Deborah Pryce

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh), the chairman of the subcommittee.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, this is an open rule, so any Member that wants to offer any amendment that complies with the rules of this House may do so under this process. The VA/HUD bill which this rule makes in order provides an increase, an increase of $8.2 billion over last year and adds funding to a number of important programs, including veterans medical care, veterans compensation and pensions, section 8 housing, safe drinking water, clean water, state air grants, EPA research, pollution control grants, the National Science Foundation and NASA. Those of us who do not care for the tobacco provisions can vote to strike them. That is the beauty of this wide open rule. That is the fairness of this wide open rule. At the same time the bill funds these priorities, it lives within the parameters of the budget resolution. This balance of fiscal and social responsibility deserves our support. I urge a yes vote on the rule and the bill.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, by the direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 525 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the very distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frelinghuysen).

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh), the subcommittee chairman.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers). (Mr. Ehlers asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh), the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Moakley), the very distinguished ranking member of the Committee on Rules; pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. All time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. Madam Speaker, House Resolution 525 is an open rule that provides for the consideration of the fiscal year 2001 appropriations bill for the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development and independent agencies. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate to be equally divided between the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Appropriations. Under this open rule, the bill will be considered for amendment by paragraph, and Members will offer their amendments under the 5-minute rule. Priority recognition will be afforded to those Members who have preprinted their amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI regarding unauthorized or legislative provisions of the bill, except as specified in the rule. The rule also waives points of order against amendments for failure to comply with clause 2(e) of rule XXI since there is an emergency designation in the bill. In an effort to provide for orderly and expedited consideration of the bill, the rule allows the chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes and reduce voting time to 5 minutes as long as the first vote in a series is 15 minutes. Finally, the minority will have an additional opportunity to change the bill through the customary motion to recommit, with or without instructions. Madam Speaker, the fiscal year 2001 VA-HUD appropriations bill provides another example of a carefully crafted bill that strikes a balance between fiscal discipline and social responsibility. I want to commend the gentleman from New York (Chairman Walsh) and his subcommittee for setting priorities and making very tough decisions required to produce a thoughtful bill that meets our greatest needs. It was hard work, and it was done well. The VA-HUD appropriations bill funds a variety of programs from veterans' benefits and housing for the poor to the space program and environmental protection. Overall, this year's bill provides $4.9 billion more than last year in discretionary spending. Within the confines of a limited budget allocation, the subcommittee set priorities and decided to provide a significant portion of this year's increase to veterans medical care. An extra $1.3 billion is provided to veterans health care which will help the Federal Government repay the debt we owe to those Americans who were willing to trade their lives to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. It may be impossible to compensate these individuals for their contributions and their sacrifices, but this bill makes a good-faith effort. Under this legislation, more than $20 billion will be available to provide medical care and treatment for veterans through VA medical centers, nursing homes, outpatient facilities, and other institutions that make up the largest Federal health care delivery system. This bill does not just throw more money at the VA health system. It recognizes its shortcomings and makes recommendations for improvements. For example, the bill limits the amount of resources that may be used for maintenance and operations of buildings. A GAO report shows that one in four medical dollars is spent on upkeep of facilities which demonstrates poor planning that unnecessarily zaps resources from medical care. In addition, the bill addresses a concern about the alarming incidents of hepatitis C among veterans and directs the GAO to examine the VA's response to this awful epidemic. This legislation also directs the Department to review its drug formulary with a goal of ensuring veterans' access to necessary medications, medical supplies prescribed to them. In addition to taking care of our veterans, the Federal government has a responsibility to the poor and the vulnerable in our society, especially those Americans who cannot provide the most basic necessities to themselves and their families, such as housing. Low-income families will benefit through this bill's investment in the Housing Certificate Program which provides funding for Section 8 renewals and tenant protections. A $1.9 billion increase will allow for renewal of all expiring Section 8 contracts as well as provide relocation assistance at the level requested by the President. Other housing programs that help our Nation's elderly, homeless, persons with AIDS, and Native Americans will receive level funding. In addition to addressing today's societal needs, the Federal Government has a responsibility to look to the future and protect the interests of the next generation. The VA-HUD bill fulfills that responsibility by funding environmental protection through the EPA. Specifically, this legislation puts an emphasis on the States, particularly in the areas of clean water, safe drinking water, and clean air. The State Revolving Fund for safe drinking water will be increased by $5 million, the fund for clean water will be increased by $400 million above the President's request, and State air grants will receive an increase of $16 million over last year. Along with our commitment to environmental protection, an investment in science and technology will secure our Nation's future strength. The VA-HUD bill will provide an increase of $167 million for the National Science Foundation, bringing funding for this agency to $4.1 billion. This investment will help the agency continue its mission of developing a national policy on science and promoting basic research and education in the sciences. NASA will also see an increase of $112 million. That will bring total funding to more than $13.7 billion. Through this legislation, the United States will have the resources to maintain its preeminence in space and aeronautical research and accomplishment. Madam Speaker, despite these thoughtful investments in our Nation's priorities, we are likely to again hear our Democrat colleagues bemoan the lack of funding in this bill. But I would remind my colleagues and make clear to the American people that we are increasing funding over what we spent last year. In fact, total funding from this legislation is $8.2 billion above last year's level. Does every program get an increase? No. But it is irresponsible to suggest that level funding or small cuts in some programs will lead to devastation. The truth is that this legislation takes a responsible path of governance by maintaining fiscal discipline and adhering to budget limits. These constraints require us to take a hard look at Federal programs, reduce waste and fraud where we can, and set priorities. That is exactly the kind of oversight Congress needs to exercise if we are to be responsible stewards of the taxpayers' hard- earned money. We must reject the simplicity of arguments that say more spending is always better and, instead, look at spending bills in the context of where our Nation's needs lie and what priorities we can fulfill within our means. I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this open rule and support the fiscal and social responsibility the underlying legislation embodies. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, the progress that has been made in childhood cancer is a modern medical miracle. Unlike most miracles, I think this one can be explained. It is widely recognized that the progress in cancer survival rates among children is the result of successful clinical trials, where work from our Nation's laboratories is translated into clinical application. For children, the standard of care today is to be treated in a clinical trial, and more than 70 percent of children with cancer participate. That compares to only about 3 percent of adults and only 1.5 percent of Medicare patients. In addition, children are normally treated in centers of excellence by a pediatric oncology specialist and a team of multidisciplinary health care providers, and the rapid dissemination of better treatments through a consortium of major teaching hospitals where new therapies can be tested has benefited the children in these trials. In many ways, care for children with cancer is the model by which adult cancer can hopefully become better.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter), chairman of the subcommittee.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Toomey).

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo).

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Wicker), a member of the subcommittee. (Mr. WICKER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I reserve my time to close.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the very distinguished chairman of the Committee on Rules. (Mr. DREIER asked for and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Coburn).

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter), the distinguished chairman of the subcommittee.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, by the direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 518 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, for purposes of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to my friend, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter); pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 518 is an open rule to provide for consideration of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2001. Traditionally, this bill has proven quite controversial, and this year is no exception. However, this rule should not be controversial as it provides for an open and fair debate of the many issues at hand. Under the rule, there will be an hour of general debate divided between the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Appropriations. The amendments printed in part A of the Committee on Rules report will be considered as adopted, along with the rule. I want to make a few facts clear about these amendments before the rhetoric starts flying. Under the first amendment, the maximum Pell Grant, which will reach the highest level in history under this bill, will not be reduced. The second amendment provides a mechanism to ensure that the House complies with the fiscal restraints dictated in the budget resolution. Now, specifically, the amendment provides an incentive for the House to remain within the advanced appropriations cap set in the budget resolution. While the amendment does use the child care and development block grant to create this incentive, it also ensures that the child care block grant will not be reduced beyond a certain level, a level that provides for an increase above last year's spending. After general debate, the bill will be open for amendment under the 5-minute rule, except that the amendment printed in part B of the Committee on Rules report, to be offered by the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson), will be debatable for 10 minutes. Members who have preprinted their amendments in the Congressional Record will receive priority recognition. The rule also waives clause 2(e) of rule XXI to protect Members' ability to offer certain amendments. During consideration of the rule, the Chair will have the flexibility to postpone votes and reduce voting time as a way to expedite consideration of the bill and give due consideration to Members' schedules. Finally, the minority will have another opportunity to alter the bill through the customary motion to recommit with or without instructions. Mr. Speaker, before my good friends and colleagues on the other side of the aisle begin their expected protest of this legislation, I would like to point out some facts as well as the merits of this bill. We will hear my Democratic colleagues claim that there is not adequate funding in this measure, but the bill actually spends $4 billion more than last year. I think in most people's mind, $4 billion is nothing to sneeze at, and this funding will allow many worthwhile programs to see increased spending under this legislation. This bill balances fiscal responsibility and Government accountability with social responsibility. Making tough spending decisions and setting priorities is a part of responsible governing that respects the trust and hard-earned dollars of the taxpayer. This bill focuses on our priorities, including education. I am pleased that this legislation will provide almost $43 billion for education programs, which is an added investment of $2 billion over last year. This funding will assist students from preschool age through college. Head Start will receive a $400 million increase. Elementary and secondary education programs will receive $576 million more than last year. And the maximum Pell Grant for college students will be raised to $3,500, the highest level in history. In addition, the bill addresses the educational needs of the disabled. By injecting an extra $500 million in State special education grants, this bill keeps our commitment to children with disabilities. The Federal Government mandates that States provide a free public education to disabled children, but we have not kept up our end of the bargain in terms of sharing in the cost. This bill moves us one step closer to keeping our promise. By fulfilling this commitment, we will free up State and local resources, which can then be devoted to education priorities set by the State and local school districts who are closest to the children we are trying to help. This legislation further meets the needs of today's classrooms and students by preparing them for jobs in a high-tech economy through an increase in the Technology for Education program, bringing total funding to more than $900 million. Even more important than providing for an educated citizenry is ensuring their good health. That is why this legislation invests an additional $2.7 billion in discretionary health care spending. These added resources will be pumped into community health centers that have done such yeoman's work serving the poor and uninsured in our communities. The Ryan White AIDS Care Act programs will also see an increase over last year's level and above the President's request. Perhaps most importantly, this legislation gives hope to those who suffer from incurable or untreatable diseases by making a significant investment of almost $19 billion in biomedical research through the National Institutes of Health, with a commitment to do more in the future. I would like to commend the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Porter) for his dedication to the goal of doubling funding for the NIH over 5 years. The chairman understands the great promise that this research holds for saving lives and conquering diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's, and many others. I am also encouraged by the progress made in the last couple of years in the area of pediatric research through an appropriation for the graduate medical education provided in children's hospitals. While the $800 million this bill provides falls short of the full authorization, it does represent progress, since it doubles last year's funding. I hope to work with the chairman through the end of the process to find a way to fully fund children's GME at a level of $285 million and put freestanding children's hospitals on par with other teaching institutions. It is critical that we recognize the differences between adult and child medicine and provide this support to those whom we trust with caring for our most precious resources. Mr. Speaker, I think the dedication this bill demonstrates towards these priorities within the constraints dictated by fiscal responsibility is to be congratulated. The subcommittee did not face a simple task in crafting this bill, but I believe it is a responsible approach; and I am proud of their willingness to make tough decisions to keep our fiscal house in order while making wise investments in the areas of greatest need. Still, I am sure if each of my colleagues legislated alone, they would look at the many worthwhile programs in this bill and prioritize spending in 435 different ways. In recognition of the different views among us, this legislation is being considered under an open process which will allow every Member an opportunity to rework this legislation to their will. So there is really no reason that every single one of my colleagues should not support this rule. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to vote yes on the rule, as well as the subcommittee's balanced approach to this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself my remaining time. Mr. Speaker, let me remind my colleagues again that this is an open rule. The bill before us will be debated under an open process that will allow Members who disagree with the bill's priorities to change them. Also, despite my colleagues warnings of dire consequences, this bill actually increases spending to the tune of $4 billion over last year. The extra investment will allow for increases, not cuts, but increases in many priority programs including National Institutes for Health, Job Corps, Community Health Centers, Ryan White AIDS Care programs, the Centers for Disease Control, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health programs, Services Administration, Low Income Home Energy Assistance, Childcare and Development Block Grant, Head Start, the Technology for Education Program, Special Education, Impact Aid and Student Financial Assistance, and that is just to name a few. Mr. Speaker, at the same time, this bill is responsible, balancing the need to fund worthwhile programs while keeping our budget balanced. It is this kind of responsible governing, where priorities are set, waste is eliminated, and fiscal prudence is maintained that will keep our Nation's economy on track. I urge my colleagues to support this fair and open rule as well as the underlying legislation.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter), the chairman of the subcommittee, who crafted this very difficult legislation in a very fine manner.