regards to agriculture, I ask that our negotiators continue to pursue relief for a beleaguered oil and gas industry in this country, particularly for the small producer and for those producers that produce marginal wells whose costs of production are very high to maintain. I said on the House floor not too many months ago that it is disturbing when we learn how much money we spend trying to protect foreign supplies of oil but virtually nothing to protect a domestic oil and gas industry, a fact that we will pay a huge price for, I am afraid, someday. So tonight let me remind our negotiators that we have a marginal tax well credit that matters, that it would allow a tax credit for our producers who have lost money year after year to go back and receive a tax credit for the years in which they actually had an income. Several months ago, we were successful in defeating the effort by the Department of Energy on a crazy idea to actually sell oil out of the strategic petroleum reserve at a time when prices were so low we bought oil at a high price and we were willing to sell it at a low price and dump more oil on the domestic market. Tonight I hope we do not forget about the provision that is included in the Senate bill that allows for the purchase of oil at a low price for the strategic petroleum reserve which can be a security matter for us as well as a benefit to the very depressed domestic oil and gas industry. This matters to the communities and to the families across Kansas and across the country. It is important that we do not forget what the domestic oil and gas industry represents. Again, before we adjourn and go home to our constituents, something I desperately want to do is to return to Kansas and to my family, but let us make sure that the oil and gas industry as well as agriculture is not forgotten.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight as we are hopefully concluding this legislative congressional session in hopes that before we return to our respective districts at home, that we make certain that certain business before this Congress is concluded. We have all been made aware over the last several months, really over the last year, about how serious of a problem American agriculture faces as our farmers, because of significant reductions in commodity prices, but also because of weather and disease, have fared so poorly in 1998. Mr. Speaker, I hope that in these final days of this session, as we try to find the solutions to our problems and reach the compromises that we desire and that are reasonably acceptable to a majority of Members of Congress, we do not lose sight of the crisis that American farmers and ranchers face. Mr. Speaker, I hope that before we return home and the final gavel of this session reaches the desktop, that we make certain that the disaster relief bill, at least a version of what we have previously passed by this House and the Senate, although vetoed by the President, I hope that we get disaster relief passed and included in that final appropriation bill. In addition, Mr. Speaker, we have passed legislation which helps open markets around the world. The Agricultural Trade Embargo Act, offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Ewing), has passed this House. As I talked to the farmers across my district, it is clear they understand the importance of exports, exports, exports, and trade, trade, trade. When my farmers and ranchers hear that 52 percent of the people in this world live in countries that we cannot sell to, that they cannot sell to, they know that Congress and the President have failed in their responsibilities. Under the current farm bill, we have told American agriculture to farm the markets. We have told American agriculture to go out and find the countries to sell to, and to sell the commodities that the world demands. Yet, this Congress and this administration have failed to open those markets and make them available to the farmers and ranchers across this country. So I encourage the inclusion of significant changes in the law that prohibit future embargoes and sanctions, and also that repeal the embargoes and sanctions that are currently on the books, where appropriate. I hope that we take care of disaster relief, I hope we do something for trade sanctions and embargoes, and in addition, I hope that we do not leave the issue of taxes and the farmer and rancher and small businessman and woman and oil producer unattended before we conclude this session. Clearly we need help when it comes to the tax burdens faced by our farmers and ranchers. So again, disaster assistance, trade embargoes, and tax relief are important. Finally, I would encourage, once again, the administration to use the export enhancement program. For almost 2 years now, I have begged, pleaded, encouraged, demanded, insisted, requested, without any success, that this administration utilize the Export Enhancement Program that, at least in the appropriation bill as passed by the House and Senate, was increased from $150 million to $550 million. What clearer message could we send to this administration about the importance of the Export Enhancement Program than to increase its funding so significantly. Yet, nothing seems to happen in regard to the use of the Export Enhancement Program for the commodities that many farmers and ranchers care about. Again, Mr. Speaker, I hope that before we conclude this session, before those of us who are anxious to return home are allowed to return home, and before we can feel good about returning home, we will be able to say that we have taken good care of the stewards of this land, and we have provided the assistance required and necessary of the farmers and ranchers of Kansas and the other States in this country.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation naming the post office in Garden City, Kansas after former Congressman Clifford R. Hope. Mr. Hope represented the 7th Congressional district in Kansas from 1927 to 1957. During those 30 years, Mr. Hope rose in prominence in the House and eventually became the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. In fact, he was the last Republican of the Agriculture Committee prior to the Republican party gaining control of the House in 1994. During Mr. Hope's political career, he rose first in the Kansas House of Representatives becoming the Speaker of the Kansas House. Following his election to Congress, Mr. Hope became the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and was deeply involved in establishing many of the agricultural programs still in existence 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 the war efforts of World War II. Mr. Speaker, as a fellow Kansan it is with pride that I associate myself with Mr. Hope and I am honored to introduce this legislation.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4567, the Medicare Home Health Care Improvement Act. Last year's changes to Medicare made across the board cuts to home health funding that have been devastating to many agencies and their patients, particularly in states with the lowest historical costs. Mr. Speaker, this legislation would provide critically needed relief for our seniors needing home health care. In my home state of Kansas, a number of agencies have already closed their doors. For the seniors that I represent in rural areas and smaller communities, the loss of their home health agency, too often means the loss of critical services. While this legislation is not a perfect solution, it represents an important step. We simply cannot afford to close this session of Congress without addressing the dire circumstances facing our seniors. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight also to support legislation that is vital to the U.S. agricultural interests, to the farmers and ranchers of Kansas and across the country. The Selective Agricultural Embargo Act is an important first step in our commitment to reign in embargoes and open markets for U.S. agricultural products. Just last Friday, this Congress took a step to address the short-term needs of farmers by passing a disaster relief bill. Now it is time for Congress to help solve the long-term needs of producers by removing sanctions and opening agricultural markets. The Soviet grain embargo cost United States farmers $2.3 billion. The damage from that embargo left a lasting imprint upon agriculture and scarred our industry in a way that few would have imagined. However, it appears that we have not yet learned our lesson. Wheat imports to North Korea, to Cuba, to Iran, and to Iraq have all doubled since 1995, just a few years ago, since then they have doubled, and now account for over 10 million tons of wheat. However, these growing markets are off limits to U.S. producers but not to Canadian and Australian farmers. In today's global economy, unilateral sanctions unfairly penalize U.S. producers, reward our competitors, and have little impact on changing behavior on targeted countries. The American farmer is tired of paying the price for this failed U.S. policy. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this important measure.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Jamestown City Library in Jamestown, Kansas. The community of Jamestown recently celebrated this historic milestone with a parade and book sale on September 12. In 1898, the Current Literature and History Club established the Jamestown Library through the voluntary efforts of the women club members. Initially, they secured a traveling library housed in a spare room in the house of Frank Lane. Soon after, they raised enough money to obtain the plot of land that became the present site of the library through an initial $100 donation from Jamestown resident James Pomeroy. The Club was incorporated in 1900 and the building that housed the new library was completed in January of 1901. The total cost of the project was $1,098.75 and was named the Pomeroy Library. In 1911, a fire burned down much of the main street of Jamestown, including the library. What remained of the library's book collection was housed temporarily in the basement of the First United Methodist Church. Again the Current Literature and History Club women went to work for the community of Jamestown. With insurance money and local donations made from 46 charitable events such as box suppers, foods sales, plays and musicals, they again raised the needed funds to construct a new library. In 1925, the club transferred ownership of the library to the city of Jamestown and gave it its present name, the Jamestown City Library. Of particular importance to the Jamestown City Library was Ms. Ora Good, who later became Mrs. Ora Ansdell. In 1904, she volunteered to serve as the first librarian. Weathering fire, drought, the depression, two world wars, the beginning and end of the cold war, men landing on the moon, and the bicentennial celebration of our nation, she served for 72 years until her retirement in 1976. In later years the library has experienced several renovations and alterations, but continues to serve as a reminder of Jamestown's hard fought beginnings and the commitment put forth by its early founders. Jamestown is a community rich in history and long on accomplishments. I congratulate the community of Jamestown in light of this special celebration. Further, I am confident that another proud Congressman will read a similar such statement 100 years from now on the 200th anniversary of this historic library.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the gentleman from South Dakota and the gentleman from Oklahoma to talk about what we heard in the farm belt during our August recess. I used the 4 weeks of August and early September to travel the 66 counties of the First District of Kansas, holding 66 town hall meetings; and at every stop, the primary concern of the folks who came to see their Congressman was the price of farm commodities, the price of oil and gas. Everything that we produce and raise in our State has depressed prices; it has significant impact upon the people of our State, the people of this region, and now the people of the country. The stories were sad. I can remember the past president of the State Future Farmers of America who has had every intention of returning to the family farm, but now cannot see how that can be done with the current state of agricultural economics. We need that next generation to be able to afford the ability to return to the family farm and to provide food and fiber to this country. I can envision at the other end the senior citizen, the senior farmer, the wife, the spouse who comes with tears and a choked voice to say, ``Congressman, what can my husband and I do to keep our family farm? We have fought this fight for over 30 years and we cannot afford to do so any longer.'' And I think it is accurate to say that many farmers who have fought the fight in the past will decide that they no longer can afford to do so, and as a result, we will see more farms on the market, we will see larger farms, we will see fewer family farms, and we will see great difficulties in rural communities across the State of Kansas and across the country. This has significant impact on not just farmers and ranchers, but on all Kansans and upon all Americans. In my State alone, revenue from the wheat crop and the tremendous harvest we have had 2 years in a row, this is not because of lack of production but this is because of a dramatic decline in the price of foreign commodities. In Kansas alone we see $750 million less in revenue to farmers as a result of the price of wheat, $190 million less in revenue to farmers in Kansas because of the reduction in the price of corn, a $290 million reduction in the State of Kansas to family farmers because of reduction in the grain sorghum price. Soybeans reduce farm income another $250 million in the State of Kansas. And cattle revenues are down over $400 million this year alone. And when we add that to the oil and gas economy of my State, another reduction of $260 million, we are talking about a reduction in farm and rural income of more than $2 billion in 1 year alone. Mr. Speaker, these issues matter to the survival of not only the farmer but the small towns of the State of Kansas. It is a story to be told by the grocery store clerk, by the car dealer, by the implement dealer. All of us are impacted, and ultimately we pay a tremendous price as Americans in our food supplies. So tonight I rise to ask for assistance from my urban colleagues, from my colleagues from other rural States, from Republicans and Democrats, to see if in the remaining days of the 1998 session of Congress, if we cannot come together to seek solutions, to preserve a way of life and to fight on behalf of the cattleman and the farmer across the United States. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity of raising this issue and joining my colleagues in seeking solutions on behalf of American agriculture. Removal of Name of Member as Cosponsor of H.R. 4006

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, rail transportation has long played an important role in shaping the American landscape. In recent years, however, this landscape has made for difficult situations for shippers, railroads, and farmers looking to move their grain to export markets. Following the deregulation of the Staggers Act, a dramatic shift has occurred in the railroad industry in Kansas. Class I railroads have gone from operating over 6,500 miles of track in 1986 to 3,800 miles today. Short line carriers now have over 30% of the track in Kansas and make up an even greater percentage in the First Congressional District. Kansas still ranks fourth in the nation with over 5,500 miles of rail; however, we have lost nearly 700 miles of track through abandonments just since 1991. These changes have left Kansas with fewer Class I carriers and back- to-back years where large harvests have crippled the grain transportation system in Kansas. While no single solution exists to cure all of the problems facing the industry, the federal role in regulating this industry can and should be improved. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is responsible for approving railroad mergers, approving abandonments, and mediating rate disputes. The agency is currently being considered for reauthorization. Earlier this year, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a series of hearings on the state of the railroad industry and the regulatory functions of the STB. As a result of those hearings and my own experiences in dealing with the railroad situation in Kansas, I am introducing legislation aimed at improving the ability of the STB to address the critical transportation issues facing rural America. Specifically, this legislation would: Reduce the likelihood of additional abandonments by providing states an other small railroads an additional year to acquire an abandoned line; Provide an expedited rate case procedure; Provide direction to the STB to devote resources to promoting competition and reasonable rates; and Direct the STB to place a priority on improving the economic viability of abandoned lines. Maintaining an efficient transportation system has long been a key to the success of U.S. agriculture. As agriculture becomes more export dependent, rail transportation is more important than ever. As a member of the Railroad subcommittee of the House Transportation Committee, I am eager work to improve rail transportation. The changes proposed in this bill would assist in solving the current rail transportation issues by quickly resolving shipper complaints and taking steps to ensure that over the long haul, rail transportation remains an option for America's agricultural producers. Mr. Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to support this legislation and urge its early consideration and passage.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, Kansas is home to countless towns and communities that have legendary pasts and are full of historical significance. This past weekend one of our communities marked a very special homecoming; when Nicodemus, Kansas celebrated its annual Emancipation Celebration and its recognition by the National Park Service as a National Historical Site. Descendants of the early settlers, area residents, state and national officials, and other visitors from throughout the country were on hand to celebrate this historic event. This past weekend visitors were treated to a Buffalo Soldier re-enactment, a gospel concert, parade, and services at the historic First Baptist Church. While many of us have heard and read the tales of the old west, Wyatt Earp, or some of Kansas' rough-and-tumble cattle towns, too few have heard the story of courage and hope that are the heritage and history of Nicodemus, Kansas. Nicodemus was first settled in 1877 by some 300 black Americans who fled the south following the Civil War and the horrors of slavery. While many similar black settlements were founded during this period, Nicodemus remains the only such community to survive west of the Mississippi River. The town of Nicodemus, founded soon after the darkest days of our republic, is now properly recognized as a national symbol of freedom and courage. Mr. Speaker our state motto in Kansas reads, Ad Astra Per Aspera, to the stars through difficulty. And I can think of no other community that better reflects this motto than the town of Nicodemus.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, this year is the 25th anniversary of what has become one of the most unusual and successful experiments in the U.S. National Park System. It is a National Park that owes its existence to public-spirited entrepreneurism in a cooperative effort which demonstrates what can be accomplished by the determination, resourcefulness, and ingenuity of private citizens committed to a cause about which they care deeply. The Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run flourishes today as an example of a public-private partnership between citizens and government that utilizes the best both have to offer. The park was created in 1973 and was called Turkey Run Farm Park, and its purpose was to portray the home of a family of ordinary means in 1771--a counter-balance to the 18th century historic plantations of the more well-to-do. A citizen's group formed the non-profit Friends of Turkey Run Farm in 1981. The Friends negotiated a long-term lease with the Park Service, matched a $250,000 endowment gift from Dr. Claude Moore, and changed the name to the Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run. The group has successfully managed the Farm since 1981 as the first privately funded and operated Park in the National Park system. The Farm has achieved national recognition for its innovative educational programming which reaches over 50,000 people a year, including thousands of students in the Washington area. The Farm provides a visual benchmark, against which the many changes that have occurred since the 1770s can be put into perspective, leading to a better understanding of where we were then, who we are now, and what we may become. ``The farther back you look,'' Winston Churchill is reported to have said, ``the further ahead you can see.'' The Farm's motto is similar: ``AMERICA--To see where we are going, see where we've been!'' Well over half the Farm's total current income is generated from self-supporting programs. More than one-fourth of their revenue comes from fundraising events. Together these accounts for about 85 percent of their annual income, with endowment funds and grants making up the rest. In September 1995 the Farm suffered a devastating loss when their replica 18th century farmhouse was destroyed by fire. A massive fundraising effort was launched to rebuild it. That effort has now been successfully completed. The new farmhouse was finished and ready for visitors in April, a testimony to the level of interest and commitment elicited by the farm from its supporters. Mr. Speaker, the Farm has remained open, against all the odds, because of the support of those who appreciate what it has given and continues to provide to the local community, the National Capitol region, and the Nation. It is a true public/private partnership which has grown stronger with the years, and as we celebrate the 25th birthday of the Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run, we wish them many happy returns.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the passing of an outstanding man and great Kansan, Jack Belmont Berkley of Stockton, KS, who died last month at the age of 73. Mr. Berkley was born June 25, 1923, in Hill City and was a resident of Stockton since 1956. A veteran of World War II, Jack served proudly as a member of the Army Air Corps and later was a member of both the local VFW post and the American Legion. As a pillar of the community, Jack was involved in the banking industry for most of his life. Banking in small towns like Tescott and Stockton, business growth is often the result of risks taken together by a small town banker and a local business owner. At the Stockton National Bank, Jack was the bank president from 1961, and served for over 35 years in that capacity. In addition, Jack was also a leader in his community as an active member of the First Congregation Church and several local civic clubs and organizations. Mr. Speaker, it is humble, dedicated men such as Jack Berkley that have helped shape our communities and this nation. As soldiers in war or stewards in peace, such men have defined our national heritage and have served as powerful examples for future generations. He will be missed by his family, friends, neighbors and associates throughout Kansas. I ask you to join me in paying tribute to Jack Belmont Berkley and his lifetime of service to his nation and state.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding me the time. The timing on this legislation is important. S. 2282 needs to pass quickly and today. We need to resolve any differences with the Senate, and this legislation needs to be signed by the President. Not only is the timing important but Pakistan is important, 350,000 tons is up tomorrow for export tender, and our wheat farmers in Kansas as well as across the country cannot afford to lose one more market. Price is low, as we know. Storage is a problem in Kansas. Transportation is a problem in Kansas. We need to move wheat on world markets to assist in improving the price, opening up storage and moving grain in our transportation system. It is necessary to have a boost in foreign sales, and perhaps that boost will translate into higher prices for wheat sold on the markets across this country. This sets the stage for reducing trade barriers. It opens up the opportunity, sends a clear message to the rest of the world that we care about fighting on behalf of agriculture, and it also reminds us that sanctions do not work. The gentleman who spoke previously is correct. We need to take the next step in regard to the Agricultural Export Act and the Sanctions Reform Act. I urge passage of this bill quickly.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, when farmers break down in the field during harvest, they do not have the luxury of hauling their equipment to the shop to wait on time-consuming repairs. Instead, they uses the tools they have available at the time, a pliers, a hammer, baling wire, to get the equipment moving again and to get the crop in the bin. Mr. Speaker, it is harvest time in Kansas, and our markets are having a breakdown. Farmers in Kansas and across America are facing tough times. The wheat harvest is well underway, and while the yields have been satisfactory, farmers are facing the lowest prices in recent memory, due in large part to lagging exports of U.S. commodities. Projections by the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast agricultural exports declining $5 billion this year. This decline is having a serious impact on the bottom line for Kansas farm families. Current wheat prices are $1 lower than those received during the last 2 years. One of our best chances to lift commodity prices and breathe life into the farm economy is through an aggressive export policy. The House of Representatives today made a significant move in that direction. Today we passed the agricultural appropriation bill for 1999. Under this legislation, the P.L. 480 Food for Peace Program is fully funded at over $1 billion. The Export Enhancement Program is fully funded at $550 million to help combat unfair export subsidies, and the General Sales Manager Program is funded at a level that makes available over $5 billion of credit guarantees for agricultural exports. U.S. farmers are clearly the most efficient and can compete with farmers anywhere in the world. They cannot, however, compete with the treasuries of the European Union and other subsidizing countries. U.S. farmers continue to lose markets and market share due to foreign subsidies and unfair trading practices by our competitors. Still, the Clinton administration has refused to use the tools we have available to combat these subsidies and gain negotiating strength to push for that level playing field in future trade negotiations. Today's action by Congress makes it clear, we are committed to an aggressive trade policy, committed to exports, and committed to American agriculture. Despite the current crisis, the administration has been reluctant to use the Export Enhancement Program for wheat or flour, citing criticism of the program, without offering alternatives or suggestions to make the program more effective. The fact is that EEP is one of the few export promotion programs that is authorized, funded, and GATT legal. If changes need to be made to the program to make it more effective, these steps can and should be taken by the administration. With the passage today of the agricultural appropriation bill, Congress, both the House and Senate, have acted to give USDA both the authority as well as the money to aggressively combat trade subsidies by our agriculture competitors. Mr. Speaker, there is a breakdown in farm country, and it is time for this administration to use the tools, be that the pliers or the hammer or the baling wire, whatever it takes. Those tools are available. They need to be used, and we need to get our farmers up and running.