Bob Ney

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, the Committee on House Administration has received a report from the Office of Compliance on its fire-safety investigation of the Library of Congress buildings. A similar report on fire safety in the Congressional Office Buildings was presented to the Committee in January of 2000. The Office of Compliance report identified numerous deficiencies in Library fire safety and noted that while some conditions have already been corrected, others may require additional time and resources. After carefully considering the report, I, along with the Committee's ranking member, Mr. Hoyer, have written to the Architect of the Capitol to determine what remedial measures will be implemented and the timetable for addressing each of the deficiencies raised in the report. I am committed to working with the Architect and the Librarian to make the Library buildings as safe as possible for the many public patrons, employees, Congressional staff, and Members who work in or visit the Library. Twice in the Library's history, in 1812 and 1851, significant parts of its collections were decimated by fire. It is my hope that with the technology and expertise at our disposal, history will not repeat itself.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: Whereas, William E. Chaney currently serves as president of the Ohio Hills Health Services' Board of Trustees; and, Whereas, through Mr. Chaney's twenty-five years of leadership and unselfish commitment the families of eastern Ohio have received prompt, courteous, and affordable health care; and, Whereas, due to his tremendous contributions to the Ohio Hills Health Services organization and the community he will be honored by the Ohio Hills Health Services' Board of Trustees; and, Whereas, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing William E. Chaney for his commitment and dedication to making lives better in our area. I am honored to call him a constituent.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: Whereas, Gene and Eileen Dosson were united in marriage on February 24th, 1951, and will be celebrating their 50th year as man and wife; Whereas, Gene and Eileen declared their love before God, family and friends; Whereas, Gene and Eileen have had 50 years of sharing, loving and working together; Whereas, Gene and Eileen may be blessed with all the happiness and love that two can share and may their love grow with each passing year; Whereas, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate Gene and Eileen on their 50th anniversary. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing Gene and Eileen Dosson many more years of happiness together.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I am submitting the attached Committee on House Administration rules for the 107th Congress for publication in the Congressional Record pursuant to House Rule XI, Clause 2(a)(2). These Rules were adopted by the Committee on February 7, 2001. Rules of the Committee on House Administration, One Hundred Seventh Congress 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) 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. (c) 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. (d) To the maximum extent feasible, the Committee shall make its publications available in electronic form. (e) 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 oaths 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 of file supplemental, minority, or additional views, that member 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 a 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 therefor 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 such 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 ask unanimous consent that the Speaker be authorized to entertain a motion to suspend the rules and agree to the following concurrent resolution today, January 31, 2001: House Concurrent Resolution 15.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 18) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance victims of the Holocaust.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, Public Law 96-388, signed October 7 of 1980, and the original bill was introduced by the late Representative Sydney Yates, created the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. The council was charged with providing for appropriate ways for the Nation to commemorate the Days of Remembrance as an annual national civic commemoration of the Holocaust. As a result of this legislation, the first ceremony of remembrance was held in the rotunda in 1979 and has been held there every year since, except periods when the rotunda has been closed for renovations. House Concurrent Resolution 14 will provide for this year's annual national ceremony to be held April 18 in the rotunda. That ceremony will be the centerpiece of similar remembrance ceremonies to be held throughout the Nation. This is an important resolution, Mr. Speaker, in memory of, I think, one of the largest tragedies that the world has ever seen, and I urge that we support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I just want to take a second to also thank the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) for his work on this important resolution and for his work on the committee. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman). (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor). (Mr. CANTOR asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. 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. Con. Res. 14.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, today I speak in memory of Wilmer Hale, who passed away on December 16th, 1975. Wilmer was born in Coshocton to Willard and Anna Boyer Hale. He was a 1954 graduate of West Lafayette High and joined the fire department in December 1969. Wilmer attended numerous fire training schools, was a heart saver instructor for the Central Ohio Heart Association and worked for fifteen years on off-duty time at Shafer Awning. Wilmer and his wife, Betty Bonzi, had four children; Ronald, David, Wayne and Shelly. Wilmer was killed on December 16th, 1975 when a brick wall collapsed and crushed him as he was fighting a blaze at the Buckeye Fabric Furnishing Company located at 14th and E. Main Street. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to pay last respects to a man who gave so much of himself to his community and his family. On this, the 25th Anniversary of his untimely death, Wilmer is still missed by all whose lives he touched. I ask that my colleagues join me in remembering Wilmer Hale for his dedication and commitment to our area.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: Whereas, Nancy and George Karvellis will celebrate their 13th Anniversary on November 18th, 2000; Whereas, Nancy and George declared their love in a ceremony before God, family and friends; Whereas, 2000 will mark 13 years of sharing, loving, and working together; Whereas, may Nancy and George be blessed with all the happiness and love that two can share and may their love grow with each passing year; Whereas, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate the Karvellis' on their 13th anniversary. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing this special couple many more years of happiness together.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, a few months ago I felt it necessary to speak out against alleged abuses in the gaming industry. I did so not to express disapproval of the gaming industry as a whole but to express my frustration with those in the gaming industry who may unfairly take advantage of their patrons. My earlier statement was related to the previous actions of SunCruz Casino at the time and based on the findings of Florida Attorney General Robert Butterworth and several news reports. I was concerned that some individuals who participate in gambling for entertainment and recreation can unwittingly fall prey to unethical practices by a few rouge casino owners. I said then and will repeat now that I am not anti-gaming, and I would not call myself pro-gaming either. I do, however, strongly believe in the concept that those who choose to gamble should be able to do so in the establishments of respected gaming interest who treat their customers and their communities fairly. Given the Attorney General's findings and the record of SunCruz under the previous owner, I did not believe that the casino was operating a fair and responsible establishment. Since my previous statement, I have come to learn that SunCruz Casino now finds itself under new ownership and, more importantly, that its new owner has a renowned reputation for honesty and integrity. the new owner, Mr. Adam Kidan, is most well known for his successful enterprise, Dial-a-Mattress, but he is also well known as a solid individual and a respected member of his community. While Mr. Kidan certainly has his hands full in his efforts to clean up SunCruz's reputation, his track record as a businessman and as a citizen lead me to believe that he will easily transform SunCruz from a questionable enterprise to an upstanding establishment that the gaming community can be proud of. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of my statement is not to criticize or promote the gaming industry or to favor one casino owner over another, but rather stand by the consumers who patronize casinos as a form of entertainment. I believe that every individual who visits a gaming vessel in Florida, should know that they are gaming in an establishment that represents the community well, and gives every individual a fair shot. I hope that all casinos owners and operators share in this philosophy. I look forward to the positive changes Mr. Kidan is more than capable of brining to the gaming industry and I hope that others will follow his lead when he brings positive changes to SunCruz.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following statement for the Congressional Record. On September 24, 2000, I had personal family business and as a result missed rollcall vote numbers 541, 542, and 543. Please excuse my absence from this vote. If I were present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I was absent for the votes on Wednesday, October 18, 2000 for a personal family situation. If I were present, I would have voted in favor of the three suspension bills that were voted on, the Social Security Number Confidentiality Act, the National Children's Memorial Day, and the resolution Honoring the Members of the Crew of the Guided Missile Destroyer U.S.S. Cole Who Were killed or Wounded in the Terrorist Attack on that Vessel in Aden, Yemen, on October 12, 2000.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: On behalf of all the Veterans, I stand in support of H.R. 4850, the Veterans Cost of Living Adjustments Act of 2000 and urge all my colleagues to do the same. I thank Chairman Stump for introducing this piece of legislation and giving the House and Senate the opportunity to vote on such a bill. H.R. 4850 directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the rates of veterans disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, additional compensation for dependents, and the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, effective December 1, 2000. Not only does the bill give veterans a cost of living adjustment, but this legislation includes a provision that will directly benefit veterans in Ohio attending Ohio University in Athens. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decided to reverse itself on a long-standing policy issue and eliminate a December veterans educational benefit payment to approximately 360 eligible veterans who are students at Ohio University (OU). This problem now exists for veterans because of OU's extended break between the fall and winter quarter which runs from the day prior to Thanksgiving until the day after New Years, which averages about 40 days or six weeks of down time. OU is one of only a few public universities that takes such a lengthy break from classes within its academic year. The VA has a policy which suspends benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill to veterans if they experience a break of more than 30 days between enrollment periods. In years past, the VA approved an exemption from the policy for OU because the university uses the extended break to conserve energy by closing residence halls and academic buildings. Unfortunately, the VA recently ruled that OU will no longer qualify for an exemption. This means that if veterans are going to be paid for the month of December, they must be enrolled. In order to remedy this situation, H.R. 4850 includes a provision that will authorize the continued payment of monthly educational assistance benefits to veterans enrolled at educational institutions during periods between semesters or quarters if the interval does not exceed eight weeks. This legislation will also correct this problem for veterans around the country who attend other educational institutions that also have a break between classes of over 30 days. It is not reasonable to punish veterans by withholding their December benefits when they do not have the option of enrolling in course work between the fall and winter quarters that is appropriate to their academic programs. The Veterans Cost of Living Adjustments Act of 2000 will right this wrong and help veterans who are trying to better their lives by completing college. I again thank the Chairman and urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: Many of us still remember the horrific earthquake that hit Taiwan on September 21, 1999. More than 2400 people were killed, hundreds were seriously injured and missing and 100,000 people were left homeless. About 1,000 homes and businesses were destroyed. Property damage amounted to billions of U.S. dollars. The Republic of China government was swift and efficient in its rescue efforts. Rescue and relief operations were carried out by local and international specialized teams from 21 countries. Now a year later, the Republic of China has fully recovered from its economic losses, and the government has done everything possible to help its quake victims. For those families with quake-related deceased members, they have received cash grants and for families with collapsed or half- collapsed houses, they have received special loans to help them rebuild their homes. The government, with the help of the private sector, has also set up shelters for affected families. In addition, Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian on June 1 this year set up a cabinet-level commission to oversee all reconstruction efforts. This commission will have members from all government agencies and ministries, and the commission's goal is to ensure that all affected families will have the chance to resume the lives they led before the quake. In short, the Republic of China government has spared no effort in helping its quake-affected families. Its financial outlay in reconstruction has amounted to nearly US$ 5 billion. Indeed, the quake brought out the best in the Taiwan people. It has accentuated their ability to overcome adversity. They have learned to deal with the trouble and get on with their lives.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Kenneth Bland, who passed away on August 27, 2000. Kenneth was born on June 11, 1933 in Cadiz, Ohio to George and Bernice Bland. Kenneth was a retired coal miner with Y&O Coal Company Nelms No. 2 mine near Cadiz. He served his country in the Army during the Korean war. Kenneth was the father and stepfather of six wonderful children; James, John, Jana, Jennifer, Robert and Lesley. Kenneth's family also included four grandchildren and two stepgrandchildren. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to pay my last respects to a man who gave so much of himself to his community, his area and his family. Kenneth will be missed by all whose lives he touched. I am honored to have represented him and proud to call him a constituent and a friend.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Mitch Boich who passed away on August 25, 2000. Mitch was the founder of the Boich Companies and a man of tremendous vision who never lost his sense of tradition. Mitch was a native of Steubenville, Ohio who served in the Army after graduating from Wintersville High School in 1944. After the war, he attended the Ohio State University. Since the late 1940's, Mitch founded several successful businesses in construction, coal mining and related industries. He and his wife of nearly 50 years, Doris Jean, have three wonderful children; Michael, Cynthia and Betsy and three grandchildren. Mitch spent his life serving his community and was well loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a man known for his pizzazz and his strength. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to pay my last respects to a man who gave so much of himself to his community and his family. Mitch will be missed by all whose lives he touched. I am honored to have known him and to have been able to call him a friend.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) for his good work on this bill and also the gentleman from California (Chairman Thomas). Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record the exchange of letters with the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, through which the gentleman agreed to waive the committee's right to mark up this legislation. Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Committee on House Administration, Washington, DC, July 18, 2000. Hon. Henry J. Hyde, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: On July 13, 2000, I introduced H.R. 4846, the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, a bill designed to ensure that important sound recordings are restored and preserved for the future. In crafting this legislation, I have worked closely with Rep. Steny Hoyer, the Library of Congress, representatives of the sound recording industry and staff from the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property. The bill was referred to the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on the Judiciary. I am writing to request that Committee on the Judiciary waive its jurisdiction over H.R. 4846, so that the Committee on House Administration may expeditiously bring this bill, for which there is broad bipartisan support, before the House. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Steve Miller at 225-8281. Best regards, Bill Thomas, Chairman.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am here on behalf of the gentleman from California (Chairman Thomas) and the Committee on House Administration to bring before my colleagues a bill that is a public-private partnership. We help preserve national treasures so that all Americans will be able to access them. The need for this legislation, I believe, is clear. The physical condition of many of our Nation's important sound recordings is at risk due to the lack of proper restoration and preservation. With the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, Congress creates a public- private partnership which shall help ensure that these national treasures are preserved for future use and to be enjoyed by researchers, scholars, and the general public at large. The other need for the legislation is that this legislation creates a sound recording program at the Library of Congress that will complement the existing film preservation program and the national audiovisual conservation center at Culpeper, Virginia. The Culpeper facility, the film preservation program, and now the sound preservation program are all groundbreaking public-private partnerships that minimize taxpayers' investment while still ensuring the preservation of some of our greatest American treasures. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the ranking member of the Committee on House Administration, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Library of Congress, interested Members and the sound recording industry for working with us to make this legislation possible. Also, of course, the staff of the Committee on House Administration on both sides of the aisle. In brief, the sound preservation program has three components, providing for the creation of, number one, a national sound recording registry on which recordings slated for restoration and preservation will be indexed; the second is a national sound recording preservation board, which shall establish preservation protocols, to provide expertise and access to the recordings in this collection, and raise private funds for the restoration and preservation of selected recordings. Now, the bill does authorize a maximum of $250,000 for the annual operation of the board. Finally, the third thing it does is a foundation to provide for the raising of private funds, which we all know is very important. These components working together will ensure that the American public has access to the benefit of important sound recordings with a minimum of public investment. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4846) to establish the National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress to maintain and preserve sound recordings that are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. 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.R. 4846.