Bob Ney

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 659) to amend section 242 of the National Housing Act regarding the requirements for mortgage insurance under such Act for hospitals.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation, and insert extraneous material thereon.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Commander Lorin C. Selby has completed his tour in the Navy's House Liaison Office; and Whereas, Commander Lorin C. Selby has demonstrated a commitment to meeting challenges with dedication, confidence, and outstanding service; and Whereas, Commander Lorin C. Selby will continue in his service to the United States of America as Commanding Officer of the USS Greeneville; and Whereas, in this post Commander Lorin C. Selby will protect our great nation and play an important role in the War on Terrorism; Therefore, I am honored to join with Members of Congress and Congressional Staff in recognizing a true patriot, Commander Lorin C. Selby.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Michael Rutan has demonstrated professionalism and a dedication to safety; and Whereas, Michael Rutan has logged 1 million miles, the equivalent of circling the earth's equator 40 times, without a single preventable accident; and Whereas, Michael Rutan must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth over his years at Yellow Transportation; Therefore, I join with the Motor Freight Carriers Association and the residents of Ohio 18th Congressional District in congratulating Michael Rutan for his outstanding achievement.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Committee Rule (4)a of the Committee on House Administration rules, I submit for the Record Committee Resolution 108-5. This resolution regarding unsolicited mass communication contained in the Members' Congressional Handbook was adopted on September 5, 2003. This language amended the handbook and I have attached the new policy language for submission. Committee Resolution 108-5, Amendment to Regulation of Unsolicited Mass Communications Resolved, that the Committee on House Administration Regulations of Unsolicited Mass Communications as contained in the Members' Congressional Handbook are amended by the language attached hereto and incorporated herein. electronic communications Ordinary and necessary expenses related to electronic communications (Internet, fax machines, etc.) are reimbursable. All official electronic communication content must comply with the Franking Regulations. subscribed E-mail updates A subscribed e-mail update is an e-mail sent to constituents who have individually subscribed to an e-mail list. Members must notify constituents who subscribe to e- mail updates that the constituent is authorizing the Member to send regular e-mail updates from the Member's office to the person's e-mail account. All e-mail updates to subscribers must contain an option that enables the constituent to unsubscribe from the e-mail list. Members may send subscribed e-mail updates without obtaining an advisory opinion. non-subscribed e-mail updates If each e-mail address used in mass communication was not obtained with consent for subscribed e-mail updates, then the Member must receive a Franking Advisory prior to the distribution of the mass communication. Please see Unsolicited Mass Communications Restrictions. unsolicited mass communication restrictions Unsolicited mass communication is defined consistent with Franking Regulations as any unsolicited communication of substantially identical content to 500 or more persons in a session of Congress. Except where noted, unsolicited mass communications, regardless of the means of transmittal, must receive an Advisory Opinion from the Franking Commission prior to dissemination. Advisory Opinions may be obtained from the Franking Commission at x59337. Expenditures from the MRA for unsolicited mass communications, regardless of the means of transmittal, are prohibited if such communication occurs fewer than 90 days immediately before the date of any primary or general election (whether regular, special, or runoff) in which the Member's name will appear on an official ballot for election or reelection to public office. Examples of unsolicited mass communication are: 1. Radio, TV, Internet, or newspaper advertisements of town hall meetings. 2. Radio or newspaper advertisements announcing a personal appearance of Member. 3. Newspaper inserts. 4. Automated phone calls. 5. Facsimiles. 6. Mass mailings. 7. Posters, leaflets, handouts, etc., that are distributed. 8. Purchase of radio broadcast time. 9. Production and distribution costs for video and audio services. 10. Non-subscriber list e-mails. This restriction does not apply to the following: 1. Direct response to communications (i.e., solicited communications). 2. Communications to Members of Congress and other government officials. 3. News releases. 4. Web sites and other electronic bulletin boards that post information for voluntary public access. 5. Advertisements for employee position and internship openings, U.S. Military Academy Days, and An Artistic Discovery. 6. Member's television appearance as a media guest, whether by newspaper interview, radio, television or other electronic means. 7. Previously recorded shows and Public Service Announcements aired voluntarily by a media outlet, when no expenses are incurred by the Member. 8. Purchases of research materials, including video or audio-tapes; and Video Teleconferencing. 9. E-mail subscribers list. Please see Electronic Communications.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, I have no additional requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I commend the leadership shown by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley), the ranking member, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), and the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus), and their staff who put this important bill together. Reauthorizing the expiring provisions in the Fair Credit Reporting Act had the potential to be extremely divisive, partisan and contentious. However, their diligent efforts have created a solid piece of legislation that was reported from the Committee on Financial Services by an overwhelming bipartisan vote. I believe this legislation is a testament to their hard work, and I give them credit for it. Mr. Chairman, the Ney-Royce-Scott amendment is straightforward. It will amend sections 501 and 502 of H.R. 2622 so they will be able to set a national standard for consumer access to credit scores and credit reports. As Members know, section 501 requires that all consumers have the right to request a free copy of their credit report every year. This is a common sense way to help combat identity theft and fraud while helping Americans maintain a good credit rating. Section 502 requires that consumers be able to request their credit scores for a reasonable fee, and that when they apply for a mortgage, the credit score their mortgage was based on be provided for a reasonable fee also. I think this is not only good for home buyers, but also a common sense way for consumers to be able to protect themselves from fraud and protect their credit history. These are just two of the many new consumer protections in the FACT Act. However, neither sections 501 nor 502 is a national standard. As it is currently drafted, H.R. 2622 is silent on whether States can add requirements on top of those already in sections 501 and 502 of the bill. This could mean that consumers could be faced with new, confusing duplicative and potentially burdensome disclosure requirements. I want to make it clear I do not want to prevent States from being able to protect their citizens. It has been proven time and again that the States often provide the best laboratory for testing new ways to protect consumers from fraud. The ability of States to be more nimble and to be more responsive than the Federal Government has allowed them to experiment with new ways to offer important consumer protections. In fact, both sections 501 and 502 can find their roots in State law. For example, section 502 is nearly word-for-word identical to law in California. Likewise, seven States currently have different requirements for making free credit reports available to consumers. In recognition of the leadership States have shown, this amendment allows those States that already have laws in place and which lenders and credit bureaus already comply with to remain on the books, much like in 1996 when we put in place national standards, but grandfathered in laws that were already on the books. However, much like in 1996, now that we are taking the lessons of those laws and forming them into a national standard, we must take the next step and make this standard truly national by preventing States from enacting new and duplicative laws that could harm consumers in the future. If we are not careful, consumers could end up getting multiple disclosures with different numbers, explanations, and forms that are highly confusing and even contradictory. Even worse, if sections 501 and 502 are not made a national standard, a patchwork of State laws could end up raising costs for consumers, something none of us want to see happen. That does not benefit consumers, which is why we need a single national standard that provides consumers with one clear and comprehensive disclosure. I believe sections 501 and 502 achieve that goal. I do not doubt that the new requirements in sections 501 and 502 will be costly to industry. However, I think that most of us would agree that those costs are worthwhile because of the protections they afford consumers. That is one of the many trade-offs we have been forced to consider when drafting this bill. Mr. Chairman, as I mentioned a moment ago, if we allow States to add more and more regulations on top of those already in H.R. 2622, then we create the risk of adding so many burdens that ultimately the consumer will see increased costs. That is why I urge my colleagues to support uniform national standards for consumers by supporting this amendment. We have an opportunity to make a strong statement about the need to pass strong consumer protections while also making the statement that those consumer protections must be uniform. I urge Members to vote on the bipartisan Ney-Royce-Scott amendment, and I thank the cosponsors of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas Edward Thomas Warner has devoted himself to serving others through his membership in the Boy Scouts of America; and Whereas, Edward Thomas Warner has shared his time and talent with the community in which he resides; and Whereas, Edward Thomas Warner has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, Edward Thomas Warner must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth in earning the Eagle Scout Award; Therefore, I join with Troop 212, the residents of New Lexington, and the entire 18th Congressional District in congratulating Edward Thomas Warner as he receives the Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, the Ohio College Republican Federation (OCRF) has been presented the ``Best State Federation Award'' by the College Republican National Committee; and Whereas, the OCRF should be recognized for its leadership, Campaign Efforts, Education Taskforce, Women's Caucus, and service to the Republican Party; and Whereas, OCRF members must be commended for the hard work, and dedication they put forth on a daily basis; Therefore, I join with the College Republican National Committee and the residents of Ohio's 18th Congressional District in congratulating the Ohio College Republican Federation for this outstanding achievement.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Jason Michael Boetcher has devoted himself to serving others through his membership in the Boy Scouts of America; and Whereas, Jason Michael Boetcher has shared his time and talent with the community in which he resides; and Whereas, Jason Michael Boetcher has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, Jason Michael Boetcher must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth in earning the Eagle Scout Award; Therefore, I join with the residents of Frazeysburg and the entire 18th Congressional District in congratulating Jason Michael Boetcher as he receives the Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Ronald Sickels has demonstrated professionalism and a dedication to safety; and Whereas, Ronald Sickels has logged 1 million miles, the equivalent of circling the earth's equator 40 times, without a single preventable accident; and Whereas, Ronald Sickels must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth over his years at Yellow Transportation; Therefore, I join with the Motor Freight Carriers Association and the residents of Ohio 18th Congressional District in congratulating Ronald Sickels for his outstanding achievement.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Chief Michael Maguschak has dedicated his life to serving and protecting the residents of Mingo Junction; and Whereas, on a daily basis Chief Maguschak has upheld his oath with an honor and conviction far above the call of duty; and Whereas, Chief Maguschak has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with dedication, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, Chief Maguschak should be congratulated on his retirement after 29 years in the police force; Therefore, I join with the residents of Mingo Junction in congratulating Chief Michael Maguschak on his retirement.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, George Wright was born in Flemington, West Virginia on September 7, 1923; and Whereas, George Wright, a resident of Bellaire, Ohio is celebrating his 80th birthday today; and Whereas, George Wright has long been a dedicated family man, being understanding and caring. His personal sacrifices of time and energy to family, friends and country stand as a monument to a truly fine individual. For his service to our Nation in the United States Navy, we owe Mr. Wright a debt of gratitude. Therefore, I join with the family and friends, as well as the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio, in honoring George ``Gus'' Wright as he celebrates his 80th birthday.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 63) authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the unveiling of the portrait bust of Vice President Dan Quayle on September 10, 2003, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Brady), one of our distinguished members of the Committee on House Administration for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 63 which authorizes the use of the Rotunda of the Capitol for the unveiling of the portrait bust of former Vice President Dan Quayle on September 10, 2003. The mainstay of the Senate's fine arts collection is the Vice Presidential bust collection. In 1886, the Joint Committee on the Library began commissioning busts to be sculpted of the Vice Presidents to occupy the niches that surround the Senate Chamber. Once these spaces were filled, new additions were placed throughout the Senate wing of the Capitol. The collection acknowledges the patriotic service performed by each individual who has served as Vice President and pays tribute to the Vice President's role as President of Senate. It also provides a unique survey of American sculpture for the 19th century to the present day. The Senate currently maintains over 80 sculptures by some of America's preeminent artists, commemorating many of the great figures of our national history. Born on February 4, 1947 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dan Quayle was named after James Danforth, a longtime Quayle family friend killed in World War II. Mr. Quayle's career as a dedicated public servant began in 1971 when he became an investigator of the Consumer Protection Division of the Indiana Attorney General's Office. Later that year, he became an assistant to then-Governor Edgar Whitcomb. Dan Quayle was elected to the U.S. Congress from Indiana's Fourth Congressional District in 1976. Then in 1980, at age 33, Mr. Quayle became the youngest person ever elected to the U.S. Senate from the State of Indiana. During his tenure in the Senate, Mr. Quayle became widely known for his expertise and legislative accomplishments in the areas of defense, arms control, labor, and human resources. As a Senator he served on the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on the Budget, and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources, and became widely respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle for his legislative skill and intelligence. In 1982, Mr. Quayle authorized the Job Training Partnership Act, JTPA, one of the most significant pieces of social legislation passed during the Reagan Presidency. In August 1988, at the Republican National Convention in New Orleans, George Bush called upon Mr. Quayle to serve as his Vice Presidential running mate in the general election, which George Bush went on to win. Dan Quayle was sworn in as the 44th Vice President of the United States on January 20 of 1989 and served with distinction in that capacity over the following 4 years. Former Vice President Quayle is widely regarded as one of the most active Vice Presidents in our Nation's history. He made official visits to 47 countries, was chairman of both the President's Council on Competitiveness and the National Space Council, and served as President Bush's point man on Capitol Hill. Mr. Quayle's tenure as Vice President is notable for his principle, leadership, integrity and patriotism. Therefore, I am honored to bring this resolution to the House floor. I would like to thank Senator Trent Lott, who is my counterpart as the chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, for introducing and passing this measure in the Senate. I would like to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Brady) for being here today on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge full support of this resolution. Mr. SOUDER, Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today in strong support of S. Con. Res. 63, due acknowledgement of my fellow Hoosier, predecessor in the House, and friend--Vice President Dan Quayle. Dan was a precocious politician. In 1976, he was elected to Congress at the age of 29 and served in the House of Representatives for two terms. Since 1994, I have had the distinct privilege to represent this same constituency. Having defeated three-term Senator Birch Bayh, Dan became the youngest Hoosier ever to serve in the Senate. Appropriately, his election to the upper chamber coincided with President Ronald Reagan's conservative revolution of 1980. While he may at times have been the unfair subject of liberal derision, Americans always knew that Dan would stand firm against the radicalism of Hollywood's ersatz politicians. Dan is committed to family values, and anyone familiar with our 44th vice president knows that his family has always been paramount--irrespective of the demanding positions that he has held. Always remembering his Hoosier roots, Dan never sought out the salons of Georgetown, became seduced by the ``image is all'' Siren's song of politics, or succumbed to the confines of the Beltway mentality. His foundation was his faith in God, his love for his family, and his patriotism. As one of the most active vice presidents in history, Dan traveled to 47 countries, served as the President's advocate on Capitol Hill, and chaired the National Space Council. At all levels of office, he promoted a strong national defense, economic growth and the revitalization of America. Faithful, loyal and humble, Dan Quayle continues to be a model of service to all Americans. I look forward to the unveiling of the portrait bust on September 10, 2003, and to celebrating the commitment of this great American patriot to our country.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Sergeant Dale Gillette has sworn to serve and protect the people of Ross County; and Whereas, on a daily basis Sergeant Gillette has upheld his oath with an honor and conviction far above the call of duty; and Whereas, Sergeant Gillette has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with dedication, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, Sergeant Gillette has been decorated with an honorable mention award from TOP COPS Awards because of his devotion to people of the Ross County; Therefore, I join with the residents of Ross County and the entire 18th Congressional District in congratulating Sergeant Dale Gillette as he receives his TOP COPS award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of her retirement in July 2003, we rise to thank Mrs. Emma Richardson for 19 years of outstanding service to the U.S. House of Representatives. Emma began her career at the House working as a Programmer Analyst and then was promoted to a Senior Programmer Analyst. In that capacity Emma has served this great institution for the last 19 years as a valuable employee at House Information Resources (HIR) within the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. Emma has made many significant contributions in the development of the Office Equipment System, Furniture Resource Center system, and in the implementation of bar code technology for Office Systems Management (OSM). Emma was also an invaluable team member in the development and implementation of the Fixed Assets and Inventory Management (FAIMS). FAIMS is a mission critical system used by the Chief Administrative Officer to collect, record and report official financial information on Fixed Assets, and report on Accounts Payable, Purchasing and General Ledger activities. Emma has been a customer-oriented employee who consistently took pride in delivering products to customers on a timely basis, with great attention to detail and has displayed great passion for her work. Emma has dedicated herself to ensuring that the needs of the House Support Services, House Information Resources and the Office of Finance are met by FAIMS. Emma's extensive knowledge of the inventory process and her excellent relationships with her customers have been invaluable in deploying FAIMS. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Emma for her many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish Emma many wonderful years in fulfilling her retirement dreams.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, every year, an average of 800 tornadoes sweep across the United States, resulting in 80 deaths, more than 1,500 injuries, and millions of dollars in property damage. One of nature's most powerful and violent storms, large tornadoes often record wind speeds in excess of 250 miles per hour. Despite rapid advances in tornado warning technologies, residents of manufactured housing communities often do not have adequate access to proper shelter. Prior to this legislation, federal monies were not available for tornado shelter construction within or around manufactured housing communities. H.R. 23, the ``Tornado Shelters Act,'' introduced by Congressman Spencer Bachus, amends section 105 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 by authorizing communities to use CDBG monies to construct or improve tornado-safe shelters located in manufactured housing parks. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is generally recognized as the primary vehicle for targeted community development of cities, counties and rural areas to principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Grantees may use the funds for housing activities, economic development, public facilities (such as day care centers or health centers), public improvements (such as street repairs), public services (such as social programs for elderly, youth or abused), urban renewal, or planning and administration. Shelters built under the auspices of this bill must be located in a neighborhood (including a manufactured housing park) that has twenty or more manufactured housing units, populated by persons of predominantly low- to moderate-income, and located in an area where a tornado occurred within the current or three (3) previous fiscal years. Each constructed shelter must comply with HUD's standards for construction and safety, and it must be of sufficient size to accommodate all residents of the manufactured housing park at one time. The bill further stipulates that an operational warning siren, which ensures adequate notice of a tornado, must be located within a neighborhood where the shelter is located or within 1,500 feet of a manufactured housing park. The final provision authorizes $5 million in appropriations for FY 2004. In light of the recent devastating tornadoes in the South and Midwest, this legislation is not only timely, but also pertinent. As many of you may know, the tornado season began in early March and continues through early summer. Mr. Bachus has often said that in the face of a tornado threat we can do two things--pray and prepare. Pray it won't happen again and prepare for the next line of twisters. While the citizens can pray, our government and this Congress can help them prepare. I would encourage members to support this legislation and I urge its final passage.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to honor the esteemed historian Dr. Robert V. Remini on the occasion of his 82nd birthday. As many of our colleagues know, Professor Remini was appointed as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar of American History in the John Kluge Center at the Library of Congress to undertake the ambitious project of writing the history of the U.S. House of Representatives. Dr. Remini, Professor Emeritus of History and the Humanities at the University of Illinois at Chicago, was educated at Fordham University (B.S. 1943) and Columbia University (M.A., 1947, Ph.D., 1951). He has been teaching history for more than 50 years and writing books about American history for nearly as long. In addition to his three-volume biography of Andrew Jackson, he is the author of biographies of Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, as well as a dozen other books on Jacksonian America. Remini is also the author of two recent books: John Quincy Adams, and Joseph Smith: A Penguin Lives Biography. ``The House of Representatives is regarded as the People's House in which many distinguished, diligent, colorful, and larger-than-life personalities met together and during the past 200 plus years discussed, debated, quarreled and helped hammer out the Nation's laws,'' Remini said on the appointment of his position to update the House History. ``I intend to write a narrative history of this extraordinary institution with its vivid and sometimes outrageous personalities that will capture and frame all the excitement and drama that took place during the past 200 years so that the record of its triumphs, achievement, mistakes, and failures can be better known and appreciated by the American people,'' noted Remini. Working with my colleague, the gentleman from Connecticut, John Larson, we believe that Professor Remini's efforts will result in a significant tool for the public and Members themselves to understand how and why Congress works the way it does and its unique and compelling history. Please join me in congratulating Professor Remini on the occasion of reaching this milestone in his career. We all look forward to working with him as he completes the history of the House and to learning the lessons it teaches us upon its publication.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the immediate consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 317) dismissing the election contest relating to the office of Representative from the Second Congressional District of Hawaii.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Connecticut, our ranking member, for yielding. I rise in support of House Resolution 317, a bill to dismiss an election contest filed against Representative Ed Case of Hawaii's Second Congressional District. There is bipartisan and complete agreement that the contest fails to state grounds sufficient to change the result of the election and therefore should be dismissed. The contestant challenged the late Representative Patsy Mink in the 2002 Democrat primary, where he received 15 percent of the vote. The contestant argues that Representative Mink, who was seriously ill at the time of the primary and passed away 1 week later, should have been disqualified as a primary candidate, that he should have been declared the Democrat nominee by default and that as the nominee he therefore would have been the inevitable general election winner. The Federal Contested Elections Act does not contemplate considering Notices of Contest that are based on the conduct of primary elections. Consequently, the committee concludes that the basis for the contestant's Notice of Contest falls outside the scope of the FCEA, and it was totally agreed to without any dissension.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 236) permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony to commemorate the unveiling of the statue of Sakakawea provided by the State of North Dakota for display in Statuary Hall.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2195) to provide for additional space and resources for national collections held by the Smithsonian Institution, and for other purposes.