George Nethercutt

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, the recent published reports about the planting of false evidence by biologists with the United States Forest Service and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service are alarming. An internal Forest Service investigation has found that the science of the habitat study had been skewed by seven government officials: three U.S. Forest Service employees, two U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials and two employees of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. These officials, according to published reports, planted three separate samples of Canadian lynx hair on rubbing posts used to identify existence of the creatures in the two national forests. Had the deception not been discovered, the government likely would have banned many forms of recreation and use of natural resources in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Wenatchee National Forest in Washington State. The restrictions would have had a real-life devastating impact on the economy of Washington State. Today I join with many of my colleagues in demanding that these employees, upon evidence of their guilt is established, be immediately terminated. It is unacceptable that these employees have simply been counseled for their planting of evidence. Federal employees should be held accountable for their actions--period. Further, I support a complete review of the lynx study as well as a review of any other projects on which these employees may have worked. The integrity of these agencies and our future efforts to protect threatened and endangered species depends on these reviews. As a member of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, I intend to make sure that this kind of activity never happens again and that the agencies involved are not perpetrating a fraud on the American people. That is my highest responsibility.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Dr. Lee Hartwell, president and director of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington. On October 8, 2001, Dr. Hartwell was awarded the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Dr. Hartwell is a pioneer in the biomedical research community and Washington State is proud to have his leadership. Thirty years of diligent research to understand cell division and the cell cycle has led to this significant accomplishment. Dr. Hartwell's work now forms the basis of our understanding on how cells divide and of the molecular basis of cancer. I am confident that his findings will result in more effective cancer treatments and eventually save lives. His accomplishments in this area remind us in Congress that federal support for basic biomedical research must remain on the forefront of our National agenda. We have always known Dr. Hartwell to be a leader for the biomedical research community in the Pacific Northwest. Now, the world knows what a true visionary we have in our state.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2330, the Fiscal Year 2002 Agriculture and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. I also wish to express some concern with the level of resources dedicated to FDA pre-market device review functions. The rapid increase in private and public sector biomedical research efforts will contribute to the development of many new breakthrough technologies to improve healthcare in the near term. It is my concern that FDA does not have sufficient resources dedicated to the pre-market review function at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health to quickly review these products so they may be used safely with patients. In the House version of the Agriculture and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, we directed the FDA to provide updates on medical device application review performance in January and July 2002. I urge the agency to adhere to this language and provide these reports to the members of our Committee on a timely basis. I also look forward to working with the Administration in the coming months to ensure that next year's budget includes a request for sufficient resources to meet the statutory review times for medical devices.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, on November 18, 2001, firefighters from around the world will gather in New York City to honor the memories of the 344 emergency service personnel who lost their lives on September 11. I am proud to note that my hometown of Spokane, Washington, will be represented by more than 50 firefighters who will pay their own way to stand with their brethren at this memorial service. To put New York's loss in perspective, the city lost as many firefighters in a day as Spokane has in its entire department. As we honor those who have passed, we may also look to those who have survived. We in the House unanimously passed a Victims Tax Relief Act, the HEROS Act, which provides relief from Federal education loans to surviving families, and legislation expediting Federal payments to the survivors of public safety officers. We should also honor the fallen heroes of New York by strengthening our public safety programs. As a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, which has done so much to educate Members on these issues, I support legislation introduced by the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) which would allow Good Samaritans to donate equipment to fire departments. Federal resources are also important. Last year, we provided $100 million in grant equipment, and I support additional funding this year. I commend the service of firefighters and am proud to acknowledge the efforts of those serving the Spokane community and all of eastern Washington.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2311, the Energy & Water Appropriations Conference Report. The bill contains important funding for America's waterways, irrigation infrastructure, flood control and programs administered by the Department of the Energy. While I will support the conference report, I am disappointed that the conferees chose not to include an increase in borrowing authority for the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to fund critical transmission improvements. The Northwest is still experiencing an electricity crisis caused by a shortage of new development, the failed attempt by California to achieve deregulation and a severe drought. Additional generation is under construction and on the drawing board. More than 3,000 megawatts of generation is now fully permitted in the Northwest with 20,000 more megawatts in the regulatory pipeline. BPA will need increased Treasury borrowing authority to assist the agency in upgrading and building transmission lines. Without additional transmission capacity in the Northwest, additional generation coming online may not be able to reliably reach consumers. BPA's transmission investments will easily pay for themselves in the long run and are essential in order to improve wholesale electricity markets in the Western United States, and to maintain the basic reliability of our region's electrical system. The increase is supported by the Northwest Energy Caucus, consisting of every House Member from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. We will continue to pursue an increase in BPA's borrowing authority through other venues. I am pleased that the Conference Report continues funding for the Inland Northwest Natural Resources Research Center at Gonzaga University, albeit at a substantially lower level of funding than was provided by the Energy and Water Appropriations Conferees for fiscal year 2001. I will work to ensure that funding is provided in future years to allow for the smooth continuation of this project. $1 million was provided at my request for the Walla Walla River feasibility study, the same level as was included in the House bill. The Walla Walla basin has established a successful broad-based watershed planning/HCP process. This formal process includes participation by federal, state, and local governments and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). It also includes participation by local and regional environmental groups and stakeholders representing local businesses, agri-business, recreational, and cultural interests. At its core, the watershed planning/HCP effort focuses on restoring adequate flows for listed species. To insure that the federal funding provided does not create a parallel process to the existing process underway, it is the intent of Congress that the Crops shall integrate its activities into the framework of the existing watershed planning/HCP process already established in the basin. In addition, to maintain the success of the efforts underway, it is the intent of Congress that the Corps shall not develop an instream flow target that is inconsistent with flow targets set through the Watershed Planning/HCP process.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak today in favor of H.R. 3150 and its provisions relating to assistance for small airports. Though disagreements remain how to permanently improve security screening at all airports, it is heartening to see a bipartisan effort to solve the current problems with airline security. I am encouraged by the bill's content in all areas and hope this important piece of legislation is passed. Mr. Chairman, two small commercial airports in my district, Pullman- Moscow Regional Airport and the Walla Walla Regional Airport, have been severely affected by the enhanced security directives and the regulations imposed on parking and ``loop roads'' instituted after the tragic events of September 11th. The restrictions placed on passenger vehicle access to the terminal and parking were prudent in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, but their prolonged presence has resulted in the closure of many small businesses across the country. Two small businesses located in the Walla Walla Regional Airport either directly, or indirectly, were forced to close due to these restrictions. I know many of my colleagues have small airports and aviation-related businesses in their districts facing similar hardships. Many airports in rural areas act as a vital link between the economies of small communities and large cities. I commend the Chairman's foresight to preserve the viability of these airports by allowing Airport Improvement Program funds to be used to hire, train, compensate or reimburse law enforcement personnel. Some security measures, such as the screening of baggage and a law enforcement presence at checkpoints, must be applied uniformly to all airports in order to fulfill America's larger mission of securing our National Airspace System; however, state and local officials can better assess the threat to the terminal itself based on the unique characteristics of each airport. For instance, terrorists thrive on maximizing carnage and destruction with the few resources in their possession. Though the horrible crimes perpetrated on September 11th can easily be painted as irrational, terrorists tend to be very rationale in their target selection. Using this analysis, small, rural airport terminals are less attractive targets because of the limited number of people using them and their geographical distance away from major populations. I am pleased the FAA has come to realize that the financial hardship incurred by smaller airports is largely disproportionate to their level by rescinding the ban on parking last week at Class IV airports. However, slightly larger Category III airports continue to face these hardships. Without flexibility in certain areas, the economic burdens placed on small airports and regional airlines to cover these enhancements will result in a severe contraction of our air transportation system. I am pleased that Section 22 of this bill recognizes the need for flexibility in this area by allowing local airport operators, in consultation with appropriate state and local law enforcement authorities, to conduct a threat assessment of the airport facility to determine the necessity of the 300-foot parking restriction at all airports. I have the utmost confidence in local officials to decide how best to mitigate the threat to smaller, low-risk airport terminals. I strongly urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 3150. This bill is flexible and will enhance the security of our transportation infrastructure while limiting the financial mandates on vulnerable airports like those in my district.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Kind amendment and want to comment about the comments that have been made regarding trade distortion that would come out of this farm bill, the underlying farm bill, that I think has been crafted so well by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Combest) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm) and the Committee on Agriculture. One of the problems with the freedom to farm implementation has not been the freedom to farm concept, but the implementation of it. The Congress has failed until just last year to open markets to our farmers so they could have markets around the world that they could compete in. And so it is improper to say that this is somehow trade distorting, when in fact, farmers have been begging over the years to have access to markets that have been closed to them and that food has been used as a weapon in foreign policy. What we need certainly is trade promotion authority for this President to go negotiate our agreements with other countries to lower their tariff barriers so that we can have access to their markets, our farmers can. This amendment, with all due respect to the sponsors and the supporters, would take land out of production. And when it takes land out of production, we jeopardize the food safety and security of our country. If you do not have farmers farming, you are not going to have food produced domestically which we may need in years ahead just as we need it today. It also has a negative impact. As you put money and land into conservation programs, like CRP and wetlands reserve, you take it out of production. The production agriculture does not then help rural communities, such as the implement store or the seed guy or the food store in rural communities. We are seeing our rural communities in jeopardy around this country. So production agriculture is promoted and assisted in the underlying bill. That is why we must support this bill and reject the amendment.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the workers of Northwest Alloys, a company located in Addy, Washington, in the north part of the Fifth Congressional District. Since beginning operations in 1975, Northwest Alloys has become the largest private sector employer in Stevens County. It employs about 350 people. These are good people with good paying jobs and a wide variety of families that support the community of Addy and Stevens County, Washington. The void that the absence of this company will leave in our communities is immeasurable, because they have supported our schools, they have supported youth activities, community activities, and provided a great resource for northeast Washington State. The plant at Northwest Alloys in Addy, Washington, is only one of two magnesium smelters in the entire United States, and Northwest Alloys has had a sterling reputation ever since it has been in business over the years. It received OSHA's Voluntary Protection Plan Merit Status one year ago for a comprehensive evaluation of its safety processes and performance. The company recently received Star Status, the highest level of achievement within OSHA's Voluntary Protection Plan, making it one of only three manufacturing locations to do so in Washington State. Safety was their code word, their standard. They worked very, very hard to have a safe manufacturing plant of magnesium. So I am deeply saddened by the events that have lead to the closure of Northwest Alloys and the impact the closure is having on families and the communities surrounding this facility in our State. But I also remain hopeful that new opportunities will arise out of such adversity. The reason the plant is closing in large measure is because countries like China and Russia have flooded the market with magnesium, and that has put tremendous pressure on community operations like that which is located in Addy in Northwest Alloys. The employees have been remarkably upbeat; and under the leadership of Jerry Turnbow, they have worked against incredible odds, considering the market situation, production, and energy conditions. They have been fighting a battle to try to get low-cost energy to run this plant, and they worked in a very cost-effective way to have a safe work environment. Their commitment to our communities in the Fifth Congressional District has been a blessing. It will be sorely missed. I will be there this week to pay tribute as they close the plant and finish their job operations this Friday and to wish them well and all of God's blessings as they move on in life; and we will do everything we can at the Federal level to assist them in their next steps along the way.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Joint Resolution 61. Mr. Speaker, in the course of human events, there are moments that so impact the progression of world history, that the character of all people becomes imbued with the solemn understanding that life will never be the same. The terrorist events that transpired on September 11, 2001, collectively create a most infamous moment in the history of the United States of America. These cowardly acts of destruction were intended to strike fear in the American spirit with the hope that our Nation will retreat from its policies and obligations overseas. If these perpetrators chose to study American history rather than how to manifest hate and destruction, they would realize the futility of their actions and know that there is one choice we cannot and will not make. America will never choose the path of submission. Our hearts have been pierced by tragedy and weep for those lost souls and their families of America's worst disaster. Throughout American history, our lands and others have been turned red by the blood of those who defended America's character. Now, in modern times, the urban streets of two great cities share this unfortunate distinction. America's story is one of providence. Over the last 225 years, God and truth, combined with American courage and spirit, have allowed us to triumph in every honorable national struggle placed before us. There is a resilience in our country that transcends tragedy. Those who repudiate reason--and twist it to such ghastly ends as these--do not deserve the gift of life. Their actions cannot be allowed to triumph over freedom and democracy. We must pray to God that they will not. A war of terrorism has been declared against America, and more has been attacked than just our great land. I support President Bush's initiative to mobilize our national military forces, and forces around the world which love freedom, in order to push terrorism from the face of the world. Foreign states that facilitate, harbor, employ, or conveniently turn a blind eye to those who engage in missions of terror, should suffer the consequences of their misguided judgement. America's immigration policy, our governmental law enforcement resources, and our military capabilities must be bolstered to meet our national challenge. The sense of heightened patriotism being exhibited as a result of this tragedy will assist the efforts being called for from all corners of our nation to exact justice. It also gives us the chance to pay tribute to the firefighters, police, rescue crews, medical teams, survivors and supporters alike who are the true heroes of the day. The families of those who perished deserve our prayers and deep sympathies. As in all difficulties in life, our faith as a great nation and a spiritual people will lead us through the fog of sadness and death, into the light of freedom and peace. As Americans, we can accept nothing less. God bless our great nation.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, last evening, July 26, 2001, I was unavoidably detained and missed Roll Call votes number 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, and 285. Had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on each of these votes.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned by public reports I read of continuing Iranian efforts to develop ballistic missiles and by the apparent coordination between Iran and other regional proliferators. I am equally troubled by the lack of contrition shown by Libya's leadership for their role in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. The sponsors of this bill argue that this measure will significantly advance efforts to constrain Iranian proliferation and will force Libya's government to demonstrate greater remorse for their previous sponsorship of terrorism. These claims may well be true. But I am concerned by efforts to force through this bill under suspension procedures without opportunity for open debate and amendment. The 106th Congress made very clear its support for substantially revising U.S. sanctions policy by adopting the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act. This bill was signed into law by the President last year and lifted all unilateral sanctions on food and medicine, and significantly restricted the future application of such sanctions. The regulations governing the sale of food and medicine to formerly sanctioned states, including Iran and Libya, will be effective next week, and sales will be able to go forward. I would like to believe that last year marked a significant philosophical shift in how the United States deals with sanctions policy. Generally, most Members agree that unilateral sanctions tend to have very little effect on targeted states, while they do hurt American interests. Unilateral sanctions also have a way of hardening opposition to the United States within the targeted country, and allow repressive governments to maintain a siege mentality that generally benefits the oppressors more than the oppressed. And the perception of hostility that accompanies such sanctions has a way of marginalizing reformist elements within the countries we seek to improve. At the same time, unilateral sanctions have a way of greatly complicating our trading relationships with our allies. Extraterritorial sanctions, such as would be applied under this measure, are even more antagonizing to our most prominent trade partners. Certainly, the House should, and regularly does, go on record with concerns about terrorism and proliferation. It is our responsibility to promote policies that change these reprehensible regimes. But I am concerned when this body debates sanctions policy with no opportunity for amendment on the floor. Sanctions go to the heart of our foreign policy, and are important enough to be deliberated in the open, during regular hours, with full participation by Members. Regretfully, this was not the case with H.R. 1954.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. I am delighted to support this resolution, H.R. 201, which was introduced by my dear friend and colleague, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings), who just happens to not be able to be here today because he is out West preparing to attend the funeral for these four young people who died and who are the subject of this resolution. My colleague introduced the legislation out of respect for those in the West who fight fires and especially out of respect for these four people who lost their lives trying to save the lives of others. And he is joined, along with myself, with the rest of the congressional delegation from our State in paying tribute and honor to these fine people. We in the West are used to fighting fires. We are used to the dangers of firefighting wildfires throughout the Pacific Northwest States. Yet it is very difficult for us today as we pay tribute and recognize the danger of fighting fires and the hazards that many men and women go through not just in our State but other States across this country to put out fires and to save lives. These four young people were moms and dads and the children of moms and dads and brothers and sisters and uncles and aunts and friends to many who respected what they do and what they have done. Tom Craven, Karen FitzPatrick, Jessica Johnson, and Devin Weaver gave their lives to their country and in service certainly as Federal firefighters. There were some bright spots that came out of this tragedy, I must say. Amid the sadness and great loss were a few encouraging moments. Firefighter Rebecca Welch embraced two hikers in her emergency shelter as the flames approached and saved their lives and her own. Firefighter Jason Emhoff suffered severe burns, and he is successfully recuperating. Others continue to fight the blaze in honor of their fallen colleagues. I think this resolution is a way to pay tribute to these fine people and to recognize the seriousness of firefighting and the importance of these young people as they jeopardize their lives. So I am delighted that the House is taking this action. I urge my colleagues to support this, and I especially say congratulations to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings) for taking the initiative to recognize these four young people.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the 2002 Commerce, Justice, State and the Judiciary appropriations bill. I also wish to confirm that the intent of the language regarding the Northeast Washington State Four County Methamphetamine Task Force is that any funds disbursed to Spokane County can and should be shared with the City of Spokane, so long as the funds are used in a manner consistent with the intent of this section regarding methamphetamines. I believe that law enforcement officials facing drug crime every day know best how to use these funds in a coordinated effort between agencies. I have serious concerns regarding the growing meth problem. In Spokane County, police and sheriff's investigators encountered 86 meth labs in the first six months of this year. Data provided from the State of Washington shows that in Spokane County the number of reported meth labs and dump sites has increased from 11 in 1998, to 36 in 1999, to 137 in 2000. Without additional funding this number will continue its dramatic rise. This issue is of federal concern in Washington State because of the U.S.-Canadian border implications that affect northern counties and the assistance to federal agencies these rural sheriff departments and prosecutor offices provide. Without local assistance, the federal agencies will be unable to properly protect our border. Without increased federal funding allocations, however, the local law enforcement agencies will be unable to combat the increasing methamphetamine production epidemic, assist with northern border drug smuggling situations and perform their law enforcement duties that ensure safe and law abiding communities. Dealing with these highly toxic and combustible labs brings great risks to our officers. These local agencies need our help to acquire equipment and training to help protect the lives of those who are doing their best to eradicate this problem. Not only are funds required for safety, but the amount of overtime required for clean-up taxes the resources of these departments, especially those smaller police departments located in rural areas. The topographical and isolated nature of mountainous counties in northern Washington State, and the lack of a strong law enforcement presence, are an invitation to meth producers. In Pend Oreille County, the meth problem is beyond the Sheriff Department's ability to manage. The per capita incidence of meth labs and dump sites is the largest in the state. Ferry County is a close second. Because of limited resources, the Sheriff departments responsible for patrolling these counties are small and are not prepared for the inundation of meth production they are experiencing. These three counties cover a large area, 6,085 square miles, which includes approximately 80 miles of largely unfenced U.S.-Canadian border, where the smuggling of marijuana from British Columbia, Canada, is an increasing problem. Deputies from these counties are routinely called upon by federal agencies to assist in border enforcement activities. These small, rural sheriff departments lack the man-power and financial resources for overtime pay to handle local law enforcement duties, to combat increasing methamphetamine production and to be available to assist federal agencies when called upon. Methamphetamine is a national problem that must be attacked at the local level. It is an inexpensive and easy-to-produce drug that is easily transported throughout the country and can unfortunately yield great financial benefits, especially for criminals in rural counties. We cannot allow this problem to escalate more than it already has without acting. I urge my colleagues to support this funding and this bill.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for this proposed Constitutional Amendment. Our founding fathers' war-time soliloquies championed freedom in opposition to tyranny and oppression. However, in deciding to revolt and in establishing a government based on liberal beliefs, the founding fathers were aware of the dangerous tendencies of excessive liberty-- including freedom of expression. On numerous occasions the Supreme Court has maintained that certain forms of speech are not protected-- that freedom and liberty are not license. Those who desecrate the flag often claim they do so for at least one of two reasons. First, they are advocating the destruction of government. This argument makes it very easy to support the proposed amendment, and the Supreme Court has held that this is not protected speech. Second, perpetrators of this act claim to be supporting ideals of America's past that have disappeared. This claim is also an invalid justification. The flag not only represents the current state of America, but it also represents the past. It is America in its totality. It is a symbol of the collective expression of all our policies, the wars we have fought and the justification for so many honorable deaths. These deaths were in defense of many ideals, one of which is not unrestricted freedom of speech. What the flag stands for cannot be divided in parts at one's convenience and used to protest something pertaining to one or even several areas of our society. It is an expression of the whole. When a flag is destroyed, the perpetrator destroys all the ideals the flag represents. This Congress has the power to set a new precedent. There is substantial public support for this initiative. The Greek philosopher Plato wrote in his famous work Republic, ``Extreme freedom can't be expected to lead to anything but a change to extreme slavery, whether for a private individual or for a city.'' I believe that respect for our national symbol is a minimal restriction on excessive political and artistic expression in our nation. I urge my colleagues to support this Constitutional Amendment.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time and for his kind remarks. Mr. Chairman, I am delighted to stand in support of this bill. We have had a lively and valuable discussion on both sides of the aisle on various issues. Mr. Chairman, I think the subcommittee chairman has done a wonderful job to put this bill together in essentially record fashion. I am grateful to him for his leadership. I am supportive of this bill because it has a strong research component for agriculture, production agriculture, to be sure that it has the tools and the information and the technology necessary to compete in a world market. That is what we need for our farmers. I also am pleased that this bill under the chairman's leadership has increased food safety and inspection. We have the safest food supply in the world and we must make sure that we acknowledge that and do not denigrate it in debate on the issue, because we have a very safe system. We need to keep it safe. We will keep it safe with the resources that are available in this bill. At the subcommittee and the full committee level, I had raised the issue of ecoterrorism. When we spend multimillions of dollars on agriculture research but yet some of that research gets destroyed by extremists, ecoextremists who seek to destroy agriculture research, then we need to make sure we, as taxpayers and as Members of this body, protect that research. This is not the place or the time for that issue and the discussion surrounding it, but it is an issue that we need to attend. My expectation is that we will attend to it as we go through the legislative process later in this year. But I think those of us who care deeply about agriculture need to be critically aware that ecoterrorism is a reality in this country. We need to protect the research and the researchers. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I want to stand in support of this bill. It is a balanced bill. A bill which has been worked through with the chairman and the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Skeen), who has done a marvelous job, and my dear friend, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks) on the minority side, to try to reach a balanced and commonsense approach to the management of our public lands. This bill speaks to the needs of our national treasures in the public lands area and certainly speaks to the needs of Indian peoples. It has an Indian health care measure in it, and Indian education assistance. It funds appropriately institutions like the Smithsonian and our museums and arts and humanities and other interests in our country. By and large it is a very good bill, spending adequate amounts of money for adequate resources within the various agencies that are funded by this appropriations measure. Mr. Chairman, I thank the staff which has worked very hard on both sides of the aisle to present a balanced bill. This bill went through our subcommittee in record time because it was balanced and bipartisan. It went through the full committee in adequate and fair time because it was balanced and bipartisan. There will be amendments today that will be presented, as is our process, but I would urge Members to reject many of those amendments because they would upset the delicate balance that is in this bill. Mr. Chairman, I thank my friends, the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Skeen) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks), who worked so hard to make this a balanced and sensible bill. I urge that the leadership's example be followed and that my colleagues in the House will support this measure, pass it through the House, and move it on through the legislative process so it can be enacted and it can meet the natural resources needs of our country.

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Slaughter amendment, not because I do not support the arts and the humanities or museum services, but because I think we need to ask the fundamental question in this case of this amendment, which is, how much is enough? The subcommittee and the full committee made a conscious decision to increase the NEA and NEH and Museum Services accounts for the first time I think that I have been in the House at the committee level, the subcommittee level. Albeit small increases, they are in fact increases. I hear my colleagues who are in support of this amendment make the comment that $105,234,000 for NEA is not enough; that $120,504,000 for NEH is not enough; and that $24,899,000 for the Museum Services is not enough. I would urge my colleagues and the chairman that it is enough. Notwithstanding the fact that there has been a higher amount in past years, it is enough as we think about balancing this spending amount with other spending priorities that we have in this bill, and they are many. My concern with the Slaughter amendment, with all due respect to her and her commitment to the arts and the humanities, the offsets come from the operations of the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service. These accounts, in my humble opinion, cannot afford a reduction because we have already streamlined their administrative expenses in the bill. I come from the Pacific Northwest. The Pacific Northwest was devastated in Montana and Idaho, luckily not so much in Washington State, by forest fires last year. We are expecting another hot summer. We need the personnel and the administrative assistants to meet not only the fire needs of the region but the other needs of the region, to have a healthy forest service system; to have an adequate protection of our public lands in the Interior Department. Those are priorities as well. I just urge my colleagues to think carefully about where our priorities are. Why is $105 million for NEA not enough? Mr. Ivey has done a fabulous job. Why is $120 million not enough for NEH? There can never be enough if we advocate in this body only for the priorities that one sees as very important. I happened last year to be the person involved in making sure that Indian health service funding and adequate health service for our Native American populations was provided in the bill. That is controversial. It was controversial last year. It may be controversial this year. The point is, the President's request was $105 million, $120 million, and $24 million for these three respective agencies. We have met the President's request. It is an increase in all three accounts. So, therefore, I just think we have to be careful that we do not go overboard with respect to a balance that exists in the accounts of the Department of the Interior agencies. The arts and the humanities do have very important values in our country. I have been concerned that the arts industry has not stepped up to privately try to help the NEA raise funds. It is a $9 billion industry, and we see the highest advocates in the entertainment industry coming and asking for more Federal Government assistance, when I would urge that the actors and the artists of the world and the music folks who have done so well through the entertainment industry step up and assist on the private side, put $1 million or $2 million or $5 million, or $10 million and $3 million and $2 million in this case of their own money in to try to help the NEA and the NEH and the Institute of Library Services. So we have strived mightily in the subcommittee and the full committee to be fair to the NEA, the NEH, and the IMLS. We have done that. We have reached a balance, Mr. Chairman, that I think meets the needs of the community. Can we do more next year? Maybe we can, but for this year in this bill in these accounts that we want to keep control over, that is balancing this Federal budget and making all the programs that have value fit within that budget, we have done a very good job. I urge a no on the Slaughter amendment.

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston) very much for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Sanders amendment. I want to offer a little different perspective. Certainly we can acknowledge that the increase in the weatherization has been substantial, 64 percent I think it is in the committee, and yet we have reduced the energy research account as well; but now the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Sanders) wants to reduce it even more. I think that is a mistake. My perspective is this: energy research on fossil fuels, oil and gas and coal in this country, is conducted primarily by small outfits, small independent companies that have either family owned or small entrepreneurial operations that have small numbers of employees. So this is not a big oil-and-gas reduction attempt. This is going to hurt small companies and jobs in smaller communities that will add to the research that we need to make sure that we do achieve greater independence in the years ahead on fossil fuels. Whether we like it or not, we are dependent on fossil fuels in this country; 52 percent coal dependent, substantial oil and gas dependence. What we do not want to do is be dependent for our national security interests on foreign imports from countries around the world. That is dangerous for our country. This energy fossil fuel research and technology development will allow us to be more independent in the coming years, and it is critically important that we do that research to become more independent and become technologically adept at meeting the challenges of energy supply. I am one who favors PILT, increase in the PILT account; but I think under this circumstance it is a balanced approach that we have adopted, and I urge a rejection of the amendment.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Colonel Gary B. Wood. Colonel Wood currently serves as Vice Commander of the 53d Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, but his journey began in Washington State, my home State. Colonel Wood was born in Tacoma, Washington. Even as a young boy, he knew that he wanted to be a fighter pilot. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Washington State University and a Master's Degree from Golden Gate University. While in college, he was active in the ROTC and Sigma Nu Fraternity. His service in the military has taken him all over the United States and the world. From Alabama to Korea and North Carolina and Saudi Arabia, people everywhere have benefited from the kindness and commitment of this 6'4" colonel, who is known primarily as ``Tiny.'' As a youth football coach or a crisis line volunteer, Colonel Woods' compassion has always shone brightly. For 30 years, he has dedicated himself to his family, his work and his country. I knew Gary best as a college fraternity brother. He was always well liked by all who knew him, and he set a high standard and a strong example for all underclassmen. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor today to salute Colonel Gary Wood on his distinguished career. I am proud to call him a friend, and I wish him the very best in his life ahead.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, this coming weekend, the United States will observe Memorial Day and honor the service of America's soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. As we take time this weekend to reflect on the sacrifices of members of our Armed Forces, I commend to the attention of my colleagues a poem written by a constituent, which I am entering into the Congressional Record. Glenn Royal Batty, of Spokane, Washington, has authored a moving poem entitled ``The Soldier,'' which serves as a reminder of both the hardships of military life and the dedication of the American soldier. As Mr. Batty noted in a personal letter introducing his poem, ``There can be no greater sacrifice than to give one's life for another but no greater shame than to spend life for less.'' I urge my colleagues to take a moment from their busy lives and reflect upon the message in this poem. The Soldier (By Glenn Royal Batty) I am one of a chosen few, a warrior of might. And I will stand or I may fall, but I will join the fight. I am he who fights for you, throughout history. While vain men speak of glory, to hide hypocristy. The captain calls for volunteers, to mount a bold defense, While shades are drawn and shutters closed with indifference. And as the ranks are gathered, above the rolling plain. The soldier takes his courage into battle once again. Battle is begun, and with it fear's perfume. When this day is done, we'll see a bloody moon! As you sing of glory and righteousness of cause, We march courage six abreast, into the devil's jaws. There to face our destiny with honor or in shame. But to face it not, is not a thing we know, or can explain. You won't feel my deadly steel or taste this fearsome blade, But it will haunt your dreams at night, until its price is paid. And you might wish to turn away, before the bugle sounds. For righteousness is hard to find within a battleground. Battle is begun! May God be on our side. We pray a kingdom come, where peace may yet abide. For fame or notoriety, what is the value there? For land or grudge, we cannot see. What purpose? I declare! For names, twice whispered on men's lips or tails of great renown, We will march to battle, for honor is our crown! Battle is begun! The day is warm, the wind blows sweet. It stirs the banners with each breath, While valiant souls together meet to share ignoble death. Battle is begun no matter where or when, We will fight and die. That's how it's always been. I am one of a chosen few You're not to blame, It's what I do. And if God's mercy will decree, with hardened heart and strength of will, Throughout the flow of history, I will be fighting still.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) for yielding the time. Let me first thank the gentleman for all the hard work he has done in putting together a truly bipartisan education bill. Mr. Chairman, I would request that the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) enter into a colloquy with me.

Mr. NETHERCUTT. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time. I come before the House today to draw the gentleman's attention and the attention of the Committee on Education and the Workforce to the Star Schools program. I believe the Star Schools program has served students in my district and throughout the country very well. The Star Schools program is a distance-learning network which gives students the opportunity to take classes they have never had before. As many of my colleagues know, many small, rural and underserved urban school districts cannot afford to hire teachers to offer a wide variety of classes. In small school districts, distance-learning programs are often the only opportunity students have to take advanced math and science or foreign language classes necessary to apply to college. Underserved urban school districts are often unable to find or afford qualified teachers to offer students unique and upper level courses. The distance-learning programs offer a cost-effective way to level the playing field for all students, offering them the opportunity to take the same classes as their peers in larger and better-funded schools.

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for his comments. Mr. Chairman, I visited STEP Star, which is the distance-learning program operated by Educational Service District 101 in my own 5th District of Washington. Their program is very impressive. STEP Star and all Star Schools programs provide an irreplaceable education resource to our rural school districts. STEP Star, which is partially funded through the Star Schools program, has made it possible for students in rural school districts, in my district and around the country, to take a variety of classes from a live teacher, whom they can interact with and ask questions of. Outside of the class hour, programs like STEP Star allow students to talk with teaching staff. Online resources provide for instant exchange of electronic paperwork. Students can communicate with teachers and tutors through e-mail or participate in discussions with fellow classmates through bulletin boards. So, once again, I thank the gentleman from Ohio for his support of distance-learning programs; and I just ask that as he moves forward with this legislation, to keep in mind the importance of ensuring that distance-learning programs remain affordable to the most vulnerable students and school districts, rural, small, and underserved urban districts.

Mr. NETHERCUTT

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and commend the City of Walla Walla, Washington, which recently received the 2001 Great American Main Street Award. Walla Walla is surrounded by onion fields and wineries within the 5th Congressional District in southeastern Washington State. Over the past several years, the city has improved itself, with such undertakings as the recent renovation of the historic Whitman Towers Building and the construction of the new airport terminal. However, no improvement is as evident as the revitalized downtown area. The improvements to the downtown area could not have been made without the leadership of the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation which was founded in 1984. Under the leadership of Executive Director Timothy Bishop, Mayor Jerry Cummins, and the Board of Directors, as well as the tireless and determined efforts of the numerous volunteers, the Foundation brought a declining downtown back to life. Because of their efforts, 125 businesses opened or expanded, 800 jobs were created and storefront vacancies were reduced to 4 percent. This hard work was recognized and rewarded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as it issued Walla Walla one of only five Great American Main Street Awards for 2001. The City of Walla Walla has a prestigious history that is worthy of preservation for future generations to embrace, and because of this preservation, a vibrant future will be enjoyed. I am proud of Walla Walla and am honored to represent this community.