Donald Payne

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in adamant opposition to this resolution and to the travesty of justice we are witnessing here today. From the time the voters of America put this President in office six years ago, his enemies have led a frenzied crusade to reverse the results of the electoral process and to subvert the will of the American people. They have stopped at nothing. What began as an investigation into an investment the President and First Lady made in Arkansas well over a decade ago has mushroomed into a frantic search to find something-- anything--to bring this presidency down. The free-ranging, unbridled hunt for damaging information about the President has resulted in the expenditure of millions of tax dollars; it has featured the doctoring of tapes by Republicans; a so-called ``Independent'' Counsel whose office resorts to bullying, threats and intimidation; a mad rush to put the report of the Counsel on the internet without giving the President the basic right to review the charges against him; the release of the President's videotaped grand jury testimony again with total disregard to his rights, and now the push to expand the inquiry into areas which have already been thoroughly investigated. Do we really want to turn this nation into a police state where enemies of the President, in pursuit of a political agenda, have the power to restrict individual freedoms and intimidate citizens? The vast majority of my constituents have told me they are ready to forgive the President for making a mistake in his personal conduct. It is time to move on to the pressing issues facing our nation--education, health care reform, protection of social security, and continued economic growth. I urge my colleagues to put a stop to this partisan, out-of-control vendetta and to take care of the real business of the American people.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to rise and say a few words to my friend and colleague, Harris Falwell. In the short time that I have served as Ranking Democrat on the Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations, I have found him to be thoughtful in pursuit of bipartisan agreement and compromise. When I first assumed the ranking position on that Subcommittee, Harris extended himself to me as a gesture of his trademark comity and friendship. Although we come from ideologically different perspectives, I appreciated the fact that he was open to debate and discussion on many issues. In fact, he encouraged it. One of the most rewarding experiences I had while working with Chairman Fawell was when we collaborated to introduce the Savings Are Vital to Everyone's Retirement (SAVER) Act, which was enacted into law last December. He solicited and encouraged input from all of our colleagues with an interest in this issue. As a result of the bipartisan participation, this effort was successful in creating a number of initiatives, both public and private, aimed at increasing public awareness about the importance of preparing for retirement. This project culminated in the first White House Summit on Retirement Savings. Because of his leadership and legislative achievements, he served the 13th Congressional District of Illinois with distinction. I wish Chairman Fawell continued success in his next endeavor and look forward to working with him again.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to add my congratulations to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay), the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling), the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee), the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan) and the members of the conference committee for including many of the provisions in a bill I introduced, H.R. 3311, to improve international education programs in this final version of the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. As a member of the Committee on International Relations and the Committee on Education and Workforce, I know that in order to be competitive in this global economy, we must continue to encourage and support programs designed to educate our students in foreign languages, diplomacy and international affairs. Throughout the years, Title VI of the Higher Education Act has been extremely effective in helping colleges and universities reach that goal. The inclusion of Technological Innovation and Cooperation for Foreign Information Access Grants in the conference report of the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act enables institutions and libraries to engage in collaborative international education projects utilizing innovative technology. This kind of program is timely as universities and libraries are faced with escalating costs of access to international resources. This bill also allows the Institute for International Public Policy to expand the current Junior Year Abroad Program to permit summer internship experiences. And to assist in the cooperation of Federal support for the Minority International Affairs Program, this bill creates a seven member interagency committee on minority careers in international affairs. I am also pleased that the conferees have chosen to keep the international education program in its own separate title. Overall, I believe the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act will provide our Nation's students expanded access to a college education. By increasing the authorization of the Pell Grant award to $4,500, we help students afford the cost of college without having to rely on loans and increase their debt. I only encourage the Committee on Appropriations to meet this authorization level. The New Teacher Training Program included in this bill will increase the number of teachers who are trained in low income areas. Mr. Speaker, as I conclude, I would just urge my colleagues to support this bill for final passage. I only encourage the appropriations committee to meet this authorization level. The new teacher training program included in this bill will increase the number of teachers who are trained in low-income areas. This extra hand in our overcrowded low income area schools will enable school children to receive more one on one attention in the classroom. And the Gear Up program, based on Representative Fattah's and President Clinton's High Hopes program, will give students in low income areas the encouragement, the hope and the tools to go on to college. There are some concerns I have regarding the effects of some of the provisions of this bill on proprietary schools. However, overall this bill contains many valuable programs that will help our inner city and low income youth realize the dream of going to college and the student financial aid programs will help students make that dream a reality. That is why I will support this bill today and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I too join my colleagues in praising our friend and colleague, the gentleman from the great State of Indiana (Mr. Hamilton). I know I speak for other Members in saying that it will be sad to see him leave this place. As a member of the Committee on International Relations, which Mr. Hamilton is the ranking member, he has held many hearings, timely hearings succinctly on issues of great concern to American people and people throughout the world. I thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky) and the others who have called this special order because I know that the 9th District will be pleased to have Mr. Hamilton come home. He has developed a reputation here in Congress as a very thoughtful and committed person. To countries going through transition, in particular trying to struggle with democracy and new issues, he has had keen interest in that. He is an independent thinker and treats foe and friend alike. In some of the hearings, we would hear him question members of the administration, whether it was this current administration or previous administrations run by the other party. And so he is an independent thinker, a person who has served for 33 years in this House. In 1964 the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton) was elected to Congress at his first attempt at public office, which is a very unique and honorable position to be in. As a matter of fact, it was not until my third attempt that I was able to get here, so I should have studied Mr. Hamilton's techniques a little earlier before I took the challenge on. But during his tenure in Congress, he has often been tapped for key leadership positions. In 1993 to 1994, as my colleagues know, he chaired the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, currently serves as our ranking member, and also chaired the House Intelligence Committee, and cochaired the House-Senate Committee which investigated the Iran-Contra affair. Mr. Hamilton has taken a lead in working to make Congress more effective. In 1991 he sponsored legislation to create a joint committee on the organization of Congress. Under his leadership, this committee recommended major reforms to Congress, a number of which have been adopted, and he continues to push vigorously for enactment of further reforms. His leadership on the Joint Economic Committee has allowed Mr. Hamilton to give even greater emphasis to some of the key interests in Congress, ensuring a sound and healthy economy and promoting economic development. Through his continuing service on the panel, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton) has held many hearings and discussions on economic challenges facing the 9th District, and he has worked long to improve education and job training and the infrastructure in southern Indiana. I am pleased to hear that he will not go far from issues of real concern to all of us, as he will be appointed as the new director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. He will continue the legacy that he left behind and will continue to work for all the people of the world. I have enjoyed working with him. I know during 1992, when we had to reduce our standing committees or our subcommittees in the Committee on International Affairs from 8 to 6, I was very interested in the fact that I wanted the Subcommittee on Africa to remain as a standing subcommittee, and working with Mr. Hamilton, working with other members of the committee, we were able to preserve it during that cut and even further when we reduced the number of subcommittees to five. And it has been his support that has allowed us to continue to move forward. So I wish him well in his retirement. I started as a teacher and tried to come to Congress. He came to Congress and will end as a teacher. And so I do want to compliment him again for his success.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to send greetings and best wishes to the leaders in the Republic of China on Taiwan. Their national day is a day of celebration for all the Chinese living in Taiwan. Taiwan, a small island country, faces a formidable adversary--the Chinese mainland. Yet Taiwan is able to enjoy its economic success, political reforms as well as freedom and democracy. Much of Taiwan's economic and political success is directly attributable to the leadership of President Lee Teng-hui. A statesman of vision, energy and courage, President Lee is determined to make Taiwan a model nation for all emerging countries. And most important of all, he hopes Taiwan will inspire the Chinese mainland to democratize and become a free country. President Lee Teng-hui should be credited for restarting the bilateral talks between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland. It is his goal is see the principles of democracy and freedom flourish. Happy Birthday to Taiwan!

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Employee Benefit Research Institute on their 20th Anniversary. The Employee Benefit Research Institute, or EBRI as it is more commonly known, is the only nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to original public policy research and education on economic security and employee benefits. For the last 20 years, they have been instrumental in promoting knowledge and understanding among the media and policymakers of employee benefits. I believe their greatest service has been in advancing the public's understanding of employee benefits and their effect on the nation's economy. Their commitment to diseminating the facts has earned EBRI reown as the preeminent public policy research organization on issues affecting workers and their benefits. EBRI has provided me with invaluable objective research, data, and analysis. The Institute is guided by the tenet that policy initiatives cannot ``. . . . be successful unless they are founded on sound, objective, relevant information.'' The information produced by EBRI covers health, retirement, among other economic issues, is thorough and comprehensive. One of the most important reference materials to come out of EBRI is the Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS). The RCS is an important indicator of societal attitudes toward retirement planning and savings. While the House considers legislative measures, I find the issue briefs and research documents to be a valuable research and information tool. As increased attention is paid by policymakers, media, and the benefits community to the unique challenges facing minority groups, I think they are to be especially commended for including the RCS Minority Special Report. This report examines the attitudes of minority groups about preparing for retirement. Such an important effort shines a much-needed spotlight on a issue that is critical to the economic health and well-being of the African American community that is long overdue. I know many members who are interested in these issues rely on EBRI to provide credible comprehensive data and analysis and use it to make informed decisions about policy initiatives and approaches. Mr. Speaker, I wish Dallas Salisbury and EBRI continued success as they purse their quest for the facts.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this resolution. We all agree that we have a serious responsibility to fulfill our Constitutional duty as members of Congress in the matter before us. But, it is of utmost importance that we proceed in a spirit of fairness. Sadly, it now appears at the very outset that the majority has rejected any semblance of fairness in favor of blatant partisanship. To refuse to give the President of the United States the basic courtesy of reviewing the charges made by the most far-reaching Independent Counsel in history is shameful. Is this the America we want for ourselves and our children, where individual rights are trampled on to such a degree that accusations against a person are posted on the internet before they are presented to the accused? I am afraid that this is only the beginning of more abuses to come. How can members of this body who have loudly insisted that the President resign possibly give him a fair hearing? I urge my colleagues to reject this resolution. Let us reject this cheap, partisan approach and instead chart a fair, objective and honorable course as we undertake this serious responsibility.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3892, ``The English Language Fluency Act.'' While the supporters of this bill have argued that it will improve bilingual education for our Nation's children, all the evidence points in a different direction. In fact, this bill will make a number of changes to bilingual education that will harm children who need assistance the most. Language in the bill will require that all children have only two years of bilingual education regardless of their ability to master English. The bill will also violate the Civil Rights Act by voiding the current voluntary compliance agreements between schools, parents and the Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights. Finally, this bill will block grant bilingual competitive grants to the States therefore eliminating the structure this program currently has. In Newark, NJ, a city I represent here in Congress, close to 40 percent of all students come from homes where English is not the primary language spoken. In the city of Elizabeth, portions of which I also represent, the immigrant population is thriving and the schools need a structured bilingual education program to keep students in school. I recognize that many bilingual programs need improvement. However, there are many effective bilingual programs in place across the country that really do improve the language skills of children who are not yet English proficient. A new program at the Benjamin Franklin School in my district was just awarded funds from the Department of Education. This program called ``Project Two-Way'' will engage both English proficient students and limited English proficient (LEP) students in classes that will be taught in Spanish and English enabling both types of students to be bilingual by the time they are in the fourth grade. The need is to not pare down these programs but instead take the ones that work and educate school districts on how to replicate them. However, like many other issues on the majority's education agenda, this bill is not a remedy to the real problems that children face. It is for that reason that I will vote against passage of this bill.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, to the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), I say thank you for that gracious commitment for all the time that I may consume. Unfortunately, I am not in the Senate, so therefore I will keep my comments brief. Although we are not supposed to address the other House, I apologize. Mr. Speaker, let me first of all say that I rise in strong support of the resolution, H. Con. Res. 292, to end the conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia. I would like to commend both the gentleman from New York (Chairman Gilman) and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton), ranking member on the Committee on International Relations, for bringing this resolution swiftly to the floor. Let me take a moment to express my real admiration and appreciation to the gentleman from California (Mr. Campbell), who became active on the Subcommittee on Africa at the beginning of the last term and who has added so much to the committee from the other side of the aisle. Mr. Speaker, I think that there has not been a time in the history of the committee that a new member has taken the initiative and has really made such a difference, and I really express my appreciation to the gentleman from the leadership position who has enabled many of these projects to move forward. I really feel that the committee is very, very privileged to have him as a member. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Royce) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) for their input on this resolution. Mr. Speaker, it is very timely. As we have heard from my colleagues, although a cessation of hostilities is presently the mood on the ground, the situation is still at best tenuous. I am very concerned about the situation for the entire East Africa region. Eritrea became an independent State in 1993 following an internationally monitored referendum, which incidentally was supposed to take place in 1962, but because of political maneuvers, the vote was never taken. But we were glad that the international monitors in 1993 allowed the Eritreans to vote and overwhelmingly they voted for independence from Ethiopia. Since that time, though, the President has been forced to deal with the Eritrean Islamic Jihad, the EIJ, a small Sudan-based insurgent group that has mounted terrorist attacks in northern and west Eritrea. Increased EIJ activities, coupled with the buildup of Sudanese forces on the western border, has led the government to increase security and deploy the Army to the west. The Lords Resistance Army, LRA problem in northern Uganda; the 2.6 million people in southern Sudan who are in imminent danger of starvation, many who have been suffering from slavery that is still practiced in that country of Sudan; the bombing and the terrorist threats in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, has shown that very much is at stake and allies have to stay together at this time. With that said, I think it is imperative that we resolve the situation in Ethiopia and Eritrea. I am anxious to see a resolve to the present impasse. I believe that the facts surrounding May 6 are at best sketchy and we still do not know exactly what happened. But as the gentleman from California (Mr. Campbell) said, we are not here to say who is at fault, who is to blame. That is behind us. We need to move forward. Mr. Speaker, I know that respect for one's sovereignty and maintaining territorial integrity are very serious foreign objectives; however, this is not a simple border dispute and it represents a bigger issue for more serious underlying problems, I believe. In a world where border disputes are not that common but rarely result in full escalation of hostilities resulting in war, I could not understand why a full escalation of war occurred, especially between these two friends and neighbors, persons who fought together. I cannot condone the killing of innocent men, women, and children, whether it is in Asmara Addis, Mekele or Badme. I am friends, as is the gentleman from California (Mr. Campbell), with both Prime Minister Meles and President Isaias, who we have spoken to, as well as their ambassadors here in this country on numerous occasions. And we have both urged them to halt all air strikes, pull back their ground forces, and create a lasting solution for peace and stability in the region. I cannot condone the minor Ethiopian migration in other parts of the border, nor can I condone the takeover of Badme by the Eritreans and the supposedly binding nature of the Italian colonial boundaries. Let me say that I am becoming increasingly concerned about the expulsion of both countries. A simultaneous full demarcation in the Yigra triangle in northwestern Ethiopia is in order. I am pleased by the swift, quick, and decisive action in the region taken by the Assistant Secretary of State, Dr. Susan Rice, who during, her short tenure as assistant secretary, has made tremendous inroads in Africa. I would like to conclude by saying that both countries fought against the Ethiopian Marxist regime of Mengistu dictatorship and have common interests of containing regional actors. All of this ended in 1991, and since that time an exemplary relationship of friendship and cooperation had been forged between their peoples and governments of these two countries. It would be a shame if this stalemate continued. The Eritreans and the Ethiopians are brothers and sisters, and it is sad and most embarrassing for this to have happened. Lives have been lost and damage has been done, but we must move forward. The U.S. should continue to work on and actively promote a political settlement. Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to have within my Congressional District one of the most important national historical sites in the Nation, the complex of laboratories in West Orange, New Jersey, where Thomas Edison produced the inventions that changed the world: the light bulb, the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the alkaline battery, among others. In fact, he obtained over 1,000 patents in his lifetime. The prolific American genius left behind 400,000 artifacts and more than 5 million pages of notes, drawings, letters, and memos. Let me note that another prominent African-American inventor, Lewis Latimer, contributed to the development of electric lighting and was a member of the Edison Pioneers who supported Thomas Edison's work. Also, in a photo, a rare photo, there is a picture of about 30 visitors to the Edison grounds, one of them being Frederick Douglass, an outstanding African-American in the history of this country. So the Edison movement had many people involved. Unfortunately, about 5 years ago, the magnificent Thomas Edison National Historic Site was added to the list of ``America's Most Endangered Historic Places.'' A lack of funding had led to serious deterioration in the physical condition of the site, threatening the priceless treasures of history that are stored at the very place where Thomas Edison worked on his monumental inventions. I am grateful that the following year my colleagues in Congress approved my request for over $1 million to help repair and preserve the Edison labs in West Orange. But estimates to complete the rest of the work are up to as much as $60 million. Earlier this summer, the First Lady, Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton, visited the site and announced a contribution by GE Corporation to help with the restoration. But it is essential that we find other avenues for raising funds to save this remarkable piece of history. The bill we are considering today will authorize the minting of 500,000 $1 commemorative coins to mark the 125th anniversary of the invention of the light bulb. The proceeds from the coin sales will be distributed equally to the eight sites around the country involved in the preservation of Thomas Edison's legacy. Let me commend my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Gillmor), for his tireless work on this legislation. It has been a pleasure working with him, as well as with the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior), on this project which is so important to all of us who have Edison sites in our districts and who have the responsibility of preserving these sites for future generations. I urge my colleagues to approve this legislation so that we may preserve the legacy of a man who forever changed our Nation and the world.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Thank you very much, and I certainly commend the gentleman for continuing to keep this very serious issue before the American public and before people throughout the world who are looking for peaceful resolutions to situations. We should not allow aggression to be the manner in which nations operate. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in trying to bring a peaceful resolution to one of the most challenging foreign policy issues: Cyprus. Let me just say briefly before I came to Congress as a National President of the YMCA and Chairman of the World Refugee Committee in Geneva, I recall the day when the invasion occurred in Cyprus back in 1974. In the capacity that I had as Chairman of the Refugee Committee, we immediately sent people to Cyprus to work in refugee camps. We sent several experts, Mr. Thompson from Scotland. We had an Australian who operated the U.N. program, Mr. Kohaut, and they also ran across the green line to meet with the Turkish authorities, the Minister of Social Services there, but they were rejected and told that their services would not be interested. The YMCA was interested in the people, people who were disrupted. And so refugee camps were set up, people were taught various crafts and set up ways and means to attempt to become self-sufficient. As I have indicated, we have always been concerned about the humanitarian issue and that we need to talk about a real solution to this problem. I might have mentioned earlier too that a New Jersey friend of mine and I visited the island and went up past the green line and visited his old neighborhood, Mr. Andy Comadomas, and we went to his former house which was at that time deserted. They said that the Turkish person living there was out of the country and went to the home a block away of his cousin. And we there were able to go into the house, and we had a very strong discussion about how can people come in and occupy other people's territory? And a heated discussion went on. But I could see the pain and the anguish of this man who had not been in that property at that time in over 20 years to see his neighborhood, his street, his block being occupied by other people who were settlers who came into that area. And so just as I conclude, last week Turkey was ordered by the European court of human rights in Strasbourg to pay $640,000 to a Greek Cypriot for the loss of property and mental stress. The court ruled in December 1996 that Turkey violated the convention on human rights of a person, Titina Loizidou, who had been denied access to her property in Kyrenia since 1974 but postponed a ruling on compensation for the victim. In its ruling last week, the court awarded 300,000 Cypriot pounds, about $600,000, for material damage, with an additional 20,000 pounds for compensation for anguish and feelings of powerlessness and frustration which she suffered as a result of not being able to use her property. The court also awarded the costs and expenses to her, without specifying the amount, but rejected a similar cost claim made by the Cypriot government. So as we are looking at this, as we see Special Envoy Richard Holbrook describe the situation as being on the brink of war, with the lack of progress and talks between President Clerides and Mr. Denktash. We must have a solution. The recent geo-strategic maneuvers by Israel with Turkey also have caused some uneasiness. So we have neighbors, we have friends, we have allies in the region. We must have a firm solution to this problem. We must bring people together, because aggression should not be allowed, after 24 years, to still remain. Territory taken by war should be returned, and there must be a solution. Cypriots will be able to come up with a solution if it is left to Cypriots, and the outside forces from Turkey, with the settlers who were not Cypriots who have come in, have created the problem. So, once again let me say I applaud the gentleman for his continued effort, his persistence. I know there must be a solution at hand, but only a right and just solution to this problem.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. That is right.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise for the constituents of the 10th Congressional District of New Jersey in support of two great men who gave their lives on Friday to protect our Nation's Capitol and its visitors. I send my greatest condolences out to the families of Officer Jacob J. Chestnut and Special Agent John M. Gibson for their bravery and quick action last Friday. It is the Capitol Hill Police Force that makes it possible for us to do our jobs every day. They also make it possible for all visitors to the Capitol to be able to experience the legislative process, the proceedings which taken here. I would like to commend and honor those two great men today for their years of service and bravery while protecting everyone who comes to this Nation's Capitol. This tragedy has touched all of our lives, because it reminds us that no one is protected from violence and guns and people in need of mental care, even in the halls of Congress. I have had the pleasure of getting to know many who serve on the Capitol Police Force, and I commend them, as always, for their sharp responses to situations, in addition to their friendly disposition. It has been an honor to have such men as Officer Chestnut and Special Agent Gibson, who protected us while we were in these hallowed halls. I will forever be indebted to them for their commitment and protection, and for the safety of the public. They are true heroes, and their bravery is testimony to the best of what our country has to offer. The Capitol Police officers who selflessly gave their lives are not the only ones who need to be remembered. There was also an innocent bystander who was injured by stray bullets as she escorted her family around the Capitol, Angela Dickerson. I want to send my deepest condolences to her and husband Steve, and their entire family. Angela was the innocent victim of that random act of violence. I wish her the best of luck in her recovery. We are rooting for her quick and painless recovery, and Angela, we hope that you will come back again to join us in the Capitol, despite your unfortunate experience. This is the people's House, and it must remain just that, open to the people of this Nation. Angela's experience remains us that no one is protected from random acts of violence. One of my interns, Teresa, was directly above the shooting after delivering a resolution to the floor, and she was lucky not to be directly at the scene. This has been a sad and emotional experience for all of us, whether we knew the victims or not. Let me just say that prior to my time in Congress, I served as an elected official in municipal and county offices. On the local level, law enforcement, outside of education, is the largest expenditure of local budgets. Because of this, a lot of time is spent with law enforcement people, and we become more cognizant of their sacrifices, the long hours of the police officers, their time away from their families, the day-to-day danger, and their overall dedication of public service. Let me conclude by saying that an old Negro spiritual said, Let the work that I have done speak for me. There was the age-old saying that, if you can help somebody along the way, then your living shall not be in vain. Officer Chestnut and Agent Gibson's work that they have done speaks for them, and certainly their living has not been in vain. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Ms. Danner). Honoring the Memory of John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Patients' Bill of Rights, the Dingell-Ganske substitute. I do so because the substitute lives up to its name. Improving health care quality is what this debate is supposed to be about and that is what the Patients' Bill of Rights does. This measure enjoys broad bipartisan support from the AFL-CIO to the American Medical Association. Unlike H.R. 4250, the Patients' Bill of Rights allows states to continue on their current course of expanding health care coverage to the uninsured and improving health care quality. The bill ensures that treatment discussions stay between the doctor and their patient. It also requires that health plans have an adequate number and variety of health providers. This provision is especially important to me because African Americans and other minorities are consistently discriminated against in the treatment and provisions of care. The Patients' Bill of Rights has critical safeguards to protect patients and providers from discrimination. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to protect the public health and support the Patients' Bill of Rights. Vote yes on the Dingell-Ganske substitute.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I am also very pleased to rise in this tribute to my good and long time friend and colleague, Congressman Lou Stokes, who has really been an inspiration to me personally and such a hero to many people throughout this country, including myself. At a time when public cynicism about elected officials runs rampant, Congressman Stokes has been the embodiment of all that is good and positive about public service. During a political year marked by bitterness and animosity, Lou Stokes has remained a model of decorum, diligence, dignity and passionate commitment to the task of improving the quality of life for millions of Americans. He has been there to fight the good fight on behalf of better housing, access to quality health care, a cleaner environment, the protection of benefits for veterans and for senior citizens, those who are the most vulnerable among us. Even before my election to Congress, I had the pleasure of getting to know Congressman Stokes and his late brother, Carl, who served as Mayor of Cleveland and later Ambassador to the Seychelles. As you know, it was Congressman Stokes who managed that election in the late sixties, and it was his skill and Carl's ability that made that election successful, the first major city in the eastern part of the United States to elect an African American mayor, at a time when there was a tremendous amount of civil unrest. In my City of Newark, in 1967, there was a rebellion and 28 people were killed. So it was a time of great tenseness. But it took a combination of a Lou Stokes managing and a Carl Stokes, descendants of slaves, out opposing a descendant of a former president, if my facts are correct. So Mr. Stokes has done so much. My brother Bill, who is now a New Jersey assemblyman, and I were fortunate to form a friendship and working relationship with Lou and Carl, and we certainly were deeply saddened by Carl's passing in 1996. Congressman Stokes has been a true friend, going the extra mile, and never asking for anything in return. When I decided to run for the prestigious and awesome position of Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1993 to serve in the 104th Congress, I went to Congressman Stokes and said I was interested and sought his approval. He simply gave me advice and encouraged me to move forward. He said, ``It is going to be a tough election, but, more importantly, if you are successful, it is going to be a tough position, and if you are not ready for it, don't seek it.'' I assured him I was ready, and, once I was elected, I always looked to Mr. Stokes for guidance. Recently on an occasion I had the privilege just several months ago for Mr. Stokes to visit my district. He was kind enough to accept an invitation to be a guest speaker at an event in my honor. Mr. Stokes is very punctual, and he got to my city about an hour early. I had to rush and speed up to meet him at the airport. We decided, since we were early, we had a few moments, and stopped by a local eatery in my district called Mrs. Dee's. Well, I go there often, but I never get the excitement that I got when Congressman Stokes came in. Even people in my district who did not know who I was ran up, and I said gee, I guess I am moving up in my recognition factor. And they all rushed right by me to grab Congressman Stokes and said, ``We are so happy to see you.'' I looked around, and the place went by me to just shake the hand of Congressman Stokes. That is the type of person he is. We were so honored, because he is a man of humble beginnings. Recently many of you may know he received an award for being one of the most prestigious ``graduates,'' I guess we could say, from public housing, and that was a great honor, to be recognized in this country as a person who really looked out for the little guy, for those struggling on a daily basis to hold their lives together, to provide for their children. When I walk through my district, I see visible reminders of what Lou Stokes has produced during his years in Congress. As a senior member of the House Committee on Appropriations, Congressman Stokes' door was always open. When I sought his assistance for initiatives of importance to my constituents, because of his efforts, we have been able to make improvements in housing, to restore a public park known as Weequahic Park, to help abandoned infants and children stricken with HIV, to train students for health and science-related work at a site called Science Park, to take a rundown and economically distressed area and turn it into a revitalized waterfront, and now we have a world class performing arts center. Congressman Stokes has been a tireless crusader for what is right and just. He has made an enormous contribution to the field of health care, notably minority health issues, which have been shortchanged for so many years. Mr. Speaker, we will surely miss our friend Lou Stokes and Jay, his wonderful wife, but we know that he will continue to use his talents and to voice his concerns long after he leaves this institution. We wish him well as he enters the next phase of his life, and we thank him for all he has done for this institution and for his country. When this Congressional Record is printed tonight, when I receive my copy tomorrow, I am going to have copies sent to my local libraries, and we are going to have copies made to distribute to students in my district who feel shut out, who feel that they cannot make it. I am going to ask teachers to use this Congressional Record as a teaching tool, so that they can understand how many great African American persons are still amongst us.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, on July 10, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas celebrated the 25th anniversary of independence. On Saturday, July 18, an Independence Luncheon will be held under the direction of Consul General Dr. Doswell C. Coakley. The Honorable Minister of Tourism, Cornelius A. Smith will serve as the guest speaker. As a long-time world traveler who respects cultures and globalism, I would like to add my congratulations and best wishes on such an auspicious occasion. As one of the premier independent nations of the world, we, recently celebrating our independence, can certainly relate. The 275,000 people who live on the 700 islands of The Bahamas are predominantly of West African descent. Their ancestors were slaves brought to the islands to work cotton plantations until 1834, when Britain abolished slavery in all of its territories. Most white residents are descendants of the first English settlers who emigrated from Bermuda in 1647 to gain religious freedom. Some are also related to the Loyalists who fled the southern United States during the American Revolution. After the abolition of slavery, life in the islands changed drastically. The plantations were dissolved, and both blacks and whites turned to the sea or tried to farm. Bahamians have a rich cultural legacy. Religion is an integral part of Bahamian life. Even the tiniest village has a church, sometimes two. The citizen's religious zeal and high regard for education are evident. Music is also very important. Here you can hear the elements of African rhythms, Caribbean Calypso, English folk songs and the Bahamian Goombay beat. Its government is a bicameral parliamentary government composed of a Senate and a House of Assembly, a Prime Minister, an Attorney General, and an independent Judiciary, including a Supreme Court and a Court of Appeals. I'm sure we all recall seeing pictures of Bahamian policemen who pride themselves on their starched uniforms. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to give a bird's eye view of the people and culture of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. As the world becomes smaller in terms of travel, I hope many of our citizens will visit our good neighbors to the South.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, this weekend will witness a tribute to Rev. Wilbert Spivey. Rev. Spivey is being honored for his many years of service to his church community as well as the community at large. Rev. Spivey is a life-long resident of Montclair, New Jersey. I am honored to serve a portion of Montclair as its Representative in this esteemed body. Rev. Spivey has a wonderful zeal for life and all it entails in making life more comfortable--physically and spiritually. Rev. Spivey has served the St. Paul Baptist Church for more than 40 years in various capacities including Youth Ministry Director, Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Music Ministry (Male Chorus and Gospel Chorus), Wednesday Evening Bible School Instructor and Noontime Bible study teacher. Currently, Rev. Spivey is the Minister to Senior Adults. Although quite active in the church, Rev. Spivey has taken his commitment to the Montclair community just as seriously. He has served as a past President of the Glenfield PTA. In 1995, he retired from his position as an x-ray technician with the East Orange Veterans Hospital. Mr. Speaker, the Bible speaks of there being a season for everything. Rev. Spivey has spent his life living to his full potential and working to make sure that others have the same opportunity. I am sure my colleagues will join me as I extend my best wishes to him and his family--his wife, the former Sylvia McCormick; their three children, Michael, Deborah and Lori; and their two grandchildren, Joya and Tommy; and, of course, his church family at St. Paul Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. V. DuWayne Battle.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute here in the U.S. House of Representatives to a very special person who will be honored this week in my home district in New Jersey, Sister Elvera (Vera) Bergen. Sister Bergen has served as the organist for Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Rahway for over 37 years, performing a true ``labor of love'' as she has shared her wonderful oratory and musical talents to enrich the spiritual lives of countless members of the community. A member of the First Baptist Church of Cranford, New Jersey and an affiliated member of Ebenezer A.M.E., she is widely admired and appreciated for her devotion to the church and its members. It is fitting that we recognize the accomplishments of this caring and generous woman who has meant so much to us in New Jersey. I am sure that my colleagues here in Congress join me in congratulating Sister Bergen as she is honored on June 27th, and in wishing her many more productive and fulfilling years.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, as I had indicated, there are a number of moves that have been done in this Congress. I started to talk about the fact that there is a Section A(2)(a) in the National Labor Relations Act which gives the board equal footing. It is pro-labor, it is pro-corporate. But there is an attempt now to weaken the labor part of the National Labor Relations Act. We have seen the TEAM Act, which is a bill that would allow the employer, the boss, to select a negotiating team. I think that we know that if you have the ability to pick the people who will negotiate with you, you will indeed select the weaker person. There is an attempt in the District, in an appropriations bill, there was an attempt to eliminate Davis-Bacon on school construction in the District of Columbia. Davis-Bacon was a bill passed by two Republicans who wanted to keep the prevailing wage for working people when scalawags and carpetbaggers came in to drop the wages from the South into the North. Here we see an attempt to repeal the Davis-Bacon Act. We have seen an attempt to end salting. Salting is simply a union worker who works in a nonunion shop, holds a card and on his time off, after work, on lunch hour, he may talk to other employees about perhaps becoming a member of a union. There is a bill working its way through the House to make it illegal for a person who is a salter to work. We have seen the comp time. I worked on the clock. I drove a truck. I was a warehouseman, I was a lumber worker, I was a longshoreman, I was a waiter. Overtime was what was important as I worked my way through college and worked to keep my family's income high enough to support my family. The comp time bill will eliminate overtime. You will then get time off when the employer finds that there is time that things are slow. That is not fair. People need overtime. Low wage workers look forward to overtime. That is the only way they are able to make ends meet. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to say that we must continue to push. June 24 is a time that we should all come together. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the minority whip to allow him to wrap up this outstanding job that he has done. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to applaud working Americans who on Wednesday, June 24th will make their support for the right to organize a union heard nationwide. They will share with us their desire to improve their working conditions and how unions have helped them achieve their goals for a better workplace. They will emphasize the fact that organizing unions is a basic legal right of all Americans. I believe that it is also a basic need for working Americans. Workers need to have the ability to join together and promote policies which advance their best interests. If workers are unable to express their views in an organized way, their voices will be silenced. Many companies and industry leaders support unions. However, still others work to keep unions out of their shops and factories in an effort to silence the voices of their employees. For example, it has been documented that 77 percent of employers distribute anti-union literature and 50 percent of employers in one study threatened to fire all workers if they joined a union. Such anti-union efforts harm the working American in many ways. First, on average non- union workers earn 33 percent less than their union counterparts. Second, these activities hamper the ability of working Americans to express their views on their work experience to their employer. And most importantly, anti-union efforts block working Americans from being involved with industry decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their families. The Republican-led Congress has done their part to suppress the voices raised in support of working Americans. They have attempted to pass legislation which would have eliminated the ability of working families to participate in political activity cloaked under the guise of campaign finance reform. They have attacked the National Labor Relations Board, the body responsible for enforcing the National Labor Relations Act. And because those efforts have been unsuccessful, they have sought to overturn the National Labor Relations Act itself. We have seen the TEAM Act which allows the employer to select the negotiating team for the employees which would give the employer, the boss, unfair advantage in the negotiations. In an attempt to repeal Davis-Bacon, the prevailing wage law here in the District of Columbia for school construction there is a move to pass a law which will eliminate salting, a person who is a union member working at a non-union shop who on his or her own time tries to encourage people to consider becoming a member of a union. The Republican Party is opposing the proposed increase in the minimum wage. The Comp Time Bill which eliminates overtime because workers will be required to work overtime at straight time and will be given comp time at a later time. The stakes are high. With all the anti-union sentiment among employers and the support that they have here among the Republican leadership in Congress, workers now more than ever before, must be empowered to advocate for and effect change in their working conditions. There is no doubt that without unions, we will silence the average hard-working American. Such silence will only widen the income gap and increase the number of dissatisfied workers. That is why June 24th is important. On that day we must celebrate those who have come together and worked for better representation and respect through union involvement. We also must make more Americans aware of their right to organize and help them not to be discouraged by their employers in their effort to organize. In closing, I urge my colleagues here in Congress to support American workers everywhere by recognizing and celebrating the importance of union organization on Wednesday, June 24th.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, let me congratulate the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior) for the outstanding work that he continues to do and my colleagues who have taken time tonight to talk about this very important issue. I applaud working Americans, because on Wednesday, June 24, we will support workers' rights to organize a union. We know that this voice will be heard nationwide. They will share with us their desire to improve the working conditions and how unions help them achieve their goals for a better workplace. Unions are good for America. They emphasize the fact that organizing unions is the basic American way. I believe that it is also important that we come together to promote policies which will help working people. It has been documented that 77 percent of employers distribute anti- union literature, and that 50 percent of employers in one study threatened to fire all workers if they joined a union. Such anti-union efforts harm working Americans. First, on average, nonunion workers earn 33 percent less than their union counterparts. Second, these activities hamper the ability of working Americans to express their views on their work experience to their employer. Mr. Speaker, we have seen this Congress try to suppress the voices of workers. They have attempted to pass legislation which would eliminate the ability of working families to participate in political activity cloaked under the guise of campaign reform. They have attacked the National Labor Relations Board, the body responsible for enforcing the National Labor Relations Act. Because those efforts have been unsuccessful, they have sought to overturn the National Labor Relations Act itself.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. Let me add my voice to those expressing gratitude to Chairman McDade and Ranking Member Fazio for their hard work. I would also like to personally thank my New Jersey colleague who serves on the Subcommittee, Rodney Frelinghuysen, for his responsiveness to my request for funding for a major economic development project in my home city of Newark. I was pleased to have the opportunity to testify before the Subcommittee earlier this year, as I have many times in the past, in behalf of the development of the Joseph Minish Waterfront park and Historic Area in downtown Newark. The $5 million included in this bill for the development of the waterfront will allow us to continue moving forward with the project, which has already received $10 million for construction. In recent years, the city of Newark, the nation's third oldest major city, has been greatly enhanced by a number of improvements and additions. We are especially proud of our new Performing Arts Center, a world class cultural center which has already attracted visitors from around the world. The development of the waterfront will complement the Performing Arts Center and provide a great attraction for both visitors and local residents. Specifically, the funding will allow us to proceed with the restoration of 3000 feet of riverbank and wetlands as well as the construction of one thousand feet of bulkhead along the river. Mr. Chairman, this funding represents a solid investment in the future of a great city. Again, in behalf of my constituents, I thank the Subcommittee for its support of this key economic development initiative.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, as youngsters we're taught about pride and humility and how we must use them if we are to serve well and succeed in life. Today, proud and humble, I would like to join others as they honor and recognize my brother, William, for his work as a New Jersey State Assemblyman representing the 29th Legislative District. Tomorrow at an event at the prestigious law firm of Gibbons, DelDeo, Dolan, Griffinger & Vecchione in Newark, New Jersey, family, friends, colleagues and supporters will gather to thank and further encourage Assemblyman Payne on the leadership he has continuously exhibited to benefit the lives of those less fortunate among us. Assemblyman Payne is serving his first term where he is a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee. My brother, Bill, is no stranger to the political process. He was the first African American elected as District Leader in Newark's North Ward in 1955. He unsuccessfully sought municipal elected office in 1962 when he lost by 399 votes a run-off election for Councilman-at-Large. He ran a spirited race for South Ward Councilman in 1966 which was also unsuccessful. Over the years he has assisted numerous citizens in their quest for elected office. He was among the first to encourage Kenneth A. Gibson, Newark's first African American Mayor, to actively seek political office. And, of course, I am another of his proteges. Since taking the oath of office this year in January, Assemblyman Payne has energized the New Jersey Legislative Black and Latino Caucus. I would like to bring my colleagues attention to two pieces of legislation Assemblyman Payne has introduced--a bill establishing a 21- member Amistad Commission to develop education and public awareness programs about the history of slavery in America and the post-slavery triumphs of African Americans. He has also introduced a bill that would require all the New Jersey's school districts to have a program that links troubled children with volunteers who promise to spend at least one hour a week with them for at least one year. Prior to his election, Assemblyman Payne has actively recruited hundreds of mentors to work with some of our troubled youth. These mentors occupations ranged from doctors and lawyers to retirees and laborers--people who knew the importance of being a caring adult in the lives of sometimes confused and troubled youngsters. Assemblyman Payne was himself a mentor to a young man who was destined to get into trouble. Today, Rahjan Williams, the mentee, is looking forward to attending college to become an accountant. Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues will join me as I extend congratulations and best wishes to my only brother of whom I am extremely proud. And I wish to thank those who are honoring him, especially his son-in-law Wilfredo Benitez, an up and coming young attorney with the host law firm

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, today I would like my colleagues here in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring a dedicated public servant, and a very special person, Dr. Evelyn G. Lewis, who is retiring after 35 years in Education with her most recent tenure as principal of University High School in Newark. We in Essex County have been very fortunate to have a person of Dr. Lewis's talent and outstanding abilities, working on behalf of our children. In addition to her many achievements at University High School, Dr. Lewis also distinguished herself as a hardworking individual. She has served as Originator and Coordinator of the ``Newark Business Skills Olympics''. Organizer and Chairperson of Newark's Business Advisory Committee and Chair of the Curriculum Committees and the Textbook Review Committee. On Friday, June 12, 1998 family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Lewis will gather to honor her for her many contributions to the youth of Essex County. Mr. Speaker, let us join in congratulating Dr. Lewis and wishing her all the best as she leaves public service and pursues new challenges.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Nelson Mandela Congressional Gold Medal Award sponsored by my colleague, Amo Houghton--the gentleman from New York. I know of no person that deserves to receive this award than President Nelson Mandela. I have had the opportunity of meeting with President Mandela on several occasions. The most moving experience, no matter how many times I go there, is visiting the notorious Robben Island where Mandela spent 27 of his years in solitary confinement in the maximum security prison. He had to pick rocks with a small hammer every single day. It takes a very strong man to endure this type of treatment and come out of prison and forgive, become the President and lead his country out of apartheid era to one of rebirth. And I will be visiting South Africa next month to discuss with him a telecommunications project and satellite systems to go to townships in rural area facilitated by the Discovery Channel. I can truly say that he is thoughtful, yet punctual and disciplined man. The years in jail reinforced habits that were already entrenched. With a standard working day of at least 12 hours, time management is critical. Let me say that I am very disturbed by the recent finding by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Rensburg, a researcher at the Roodeplaat Research Labatories (RRL), which produced chemical and biological weapons for the apartheid security forces, said his boss Andre Immelman told him of a plan to poison Mandela. The secret document contained statements saying and I quote, ``Mandela must be in a relatively weak physical condition so that he can not operate as a leader for long.'' This lethal poison thallium was to be placed in the form of chocolates and other foods. If he had taken this--if he did not die--he would have had severe brain damage. I can not imagine any man having to endure this horrific treatment. President Mandela says his greatest pleasure, in his most private moment, is watching the sun set with the music of Handel, Tchaikovsky or African chorus playing. Locked up in his cell during daylight hours, deprived of music, both these simple pleasures were denied him for decades. In a life that symbolizes the triumph of the human spirit over man's inhumanity against man, let us make this simple gesture to the President of the Nation.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, today I would like my colleagues here in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring a dedicated public servant and a very special person, Ms. Quilla Talmadge, who is retiring from the Essex County Department of Parks and Recreation after 28 years. We in Essex County have been very fortunate to have a person of Ms. Talmadge's talent and outstanding abilities working in our behalf. In addition to her many achievements at the Department of Parks and Recreation, Ms. Talmadge also distinguished herself as a hardworking elected official. She has served on the County Committee, as a New Jersey Assemblywoman, and as an East Orange Councilwoman. On Friday, June 12, friends, family and colleagues of Ms. Talmadge will gather to honor her for her many contributions to Essex County. Mr. Speaker, let us join in congratulating Ms. Talmadge and wishing her all the best as she leaves public service and pursues new challenges.