Bob Ney

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 84) providing for the acceptance of a statue of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, presented by the people of Kansas, for placement in the Capitol, and for other purposes.

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 84. This legislation provides for the acceptance of the statue of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, presented by the people of Kansas, for placement in the Capitol. The Capitol's National Statutory Hall Collection started in 1864 to let each State honor two of its famous own. About half the statues joined the collection in the late 1800s and the early 1900s. A bronze statue of Dwight D. Eisenhower, better known as ``Ike,'' will replace the statue of the former Governor, George Washington Glick. Dwight D. Eisenhower was a small-town boy from Kansas who grew up to be one of America's greatest military commanders and 34th President of the United States, from 1953 to 1961. Although his mother was a pacifist who morally opposed war and violence, Eisenhower believed that a strong military was the key to keeping peace. Hence, he decided at a young age to become a military officer. Eisenhower commanded 420,000 American soldiers in field training in Louisiana, working alongside his West Point colleague George Patton. Impressed with Eisenhower's planning skills, General George Marshall made him liaison between American and British strategic planners in London, where he made such a favorable impression on British Prime Minister Winston Churchill that Churchill had him appointed supreme commander of ``Operation Overlord,'' the Allied assault on Nazi- occupied Europe. Eisenhower was a hero, loved and admired by the American public. Madam Speaker, this resolution was brought to us by the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Tiahrt). I appreciate our ranking member, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson), and members of both sides of the aisle moving so promptly on a measure that is important not only to Kansas to honor one of their own, but also to the Nation, and the debt of gratitude we have to Dwight D. Eisenhower who led us into victory and made the world a safer place. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. (Mr. LARSON of Connecticut asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Tiahrt).

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Ryun).

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Connecticut.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 134) electing Members to serve on the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson). I rise here today to consider H. Res. 134, a bill electing Members to serve on the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. This resolution appoints the following members to the Joint Committee on Printing: the gentleman from California (Mr. Doolittle), the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Linder), the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Brady). In addition, the resolution appoints the following Members to the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library: the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers), the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson), and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald). These are very distinguished Members, and they will add quite a lot to the importance of this committee. Madam Speaker, I urge full support of the bill.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 20) permitting the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate to designate another member of the Committee to serve on the Joint Committee of Printing in place of the Chairman, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr NEY

Mr NEY. Madam Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, Senate Concurrent Resolution 20 permits the chairman of the Committee on Rules and Administration in the Senate to designate another member of the committee to serve on the Joint Committee on Printing to serve in place of the chairman.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. Con. Res. 20.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 134.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of H. Con. Res. 84, the concurrent resolution just agreed to.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sandra ``Sandy'' Blessley; and Whereas, Sandra Blessley was a gifted speaker and a Capital Guide for 29 years. Her dedication and love for her work was truly exemplary; after her first stroke she recovered by reciting her tour speech, so that she could return to work; and Whereas, Mrs. Blessley will certainly be remembered by all those who knew her because of her personal sacrifices of time and energy to family, friends and community; and Whereas, the understanding and caring to which she gave to others will stand as a monument to a truly fine person. Her life and love gave joy to all who knew her; Therefore, while I understand how words can't express our grief at this most trying of times, I offer this token of profound sympathy to the family and friends of Sandra ``Sandy'' Blessley.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Marvin L. Lawver upon the death of this outstanding person; and Whereas, Marvin L. Lawver was born November 6, 1925 and in 1943, at the age of 17, Marvin L. Lawver answered his country's call to duty and enlisted in the United States Navy; and Whereas, during his overseas service, including Pearl Harbor, he became highly decorated earning the American Campaign Medal, Victory Medal, and Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal; and Whereas, for his service to our country we owe him a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid; and Whereas, Marvin L. Lawver will certainly be remembered by all those who knew him because of his personal sacrifices of time and energy to family, friends, and community; and Whereas, the understanding and kindness to which he gave to others will stand as a monument to a truly fine person. His life and love gave joy to all who knew him; Therefore, I offer this token of profound sympathy to the family and friends of Marvin L. Lawver.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Thomas E. Louis has exemplified leadership for the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local Union 18; and Whereas, Thomas E. Louis has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to meet challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, Thomas E. Louis has been a dedicated and loyal spokesman for the International Union of Operating Engineers, as a legislative Representative and as appointed by the Governor of Ohio to the State Construction Compliance Council; and Whereas, Thomas E. Louis is to be commended for his hard work and dedication to the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18, serving in many capacities including on the Advisory Board, on the Executive Board, and serving as President; and Whereas, Thomas E. Louis has long been a dedicated family man. His personal sacrifices of time and energy to family, friends and community are characteristic of a fine gentleman; Therefore, I join with the many friends and relatives, as well as all the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District, in honoring Thomas E. Louis as he retires after 39 years of service to the people of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local Union 18.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Heath Emerson Grogro has devoted himself to serving others through his membership in the Boy Scouts of America; and Whereas, Heath Emerson Grogro has shared his time and talent with the community in which he resides; and Whereas, Heath Emerson Grogro has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, Heath Emerson Grogro must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth in earning the Eagle Scout Award; Therefore, I join with Troop 403, the residents of Coshocton, and the entire 18th Congressional District in congratulating Heath Emerson Grogro as he receives the Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 2(a)(2) of Rule XI, I hereby submit for the Record the Committee on House Administration's Rules for the 108th Congress. The Committee Rules were adopted by the Committee on House Administration on February 5, 2003. Rules of the Committee on House Administration Rule No. 1: General Provisions (a) The Rules of the House are the rules of the Committee so far as applicable, except that a motion to recess from day to day is a privileged motion in the Committee. (b) The Committee is authorized at any time to conduct such investigations and studies as it may consider necessary or appropriate in the exercise of its responsibilities under House Rule X and, subject to the adoption of expense resolutions as required by House Rule X, clause 6, to incur expenses (including travel expenses) in connection therewith. (c) The Committee is authorized to have printed and bound testimony and other data presented at hearings held by the Committee, and to distribute such information by electronic means. All costs of stenographic services and transcripts in connection with any meeting or hearing of the Committee shall be paid from the appropriate House account. (d) The Committee shall submit to the House, not later than January 2 of each odd-numbered year, a report on the activities of the Committee under House Rules X and XI during the Congress ending at noon on January 3 of such year. (e) The Committee's rules shall be published in the Congressional Record not later than 30 days after the Committee is elected in each odd-numbered year. rule no. 2: regular and special meetings (a) The regular meeting date of the Committee on House Administration shall be the second Wednesday of every month when the House is in session in accordance with Clause 2(b) of House Rule XI. Additional meetings may be called by the Chairman of the Committee (hereinafter in these rules referred to as the ``Chairman'') as he may deem necessary or at the request of a majority of the members of the Committee in accordance with Clause 2(c) of House Rule XI. The determination of the business to be considered at each meeting shall be made by the Chairman subject to Clause 2(c) of House Rule XI. A regularly scheduled meeting may be dispensed with if, in the judgment of the Chairman, there is no need for the meeting. (b) If the Chairman is not present at any meeting of the Committee, or at the discretion of the Chairman, the Vice Chairman of the Committee shall preside at the meeting. If the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Committee are not present at any meeting of the Committee, the ranking member of the majority party who is present shall preside at the meeting. rule no. 3: open meetings As required by Clause 2(g), of House Rule XI, each meeting for the transaction of business, including the markup of legislation, of the Committee, shall be open to the public except when the Committee, in open session and with a quorum present, determines by record vote that all or part of the remainder of the meeting on that day shall be closed to the public because disclosure of matters to be considered would endanger national security, would compromise sensitive law enforcement information, or would tend to defame, degrade or incriminate any person, or otherwise would violate any law or rule of the House: Provided, however, that no person other than members of the Committee, and such congressional staff and such departmental representatives as they may authorize, shall be present in any business or markup session which has been closed to the public. rule no. 4: records and rollcalls (a) The result of each record vote in any meeting of the Committee shall be transmitted for publication in the Congressional Record as soon as possible, but in no case later than two legislative days following such record vote, and shall be made available for inspection by the public at reasonable times at the Committee offices, including a description of the amendment, motion, order or other proposition; the name of each member voting for and against; and the members present but not voting. (b)(1) Subject to subparagraph (2), the Chairman may postpone further proceedings when a record vote is ordered on the question of approving any measure or matter or adopting an amendment. The Chairman may resume proceedings on a postponed request at any time. (2) In exercising postponement authority under subparagraph (1), the Chairman shall take all reasonable steps necessary to notify members on the resumption of proceedings on any postponed record vote. (3) When proceedings resume on a postponed question, notwithstanding any intervening order for the previous question, an underlying proposition shall remain subject to further debate or amendment to the same extent as when the question was postponed. (c) All Committee hearings, records, data, charts, and files shall be kept separate and distinct from the congressional office records of the member serving as Chairman; and such records shall be the property of the House and all members of the House shall have access thereto. (d) House records of the Committee which are at the National Archives shall be made available pursuant to House Rule VII. The Chairman shall notify the ranking minority party member of any decision to withhold a record pursuant to the rule, and shall present the matter to the Committee upon written request of any Committee member. (e) To the maximum extent feasible, the Committee shall make its publications available in electronic form. (f) All Committee resolutions and Committee motions (other than procedural motions) adopted by the Committee during a Congress shall be numbered consecutively. rule no. 5: proxies No vote by any member in the Committee may be cast by proxy. rule no. 6: power to sit and act; subpoena power (a) For the purpose of carrying out any of its functions and duties under House Rules X and XI, the Committee, is authorized (subject to subparagraph (b)(1) of this paragraph)-- (1) to sit and act at such times and places within the United States, whether the House is in session, has recessed, or has adjourned, and to hold such hearings; and (2) to require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memorandums, papers, and documents; as it deems necessary. The Chairman, or any member designated by the Chairman, may administer others to any witness. (b)(1) A subpoena may be authorized and issued by the Committee in the conduct of any investigation or series of investigations or activities, only when authorized by a majority of the members voting, a majority being present. The power to authorize and issue subpoenas under subparagraph (a)(2) may be delegated to the Chairman pursuant to such rules and under such limitations as the Committee may prescribe. Authorized subpoenas shall be signed by the Chairman or by any member designated by the Committee, and may be served by any person designated by the Chairman or such member. (2) Compliance with any subpoena issued by the Committee may be enforced only as authorized or directed by the House. Rule No. 7: QUORUMS No measure or recommendation shall be reported to the House unless a majority of the Committee is actually present. For the purposes of taking any action other than reporting any measure, issuance of a subpoena, closing meetings, promulgating Committee orders, or changing the rules of the Committee, one-third of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum. For purposes of taking testimony and receiving evidence, two members shall constitute a quorum. Rule No. 8: AMENDMENTS Any amendment offered to any pending legislation before the Committee must be made available in written form when requested by any member of the Committee. If such amendment is not available in written form when requested, the Chair will allow an appropriate period of time for the provision thereof. Rule No. 9: HEARING PROCEDURES (a) The Chairman, in the case of hearings to be conducted by the Committee, shall make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of any hearing to be conducted on any measure or matter at least one (1) week before the commencement of that hearing. If the Chairman, with the concurrence of the ranking minority member, determines that there is good cause to begin the hearing sooner, or if the Committee so determines by majority vote, a quorum being present for the transaction of business, the Chairman shall make the announcement at the earliest possible date. The clerk of the Committee shall promptly notify the Daily Digest Clerk of the Congressional Record as soon as possible after such public announcement is made. (b) Unless excused by the Chairman, each witness who is to appear before the Committee shall file with the clerk of the Committee, at least 48 hours in advance of his or her appearance, a written statement of his or her proposed testimony and shall limit his or her oral presentation to a summary of his or her statement. (c) When any hearing is conducted by the Committee upon any measure or matter, the minority party members on the Committee shall be entitled, upon request to the Chairman by a majority of those minority members before the completion of such hearing, to call witnesses selected by the minority to testify with respect to that measure or matter during at least one day of hearings thereon. (d) Committee members may question a witnesses only when they have been recognized by the Chairman for that purpose, and only for a 5-minute period until all members present have had an opportunity to question a witness. The 5-minute period for questioning a witness by any one member can be extended as provided by House Rules. The questioning of a witness in Committee hearings shall be initiated by the Chairman, followed by the ranking minority party member and all other members alternating between the majority and minority. In recognizing members to question witnesses in this fashion, the Chairman shall take into consideration the ratio of the majority to minority members present and shall establish the order of recognition for questioning in such a manner as not to disadvantage the members of the majority. The Chairman may accomplish this by recognizing two majority members for each minority member recognized. (e) The following additional rules shall apply to hearings: (1) The Chairman at a hearing shall announce in an opening statement the subject of the investigation. (2) A copy of the Committee rules and this clause shall be made available to each witness. (3) Witnesses at hearings may be accompanied by their own counsel for the purpose of advising them concerning their constitutional rights. (4) The Chairman may punish breaches of order and decorum, and of professional ethics on the part of counsel, by censure and exclusion from the hearings; and the Committee may cite the offender to the House for contempt. (5) If the Committee determines that evidence or testimony at a hearing may tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate any person, it shall-- (A) afford such person an opportunity voluntarily to appear as a witness; (B) receive such evidence or testimony in executive session; and (C) receive and dispose of requests from such person to subpoena additional witnesses. (6) Except as provided in subparagraph (e)(5), the Chairman shall receive and the Committee shall dispose of requests to subpoena additional witnesses. (7) No evidence or testimony taken in executive session may be released or used in public sessions without the consent of the Committee. (8) In the discretion of the Committee, witnesses may submit brief and pertinent sworn statements in writing for inclusion in the record. The Committee is the sole judge of the pertinency of testimony and evidence adduced at its hearing. (9) A witness may obtain a transcript copy of his testimony given at a public session or, if given at an executive session, when authorized by the Committee. rule no. 10: procedures for reporting measures or matters (a)(1) It shall be the duty of the Chairman to report or cause to be reported promptly to the House any measure approved by the Committee and to take or cause to be taken necessary steps to bring the matter to a vote. (2) In any event, the report of the Committee on a measure which has been approved by the Committee shall be filed within 7 calendar days (exclusive of days on which the House is not in session) after the day on which there has been filed with the clerk of the Committee a written request, signed by a majority of the members of the Committee, for the reporting of that measure. Upon the filing of any such request, the clerk of the Committee shall transmit immediately to the Chairman notice of the filing of that request. (b)(1) No measure or recommendation shall be reported to the House unless a majority of the Committee is actually present. (2) With respect to each record vote on a motion to report any measure or matter of a public character, and on any amendment offered to the measure or matter, the total number of votes cast for and against, and the names of those members voting for and against, shall be included in the Committee report on the measure or matter. (c) The report of the Committee on a measure or matter which has been approved by the Committee shall include the matters required by Clause 3(c) of Rule XIII of the Rules of the House. (d) Each report of the Committee on each bill or joint resolution of a public character reported by the Committee shall include a statement citing the specific powers granted to the Congress in the Constitution to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution. (e) If, at the time of approval of any measure or matter by the Committee, any member of the Committee gives notice of intention to file supplemental, minority, or additional views, that members shall be entitled to not less than two additional calendar days after the day of such notice, commencing on the day on which the measure or matter(s) was approved, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, in which to file such views, in writing and signed by that member, with the clerk of the Committee. All such views so filed by one or more members of the Committee shall be included within, and shall be a part of, the report filed by the Committee with respect to that measure or matter. The report of the Committee upon that measure or matter shall be printed in a single volume which-- (1) shall include all supplemental, minority, or additional views which have been submitted by the time of the filing of the report, and (2) shall bear upon its cover a recital that any such supplemental, minority, or additional views (and any material submitted under subparagraph (c) are included as part of the report. This subparagraph does not preclude-- (A) the immediate filing or printing of the Committee report unless timely request for the opportunity to file supplemental, minority, or additional views has been made as provided by paragraph (c); or (B) the filing of any supplemental report upon any measure or matter which may be required for the correction of any technical error in a previous report made by the Committee upon that measure or matter. (3) shall, when appropriate, contain the documents required by Clause 3(e) of Rule XIII of the Rules of the House. (f) If hearings have been held on any such measure or matter so reported, the Committee shall make every reasonable effort to have such hearings published and available to the members of the House prior to the consideration of such measure or matter in the House. (g) The Chairman may designate any member of the Committee to act as ``floor manager'' of a bill or resolution during its consideration in the House. rule no. 11: committee oversight The Committee shall conduct oversight of matters within the jurisdiction of the Committee in accordance with House Rule X, clause 2 and clause 4. Not later than February 15 of the first session of a Congress, the Committee shall, in a meeting that is open to the public and with a quorum present, adopt its oversight plans for that Congress in accordance with House Rule X, clause 2(d). rule no. 12: review of continuing programs: budget act provisions (a) The Committee shall, in its consideration of all bills and joint resolutions of a public character within its jurisdiction, ensure that appropriation for continuing programs and activities of the Federal Government and the District of Columbia government will be made annually to the maximum extent feasible and consistent with the nature, requirement, and objectives of the programs and activities involved. For the purposes of this paragraph a Government agency includes the organizational units of government listed in Clause 4(e) of Rule X of House Rules. (b) The Committee shall review, from time to time, each continuing program within its jurisdictions for which appropriations are not made annually in order to ascertain whether such program could be modified so that appropriations therefore would be made annually. (c) The Committee shall, on or before February 25 of each year, submit to the Committee on the Budget (1) its views and estimates with respect to all matters to be set forth in the concurrent resolution on the budget for the ensuing fiscal year which are within its jurisdiction or functions, and (2) an estimate of the total amounts of new budget authority, and budget outlays resulting therefrom, to be provided or authorized in all bills and resolutions within its jurisdiction which it intends to be effective during that fiscal year. (d) As soon as practicable after a concurrent resolution on the budget for any fiscal year is agreed to, the Committee (after consulting with the appropriate committee or committees of the Senate) shall subdivide any allocation made to it, the joint explanatory statement accompany the conference report on such resolution, and promptly report such subdivisions to the House, in the manner provided by section 302 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. (e) Whenever the Committee is directed in a concurrent resolution on the budget to determine and recommend changes in laws, bills, or resolutions under the reconciliation process it shall promptly make such determination and recommendations, and report a reconciliation bill or resolution (or both) to the House or submit such recommendations to the Committee on the Budget, in accordance with the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. rule no. 13: broadcasting of committee hearings and meetings Whenever any hearing or meeting conducted by the Committee is open to the public, those proceedings shall be open to coverage by television, radio, and still photography, as provided in Clause 4 of House Rule XI, subject to the limitations therein. Operation and use of any Committee Internet broadcast system shall be fair and nonpartisan and in accordance with Clause 4(b) of rule XI and all other applicable rules of the Committee and the House. rule no. 14: committee staff The staff of the Committee on House Administration shall be appointed as follows: A. The Committee staff shall be appointed, except as provided in paragraph (B), and may be removed by the Chairman and shall work under the general supervision and direction of the Chairman; B. All staff provided to the minority party members of the Committee shall be appointed, and may be removed, by the ranking minority member of the Committee, and shall work under the general supervision and direction of such member; C. The Chairman shall fix the compensation of all staff of the Committee, after consultation with the ranking minority member regarding any minority party staff, within the budget approved for such purposes for the Committee. rule no. 15: travel of members and staff (a) Consistent with the primary expense resolution and such additional expense resolutions as may have been approved, the provisions of this rule shall govern travel of Committee members and staff. Travel for any member or any staff member shall be paid only upon the prior authorization of the Chairman. Travel may be authorized by the Chairman for any member and any staff member in connection with the attendance of hearings conducted by the Committee and meetings, conferences, and investigations which involve activities or subject matter under the general jurisdiction of the Committee. Before such authorization is given there shall be submitted to the Chairman in writing the following: (1) The purpose of the travel; (2) The dates during which the travel will occur; (3) The locations to be visited and the length of time to be spent in each; (4) The names of members and staff seeking authorization. (b)(1) In the case of travel outside the United States of members and staff of the Committee for the purpose of conducting hearings, investigations, studies, or attending meetings and conferences involving activities or subject matter under the legislative assignment of the committee, prior authorization must be obtained from the Chairman. Before such authorization is given, there shall be submitted to the Chairman, in writing, a request for such authorization. Each request, which shall be filed in a manner that allows for a reasonable period of time for review before such travel is scheduled to begin, shall include the following: (A) the purpose of the travel; (B) the dates during which the travel will occur; (C) the names of the countries to be visited and the length of time to be spent in each; (D) an agenda of anticipated activities for each country for which travel is authorized together with a description of the purpose to be served and the areas of committee jurisdiction involved; and (E) the names of members and staff for whom authorization is sought. (2) At the conclusion of any hearing, investigation, study, meeting or conference for which travel outside the United States has been authorized pursuant to this rule, members and staff attending meetings or conferences shall submit a written report to the Chairman covering the activities and other pertinent observations or information gained as a result of such travel. (c) Members and staff of the Committee performing authorized travel on official business shall be governed by applicable laws, resolutions, or regulations of the House and of the Committee on House Administration pertaining to such travel. Rule No. 16: POWERS AND DUTIES OF SUBUNITS OF THE COMMITTEE The Chairman is authorized to establish appropriately named subunits, such as task forces, composed of members of the Committee, for any purpose, measure or matter; one member of each subunit shall be designated chairman of the subunit by the Chairman. All such subunits shall be considered ad hoc subcommittees of the Committee. The rules of the Committee shall be the rules of any subunit of the Committee, so far as applicable, or as otherwise directed by the Chairman. Each subunit of the Committee is authorized to meet, hold hearings, receive evidence, and to require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memorandums, papers, and documents, as it deems necessary, and to report to the full Committee on all measures or matters for which it was created. Chairmen of subunits of the Committee shall set meeting dates with the approval of the Chairman of the full Committee, with a view toward avoiding simultaneous scheduling of Committee and subunit meetings or hearings wherever possible. It shall be the practice of the Committee that meetings of subunits not be scheduled to occur simultaneously with meetings of the full Committee. In order to ensure orderly and fair assignment of hearing and meeting rooms, hearings and meetings should be arranged in advance with the Chairman through the clerk of the Committee. Rule No. 17: OTHER PROCEDURES AND REGULATIONS The Chairman may establish such other procedures and take such actions as may be necessary to carry out the foregoing rules or to facilitate the effective operation of the committee. Rule No. 18: DESIGNATION OF CLERK OF THE COMMITTEE For the purposes of these rules and the Rules of the House of Representatives, the staff director of the Committee shall act as the clerk of the Committee.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 5, the Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-Cost, Timely Healthcare Act of 2003. Our healthcare system is currently in a crisis. Medical malpractice insurance rates have risen to epidemic levels in many areas of the country--so much so that it is a national problem, not just a state or local issue. For many physicians, their rates have risen at factors of over four times the level that they experienced when they began practicing medicine. Mr. Speaker, imagine having to pay upwards of $130,000 to $150,000 out of your own pocket to do business. This is what our doctors are experiencing. Statistics such as these have far reaching implications and effects on our Nation's healthcare system. As insurance rates rise, the costs to do business rise, and the costs to consumers and patients rise. The end result is that hardworking Americans are paying the tab for unwieldy lawsuits. The HEALTH Act will help to lessen the medical liability of healthcare professionals and will thus lower the costs of healthcare to all Americans. It will reduce these lottery style lawsuits and will improve the protections for victims of malpractice. This bill allocates damages fairly by holding a party liable only for his or her degree of fault. It also requires that a jury be informed of any payments already made, allowing for consideration of payment by other tortfeasors. The act does provide for full compensation of economic damages, such as future medical expenses and loss of future earnings, and it does not limit damages recoverable for physical injuries resulting from a provider's care nor does it cap punitive damages. Instead, it places reasonable limits on punitive damages. They would be limited to the greater of: Two times a patient's economic damages, or $250,000. The HEALTH Act does limit unquantifiable, noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, to $250,000. Patients will also be ensured that there will be funds to cover future medical expenses, and that a damage award will not risk bankrupting the defendants. The bill achieves this by allowing payments for future medical expenses to be made periodically, rather than in a single lump sum. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, for the sake of America's patients and healthcare system, I urge my colleagues to put partisanship aside and to pass this important piece of legislation. Mr. Baca. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today in opposition to H.R. 5. I oppose this legislation because it will do nothing to change the current liability rates for doctors and it will punish America's senior, children, and poor people. People must realize that if this bill is passed, patients will be limited to actual damages only. That means a child or senior citizen who doesn't have income would receive only $250,000 for their injuries but a CEO with the same injury could be compensated millions simply because his income is higher. I just don't see the difference. Under this bill if a homemaker or a waitress from my district who works just as hard as a CEO goes into the hospital and is permanently disabled, she would receive $250,000. But if Bill Gates or Donald Trump goes into the hospital and experiences the same injury, a jury can award them millions. Why don't the Republicans believe that the waitress or the homemaker deserve just compensation? Why do Republican's believe that a CEO's injury is worth more than our daughter's, son's, parent's, or grandparent's? Once again, we are seeing legislation from the Republicans that benefits only the wealthy. Insurances companies are currently gouging our Nation's doctors and it needs to stop. But, capping punitive damages at $250,000 will not help doctors--it will only hurt patients. I am horrified that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to trump the decisions made by juries and tell an injured patient who has just lost their eyesight or a limb due to gross negligence that their injury is worth only $250,000. The patient could be in pain for the rest of their life. The Republicans want to take the power to decide away from the jury and tell everyone that their pain and suffering is only worth a mere $250,000--no matter how painful the injury, no matter how permanent the damage. And the Republicans think that once medical malpractice claims are capped at $250,000 that insurances rates will drop. I hate to break it to the Republicans, but we tried that system in California. Over a 12- year-period rates rose 190 percent. It wasn't until we passed sensible insurance reform that doctors experienced relief from staggering insurances rates. We need to get a grip on insurance rates to help the doctors, but not at the expense of injured patients. H.R. 5 does not make sense, we need to stop further punishing injured patients and pass sensible legislation that really helps doctors.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, Kevin H. Barnett has devoted himself to serving others through his membership in the Boy Scouts of America; and Whereas, Kevin H. Barnett has shared his time and talent with the community in which he resides; and Whereas, Kevin H. Barnett has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, Kevin H. Barnett must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth in earning the Eagle Scout Award; and Therefore, I join with Troop 141, the residents of Carrollton, and the entire 18th Congressional District in congratulating Kevin H. Barnett as he receives the Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, John Alexander Greco has devoted himself to serving others through his membership in the Boy Scouts of America; and Whereas, John Alexander Greco has shared his time and talent with the community in which he resides; and Whereas, John Alexander Greco has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, John Alexander Greco must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth in earning the Eagle Scout Award; Therefore, I join with Troop 150, the residents of Minerva, and the entire 18th Congressional District in congratulating John Alexander Greco as he receives the Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, the people of Ohio are commemorating Ohio's 200th Birthday on March 1, 2003; and Whereas, they will be celebrating the Bicentennial in Chillicothe, the original capital of the great state of Ohio; and Whereas, the residents of Ohio have molded a strong tradition of family values and a commitment to a high standard of living for Two- Hundred Years; and Whereas, Ohio, since its inception, has developed into a growing and prosperous community dedicated to its past and future generations; Therefore, I join with the residents of the 18th Congressional District and all of Ohio in celebrating the Ohio Bicentennial.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, for years our jobs have been washing away in a flood of cheap, dumped foreign steel. Until the Bush Administration, these calls for help fell on deaf ears. On March 5, 2002, the President imposed tariff relief for a period of three years. One year later, the proof is irrefutable--the President's steel program is working. It is critical to the continuous success of the President's plan that tariff relief remain in effect for its full term. U.S. steel companies, such as Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation and Weirton Steel Corporation, have made tremendous efforts to remain competitive in the world market. Labor and management have worked together to make brutal decisions. Wages have been cut; the number of workers and managers has been reduced; new efficiencies and technologies have been pursued; bonds have been restructured to reduce interest expense and avoid bankruptcy. Despite these sacrifices and improvements, these steel companies were still suffering from illegally dumped foreign steel. Since implementation of Section 201 tariff relief, the industry has made significant progress toward restructuring and consolidation, and these efforts will continue. The international talks on overcapacity and subsidies are making real progress. In addition, domestic producers have enjoyed improvements in revenues, operating income, and capacity utilization. A number of companies have returned to profitability, while others have shown significant improvement even though they have not yet become profitable. There have however been significant surges of imports from certain excluded countries, and, to the extent there is any concern about the program, it is that too many imports could be undermining relief. In fact, imports of flat-rolled steel increased substantially after imposition of Section 201 measures in 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001. Therefore, the Section 201 tariff measures must be fully enforced if our industry is to arrive at a successful conclusion. While recovery will take time, the President's plan has allowed the industry to make a real start.