Bob Ney

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: Whereas, Dr. James Bertz, a native of Cadiz, Ohio recently traveled to South America as part of the ``Healing the Children Mission''; and, Whereas, This is just the most recent of many such missions that Dr. Bertz has set out on to perform corrective facial surgeries on children; and, Whereas, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Bertz. His dedication and commitment to helping heal children all over the world deserve recognition.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 1776, the American Homeownership and Economic Opportunity Act, opens the prospect of homeownership to many deserving American families. It is good, sound legislation; and I rise today to indicate my full support in its behalf and encourage my House colleagues to support its passage as well. Homeownership continues to be a strong personal and social priority, occupying a preferred place in our Nation's system of values. Yet, significant numbers of households are still precluded from sharing in the benefits of homeownership, despite a strong economy and a record percentage of Americans who own their own home. This measure addresses those inequalities. This bill contains several key provisions that expand homeownership opportunities and improve access to affordable housing for low- and moderate-income individuals. Additionally, the bill utilizes the strength of the FHA and expands homeownership opportunities for many deserving public employees and school personnel who can now find little or nothing affordable in the communities in which they work. Specifically, H.R. 1776 includes special provisions to help schoolteachers, police officers, firefighters, municipal employees, and corrections officers across America to purchase homes. Mr. Chairman, this measure was approved by the House banking committee in the spirit of strong bipartisanship, largely through the perseverance and tireless efforts of my colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio). I commend Members on both sides, especially the gentleman from New York, and I urge support for the bill.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, you hear many arguments surrounding the gaming industry in America. Some have merit, some do not. Some criticism is deserved, some is not. Mr. Speaker, before I make my statement today I want to make it abundantly clear that while I am not an ardent proponent of the gaming industry nor an ardent foe of the gaming industry, I am an ardent foe of illegal activity in the gaming industry. Furthermore, I am an ardent support of consumer rights and consumer rights is exactly what I intend to discuss today. At the heart of my comments today is how certain gaming companies treat their patrons and how they conduct business. I believe that the vast majority of casino owners play by the rules, treat their patrons fairly, and provide quality entertainment for individuals and families. I have talked with many of these businessmen over the years who have conducted themselves in such a professional manner. However, there are a few bad apples out there who don't play by the rules and that is just plain wrong. One such example is the case of Suncruz casino's based out of Florida. Florida authorities, particularly Attorney General Butterworth have repeatedly reprimanded Suncruz casinos and its owner Gus Boulis for taking illegal bets, not paying out their customers properly and has had to take steps to prevent Suncruz from conducting operations all together. In fact, a few years ago the Broward County Sheriffs Office, under the supervision of Mr Butterworth, raided Suncruz ships seizing their equipment. Mr. Speaker, how Suncruz Casinos and Gus Boulis conduct themselves with regard to Florida laws is very unnerving. But the consumer rights issue is even more disheartening. On December 1, 1998 the Broward County Sheriffs department announced that they had uncovered evidence that dealers on SunCruz ships were ``cheating passengers by using incomplete decks of cards.'' This type of conduct gives the gaming industry a black eye and should not be tolerated. Mr. Speaker, I want to repeat myself again. The vast majority of casino owners and operators are good honest people, but when an owner or operator stoops to this level to make a buck it hurts the public and it hurts the industry as a whole. I believe we can strike a balance here and our first step is to ensure that the average citizen is not hoodwinked by a dishonest casino operator. There should be clear codes of conduct that are adhered to by every casino owner and operator. On the Ohio River we have gaming interests that run clean operations and provide quality entertainment. I don't want to see the actions of one bad apple in Florida, or anywhere else to affect the business aspect of this industry or hurt any innocent casino patron in our country. Mr. Speaker, I hope that steps will be taken by the industry, and in the case of lawbreakers- by the appropriate authorities to weed out the bad apples so that we can protect consumers across the country.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: Whereas, Patricia and Jim Glover will celebrate their 35th Anniversary today, March 27, 2000; Whereas, Patricia and Jim declared their love in a ceremony before God, family and friends in Bridgeport, Ohio; Whereas, 2000 will mark 35 years of sharing, loving, working together and raising a family of two children; Whereas, may Patricia and Jim be blessed with all the happiness and love that two can share and may their love grow with each passing year; THEREFORE: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate the Glovers' on their 35th 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, I commend the following article to my colleagues:

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I honor today the memory of Mary A. Ney, who passed away on March 19, 2000. Mary was a member of St. John's Catholic Church. She and her husband, Thomas J. Ney, Sr. had one son and Mary had three stepsons and six step-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to pay my last respects to a lady who gave so much of herself to her community, her church and her family. Mary will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, as you know, this week, 112 Members of Congress, along with members of Leadership from both sides of the aisle, officially kicked off the start of the Congressional Rural Caucus. Over the last days, a series of events was held to promote this renewed bipartisan effort that will help raise awareness of the concerns and issues facing rural America. There are, of course, a number of issues that affect those who live in rural areas, but in reality, one event in particular can and will have long-lasting implications for rural America. I'm talking about April 1, 2000, better known as Census Day. Unfortunately, a number of Americans, whether they live in urban or rural communities, are still unaware of the importance of the decennial census. This is evident in the number of people, around 30 to 40 percent, who do not respond to a Census questionnaire. But, I'd like to remind everyone that the outcome of the decennial census has the potential to change the face of rural America, both politically and socially. Before I outline the potential outcomes let me first define what is rural America: Rural and small town America is home to approximately one-third of the total US population, or about 82 million residents. This is equal to the percentage of Americans who live in urban centers. Of the nation's 39,000 local governments, 86 percent serve populations under 10,000, and half have fewer than 1,000 residents. These communities cover at least 80 percent of the nation's land. While farming remains a driving force in many rural communities, it no longer completely dominates the rural economy. The service and manufacturing sectors account for 22 percent and 17 percent respectively of rural employment, compared to 8 percent for agriculture. And, many will be surprised to know that overall, Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina, Ohio and New York have the largest rural populations, with Michigan, Georgia, California, Indiana and Florida close behind. Now, why is the census important to rural America? First, the Constitution requires the federal government to conduct a census evey ten years to help apportion the 435 seats of the House of Representatives among the states. So, states that have a large undercount are at risk of losing political representation in Congress. Second, billions of dollars in federal aid to states and local governments are allocated using census data. In 2000, almost $200 billion in federal aid will be distributed through 20 federal programs that range from agriculture to community development to education to health. According to the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), rural communities are at risk of losing $2,500 each year in federal and state aid for each person that is undercounted. That adds up to a significant amount of lost revenue for rural communities over a ten year period, especially when you consider the numbers. In 1990, the census missed 5.9 percent of rural renters, compared with 4.2 percent of urban renters. The Census Bureau also estimates it missed about 1.2 percent of all rural residents, which is about three- quarters of a million people. Let me put this into perspective. There are six states, plus the District of Columbia, that have populations below 750,000. So, the rural undercount is equivalent to misplacing Alaska, Delaware, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, or Wyoming. Third, accurate census data is essential for local decision makers, whether economic development planners, school board members or business leaders. The more data rural communities have at their disposal, the better prepared they will be to serve their citizens in terms of municipal services and programs. It is also an essential ingredient in developing strategic plans aimed at attracting new businesses and industries. With so much at risk, it is vital that we all work together to ensure that rural Americans are counted. This is not a partisan issue, but a rural issue. Stand up and be counted Rural America!

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, tonight I rise, along with my colleagues before me, to promote the kick-off of the Congressional Rural Caucus. I am proud to be a member of this caucus, which will work to better represent the interests of rural America by raising awareness of the needs of communities in these areas. Mr. Speaker, my district, the 18th Congressional District of Ohio, is mostly rural, made up of people who proudly support the coal and steel industries, agriculture, and various other manufacturing industries. A native of the Ohio Valley, I have represented this district for a number of years, both as a State Representative and a State Senator, and now in Congress. I am well aware of the needs of the people who live there. Tonight previously Members heard from colleagues who talked about education in rural America. We also heard about telecommunications. Tonight I want to focus on transit, but there are a lot of other needs today. There is housing. We were visited by Bruce Veldt from the Ohio Department of Development who was talking to us about rural housing initiatives. We have had many people who are concentrating on the things that are important, and they are coming from the State of Ohio. They are communicating more. But I think this kick-off of our Congressional Rural Caucus is something that is going to be able to work across all 50 States to help rural America. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, too often rural communities have been an afterthought in Federal policy discussions and program development. The establishment of the bipartisan Congressional Rural Caucus, which currently has 112 members, will help to ensure that the interests of rural America are properly represented in Federal policy and legislation. One area that undoubtedly exhibits the need for better representation of rural America is the transportation arena. Rural areas are often left out of negotiations when State transportation planning is being planned, with most of the decision-making power being left to the State and metropolitan officials, who have a place at the table. In June of 1998, when Congress passed the landmark Transportation Equity Act for the 21st century, better known as TEA-21, it marked the beginning of a new era in rural transportation. In addition to providing more Federal funds to help improve the infrastructure and services in rural America, the new law reinforces the intermodal philosophy and takes an important first step in strengthening the role local officials wield in the decision-making process and planning process. As a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I was privileged to have served on the TEA-21 conference committee. I am proud to have fought for the language which increased the presence of local rural officials in the transportation and planning process. This is good for rural America and it is good for transportation. However, challenges abound in rural areas. The needs still greatly outpace Federal, State, and local resources. I would like to just give a few examples. One in every 14 households in rural America is without a vehicle, despite being the most prevalent mode of transportation. Nearly 38 percent of county roads are inadequate for current travel, and nearly half of major rural bridges are structurally deficient. This is significant, as 81 percent or 3.1 million miles of the Nation's public highway system exist in rural America. While still an important mode of transportation, inner city bus service has almost completely disappeared off the face of rural America. In 1965, 23,000 communities were linked together with daily bus service. As we start the new century, that number has dwindled to a mere 4,500, from 23,000 down to 4,500. Those are communities with rural routes. Too often the rural routes are the ones that are eliminated. This decline has implications, not only for passenger service, but also for essential freight services, as intercity buses often provide the only daily package express service in remote rural communities. Public transit is becoming a vital source of transportation in rural areas, especially as disabled and elderly populations rise. Yet, 38 percent of rural residents live in an area without any form of public transportation. This can be directly linked to the fact that less than 10 percent of Federal spending for public transportation goes to rural communities. Air service is often seen as an essential factor in attracting and retaining businesses in rural communities, but the high cost of subsidizing service limits its availability. On this, the eve of the day when Congress is scheduled to take up the Aviation Investment and Reform Act, or known as AIR-21, the conference report, a bill which will reauthorize and increase funding for Federal aviation programs, as well as provide improved passenger service to rural areas, on this eve, I wish to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) and the rest of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure who, on a bipartisan basis, have recognized the needs of rural America when it comes to aviation. TEA-21 does help ensure rural elected officials and communities are represented in the planning process, which is best described as the gateway for accessing Federal transportation funds. This will help States develop comprehensive plans that use our limited resources most wisely, as well as contribute to the economic and social growth of rural areas. Even with the new TEA-21 provisions, however, rural elected officials are still on an uneven playing field with urban and state officials. That is why members of groups like the National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, National Association of Development Organizations and the American Public Works Association continue to advocate federal legislation that closes the equity gap in planning and programming. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, transportation is an essential component of addressing the needs of rural America. It not only connects people to jobs, health care and family in a way that enhances one's quality of life, but it also serves as the lifeline of the rural and national economies. I look forward to serving with the other members of the Congressional Rural Caucus and to bettering the lives of those we serve. I just want to pay tribute to the rural caucus, who is going to absolutely make life better across rural America by their bipartisan effort.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend and submit the following article to my colleagues: Anthony Gentile has spent his life serving people. In 1965 he traveled to nine countries in Europe with Ohio Governor Jim Rhodes on a trade mission and was honored with an Executive Order of Ohio Commodore. In 1967, he was named ``Citizen of the Year'' by the Wintersville, Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Also that year, he was one of forty-two American Delegates to the Fifth International Mining Congress held in the Soviet Union. In 1977, he was the recipient of an honorary degree ``Doctor of Humane Letters'' by the Franciscan University of Steubenville as well as the Conservation and Reclamation Award for the State of Ohio, the only award given by the Governor. Additionally, Mr. Gentile is a past member of the Board of Franciscan University of Steubenville and has served on the Board of the Union Bank in Steubenville, Ohio. He is currently listed in the World Who's Who in Commerce and Industry and Who's Who in Finance and Industry. Despite all of these efforts, he also finds time to devote to the cause of cancer research. Mr. Gentile is married to the former Nina A. DiScipio. The couple have been married for fifty-six years and have four children. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Anthony Gentile. His lifelong service and commitment are to be commended. I am proud to call him a constituent and a friend.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Rodney D. Hanson, who passed away on February 22, 2000. Rodney was born on June 24, 1945, the son of Harry R. and Doris A. Hanson. Rodney was a graduate of Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, and later received a masters of arts degree in English from Ohio University. He received his juris doctorate degree from the Ohio State University College of Law. Rodney was a partner in the law firm of Thomas, Fregata, Myser, Hanson and Davis. Rodney also worked hard to serve the community. He was a member of St. Mary's Church in St. Clairsville, where he served as a lector. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the St. Clairsville Sunrise Rotary Club. Rodney served as a trustee and president of the board of the Belmont-Harrison Juvenile District. He further served the public as a member and past president of the Belmont County Bar Association and a member of the Ohio State Bar Association in which he was a member of the School Law and Law Library Committees. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to pay my last respects to a gentleman who gave so much of himself to his community, his church, and his family. Rodney will be missed by all whose lives he touched. I am honored to have represented him and proud to have been able to call him a friend.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: Nancy Chiles Dix has spent her life serving people. As a member of the Ohio State Senate, she worked tirelessly in Columbus to represent the people of our area with honor. For years, Nancy has also been an avid supporter of the Republican party, always willing to put forth the extra effort to support the party and its candidates. Additionally, Nancy devotes her time to supporting increased cancer research and educating our young people. She was recently honored at the John A. Alford Memorial Dinner for her commitment and support of cancer research and named the President of the Par Excellence Learning Center in Newark, OH. Over the years, Nancy has proven herself to be a great friend not only to myself but to our entire area. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Nancy Chiles Dix. Her lifelong service and commitment are to be commended. I am proud to call her a constituent and a friend.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Tim and Linda Rupli celebrated the birth of their son, Timothy Rupli, Jr. on February 19th, 2000. Timothy was born at 12:22 AM and weighed 7.1 lbs and was 19.5 inches long. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the birth of Timothy Richard Rupli, Jr. I am sure that his birth will bring a bundle of love and enjoyment to their lives. I send the three of them my best wishes.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following to my colleagues: Whereas, Christopher J. Barrett was recently promoted to the rank of Major in the United States Army; and, Whereas, Christopher J. Barrett has served as a Military Police Officer in the United States army for eleven years and has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the preservation of the United States of America; and, Whereas, in 1991 Christopher J. Barrett served his country in Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War and the citizens of the United States of America owe Major Barrett a great deal of gratitude for his undying loyalty and dedication to our country; and, Whereas, the Members of Congress, with a real sense of gratitude and pride, join me in commending Major Christopher J. Barrett on his recent promotion in Major in the United States Army.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: Whereas, Mr. Pasini having been selected for Senior Executive Service, United States Army, has served as a Department of Defense Employee for thirty-two years; and, Whereas, Mr. Pasini's untiring and dedicated service to his profession has resulted in his appointment to Senior Executive Service; and, Whereas, Mr. Pasini was instrumental in the fielding of several new Army weapon systems and as a result of his professionalism, steadfast dedication, expertise, interpersonal skills and personal commitment to the Department of Defense, Mr. Pasini has been able to place the most advanced and capable weapons systems in the hands of our nation's soldiers; and, Whereas, the Members of Congress, with a real sense of gratitude and pride, join me in commending Mr. Harry C. Pasini for his appointment to Senior Executive Service.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: Paul Schafer has spent his life serving the people. He was born June 15th, 1933 to Franklin and Mary Davis Schafer. Paul was the youngest of five children who grew up near Bethesda, Ohio. Paul served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955 in Korea and Japan. In 1953, he married Mary Ellen Dougherty and the couple had three children Cindy, David and Doug. Paul's career with the Ohio Department of Transportation began in July of 1978 as he served as Highway Maintenance Superintendent, a position he held until 1983. That year, he became Project Inspector of Construction. Throughout his career with ODOT, Paul also served as Construction Project Specialist, Technical Supervisor, and Transportation Manager. In addition to all of these efforts, Paul has also been an active member of his community. He is a member of the Bethesda United Methodist Church and serves on the church administrative board. Paul is also a member of the Hazen Lodge 251 F & AM, the American Legion Epworth Post #90, and the Belmont Bethesda Rotary Club. He is also a former member of the Belmont County Republican Central Committee. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the career of Paul Schafer. His lifelong service and commitment to Belmont County is to be commended.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of James R. ``Jim Bob'' Wallace, who passed away on January 20, 2000. James was born on March 5, 1924 to Everett ``Dick'' and Jenny Irene Darnley Wallace. Mr. Wallace, a veteran of World War II, was a member of American Legion Post 52, Disabled American Veterans Post 117 and VFW Post 626, of which he was past commander. But his service was not limited to the military, James went out of his way to be an active member of his community as well. He was a member of Neffs United Methodist Church, the Fraternal Order of Eagles 456, the Order of Elks 419, the Sons of Italy 754 and served as the past president of the Timberwolf Association. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to pay my last respects to a man who gave so much of himself to his country, his community and his family. James will be missed by all whose lives he touched. I am honored to have represented him and proud to call him a constituent.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues on a bipartisan basis for being here today. This is an important morning hour to talk about an issue that is absolutely critical to every working man and woman in this country. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to speak today about House Resolution 298, which is called the Maintain U.S. Trade Laws Resolution sponsored by the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky). The gentleman, along with a lot of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, have remained strong on these trade issues to make sure that we continue to have jobs for all of our working Americans. Now, the big highlight of the year, I think, was the fact that a previous bill offered by the gentleman from Indiana came to this floor and had 289 votes and unfortunately it did not get past the procedures of the Senate, but it showed the whole Nation, working men and women, that in fact we can stand together. And the Stand Up for Steel campaign which was supported by the unions and also by the companies and by many Members of the House showed that we, even though it did not pass the Senate, that we can keep this issue focused and we can win for our workers. Mr. Speaker, it put a lot of pressure and helped to stop some of the hemorrhaging of the loss of our jobs. But House Resolution 298 goes even beyond that. It is not just an issue for steel. It is an issue for many, many products and it is an important issue for our country. Effective antidumping and countervailing duty laws are the cornerstone of an open market policy. Those who want to maintain free trade had better realize that any amount of trade we have should be fair trade and that maintaining trade depends on maintaining fair trade. Antidumping rules are designed to ensure that exporters based in countries with closed markets do not abuse other countries' open market policies. American industries which have benefited from these laws include basic industrial goods, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, advanced technology products, consumer goods such as tomatoes, oranges, fresh- cut flowers, cosmetics. The present countervailing duty rules are and have come about as a result of the WTO Uruguay Round 1964 to 1994 negotiations and they applied to all the members. The WTO agreement on countervailing duty measures defines the term ``subsidy.'' The definition contains three basic elements: A financial contribution by a government, or any other public payment which confers a benefit. All three of these elements must be satisfied in order for a subsidy to exist. The scope of the negotiations at the Seattle Round discussions of the WTO was specified during the Uruguay Round, however some countries, and this is the danger, are seeking to circumvent the agreed list of negotiating topics and reopen the debate over the WTO's antidumping and antisubsidy rules. These rules have scarcely been tested since their enactment and certainly have not proven defective. Accordingly, avoiding another series of divisive fights over these rules is the best way to promote progress on the other issues facing the WTO. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, it is essential that negotiations on these antidumping and antisubsidy matters not be reopened at the Seattle Round of discussions of the WTO. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 298 simply says we have a system, let it work. To reopen these rules at the Seattle Round is not only dangerous to the United States, but most importantly, it is dangerous to the working men and women of the United States who are trying to feed their families and support their communities and educate their children and take care of their loved ones. It is basic to the nature of our country to be able to have a job. So we are not asking for anything special. We are simply asking for fair treatment. That is why it is essential that we speak out today and I congratulate again and thank my colleagues who have put in so much time on this issue and thank all of those across the United States, Mr. Speaker, that in fact have written letters and made phone calls and supported measures to simply give the American workers a fair chance.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight an excellent private sector initiative that is making cyberspace a safer place for consumers to shop: CPA WebTrust. The Internet is transforming the way consumers across this country are buying products and services. Today, 55 percent of the population uses the Internet in the United States, and that number is expected to increase substantially by the end of 1999. Last year, 35 million households purchased something on the Internet. In addition, more than one quarter of all U.S. retailers has an e-commerce Web site, and the U.S. Department of Commerce predicts that online sales could surpass $300 billion by the end of 2002. The Internet is a retailer's dream, taking advantage of lower overhead and transaction costs and leveraging its easy access and convenience for millions of consumers. However, online shopping raises concerns for consumers. Is it safe to buy online? Will businesses deliver on their sales promises? Are buyers protected from fraud and privacy infringements? Overall customer satisfaction among online shoppers is generally good. However, common complaints received about online merchants include: misleading advertising; goods or services not delivered as agreed; guarantees not honored or honored with unsatisfactory service; and credit or billing problems. Complaints about online retailers are similar to the complaints generated by traditional ``bricks-and- mortar'' businesses. Retailers wishing to increase sales through the Internet can build consumer trust and confidence in their Web sites by using meaningful third-party assurance seal programs. One such program is CPA WebTrust, which was developed jointly by the American Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA). WebTrust is the only comprehensive seal of assurance program for e- commerce sites around the world. CPA's in the United States have been providing assurance services to the public for over 65 years, and WebTrust is a logical extension of their expertise onto the Internet. Uniquely qualified to offer assurance services, CPA's are trusted and respected professionals with the credibility necessary to build confidence among online buyers. A WebTrust-licensed CPA examines online businesses at least every 90 days to make sure the site is in compliance with the rigorous WebTrust Principles and Criteria. The CPA assures that the online business is abiding by its stated privacy policies, adheres to its stated business practices, processes secure transactions, and provides resolution for customers with complaints about product or service quality. WebTrust assures customers that the Web site has met the most comprehensive e- commerce standards that protect online buyers. By giving credibility to both small and large e-commerce sites, WebTrust helps them to access a worldwide customer base and bring global electronic commerce to its full potential. It also helps them to deliver on their sales promises and build a loyal, online customer base. WebTrust helps online businesses turn shoppers into buyers by reducing the risks of online shopping, including the potential for fraud. Global in its focus, WebTrust is currently offered in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Australia. Discussions are underway with several other accountancy institutes in Europe and the Asia-Pacific Rim. WebTrust complies with EU data protection policies and Privacy Bill C-54 in Canada. For more information about CPA WebTrust, you can visit http:// www.cpawebtrust.org Mr. Speaker, today over 100 million Americans will surf the Internet, some wishing to make a purchase. Consumers need and deserve to be protected and private-sector programs like CPA WebTrust need to be encouraged to ensure the prosperity and vitality of America's 21st century digital economy.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following proclamation to my colleagues: Whereas, Dr. Florak served as the President of Jefferson Community College for 13\1/2\ years and under his leadership the College expanded its curriculum and aligned itself with major higher education institutions around the country; and, Whereas, Dr. Florak has represented the College throughout the state in the Ohio Association of Community Colleges; and, Whereas, Dr. Florak represented JCC and Jefferson County as one of America's Community Heros and carried the Olympic Torch during the ceremonies in June 1999; and, Whereas, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Dr. Florak on his lifetime of service to his community as well as the College. I am proud to call him a constituent.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following proclamation to my colleagues: Whereas, Father Scanlan graduated from Harvard Law School in 1956 and served as Staff Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force; and, Whereas, Father Scanlan served as acting dean of the College of Steubenville and as a lecturer in theology from 1964-1966 and later became President of the College of Steubenville, now Franciscan University of Steubenville, in 1974; and, Whereas, Father Scanlan was honored in 1997 with the Sacrae Theologiae Magister, an academic degree beyond the doctorate, and the highest award given by the Franciscan Order; and, Whereas, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Father Scanlan on his lifetime of service to his community as well as the College. I am proud to call him a constituent.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the following article to my colleagues: Whereas David Goodwin and Kerry Janas were united in marriage on Saturday, August 7, 1999 in Cleveland, Ohio; Whereas, David and Kerry declared their love before God, family and friends; Whereas, David and Kerry may be blessed with all the happiness and love that two can share and may their love grow with each passing year; Whereas, from this day forward, David and Kerry will always remember the reason they vowed their love and commitment to each other. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating David and Kerry Goodwin on their recent nuptials.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, also, as neighbors of the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan), I know my constituency sends their deepest sympathies. Tonight a lot of right things I guess have been said, no matter which side one is at on this issue. Politics. There are some politics involved. I think it is politics to help good people that deserve help from their government. As far as breaking precedent procedure, I think that has been done here over the course of a couple hundred years. I really do not think it is being done tonight, though, in a way of breaking precedent procedure, because there has been a type of hearing. There has been a one-year nonhearing on this issue for the steelworkers and their families. Oil and gas is included obviously in this, too. They are having some troubled times. I would also like to point out that the monitoring bill of Visclosky, Regula, et al. of this body, the White House put its hand into the Senate and killed it. That chance seems to be gone, so something has to be done. Tonight is the urgent need to do it. This is not about free trade. It is not about fair trade. It is about illegal dumping. Give the steelworkers a chance.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, let me just say that I do want to congratulate both gentlemen. I think they have done a fine job of this bill and on the accounts. And I just wanted to just note, we have cut in Congress our accounts and we have squeezed a little bit more. So I just think that, in the areas of travel, all the agencies in the Federal government can squeeze just a little bit more out. But I want to mention, my colleagues have done a fine job on the existing accounts.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, let me just start by congratulating the chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula), and the other members of the committee for a fine bill they have crafted. The purpose of this amendment will be to reduce the total amount for the departmental management in the Department of the Interior by $5 million. As Members of the House, we just recently and have consistently cut our own Members' representational accounts. We have cut our franking accounts so we can show the American people we are willing to make sacrifices to balance the Nation's budget. I think it is only fair we begin cutting out some of the bureaucracy in some of the agencies, and I intend to do amendments along the appropriations process that will help to accomplish this. With the help of the Congressional Research Service, I was able to find that the Department of Interior roughly has in the account $126 million in expense, of which travel is a part of it, for fiscal year 1998. I think that there is significant and enough money in this account and it can sustain some type of cut that will again be part of the process to help to continue to balance our budget. I arrived at the $5 million figure by taking roughly 4 percent of the fiscal year 1998 report. Unfortunately, we do not have the 1999 numbers because they have not yet to be filed. So, as my colleagues can see, the reduction of the $5 million comes out of the departmental management section of the bill, which is funded actually at $62.9 million. The Department of the Interior uses funds from this account and others for their travel. Reduction by the $5 million would fund the departmental management section at $57.9 million. We as Members, Mr. Chairman, have sacrificed our MRAs, franking accounts, and rightfully so. We have even cut the Congressional Research Service. I feel that the bureaucracy can sustain this reduction.