Dennis Moore

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise again today to salute twenty-eight outstanding young Kansans from Johnson County, Kansas, who will be recognized on Friday, May 4th, at an informal reception honoring their volunteer service. Youth Excelling in Service [YES], a program of the Volunteer Center of Johnson County, has invited Johnson County leaders and educators to this reception honoring the twenty-eight Outstanding Youth Volunteers who will be featured in the upcoming ``Movers and Shakers'' publication. I will present the young people with a Congressional Award for their contributions to the community, and YES will spotlight the role these committed young people play in addressing community needs. Johnson County's young people are becoming increasingly involved in service to their community and the stories of their accomplishments are powerful. The twenty-eight ``Movers and Shakers'' to be honored at the reception testify to the fact my congressional district's young people see needs in their communities and are ready, willing and able to meet those needs by investing their time and skills. These young people are passionate about challenging, motivating and recruiting other young people to likewise take the plunge into volunteer service. I am pleased to have this opportunity to place in the Congressional Record profiles of twelve ``Movers and Shakers'' who were not included in my Record submission of May 1st on this topic. Snow Fain, 17, Blue Valley North High School. Snow volunteers with her parents through the Leawood Arts Council in addition to activities through Rotary, KC Art Coalition, Habitat for Humanity, her church and others. She has volunteered over 100 hours. Lisa Kornfeld, 16, Shawnee Mission West High School. Through her activities with her school's service organization, JAWS (Join Active West Students), Lisa has volunteered over 100 hours. She has also volunteered through National Honor Society and Girls to Women. Anna Clark and Aaryn Clark, 18, Olathe East High School. These twins have volunteered nearly 400 hours each through many different activities. They have spent the most time as camp counselors for children with physical or mental challenges. Other activities they have been a part of include Olathe Youth Court, tutoring and church projects. They have been volunteering through National Honor Society for two years. Rachele Davis, 16, St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Rachele has volunteered over 225 hours in a variety of areas, including youth services, elderly assistance and homelessness. Her volunteer organizations include: Olathe Medical Center, Hunger House, National Historical Society of the DAR, Johnson County Christmas Bureau, and Johnson County 4-H. Ryan Davis, 17, St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Ryan has accumulated 155 hours of volunteer service through the Johnson County 4-H, Habitat for Humanity, Johnson County Christmas Bureau, and Bikes and Trikes for Tykes. He often volunteers with his sister, Rachele Davis (listed previously). Rosa Gabel, 18, Olathe South High School. Rosa's volunteer activities include: arts and crafts, youth services, collecting and donating items and gardening and groundskeeping work. She has worked with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on fundraising activities and also with the Johnson County Christmas Bureau. Steve Evans, 18, Bishop Miege High School. Steve has served 300 hours as a volunteer through Johnson County Youth Court, where he is a youth attorney and judge. Additionally, Steve's activities have also included projects addressing hunger and homelessness. Amy Johnson, 12, Leawood Middle School. Amy has served 58 hours of volunteer work through her school and the Kansas Humane Society. She has also volunteered for campaign work. Brad Buser, 18, Mill Valley High School. Brad volunteers through a class at his high school and has accumulated over 150 hours of service. Brad's service areas include: youth services, collecting and donating goods, elderly assistance, hunger and homelessness, and gardening and groundskeeping. Lori Wadham, 16, Blue Valley High School, Lori has completed 300 hours of community service through several organizations and in a variety of areas, including youth services, elderly assistance and home repair and building. She was inspired to volunteer through her 4-H club and plans to continue to expand her volunteer efforts. Robby Smith, 16, Shawnee Mission East. Robby has been an active volunteer for Johnson County Youth Court. He has accumulated over 100 hours there as a defense attorney for youth with first-time, nonviolent offenses.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute twenty-eight outstanding young Kansans from Johnson County, Kansas, who will be recognized on Friday, May 4th, at an informal reception honoring their volunteer service. Youth Excelling in Service [YES], a program of the Volunteer Center of Johnson County, has invited Johnson County leaders and educators to this reception honoring the twenty-eight Outstanding Youth Volunteers who will be featured in the upcoming ``Movers and Shakers'' publication. I will present the young people with a Congressional Award for their contributions to the community, and YES will spotlight the role these committed young people play in addressing community needs. Johnson County's young people are becoming increasingly involved in service to their community and the stories of their accomplishments are powerful. The twenty-eight ``Movers and Shakers'' to be honored at the reception testify to the fact that my congressional district's young people see needs in their communities and are ready, willing and able to meet those needs by investing their time and skills. These young people are passionate about challenging, motivating and recruiting other young people to likewise take the plunge into volunteer service. I am pleased to have this opportunity to place in the Congressional Record profiles of these twenty-eight ``Movers and Shakers.'' Movers and Shakers 2001--Youth Profiles Natalie M. Binkholder, 17, Olathe East High School--Over 700 hours--Olathe Youth Court, Olathe Youth Congress, Mother's Hands. Natalie's volunteerism is fueled by her optimism and energy. ``Anyone can change the world,'' Natalie says, ``the best way to start is with a smile.'' Natalie first began her volunteer leadership in 9th grade when she presided over the school's community service organization. Natalie is active in a variety of causes, including homeless assistance, crime prevention, and drug and alcohol prevention. Her proudest accomplishment is the success of the Olathe Youth Court, where she and other members of the court positively intervene in the lives of juvenile offenders in order to decrease repeat crimes. During her volunteer experiences, she has developed a love for serving youth, and one day plans to use her skills as a professional attorney to assist youth courts. ``No matter where life takes me, I want to continue to be involved with youth. Youth are the leaders of tomorrow and I want to help them achieve their dreams.'' Natalie was nominated by Cheryl Oakley. Adrienne Cichelli, 17, Shawnee Mission West--100 hours-- JAWS [Join Active West Students], Young Life, Teen Advisory Council. To Adrienne, it really is the thought that counts when it comes to volunteering. Adrienne says, ``Building a house isn't any better than picking up trash on the streets. The impact comes from the volunteer's attitude and motivation, not the deed.'' Adrienne has done everything from building a house to organizing a special event to advocating healthy lifestyle choices for elementary students. During a mission trip to Mexico, Adrienne's eyes were truly opened to the level of need and the effect her help had on the families with whom she worked. She plans to spend much more time volunteering, and this summer she will be with Children's Mercy Hospital and serving as a companion at an assisted living facility. For potential youth volunteers, Adrienne gives these words of wisdom: ``Participating in a single act of volunteerism can change your life in a way you never thought possible. Give your time to help your community, it's more valuable than any paycheck you'll ever receive.'' Adrienne was nominated by Mary Lea Kieffer. Leah Cogswell, 17, Olathe South High School--Over 100 hours--SOAR, 4-H, Promise Youth, Youth Volunteer Corps. Food, Fun and Friends! Volunteering on Leah's projects will never be boring! Leah's volunteer experience began when she noticed all her friends were involved in community service. She has since taken the lead by serving as the chairman of the community service committee in her 4-H club. She has organized bake-a-thons to raise money for an Olathe youth with leukemia and to provide flood relief to eight families devastated by Hurricane Floyd. She has served as a counselor for several youth camps, leading games and crafts, campfire activities, and helping with meals. ``There is nothing quite as rewarding as seeing the smiling face of someone you have helped,'' beams Leah. ``We live in a area where so many people have been blessed with so much; it is time to give a portion back to those who are less fortunate.'' In the Jonathan Eckman, 12, Prairie Star Middle School--75 hours-- Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Children's Center for the Visually Impaired. Jonathan began volunteering in order to become eligible for the President's Student Service Award. He has volunteered more than enough hours to earn the award, but Jonathan continues to volunteer because he has found his community service rewarding on its own. He has also been impressed and inspired by the dedication of other volunteers with whom he has worked, particularly those at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Working with such enthusiastic volunteers made Jonathan realize that ``we all can make a difference some way in the community''. Jonathan plans to continue volunteering at the Arboretum as well as coaching children's gymnastics. Last year, his gymnastics group raised $5,000 for the Children's Center for the Visually Impaired. He's not stopping there! He also plans to volunteer with his church's nursery and be involved with the soup kitchen. What does such a busy guy have to say to other potential youth volunteers? ``I would say to other youths to try it because when you see the results it is phenomenal!'' Jonathan was nominated by Gretchen Steffen. Chelsea Fogelman, 17, Olathe East High School--Over 180 volunteer hours--Uplift Organization, Inc., Christmas in October, Mother's Hand, Sherwood Center. With the Fogelmans, volunteering is definitely a family affair. Chelsea's extensive work with the homeless has been inspired by her ``unendingly supportive'' parents, Candi and Dave. Since the age of 10, Chelsea has been raising awareness of homeless issues in the area. She has collected and prepared food for thousands of individual through Uplift Organization, Inc. and enjoys knowing that her efforts will provide a meal to someone in need. Chelsea's family has made Christmas in October a tradition, and spend the day repairing family homes in poverty stricken areas. Chelsea feels that volunteering should come from the heart. ``When you're contributing to a cause that's important to you and that you enjoy, you'll learn more about yourself and the world around you,'' Chelsea states. ``Volunteering can be both fun and meaningful if you can find a cause that you care about.'' Chelsea plans to expand her volunteering efforts to include other issues. She will continue her work with the homeless and hopes to recruit other youth to do the same. Chelsea was nominated by Barbera Ferrell. Joe Klinkenborg, 17, Shawnee Mission NorthWest High School--Over 200 hours--LakeView Village. Joe quotes his class motto when asked about his service: The doer of good becomes good. Joe has transformed his school spirit into volunteer spirit with his work through Shawnee Mission NorthWest's community service club whose teacher inspired him to become passionate about community service. Joe believes in the importance of performing ``random acts of kindness'' and says that wherever he goes, ``volunteerism will always be a component of my life.'' He teaches the elderly to become computer savvy, including how to use the internet. Working with the residents of LakeView Village, Joe formed LKVW, an in-house tv station Paul Lampe, 15, St. Thomas Aquinas High School--Over 400 hours--4-H, LakeView Retirement Community (Lazarus Project), Kauffman Foundation. ``As a culture of youth we have so much . . . we need to learn to share.'' Paul doesn't just say these words, he puts them into action. Through his volunteering efforts, Paul has learned to share his time, his skills, his leadership, and even his home to help others. He learned this when he was very young as a member of 4-H. The more Paul learns, the more he gives. When Paul was taught to rebuild a computer, he shared that skill with residents of LakeView Village for the Lazarus Project. He rebuilds discarded computers for nonprofit organizations. When he's not working with the retirement community, Paul's busy with the Kauffman Youth Advisory Board, providing hundreds of thousands of dollars to youth projects in the city. Currently, he's setting up websites for 4-H clubs throughout the county and sharing his home with a foreign exchange student which Paul says ``takes some effort, but you'll learn a great deal about yourself as well as another culture!'' He enjoys the diversity of his volunteer experience and plans to keep encouraging other youth to get involved. Paul was nominated by Al Davis. Macklen Mayse, 17, Shawnee Mission West High School--280 hours--Shawnee Mission Medical Center, Girl Scouts, Down's Syndrome Guild of Kansas City, AIDS Walk of Kansas City. While a junior volunteer at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, Macklen was working the telephones when a woman called who spoke no english. Macklen, who has studied spanish for five years, took a crack at helping the woman and it worked! She is proud to be able to use her talents to find new ways to help others and has been very busy with numerous organizations and projects. She focuses on the impact of her volunteer work and finds her motivation to keep volunteering by remembering the big picture. ``Feeling like I could have an impact on someone or help someone has always felt awesome.'' Her volunteer experiences are diverse. Through Girl Scouts, Macklen has collected can goods and planned and participated in special events. Twice she has volunteered for the AIDS Walk of Kansas City. In the future, Macklen hopes to be able to use her Spanish skills to impact her community and plans to go global with her volunteering by traveling to Central and South America. Macklen was nominated by Marty Lea Kieffer. Madison Meloy, 13, Leawood Middle School--Over 120 hours. From childcare to coaching to working with the homeless, Madison is on a roll with her community service. According to Madison, ``After doing community service once you don't want to stop.'' She certainly has remained busy! When she's not busy helping the teachers at school, Madison is sacking lunches for a shelter, sorting clothing donations, Maranatha Deanna Wall, 16, Shawnee Mission North--Over 30 hours--Good Samaritan Project. Few individuals could muster the tact and maturity that Deanna does in order to answer here peers' questions on the topic of teen sexuality. Deanna volunteers eight hours a week for the Good Samaritan Project, an organization devoted to HIV/AIDS prevention and education. She has worked with teens to help them understand the importance of self-respect when it pertains to safe sex and spends time on hotline calls answering panicked questions from her peers. Deanna says that she enjoys being able to clear up confusions on what may be very difficult issues for teens. She is convinced that youth volunteers are the catalysts for community change. ``It's beautiful to see what other youth are doing to set off some new ideas,'' Deanna says. ``It's important to be recognized for good especially when teens sometimes receive negative recognition.'' Deanna plans to assume many different roles as a volunteer, and with ``a kazillion things to do'' she promises to never be boring. Deanna was nominated by Elizabeth Spaur. Bethany Meola, 14, Shawnee Mission West--Over 100 hours. Bethany's volunteer experiences began at church, where she was inspired by the woman running a program there. Working with the children there has been challenging, but volunteering has allowed Bethany to learn the skills of patience and leadership. She enjoys being a role model for the younger kids she teaches and knows that they enjoy being able to look to her for encouragement. Her volunteering has taught her to recognize the potential in herself and in the children with whom she works and Bethany encourages other youth to take the volunteer plunge. ``I know I have a better understanding about different things that I never would without community service. It really does change your perspective.'' The kids in church will be glad to know that Bethany plans to help out more, but that won't be enough for her! In Bethany's words: ``Whatever looks interesting to me I will probably do; If I find any way to help the community, I will.'' Christine M. Murray, 18, blue Valley North High School-- Over 165 hours--Shawnee Mission Medical Center, Phi Theta Kappa. Christine believes that individual gifts mean everyone has something to offer as a volunteer. ``While we might not be great in every area,'' Christine says, ``we all have that one special talent and can use it to help others.'' This ambitious young lady takes her inspiration from her family members who have ``always considered community service to be part of the normal course of their lives.'' Growing up in a family with such high standards to emulate motivated Christine into action at an early age. Through middle school, she volunteered Amy Turek, 13, Leawood Middle School--50 hours. Even when Amy was on vacation, she was still volunteering! For two years, Amy collected the samples of soaps, lotions, and shampoos hotels offer to guests and later donated them all to a local homeless shelter. ``Just try it once and you'll know how great it is!'' she exclaims. Amy's greatest inspiration to participate in community service came from the people at her temple. There, she has been able to participate in many service events with her family that have been organized by the temple. She frequently goes to homeless shelters to serve and cook meals for the needy, and enjoys playing games and teaching arts and crafts to the children at the shelters. Amy relays this story about her volunteer experiences at the shelter: ``After giving a man his food, he came up to my sister and I with tears in his eyes, thanking us and telling us `God bless you'. I could tell he really meant it from the bottom of his heart.'' Amy will continue serving the community thought her Jewish youth community service program. Amy was nominated by Michelle Myers. Eddie Mitchell, 16, Blue Valley North--100 hours--Villa St. Joseph. Eddie is getting seniors on the move. For months now, Eddie and other volunteers he has helped to recruit have been transporting the wheelchair-bound residents of Villa St. Joseph Nursing Home to Sunday Mass every week and tending to the resident's needs with attentive compassion. He helps the facility transform a livingroom into a temporary Chapel and back again and also transports all the residents to lunch. Every Sunday, services with Villa St. Joseph go off without a hitch, thanks to Eddie and his friends' commitment. But Eddie will be quick to point out that he's benefitting from his service more than the residents because he is able to connect to the people for whom he volunteers. ``Not only do I get to feel the joy of helping out my community, but I also learn a lot every time I go,'' remarks Eddie. ``I feel truly honored to be able to offer my hand to such inspiring and caring people.'' Eddie's proof that he's making a difference? The smiles he receives from the residents week after week. Eddie was nominated by Debbie Mitchell. Allison Steinbrueck 16, Blue Valley High School--Over 1,000 hours--Heart of America Humane Society, The Bea Martin Peck Animal Shelter. Allison has taken her love for animals further than caring for a family pet. When she discovered a volunteer opportunity at the Humane Society, she jumped at the chance to put her compassion to work. At the animal shelters, Allison helps animals to find a home and families to find a loving Nathan Oliver, 18, Shawnee Mission East High School--1,500 hours--Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Youth Advisory Board, Youth Volunteer Corps, SHARE Program. Nathan is not a young man to mix words and certainly not one to shirk way from a challenge. ``This world is full of followers and I challenge each and every individual to stand up and be a leader.'' Nathan has proven his leadership abilities through his experiences volunteering. His diverse talents range from support and counseling to fundraising and program development, but Nathan is ready for more. He points to his experience as a member of the Youth Advisory Board for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation as an illustration of the impact of his service. He is part of a group of youth that help fund projects for up to $10,000, for a total of $200,000 every year. In the future, Nathan will continue to volunteer and develop his photography skills. Eventually, Nathan hopes to establish his own community foundation and put in place programs that give back to the community. Nathan was nominated by Bev Timmons.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8, legislation that would provide for the eventual repeal of the estate and gift tax. I have long been a supporter of providing estate tax relief to American families, small business owners, and farmers who have worked their entire lives to transfer a portion of their estates upon their death. While H.R. 8 is the vehicle that the House leadership wishes to pursue to achieve this goal, I believe there is a better way to provide relief and maintain our commitments to paying down the national debt, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and providing for our other priorities. This is why I will also be supporting the substitute to H.R. 8. The alternative will increase the estate tax exclusion for all estates to $4 million, exempting two-thirds of all estates that would have to pay tax under current law and 99.4 percent of all farms that would otherwise have to pay the estate tax. All of these changes will be made immediately, instead of delaying relief to the small businesses and family farmers who truly need relief for several years as H.R. 8 would do, giving more estate tax relief to estates of less than $10 million than H.R. 8 through 2008. H.R. 8 does not repeal the estate tax for 10 years; rather, it slowly phases-down the marginal tax rates and provides no increase in the exclusion. This will delay estate tax relief to the small businesses and farms that truly need it. H.R. 8 uses a phase-in period to hide its real effects. While the first 10 years cost only $192 billion, I have deep concerns about the fact that the true costs of this legislation fall outside the 10-year budget window, when they explode to above $100 billion in year 11 and up to $1.3 trillion in the second ten years. Mr. Speaker, I serve on the Budget Committee and offered an amendment before both the Budget and Rules Committees to require the effects of revenue-reducing bills to be fully phased-in within the 10 year budget window. The bill before us today does not meet this criterion and I believe that is a serious mistake. We've heard time and time again about the uncertainty of long-term budget forecasts and the necessity to urge caution in using projected surpluses. Indeed, most of the surpluses we're talking about--two- thirds to be exact--will not be realized until years 6 through 10. This also happens to be the time period in which the bulk of relief under H.R. 8 is phased-in, a time period that produces less reliable budget projections. I believe that the fiscally responsible thing to do is to develop policy under a framework where forecast figures are more reliable--if these surpluses do indeed materialize in the out years, then we can and should contemplate larger tax cuts. I believe the practice of hiding the true costs of the legislation we pass is deceitful and irresponsible and we should put it to a stop. The President and many members of this Congress have indicated that they want tax cuts of $1.6 trillion--no more, no less. While we can argue the merits of this number, what we cannot and should not argue is the fact that those tax cuts, all $1.6 trillion should be accounted for within the 10-year budget window. I am concerned about recent comments by Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee Mr. Thomas that this Congress will somehow fit ``1\1/2\ pounds of sugar into a 1 pound bag.'' I infer from his comments that this House intends to pass tax cuts larger than $1.6 trillion--at least beyond the 10-year window. Make no mistake, this bill today achieves that goal by pushing its true costs beyond our agreed upon budget window. Simply, H.R. 8 would have the American people believe that they will receive immediate and substantial estate tax relief. This bill delays a full repeal, which will have budget implications that this country simply cannot afford. With over one trillion dollars in lost revenue, this has the potential to put this country back on the wrong fiscal track of increased deficit spending and an exploding national debt. Although the majority claims to support retiring the publicly held debt, they have begun the session by scheduling several tax bills funded by the projected budget surplus without giving any consideration to the impact that the bills will have on our ability to retire our $5.7 trillion national debt. These tax cuts have been predicated on the notion that the projected budget surpluses of $5.6 trillion over the next ten years will somehow materialize. Mr. Speaker, I submit that the likelihood of these projections actually materializing is extremely slim. We are all aware of the recent $3.7 trillion loss in the equity market. This slowdown will undoubtedly have a negative effect on revenues and produce lower overall budget projections--how much lower is anybody's guess and we should not bet the farm on tax or spending programs that are based on circumstances that no one can accurately predict. I am concerned, that the total costs of this bill, fully phased-in, could exceed not only the $1.6 trillion number that ``fits'' within current projections, but may actually result in Congress returning to deficit spending. This is why I intend to support the fiscally responsible substitute which provides immediate estate tax relief targeted to farmers and small businesses while protecting other urgent priorities such as paying down the debt and shoring up the long-term future of Social Security and Medicare. I will also support, however, final passage of H.R. 8 because it is the only vehicle the leadership will allow to provide estate tax relief. I will not obstruct that vehicle; however, I hope the Senate and the conference committee consider carefully compromise language that provides substantial, immediate relief, and that is fiscally responsible.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Chairman, I would like to respond to the last statement made by the gentleman and basically point out and commend them to read the Blue Dog budget, because it does more for education than the majority's proposal. I want to talk for just a couple of minutes about 10-year budgets versus 5-year budgets. Just yesterday we filed a bill that would restore truth and integrity in budgeting called the Transparenting Budgeting Act of 2001. The first 10-year projection was made by CBO back in 1992 when they predicted a deficit for next year, 2002, of $407 billion. In January of this year, the CBO projected a fiscal year surplus of $313 billion. There was only a swing of $700 billion, three- quarters of a trillion dollars, in those projections. I think that illustrates what we are trying to say here, and that is we need to be realistic. We need to be responsible and fiscally conservative in our projections upon which these budgets are based, on which these tax cuts come. We have placed, Mr. Chairman, a $5.7 trillion mortgage on the future of our children and grandchildren, and now we are talking about tax cuts. All of us on both sides of the aisle are for tax cuts, but responsible tax cuts that we can afford. I suggest that if we do what we are talking about on this side, and that is look at 5-year projections as opposed to these 10-year projections, we are going to be a much steadier ground when it comes to enacting new tax cuts. I would ask the people on both sides of the aisle to take a hard look at the Blue Dog budget. I think it is fiscally responsible. It is conservative and it recognizes the income that we are going to have in terms of revenues in the next few years, not 10 years but the next 5 years. I think if we do that we will have a much sounder basis for enacting tax cuts in the rest of our budget.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. I yield to the gentleman from Utah.

Mr. MOORE. Madam Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. I just wanted to respond in part to the gentleman from Missouri when he talks about the taxpayers in this country overpaying their taxes and being entitled to a refund. Certainly they are. There is not an argument about whether there should be a refund. The question is how much. The question also is about debt reduction. We have placed on our children's and grandchildren's future a $5.7 trillion mortgage, so it is not just all about tax cuts, to the gentleman from Missouri, it is also about equity and fairness to future generations in this country and whether we are going to do the right thing. I was at the White House about 4 or 5 weeks ago and had a chance to speak to the President. I told him about Governor Graves from Kansas. I said, ``I know you know him, being a former Governor.'' He said, ``Yes, he is a friend of mine.'' I said that Governor Graves was interviewed recently by the Associated Press and was talking about revenue shortfalls and tax cuts, which have happened in Kansas, substantial tax cuts, in the past 3 or 4 years, and about financing education. Governor Graves said very candidly, ``If I had known then what I know now about the revenue shortfalls, I would have done things differently.'' What he was saying was that they are scrambling now to find revenues to finance education in the State of Kansas, and they do not have sufficient funds to do an adequate job. In fact, Governor Graves has now asked for a tax increase because of revenue shortfalls and projections which went awry. The same thing, according to The New York Times, has happened in 15 other States. So I caution all of my colleagues in the House to be conservative here. We can always go back and cut taxes more. Let us cut taxes as much as we can afford, but let us not overdo it so we have to come back later and ask for a tax increase.

Mr. MOORE. I yield to the gentleman from Virginia.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share my support for H.R. 333, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2001. H.R. 333 is the culmination of many years of compromise and discussion in Congress and among consumer advocates and business representatives. This bill is the culmination of efforts to protect families filing bankruptcy, family farmers, and small businesses without negatively harming responsible borrowers. In recent years, the bankruptcy filing rate has increased rapidly, with a record high of 1.4 million in 1998. In 2000, over $40 billion was discharged through bankruptcies. Retailers pass on the costs of losing this money to all consumers by raising prices for goods and services. All consumers, regardless of their use of credit, pay for these discharged debts. In fact, bankruptcies cost each household in America $400 per year. Furthermore, creditors are forced to restrict access to credit as bankruptcies cost creditors more and more money. This restricted access to credit disproportionately affects low-income Americans, who are most in need of affordable credit for mortgages and consumer purchases. It is more important than ever, given the recent economic downturn, that we fight to lower prices for consumers and provide equal access to credit to all Americans. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 333, fairly addresses the concerns of bankruptcy filers, consumers, and creditors. This bill contains a needs-based formula that directs filers into chapter 7 or Chapter 13 based on their ability to pay. Filers earning less than the national median income are not affected by this legislation. Furthermore, if filers earn more than the national median income, but if after paying the allowable monthly deductions and secured debts payments the filers are unable to pay not less than the lesser of 25 percent of non-priority unsecured debt or $6,000 (or $100 a month), whichever is greater, or $10,000, they will have access to Chapter 7 without qualification. These precautions are taken to ensure that those who can afford to pay their debts are required to do so. And even if a filer is above the limits, this bill protects those who have special circumstances such as a decline in income or unexpected medical expenses that can be taken into account and preclude moving the filer into Chapter 13. All of these provisions are included to ensure that bankruptcy relief is available to those who are truly in need, while ending the abuses in the system by irresponsible debtors who are capable of repaying their debts. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 333 includes provisions to protect women and children, those individuals who typically have the most to lose in bankruptcy proceedings. There has been criticism that the bill would put women and children in competition with credit and finance companies for scarce resources of the debtor. This is not the case, however. Current bankruptcy law puts child support and alimony payments in seventh priority. H.R. 333 moves alimony and child support to the first priority of debts to be repaid. H.R. 333 also protects savings for a child's education and retirement savings. Additionally, it strengthens the ability of women to collect marital dissolution obligations. Also of importance is the provisions that permanently extends Chapter 12, the agricultural bankruptcy chapter. It also adjusts the jurisdictional debt limit so it may be adjusted periodically pursuant to the Consumer Price Index and provides different treatment for certain tax claims arising from the disposition of a family farm. Protection of family farms is especially important given the low commodity prices of recent years. Farmers need this protection. Finally, H.R. 333 contains a number of provisions that were devised to address serious problems in the small business bankruptcy context. Small businesses often work with small profit margins and an even smaller margin for error. Thus they cannot afford the losses they are faced with by bankruptcy abuses. Currently, the bankruptcy system significantly harms small businesses with endless delays that last for months and even years. H.R. 333 includes provisions improving the management of bankruptcies by providing effective cost and delay reduction by incorporating several time-tested techniques. Specifically, the bill directs bankruptcy judges to actively manage Chapter 11 cases, thereby encouraging debtors and creditors to work together to try to move businesses out of bankruptcy, and restore them to normal business practice and protecting employees. The bill also encourages the development of standard-form plans and disclosure statements. Current law requires disclosure statements to be drafted from scratch, which greatly contributes to the costs of the Chapter 11 process. The use of standard-form plans and disclosure statements would free up vital assets that companies could otherwise use to help in the reorganization. I believe in personal responsibility, and not spending more than you make. I also realize, however, that there are circumstances in life that prevent honest and hard-working individuals and families from getting ahead. A death in the family, divorce, job loss, unexpected medical expenses and other events can all contribute financial hardships. Our family farmers are facing low commodity prices and other unavoidable situations, and their farms should be protected. Small businesses should be provided with the ability to get out of bankruptcy quickly. We all want to enable these groups to find relief in filing for bankruptcy, while ensuring that all consumers are protected. Mr. Speaker, I believe that H.R. 333 accomplishes these goals, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I have been in Congress for 2 years, and I have learned a lot of things after I got here. For example, 25 years ago, the Congress passed and the President signed into law a new bill called IDEA, which stands for Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. In that new law, the Congress promised to the State and local school districts, if they would take special-needs children out of hospitals and institutions and bring them into local public schools, that Congress and the Federal Government would fund the cost of education to the tune of 40 percent. Mr. Speaker, 25 years later, last year, Congress was up to 14.9 percent, not 40 percent, 14.9 percent; and that is outrageous. That is what we call an unfunded mandate, and that is what gets people back home in the real world so upset with Congress. They promised that they would do this and that. The people locally did this, and Congress did not fulfill their portion of the promise. Well, 25 years later, Mr. Speaker, I think it is time that Congress stepped up it the plate and filled the promise it made 25 years ago. I wrote President-elect at the time Bush on January 25 and said to President-elect Bush: ``I hope you will set this a priority funding measure in your new budget as the new President.'' I had the opportunity 4 weeks ago to go to the White House and speak with President Bush; and at that time, I said to him, ``Mr. President, this is one of the most important things we can do that I think will beneficially affect education, not only through every State, but throughout our Nation in public schools; and that is full funding of special education the way Congress promised 25 years ago.'' The President said, ``I understand, but we would like to have a little more flexibility and give the States and local school districts an opportunity if they need to build schools or use it for special education.'' Well, 25 years later, again, somebody needs to speak up for special needs children and say Congress should fulfill its promise. The President has a program he calls Leave No Child Behind. Well, I say to the President that, if we do not do this when we have the opportunity this year or next year, then we will never do this. We will not leave one child behind. We will leave thousands of children behind, and that is disgraceful. We have projected by the Congressional Budget Office over the next 10 years a budget surplus of $5.6 trillion. The President has recommended a $1.6 trillion tax cut. Surely if we can find the political will to do a $1.6 trillion tax cut, we can find the political will and the backbone to fund a program that is 25 years old for special-needs children in our country. It does not impact just special-needs children. It will affect virtually every child in public schools in our country, because I have talked throughout my district in every school district throughout my district to school administrators and teachers; and a disproportionate share of the present school funding goes to special-needs children. Nobody begrudges that. God knows they need it. But sometimes the people who are shortchanged are the other kids, and not one child in our public schools should be shortchanged by Congress' failure to perform its promise. This is not a partisan issue. When one looks at a special-needs child, one does not see a Republican, one does not see a Democrat, one sees a child, a child with needs, and needs that should be addressed by this body. If at this time in our Nation's history, when we have these huge projected surpluses, we do not step up to the plate and fulfill our promise, shame on us. Shame on us. I hope and believe that the President and the Congress this year will do the right thing. I talked just yesterday before the Committee on the Budget hearing to Secretary of Education Paige, and Secretary Paige told us that the President had recommended an increase in funding in special education, but far short of the promise Congress made 25 years ago. We have got to do what is right. I hope and believe we will do what is right. We are a better Nation than the way we have acted for the last 25 years.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I want a tax cut. And I voted with the majority party twice last year for tax cuts, marriage penalty relief and estate tax relief. This is not and should not be a partisan issue. People on both sides of the aisle want tax cuts. The real question is how do we do this responsibly and how do we deliver to the American people what we should give them. I hear over and over from my friends on the other side of the aisle there is a surplus; what there is, in fact, is a projected surplus. Big difference, big difference, a projected surplus of $5.6 trillion over the next 10 years. Mr. Speaker, just last Monday, the weather projection was 12 inches of snow in Washington, D.C. It did not materialize. Twelve inches of snow did not materialize, and I hope that the projections for the economy for the next 10 years are better than the weather predictions, but we cannot count on that. If we are going to be responsible, I think what we should do is wait to see if some of these projected surpluses actually materialize before we start spending this money. Mr. Speaker, right now we have placed a $5.7 trillion mortgage on the future of our children and grandchildren. I think we have some responsibility to our children, as well as to taxpayers in this country, to balance this out. Yes, if these projections come true, we can and should have significant tax cuts. We can and should significantly pay down our national debt. I agree with the President's priorities, and I think you are going to find broad support with the President's priorities in the areas of education, defense and prescription drug benefits, but we must be responsible. If we are not, we are going to put our country back in a hole that we have just climbed out of from 30 years of deficit spending. Let us do the right thing. Let us do the bipartisan thing and do a budget first.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I accidentally failed to record my vote on roll call #27, to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 727, legislation to amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to provide that low-speed electric bicycles are consumer products subject to the CPSC. As I indicated in the statement I had placed in the Record as a part of the debate on this measure, I support H.R. 727 and intended to vote in favor of it.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I got a call at 3:30 yesterday afternoon from a senior administration official. He said to me, ``Congressman, can you be with us on this tax cut?'' I said, ``I'd like to be direct with you.'' He said, ``Please do.'' I said, ``Number one, I have a grave concern that we don't have a budget. And, number two, when it comes to this $1.6 trillion tax cut, it relies on projections of $5.6 trillion over the next 10 years. Projections.'' Sunday night I was lying in bed watching the news and the weather and the weatherman projected a 12-inch snow in Washington, D.C. I wondered if I would make it back here for this tax cut vote. That was a projection that did not come true. My concern is that these projections, these economic projections, may also not materialize just like the snow did not. If that happens, we are going to be in deficit mode again. We owe it to our children, we have placed a $5.7 trillion mortgage on their future, to start to pay down our debt and live within our means.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, about 3 weeks ago I was invited along with 19 other Members of the House and five United States Senators to the White House to meet with President Bush and Vice President Cheney. This was a chance for President Bush to talk to us about his proposed $1.6 trillion tax cut and try to hear from us about our views on this tax cut and to find out where the Congress might stand. When it was my turn to speak to President Bush, I said to him, ``Mr. President, I know that you know Governor Bill Graves of Kansas. I'm from Kansas.'' He said, ``Yes, he's a friend of mine.'' I said that I read an interview with Governor Graves in the Associated Press about a week before I came to the White House and that Governor Graves I thought was very candid in talking to the reporter and he was talking about tax cuts and revenue shortfalls and education funding in the State of Kansas. The governor said during this interview, when he was talking about tax cuts that had happened in Kansas about the last 3 or 4 years, ``If I had known then what I know now, I would have done some things differently.'' He is not here right now but if he were here, I think he would say that I am accurately representing what he said. Basically what he was saying was, ``We cut taxes too much and now we're having great difficulty in Kansas in trying to come up with the money to fund education.'' In fact that very morning on the front page of the New York Times, and I showed a copy to President Bush, there was an article that mentioned Kansas by name and 15 other States and the governors were meeting talking about the same situation in each of those 16 States, where there were projected revenues, there were shortfalls and they were having problems funding vital services in each of those States. What we are talking about here is a Congressional Budget Office projected surplus of $5.6 trillion over 10 years. And President Bush is now saying we have enough to fund a $1.6 trillion tax cut. Yesterday afternoon I got a call from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Mitch Daniels. Mr. Daniels said to me, ``Congressman, can you be with us on this tax cut?'' I suspect prior to the time he called me he knew that I had voted last year for estate tax relief and for marriage penalty tax relief. I said, ``I want to be direct with you.'' He said, ``Please do.'' I said, ``I have a couple of concerns about this tax cut and projected surpluses.'' I said, ``Number one, there is not a budget. And I think we should have a budget before we implement or enact a new tax cut.'' This is last Sunday. I said, ``Number two, I'm going to Washington on Monday so I can vote on this tax cut bill.'' And I said that I was watching the weather last night and they were projecting in Washington, D.C., a 12-inch snow. I was very concerned with that projection that I might not make it back to Washington for the tax vote. As it turned out, the projection, only 24 hours in advance, was very wrong and there was no snow to speak of. And now we are talking about projections on economic conditions 5 and 10 years out. And if a projection for a weather forecast can be that wrong, 12 inches wrong in only 24 hours, think what can happen to economic and financial projections 5 and 10 years out. The people in Kansas and the people around this country I think live by three very simple rules, they are not written down, they are just common sense and people know innately and understand these rules. Number one, don't spend more money than you make. Number two, pay off your debt; and, number three, invest in basic needs in the future. The basic needs for a family are food and shelter and health care and education and transportation. The basic needs for a Nation are national defense and Social Security and Medicare, and a highway system, things of that nature that we all would agree on. And people out in the country wonder why Congress cannot learn to live by the same budgeting and financial rules that American families do. We have the opportunity for the first time in a whole generation, after 30 years of deficit spending, to do the right financial and fiscal thing, the right thing fiscally for our country, and, that is to live within our means and to start to pay down our national debt. They have already told you, some of the other speakers here this evening, about the benefits. But one that they did not mention is this. In 1999, the third largest category of expenditure by our United States Government after defense and Social Security was interest on the national debt, $230 billion. If we start to do the right thing, we can pay down that figure and we can reduce that figure and live within our means. I think we should do that, Mr. Speaker, for our children. We have placed a $5.7 trillion mortgage on their future. We owe it to them.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, today I join with twelve of my colleagues in introducing legislation that will help protect our communities by keeping guns out of the hands of our most violent criminals. As an elected District Attorney for twelve years, I know that tough enforcement of our current laws is vital to keeping our communities safe. One of these federal laws in existence makes it illegal for convicted felons to posses a firearm. But would it surprise you to know that there is no similar prohibition on possession of a firearm by a person who has a juvenile adjudication of a violent crime? That is a fact. And it is a narrow loophole in the law that should be closed. A constituent who owns a gun store in my district, Bob Lockett, brought this loophole to my attention. An individual with a conviction for a shooting death as a juvenile in California tried to purchase gun parts at his store. The State of Kansas has a law making it illegal for persons with a juvenile adjudication of a violent crime to possess a firearm. Therefore, when a search discovered the prior conviction, Mr. Lockett was able to prevent the purchase and notify the authorities. I commend Mr. Lockett for his actions and for bringing this matter to my attention. Mr. Speaker, although I am grateful that Kansas has such a law, I believe that this should be a federal law to prevent violent perpetrators from possessing firearms nationwide. These individuals with a violent past should be prohibited from possessing firearms. During my years as a District Attorney, I found that, to the victim of a violent crime, it makes little difference whether the perpetrator was an adult or a juvenile. I believe we all can agree that violent persons should not be able to legally possess a firearm. Mr. Speaker, persons who have a juvenile adjudication for a violent felony should never possess a firearm. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 727. This legislation, which the House unanimously passed last October (H.R. 2592) but which the Senate neglected to consider, will transfer regulatory responsibility for low-speed electric bicycles from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), where they would be treated as consumer products. During the 106th Congress, a representative from the NHTSA testified to Congress that if the agency strictly applied its motor vehicle safety regulations to electric bicycles, such bikes would have to include a number of costly safety features--including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, rearview mirrors and license plates--even if the bikes are used in the same manner as human-powered bicycles. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this common-sense measure that will enhance the role of the CPSC. The Commission needs to be granted the authority, when appropriate, to protect consumers and ensure public safety. Along these lines, I have introduced the Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act (H.R. 688), which will enable the CPSC to require child-proof caps for gasoline containers. Under current law, the CPSC lacks the authority to promulgate such regulations, due to the definition of ``package'' in the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Under that statute, in order for the CPSC to require a child-proof cap, the package must contain a hazardous substance at the time of initial sale; therefore, the CPSC does not have authority to require safety caps for new, empty gas containers. This problem came to my attention due to an incident in Leavenworth, Kansas, in which a four year old boy lost his life and his three year old brother was permanently scarred after they opened and spilled a gas can and the gasoline vapors ignited a nearby hot water heater. This legislation has been endorsed by the American Society of Testing and Materials' Task Group of Standards for Flammable Liquid Containers, which has been considering establishment of a voluntary standard in this area, working in concert with the CPSC. Enactment of this simple, common-sense measure will save the lives of countless young children, and help to put their parents' minds at ease with regard to gasoline cans stored in garages, basements and back porches. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 727 and the Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act. The Consumer Product Safety Commission must be allowed to adequately protect consumers and ensure public safety.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, on February 28, 2001, 1 was unavoidably detained away from the House floor; as a result I missed two recorded votes. Had I been present, I would have voted aye on rollcall #17, passage of H.R. 256, legislation that would extend Chapter 12 federal bankruptcy protection for farmers retroactive to July 1, 2000, and through June 1, 2001. 1 also would have voted aye on rollcall #18, a bill that would designate a U.S. courthouse in Allentown, Pennsylvania, as the ``Edwin N. Cahn Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse.''

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the principles underlying H.R. 2--that Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds should not be used for any purpose other than funding the retirement or health care needs of our seniors. This bill takes a large step towards maintaining fiscal discipline by recognizing that Social Security and Medicare trust funds should be off the table when Congress considers tax and spending legislation. This effort is particularly courageous since the administration opposes efforts to preserve Medicare trust funds for the health security needs of our seniors. During his confirmation hearing, OMB Director, Mitch Daniels, stated that he ``would be very hesitant to see us treat [Medicare] funds the same way we do Social Security.'' I applaud the majority's recognition of the fact that both programs face a demographic crisis as the baby boomers get older, and that both programs deserve to be protected to fund our commitments to them in the future. Medicare's financial condition is actually more serious than that of Social Security. The Medicare trust fund is projected to become insolvent in 2025, whereas the Social Security Trust fund will remain solvent until 2037. This highlights the importance of preventing Medicare surpluses from being used for any other purpose than protecting Medicare; this includes financing a prescription drug benefit or any revenue reducing policy with trust fund reserves-- whether they come from Social Security or Medicare. This means that every member who votes for this bill today is serving notice that they will not use Social Security or Medicare trust funds for any purpose other than funding or reforming these programs. Mr. Speaker, while I applaud the majority's commitment to this cause, I am concerned that the bill before us today contains a large loophole that would allow the Medicare and Social Security surpluses to be spent for any purpose so long as it is labeled ``reform.'' For the record, I want to be clear that the term ``reform'' does not and should not include new programs such as, providing a prescription drug benefit under Medicare or dismantling the Social Security safety net with private accounts. I also want to be clear that if Members vote for this bill, they are voting to prevent new programs labeled reform from crowding out Social Security and Medicare surpluses to make room for other revenue-reducing initiatives. Finally, Mr. Speaker, while I am encouraged with the majority's commitment to this cause, I am disappointed in the manner in which this bill is being considered today. The future of the Social Security and Medicare surpluses is a complicated and serious matter that deserves a full, free and honest discussion of the issue and alternative ways to solve the problem. Rather than allowing this exchange of ideas, the majority circumvented committee consideration of this issue, instead rushing the bill to the floor under expedited rules that allow only an hour of debate and no opportunity for amendment. Allowing members to have a voice in this process could have corrected the loophole in the present bill. To be sure, Representative Ross and I have recently introduced legislation that would correct this problem by entirely preventing the use of Social Security and Medicare trust funds--except for their intended purpose.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Dr. William F. Bradley, a veterinarian from Douglas County, Kansas, who passed away recently, after a full life that was dedicated to his family, his veterinary practice, and service to his community. Dr. Bradley exemplified the kind of individual whose selfless dedication to others forms the glue that has held together so many Kansas communities over the past century. He is best known in Lawrence, Kansas, for his longtime service on the school board for Lawrence and Douglas County, where he served for four years as board president. Additionally, he spent many years as Wakarusa Township trustee and was an active participant in local Republican Party politics. His wife, Bev, was twice elected Douglas County Commissioner as the Republican candidate. More importantly, though, Dr. Bradley was a founding member of the O'Connell Youth Ranch and a founder of the Lawrence Boys Club. An active member of several local service organizations, 4-H groups and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, with Bev, Dr. Bradley was a devoted father to six sons. He epitomized the public-spirited pillar of our communities who does so much in towns and cities across the United States to bring people together to solve problems and constructively face challenges. His sense of duty touched many lives in Douglas County and in Lawrence; I was proud to represent him in Congress and I join with my constituents in mourning his loss. Mr. Speaker, I place into the Congressional Record an obituary for Dr. William F. Bradley that was carried by the Lawrence Journal-World and I am pleased to have this opportunity to take note of our loss. [From the Lawrence Journal-World (KS), Jan. 28, 2001] William F. Bradley Services for William Ferdie Bradley, 74, Lawrence, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Bradley died Friday, Jan. 26, 2001, at his home. He was born Feb. 16, 1926, in Topeka, the son of Aubrey J. Bradley and Neta Bernice (Davis) Bradley. He was raised on a farm near Blue Mound and attended Unity Township and Blue Mound schools before going to college at Kansas State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1949 and his doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 1953. Bradley practiced veterinary medicine in Mexico, Mo., then served in the U.S. Army until 1957. He then established the Bradley Veterinary Hospital in Lawrence. He sold the practice to his son, John S. Bradley, when he retired in 1990. Bradley served on the Lawrence School Board for 11 years, four years as president. He was active in the Masonic Lodge and the Lawrence Host Lions Club. He was the Wakarusa Township trustee for many years, a 4-H leader for the Meadowlark and Kanza 4-H clubs and a trustee for the Kansas State University Alumni Assn. He was a member of numerous veterinary associations, the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas Association of Commerce and Industry and the American Hereford Assn. He also served as an associate professor of biological sciences at Baker University for several years. He was also a founding member of the O'Connell Youth Ranch and was a founder of the Lawrence Boys Club. He married Beverly Ann Torrens on Aug. 23, 1953, in Independence. She survives of the home. Other survivors include five sons, William Jr. of Jackson, Wyo., Roger Sebastapol, Calif., Philip and John, both of Lawrence, and Kent, Wichita; one foster son, Greg Evans, Lawrence; three brothers, Aubrey Jr., Wichita, H. Keith, Lenexa, and Wayne, Louisburg; one sister, Idabelle Ostrum, Houston; seven grandchildren; and one foster grandchild. The family will meet friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. The family suggests memorials to Pet Trust at Kansas State University in care of the College of Veterinary Medicine or the Douglas County 4-H Foundation, sent in care of the mortuary.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a family and a foundation that have changed the lives of thousands of cancer patients in our country--Richard and Annette Bloch and the volunteers of the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation. In 1978, Richard Bloch was told he had terminal lung cancer and that he had 3 months to live. He refused to accept this prognosis, and after two years of aggressive therapy, he was told he was cured. Since Richard's bout with cancer, he and his wife Annette have devoted their lives to helping other cancer patients. Richard, one of America's best known businessmen, sold his interest in H&R Block, Inc. and retired from the company in 1982 to be able to devote all of his efforts to fighting cancer. The Bloch Cancer Foundation, which is fully supported financially by the Bloch family, is fueled by over a thousand volunteers--other cancer survivors and supporters who share the vision of Richard and Annette Bloch, such as: Doctors who have shared their time, knowledge and expertise; Home volunteers who call newly diagnosed cancer patients and place the metaphorical arm around a shoulder. These home volunteers guide new patients through their apprehension and fears so they can face their disease with confidence; Computer specialists who have developed the web sites so patients and survivors can seek help over the Internet; Volunteers who give their time on a weekly basis to answer phones and e-mail and form the backbone of an organization committed to cancer patients; The professionals and volunteers of the Bloch Cancer Support Center; Those who help develop Cancer Survivors Parks; Volunteers who helped to mail more than 98,000 books that were requested by cancer patients; and The Board of Directors who help Dick and Annette develop and implement the programs of the foundation. Mr. Speaker, on June 4, 2001, we will celebrate the 16th anniversary of Cancer Survivors Day, an event that was started by the Blochs in Kansas City and is now celebrated in over 700 communities throughout the United States. June 4th also marks the 21st anniversary of the Cancer Hot Line, which has received more than 125,000 calls from newly diagnosed cancer patients since its inception in 1980. I encourage my colleagues to join me as I honor Richard and Annette Bloch and the volunteers of the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation for twenty-one years of steadfast commitment to cancer patients and survivors.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to support the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act. I am introducing this legislation today to address a pressing need in school districts across the country--the need for teachers at all levels. Local school districts all over the country are struggling with a teacher shortage that shows no signs of abating in the near future. Urban, rural and suburban districts are all struggling, to different degrees, with this problem caused by a combination of demographic trends and a low teacher retention rate. The children of the Baby Boomers, or the ``Baby Boom Echo,'' resulted in a 25% increase in our nation's birth rate that began in the mid- 1970s and reached its peak in 1990 with the birth of 4.1 million children. The children of the Baby Boom Echo are flooding our schools-- in the fall of 2000, 53 million young people entered our nation's public and private classrooms and, for the fourth year in a row, set a new national enrollment record for elementary and secondary education. The record 2000 enrollment reflects an increase of 6.5 million, or 14% since fall 1990. Furthermore, the U.S. is on the verge of a massive wave of retirements as the large cohort of experienced teachers who were hired in the late 1960s and 1970s begin to leave the profession. A total of 2.2 million teachers are needed to meet enrollment increases in the next 10 years and to offset the large number of teachers who are preparing to retire. The nationwide shortage of teachers is already particularly pronounced in the disciplines of science, math, special education, and foreign languages. Unfortunately, young teachers are leaving the profession at an alarming rate. Local school administrators are working overtime to find the qualified teachers they need, but their toughest problem is keeping them once hired. Our recent booming economy, which has benefited Americans at all levels, has drawn quality teachers to higher-paying, lower-stress jobs in the private sector. Twenty-two percent of all new teachers leave the profession in the first three years. Studies show that teachers are much more likely to remain in the field of education throughout their career if we can help them through the first three years. Local school districts are already feeling the effects of this trend. Last year, I conducted a survey of school districts within the Third Congressional District in Kansas, and the principals reported to me that 92% of elementary schools, 95% of junior high/middle schools and 75% of high schools reported they were able to fill all teaching positions with qualified teachers. Furthermore, the principals fully expect this problem to continue--75% of all schools reported they anticipate difficulty hiring qualified teachers in the future, including 90% of the middle school and junior high schools. It is time for the federal government to assist states and local school districts in attracting and keeping qualified teachers. It is also time to recognize that recruiting and retaining good teachers is a national priority worthy of federal investment. Mr. Speaker, today with several of my colleagues I am introducing the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act. This bill would forgive 100% of federal student loans (up to $10,000) over five years for any newly qualified educator who: teaches in a low-income school, teaches special education, or teaches in a designated teacher shortage area (as defined by the state departments of education). The provisions of this bill would apply to all Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Direct Loans (DL). I encourage my colleagues to hear the requests of their school districts and join me in cosponsoring this important legislation.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I would commend the majority's proposal, but for one reservation that I have. I am concerned that H.R. 2 contains a giant loophole that would allow the Medicare and Social Security surpluses to be spent for any purpose, so long as it is labeled ``reform.'' For the record, I want to be clear the term ``reform'' does not and should not include new programs, such as providing a prescription drug benefit under Medicare or changing Social Security to provide for private accounts. The gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Ross) and I have introduced legislation that would correct this problem by entirely preventing the use of Social Security and Medicare trust funds, without exception, except for their intended purpose. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove from the Speaker's desk H.R. 560, legislation that would correct the problems of the bill and the loophole in the bill before us today.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I wish today to pay tribute to B. Marie Foster, the founder and president of Ree's Contract Service, Inc., as that Overland Park, Kansas, based firm celebrates its twentieth anniversary in business. For several years prior to the founding of Ree's Contract Service, Ms. Foster was employed by government contractors, including Quality Maintenance of Kansas City and for Tombs and Sons, which assisted in the construction of the Alaska petroleum pipeline. Based upon the knowledge and experience she gained from those positions, Ms. Foster decided in September 1980 that she could provide quality services to the federal government through her own contracting firm. Working from her home, she won her first contract in November 1980 to provide armed guard services at the U.S. Weapons Testing Area in Jericho, Vermont, providing twenty-four hour service with four employees. In March 1981, Ms. Foster won her second service contract in Champaign, Illinois. During 1981, Ree's Contract Services was awarded its first major contract at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. The firm contracted to provide services that included armed security guards, bus transportation, training support, janitorial services, and dormitory management. The firm held the armed guard service contract for three consecutive terms totaling fifteen years; the other service contracts were held for two consecutive terms. Two of the contracts were cost reimbursable with incentive fees, during the terms of the contracts from 1981-1995, the firm never received a rating of less than superior. Ree's Contract Services, Inc., was incorporated on March 1, 1992. As founder, owner, president and operator of the firm since its inception, Ms. Foster has always believed that the actions of her employees are a personal reflection of herself, and that for her business to be successful, her employees must provide the highest quality service. Since her employees are her most valuable assets, Ms. Foster wants each one to know they are important and cared for by her. Ree's Contract Services has developed into a successful contracting firm, ultimately growing to approximately 400 employees. The firm has held contracts providing services in 17 different states. Most recently, the firm was awarded the Heartland Regional Contract for guard services at all federal facilities under the management of the General Services Administration within Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. As the result of Ree's Contract Service's employees' professionalism and provision of quality services, the firm has developed a reputation for excellence in government contracting. B. Marie Foster and the firm's employees should be extremely proud of this reputation and I know they will continue to expend every possible effort to maintain and improve that reputation. In 1996, the firm was nominated for the Small Business Administration's Prime Contractor of the Year Award; subsequently, for 1996 and 1997, the firm received the SBA Director's Award of Excellence. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to have this opportunity to pay tribute to B. Marie Foster and Ree's Contract Service. I am proud to represent them in the U.S. House of Representatives and I wish Ms. Foster and her staff continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the celebration of Liberty Day in my home state of Kansas. Liberty Day is a non-partisan statewide celebration of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. It is celebrated annually on March 16th, the birthday of James Madison, the ``father of our Constitution.'' On this day, and throughout the year, elected and previously elected officials volunteer their time to speak to students about how our country was established, how our system of government operates, what it means to be an American, and what our rights and responsibilities are as citizens of this great country. This year, Liberty Day was observed in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio and Wyoming. In Kansas, March 16, 2000, was proclaimed as Liberty Day by Governor Bill Graves, who urged all Kansans to join in the observance. On October 10th of this year, I was pleased to join with my colleagues in voting in favor of H. Con. Res. 376, expressing the sense of Congress regarding support of the recognition of a Liberty Day. This resolution was approved by a voice vote of the House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of the House of Representatives for the 106th Congress, it has been my honor to have the opportunity to distribute hundreds of copies of the Constitution to constituents who have visited my office, Kansans who have attended my regularly- scheduled community office hours in the Third District, and secondary school teachers, study group leaders, and ministers who have contacted me asking for copies of the Constitution for distribution. I welcome this opportunity to share with you my support for this worthy endeavor, which will bring the living words of our Constitution closer to the minds and hearts of Kansans who, as I do, revere its meaning in our lives today.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a Kansas native and former resident of the Third Congressional District of Kansas, Mary Murguia, who on October 3rd was confirmed, by voice vote, by the U.S. Senate as a Federal District Court Judge for the District of Arizona. Mary Murguia is the first Latina to be appointed to the federal bench in Arizona. The daughter of Alfred and Amalia Murguia, she and her six brothers and sisters grew up in the Argentine neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas, where her parents still reside. She received bachelor's degrees in Spanish and journalism from the University of Kansas in 1982 and a law degree from KU in 1985. Mary began her law career as an assistant district attorney for the Wyandotte County district attorney's office in Kansas City, Kansas; in 1990 she was appointed as an assistant U.S. Attorney in Arizona, where she served until 1998. Since that time, she worked in the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., as the director of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, where she served as liaison between the Attorney General, the offices and agencies of the Justice Department, and the 94 U.S. Attorneys' offices. Mary's brother, Carlos Murguia, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate last year as the first Latino Federal District Court Judge for the District of Kansas; her twin sister, Janet Murguia, served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director for Legislative Affairs for President Clinton and is now Deputy Campaign Manager for Constituency Outreach for the Gore-Lieberman 2000 campaign. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity today to pay tribute to newly appointed Federal District Court Judge Mary Murguia and I wish her a lengthy and personally rewarding career in public service on the federal bench.

Mr. MOORE

Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Dennis Conway, who has served with distinction in the Bureau's Kansas City Division since 1989. Special Agent Conway will retire on December 31, 2000, concluding a career during which he was responsible for the successful investigation, arrest, and prosecution of over 200 criminals. From 1972-1976, Special Agent Conway was assigned to the FBI's Oklahoma City Division, where he investigated violent crimes. Then, from 1976-1983, he was Bank Robbery Coordinator in the Bureau's Minneapolis Division. From 1983-1989, Special Agent Conway was assigned to the FBI's Detroit Division, where he was case agent on an undercover illegal drug investigation which resulted in the conviction of a high profile drug distributor, who was convicted after a six week trial. From 1989 to the present, Special Agent Conway has been assigned to the Bureau's Kansas City Division. During that time, he served as case agent on undercover drug operation ``Plazop,'' which focused on sources of illegal drug supplies from Colombia, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, Los Angeles and San Diego. This investigation resulted in 32 criminal convictions which significantly reduced the quantity of illegal drugs on the streets of Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri. For the past six years, Special Agent Conway has investigated illegal drug crimes and crimes of violence within the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas, where his efforts have resulted in over 60 indictments. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to pay public tribute to my constituent, FBI Special Agent Dennis Conway, as he completes a distinguished career of service to the Kansas City community and our nation as a whole. The public at large and the law enforcement community are better for his efforts, and we wish him well as he concludes his career with the FBI.