Deborah Pryce

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Texas and my colleague on the Committee on Rules for yielding me this time. I rise in strong support of this balanced rule and for the underlying legislation. Mr. Speaker, we have before us a fair and evenhanded rule that will allow us to consider important legislation to reform our Nation's bankruptcy system. This bankruptcy reform legislation will remedy weaknesses in existing law that allow higher income taxpayers to escape their responsibilities even when they are able to repay a portion of what they owe. This bill will take steps to eliminate what we call the bankruptcy of convenience. At the same time, the legislation will protect those who are truly needy and in need of a second chance to maintain their ability and obtain a fresh start. Further, the legislation contains important protections for children and spouses who are owed child support and alimony. By equipping State child support collection agencies with the necessary tools and codifying the importance of child support and alimony obligations, this legislation will increase our commitment to children and families and will hold parents, husbands and wives to their responsibilities. Mr. Speaker, the American public has indicated their desire for bankruptcy reform and, in fact, the Congress just last year demonstrated its strong support in passing very similar bankruptcy legislation reform, with 313 bipartisan votes. Today, we build upon our past success and take an important step forward toward finally enacting these needed reforms into law. The administration has already stated its support for this overall package and recognizes the need to curb many of the abuses of the current bankruptcy protections. I urge my colleagues to support this fair and balanced rule as well as passage of this important legislation.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my good friend from Massachusetts and Committee on Rules colleague, Joe Moakley. Anyone familiar with the Committee on Rules' work knows that it often entails long hearings, very late nights, and early morning wake-up calls just to get our work done for the next day. But Joe Moakley makes our sacrifices much easier to bear with a twinkle in his eye and his quick wit. He keeps us on our toes, and he keeps us chuckling even when the joke is at his own expense. If more Members could do their party's bidding on both sides of the aisle with Joe's flare, there would be a lot less partisan rancor around here and many more smiles on the faces of our colleagues. Today, we not only honor Joe Moakley, but we also thank him for his invaluable contributions to this institution, to the lives of everyone he has touched, and all of us who have had the privilege of knowing him. I was not here when a young Joe Moakley came to Washington some 30 years ago, but I am very certain that this institution and his constituents and every Member he has come in contact with is better for his work here. So, Mr. Speaker, I am a Republican, and Joe Moakley is a dyed-in-the- wool Democrat, and most people would, therefore, put us at odds; but I am here to tell you, and to turn a phrase, with enemies like that, who needs friends?

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the invaluable contributions of our nation's Catholic schools. Last week was Catholic Schools Week, and January 31st was National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools. In honor of these events, my colleague, Mr. Schaffer from Colorado, has introduced a resolution to honor our nation's Catholic schools. The United States Department of Education has provided us with statistics that show Catholic schools take in children from many different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds and yield well educated, college-bound, young adults. Our nation's Catholic schools boast a 95 percent graduation rate and 83 percent of their students go on to college. Not only do these children come away from their schools with strong academic credentials, but they gain an appreciation for the importance of faith, family, and community that is critical to our society's well being. At a time when our nation is asking the question: ``How can we give our children the best education possible?'' The Catholic schools are providing some answers by demonstrating what works. For these achievements, I congratulate Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to education and for the key role they play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for our nation's students.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Republican Conference, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 6) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to report on an important event that took place on Capitol Hill last month. September was Childhood Cancer Month and during this time the Cancer Awareness Working Group held a hearing on the subject. On September 15, 2000, Mr. Hobson, Ms. Capps and I gathered to listen to medical experts, afflicted children, parents, survivors and advocates from all over the country, share with the working group their stories, their knowledge, and their ideas on how best to fight this terrible disease. It was truly a privilege to have so many wonderful individuals here in Washington to speak on this most important of subjects. An estimated 12,400 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer this year and 2,300 children will die from the disease. It is the number one cause of death by disease in children under 15, and for the children and families who experience the tragedy of affliction there can be no greater harm. Leukemia, chemotherapy, lymphoma, neuroblastoma--these are terms a small child should not have to pronounce. Yet the incidence of cancer among children has been rising steadily for the past 20 years and the resources devoted to research and treatment of pediatric cancers remain relatively small. For these reasons, the efforts provided by these individuals to increase the awareness of this devastating disease, are not only appreciated, but also truly needed. Mr. Speaker, with this in mind, I would like to present to you the names of the individuals who gathered for this special event to provide testimony on their experiences with all aspects of childhood cancer. Unfortunately, I am unable to include in these remarks the full text of each individual's testimony. Instead, I have provided summarizations and excerpts from them. I would encourage all Members to review the full transcript from this important hearing that is available on my website at www.house.gov/pryce. In addition, a text copy of the transcript can be found in the collection at the Library of Congress. Dr. Susan Weiner, Founder of the Children's Cause, Inc., Parent, Silver Spring, Maryland. Dr. Weiner spoke about her organization, the loss of her son to pediatric brain cancer, scientific advances in the field, the need for mandatory coverage of cancer trails, and the importance of childhood research for cancer drugs. Dr. Michael LaQuaglia, M.D., Physician, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Dr. LaQuaglia spoke about the long battle ahead in the fight against childhood cancer, the devastating course a family goes through from diagnosis through treatment, the need for increased funding for research and coverage for childhood catastrophic illness. G. Denman Hammond, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. Dr. Hammond spoke about the history of pediatric treatments, the formation of the support groups such as the National Childhood Cancer Foundation and Children's Oncology Group (C.O.G.), and the need for increased awareness. Nai-Kong Cheung, M.D., Ph.D., Physician and Researcher, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Dr. Cheung spoke about his first hand experience treating childhood cancer patients, the devastating effects the disease has on families and the process they go through, the cost barriers to treatments and the limited support available to help, the need for a bill of rights for individuals with serious illness, the need for increased funding for research and orphan drugs, and the need for more accurate data collection. Mark A. Mozer, M.D., Pediatrician and Parent, Blue Springs, Missouri. Dr. Mozer spoke about his personal experience with his son Jacob's neuroblastoma, the need for more targeted funding for childhood cancer research, and the adversarial relationship between insurance companies and victims of pediatric cancer. Robert Barton, Parent, Tehana, Texas. Mr. Barton spoke about his personal experience with his son Brady's osteosarcoma, and the need for increased funding for childhood cancer research. Joan Bondareff, Parent, Alexandria, Virginia. Ms. Bondareff spoke about her personal experience with her daughter Lori's neuroblastoma, the need for increased awareness and funding for pediatric cancer, and she urged congressional support for H. Con. Res. 115, H. Res. 576, H.R. 2621 and S. 1091. Beverly Circone, Founder and Director of Kids 'N Kamp, Columbus Ohio. Ms. Circone spoke eloquently about her experience running a summer camp for children with cancer and the need for private and public fundraising to support families. Janet Hall, Parent, Dayton, Ohio. Mrs. Hall spoke about her personal experience with her son's cancer and the need for increased research in this area. Mrs. Hall is the spouse of Congressman Tony Hall. Craig Lustig, Survivor, Washington, D.C. Mr. Lustig spoke of his personal experience as a pediatric brain tumor survivor, and the need to reduce barriers to clinical trials and for continued funding for research. Andrea Martini, Parent, Everett, Washington. Ms. Martini spoke about her personal experience with her daughter Alexandria's AML, the significant costs involved in treatment, and the need for mandatory coverage of cancer trials. Pat Tallungan, Parent and Administrator of an On-Line Support Group, Bloomingdale, Illinois. Ms. Tallungan spoke about her personal experience with her son Nick's neuroblastoma, her involvement with various childhood cancer foundations and organizations, and the need for expanded availability of cancer trials, better pain management, and increased funding for research. Beth Westbrook, Parent and Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer, Children's Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ms. Westbrook spoke about her personal experience with her Gina Peca, Parent, Balston Lake, New York. Ms. Peca spoke about her personal experience with her daughter Katie's neuroblastoma, the limited number of treatment options and facilities for afflicted children, and the need for mandatory coverage of cancer trials. Robyn Raphael, Parent and Founder of Keaton Raphael Memorial Fund, California. Ms. Raphael spoke about her personal experience with her son Keaton's neuroblastoma. Tom Dunbar, Parent, Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Dunbar spoke of his personal experience with his son's neuroblastoma, the need for increased federal funding for research, and the many difficulties surrounding clinical trials. He also addressed the shut down of a promising clinical trial at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital that he felt was caused by overzealous and irresponsible reporting on the part of the Washington Post. Duane Parker, Uncle, Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Parker spoke about his personal experience with his nephew Evan's neuroblastoma and the need for increased funding. Diane Moore, Parent and Founder of Houston's Hope Fund, Fairfax, Virginia. Ms. Moore presented a slide show containing pictures of children lost to pediatric cancer. Cathy O'Connell, Parent, East Hampton, Massachusetts. Ms. O'Connell spoke of her personal experience with her daughter Asley's neuroblastoma, the financial devastation that often faces families with sick children, and the need for increased funding for research. Judy Gelber, Parent, Miami Beach, Florida. Ms. Gelber spoke of her personal experience with her son Zach's lymphoma, her family's program for kids with cancer--Camp Fiesta, and the need for increased government oversight of the FDA and funding for research. Nina Petrarca, Parent, Registered Pediatric Nurse, and Founder of Nonprofit Organization Samantha's Way, Exeter, Rhode Island. Ms. Petrarca spoke about her personal experience with her daughter Samantha's cancer known as mixed scleroma, the need for increased access to information in order to make informed decisions about treatment, the need for support groups within treatment centers and increased federal funding for research, and her organization Samantha's Way. Meg Crossett, Parent, Centreville, Virgina. Ms. Crosett spoke of her personal experience with her daughter Rachel's neuroblastoma and the need for targeted funding for pediatric cancer research. Jacob Shoval, Parent, Germantown, Maryland. Mr. Shovel spoke about his personal experience with his son Benjamin's neuroblastoma, the need for increased funding for research, and the significant barriers to receiving even covered care from insurance companies. Nick Schiaffo, Parent, Richmond, Virginia. Mr. Schiaffo spoke of her personal experience with his son Danny's medulloblastoma and the need for more research in this area. Rosalie Baumann, Parent, Merrick, New York. Ms. Baumann spoke about her personal experience with her son Gregory's brain cancer and the need for increased research and awareness in this area. James F. Sexton, Parent and Founder of Neuroblastoma Children's Cancer Society, Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Mr. Sexton spoke of his personal experience with his son Michael's neuroblastoma, the need for increased funding in this area, his organization the Neuroblastoma Children's Cancer Society, and the devastating financial impact the disease has on families. Kelly Salvadore, Parent, Maryland. Ms. Salvadore spoke about her personal experience with her son Mark's neuroblastoma, the adversarial relationship between victims and insurance companies, and the need for increased funding for pediatric cancer research. Susan Roe, Parent, Henderson, Nevada. Ms. Roe spoke of her personal experience with her son Christopher's leukemia, the adversarial relationship between victims and insurance companies, and the need for a Patient's Bill of Rights. Charmaine Coulter, Parent, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ms. Coulter spoke about her personal experience with her daughter Alise's osteosarcoma and the need for increased awareness and funding in this area. Lise Yasui, Parent, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ms. Yasui spoke about her personal experience with her son Lucas's neuroblastoma and the need for increased funding and awareness in this area. Bobby McQuinn, Survivor. Mr. McQuinn spoke on his personal battle with leukemia and the foundation his family started to support victims of pediatric cancer. Paul Steinberg. Mr. Steinberg spoke on the need for increased funding for pediatric cancer and the role of the federal government. Rebecca Howard, Parent. Ms. Howard offered written testimony on her personal experience with her daughter Elizabeth's lyposacrcoma, the adversarial relationship between victims and insurance companies. Lisa Tignor, Parent. Ms. Tignor offered written testimony on her personal experience with leukemia, the disease that afflicted both her sons, Brian and Kevin. Her testimony also addressed the need for increased awareness, data collection, and funding for research as well as increased access to cancer trials.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise now to honor one of our colleagues who will be sorely missed next year in the United States House of Representatives, my good friend, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Tillie Fowler). Tillie and I were both elected to Congress in 1992. As Members of the Class of 1992, we quickly became close friends. I consider her one of my best friends and confidants here in the House. She was a true friend through some of the toughest times of my personal life and professional career. She was a tremendous source of strength for me, and I will never ever forget her for that. I have a great amount of admiration for Tillie Fowler. She has served the people of the Fourth District of Florida and our Nation with distinction, and I am so proud of her. I have been privileged to serve in the Republican leadership with her. After her 1998 election, she was elected Vice Chair of the Republican Conference, making her the highest ranking woman in all of Congress. I feel it so appropriate that Tillie holds this position because I know for me and for many of my colleagues that she has been a true leader among leaders. She is a tough negotiator, a strong voice, and she never wavered from her heartfelt convictions. As a senior Republican woman on the House Committee on Armed Services, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Fowler) has demonstrated her expertise on defense issues. She has gained a reputation as a leading advocate of a strong national defense and has worked with great success on behalf of the military personnel in her district and all around this country. Tillie also chairs the Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight and Emergency Management of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. She played a critical role in the passage of the 1998 reauthorization of the 6-year transportation bill, or TEA-21, which benefited so many of our districts and fulfilled our Nation's transportation needs. Additionally, Tillie has also been an advocate for women and children of our country. Together, we have worked with our colleagues to tackle issues, including children's health, child abuse prevention, providing treatment for breast and cervical cancer patients, providing relief from the marriage penalty, and bringing education flexibility to our schools, just to name a few. Tillie has been a true champion on so many of these issues important to women and families. Tillie is an outstanding role model for those considering a career in politics. Before she was elected to the United States House of Representatives, she served as the first Republican and first woman president of the Jacksonville City Council. Tillie has always led by example and did that so beautifully prior to becoming involved in elected politics herself. Prior to her service on the Jacksonville City Council, Tillie was active in her community, serving as president of the Junior League of Jacksonville, Chair of the Florida Humanities Council, and a volunteer for the American Red Cross and other important nonprofits. In fact, Tillie started her career as a congressional staffer right here on Capitol Hill and later served as the White House counsel before moving back to Florida with her beloved husband, Buck. We should acknowledge the sacrifices of Tillie's family, including her lovely little daughters, Tillie Anne and Elizabeth, who watched proudly as their mother accomplished so much for so many. Tillie Fowler is a dedicated public servant who believes in keeping her word. When she was elected to the House in 1992, she stated that she intended to accomplish a lot in a short period of time. And she has done just that. I want to personally thank Tillie for being a public servant in this, the people's House. I will miss my good friend greatly. However, the House of Representatives is a better place as a result of her dedicated service. I wish Tillie the best of luck in her future endeavors. She will leave this Chamber knowing that she left a distinguished mark on this institution through her thoughtful leadership, her common sense legislation, and she has definitely left a mark on the hearts of the Members who knew her best and loved her most. It is an honor to call Tillie Fowler a friend, and we wish her Godspeed.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the subject of my special order tonight.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from the State of Georgia (Mr. Linder), a member of the Committee on Rules.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss), the vice-chairman of the Committee on Rules. (Mr. GOSS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, for purposes of debate only I yield the customary 30 minutes to my friend and colleague the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Moakley) 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 638 is a rule waiving all points of order against the conference report and against its consideration to accompany H.R. 4635, the fiscal year 2001 appropriations bill for the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies. Mr. Speaker, this conference report provides another example of a carefully crafted bill that strikes a balance between the fiscal discipline and social responsibility Americans expect of this Congress. I would like to once again commend the chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh) and the ranking member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan), and all the members of the Committee on Appropriations for making the tough decisions required to produce a very thoughtful bill that meets our most important priorities. I would also like to express a personal note of gratitude for the assistance to help increase affordable housing opportunities in my district of Columbus, Ohio. This conference report provides a small amount of needed funding which will, in turn, become the foundation to give more people in Columbus the opportunity to fulfill the dream of home ownership. The VA-HUD appropriation bill funds a variety of important programs to take care of our veterans, address the Nation's critical housing needs, preserve and protect our environment, invest in scientific research, and continue our exploration into space. The conference report maintains our commitment to our Nation's veterans, who selflessly place themselves in harm's way so that we may enjoy the very freedoms which we so much cherish. This year, it provides an additional $1.36 billion over last year's historic increase for veterans' medical health care. It increases veterans' medical and prosthetic research by $30 million, and provides an extra $73 million over last year's funding level for the Veterans Benefits Administration to expedite claims that need processed for our veterans. Finally, this conference report provides $100 million for Veterans State Extended Facilities, an increase of $40 million above the President's request. Mr. Speaker, along with providing for the needs of our veterans, this conference report makes available important resources to help the most vulnerable in our society and place roofs over their heads. Low-income families will benefit through this bill's investment in the Housing Certificate Program, which provides funding for section 8 renewals and tenant protection. A $2.5 billion increase over last year's funding level will allow for the renewal of all expiring section 8 contracts and provide needed relocation assistance at the level requested by the President. A total of $14 billion is provided for this important program in fiscal year 2001. Other needed housing programs that help our elderly, people with AIDS, and Native Americans will also receive increases above last year's funding levels in this conference report. H.R. 4365 also looks toward the future by preserving and protecting our environment for the next generation to enjoy. It is my understanding that the conference report before us today resolves a number of outstanding environmental concerns which were previously expressed and are no longer considered controversial. The bill targets funding and places an emphasis on State grants to protect the water that we drink and the air that we breathe. The State Revolving Fund for Safe Drinking Water is increased by more than $5 million from last year's level, and the Clean Water State Resolving Fund is increased by $550 million over the President's request. And finally, State Air grants are increased $6 million. Finally, Mr. Speaker, this conference report provides important funding which maintains our commitment to the exploration of space and the improvement of science. Total funding of $4.4 billion for NSF is the largest budget in its history and will help this important agency continue its mission of developing a national policy on science and promoting basic research as well as increasing scientific education. NASA also receives an increase that will bring total funding to more than $14.3 billion. Mr. Speaker, it is also important to note that this conference report includes two other important provisions. First, like other appropriation conference reports considered and passed this year, the VA-HUD Conference Report maintains our commitment to debt reduction by providing yet another $5 billion to pay down the public debt. Second, it contains a new version of the previously passed fiscal year 2001 Energy and Water appropriations bill, which now has the support of the administration. Mr. Speaker, it is a good conference report and deserves our support. It takes a responsible path toward responding to our Nation's most pressing needs and priorities. I urge all of my colleagues to support the straightforward, noncontroversial rule as well as this must-do piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I sympathize with my colleague, the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Hill), but it is very important for the Members of this body to realize that we must get our work done. The President vetoed the bill with that important language in it, and so we must proceed without it. In light of that, this is a good conference report, irrespective. It responds to the needs of our veterans, protects our environment and keeps the U.S. at the forefront of space exploration, addresses our Nation's critical housing needs and helps more Americans realize the dream of owning their own home. Adopting this rule will allow us to consider all of those important initiatives. I urge a yes vote on the rule and the conference report. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Hill).

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 638 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from the State of California (Mr. Cunningham).

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am in strong support of this conference report. We have before us a fair and even-handed conference report that will allow us to consider this important legislation to reform the nation's bankruptcy system. Procedure in the House is not always all that we might want it to be, but when we are presented with legislation that is so needed and so desired by the American people, we must take hold of it and champion it to see that it becomes law. This bankruptcy reform legislation will remedy weaknesses in existing law that allow higher income taxpayers to escape their responsibilities even when they are able to repay a portion of what they owe. This bill will take steps to eliminate the ``bankruptcy of convenience.'' At the same time, this legislation will protect those who truly need a second chance and maintain their ability to obtain a fresh start. Further, this legislation contains important protections for children and spouses who are owed child support or alimony. By equipping state child support collection agencies with the necessary tools and codifying the importance of child support and alimony obligations, this legislation will increase our commitment to children and families, and will hold parents, husbands, and wives to their responsibilities. Over 70 percent of Americans have indicated their desire for bankruptcy reform. We can do no less than what the American people have overwhelmingly asked of us. I urge your support of this important legislation, and yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of both the rule and the conference report for the Floyd Spence National Defense Authorization for Fiscal Year 2001. First let me congratulate Chairman Spence, Ranking Member Ike Skelton, and all the conferees for their hard work and dedication to the men and women who serve in our armed forces. I know that this was a difficult conference, with many hard issues to resolve, however the end product before us today has certainly been worth the wait. Mr. Speaker, I am specially grateful to the conferees for including important provisions, which address the needs of thousands of workers, including workers in my home state of Ohio, who were exposed to dangerous levels of radiation, beryllium, and other toxic substances while working on our nation's nuclear weapons programs. While these workers never served in our military, they nevertheless helped us to win the Cold War. Sadly, many of these workers today are suffering from debilitating diseases directly related to plant conditions. The compensation package, included in this conference report represents a major step in recognizing their service and will provide needed help and assistance to these individuals and their families, who are suffering from illness due to exposure. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to commend the conferees for helping to keep our promise to our military retirees, their families, and their survivors by: Restoring military healthcare as a benefit for life; Providing comprehensive pharmacy benefits; Extending the Tricare Senior Prime Program; and, Reducing the healthcare ``out of pocket'' expenses for all our military retirees from $7,500 to just $3,000. We can never fully repay the debt of gratitude we own the men and women who freely choose to serve in our armed forces. However, these needed provisions maintain our commitment, improve their quality of life, and will truly make a difference in the lives of those who served and sacrificed for our nation with honor and distinction. I urge all my colleagues to support this rule and this very important conference report.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley).

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 613 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mrs. PRYCE of Ohio

Mrs. 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

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, let me remind my colleagues that this conference report includes essential provisions in our fight to halt the trafficking of individuals, end family violence, deter terrorism and fight crime. The House has already passed these initiatives separately. This conference report will allow us to send this package to the President for his signature. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the straightforward rule. Mr. 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. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2\1/2\ minutes to my friend, the distinguished gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly), who has worked so hard on many of these provisions.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to my colleague and friend, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Slaughter), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of the resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 613 is a rule waiving all points of order against the consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 3244, the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. H.R. 3244 was passed by the House earlier this year on May 9 by voice vote. On September 27, our colleagues in the other body considered and passed this important legislation with an amendment by unanimous consent. I would like to congratulate the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for introducing the legislation and for his steadfast support of human rights around the world. I also would like to thank the gentleman from New York (Chairman Gilman); the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson), the ranking member; and all the conferees for their efforts. Finally, I would like to extend a special thanks to my colleague and friend, the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella), for all her work to fight violence against women; and I wish to congratulate her on the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. The conference report includes three divisions: division A includes the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000; division B, I am pleased to inform my colleagues, includes the Violence Against Women Act of 2000; and division C consists of three other important anti- crime measures. Division B reauthorizes through fiscal year 2005 the Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, which expired just last week. As a former prosecutor and judge who served on the Domestic Violence Task Force back in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio, I have seen firsthand the ravages of domestic violence. As such, I am firmly committed to doing all that I can to put an end to domestic violence and to ensure that victims have access to high- quality treatment, protective services, and ultimate justice. The Department of Justice estimates that violence against women has decreased by 21 percent since this law was passed in 1994. By acting today, we will provide the needed protection to American women from the violence that seeks to destroy their lives; and, hopefully, these numbers will continue to decrease. Specifically, the legislation authorizes $3 billion over the next 5 years to fund programs that support State and local efforts to shelter battered women, train police and court officials in domestic abuse cases, and provide counseling service as well as a hotline for battered women. In addition, it enacts a number of new programs. It authorizes $10 million in grants for disabled victims of gender-motivated crimes and requires shelters to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Mr. Speaker, additional funding is authorized to train emergency medical personnel in treating sexually abused patients, and it establishes procedures for handling evidence in rape cases. The bill also ensures that the Legal Services Corporation grantees can help victims of sexual abuse obtain the needed assistance in civil cases against their attackers, and needed funding is provided for transitional housing assistance to women and their children when escaping domestic abuse. Finally, this legislation doubles the amount authorized for the Violence Against Women Act over the next 5 years and extends the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund. Mr. Speaker, women who suffer from violence need our help and assistance. They need to know that there is someone to turn to and someplace safe to go to escape from the violence which they too often suffer. This reauthorization fills that need and sends a strong message that someone cares and that help is there. Mr. Speaker, division A of this important legislation includes H.R. 3244, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. This legislation combats the trafficking of persons into the sex trade, slavery, and slavery- like conditions in the United States and many other countries around the world. Through prevention, prosecution and enforcement against traffickers, as well as protection and assistance for victims of trafficking, this important legislation fairly allocates resources, modifies existing law, and increases international cooperation to decrease the global trade of men, women, and children. According to the Department of State, between one and two million women and children are trafficked each year worldwide into forced labor, domestic servitude, or sexual exploitation. Incredible in this day and age. Of these, approximately 50,000 individuals are trafficked to the United States each year. This is a major criminal enterprise generating billions of dollars annually. Trafficking is now considered the third largest source of profits for organized crime, behind only drugs and guns. Victims of trafficking are first acquired in a number of different ways. Some are forcibly kidnapped and taken out of their own countries. Others are deceived with offers of good work or a better life. But no matter how they are taken, trafficking victims are universally subject to cruel mental and physical abuse, including beatings, rape, starvation, forced drug use, confinement and seclusion. Many victims suffer mental breakdowns and are exposed to sexually transmitted diseases. Ultimately, many cannot survive these harsh conditions. H.R. 3244 works to prevent trafficking through measures to increase awareness and enhance economic opportunity for potential victims of trafficking as a method to deter them from becoming victims in the first place. Further, this legislation urges countries to prohibit and punish severe forms of trafficking and establishes minimum standards applicable to countries that have a significant trafficking problem and assistance for programs and activities designed to meet the standards. For those who are unfortunate enough to have been trafficking victims, the legislation establishes programs and initiatives to assist in their safe integration, reintegration, or resettlement. For victims located in the United States, the bill provides protection while in Federal custody and amends current law to grant nonimmigrant visas to victims who would face a significant possibility of retribution or other harm if they were forced to leave. In addition, we make those funds seized from traffickers available for victims' restitution and victims assistance programs. Mr. Speaker, finally, division C includes three other important provisions which all passed the House earlier this year. The first bill, Aimee's Law, passed in July. That requires the Attorney General to transfer Federal law enforcement assistance funds from any State that convicted a person of a first offense of murder, rape or a dangerous sexual offense to the State that ultimately convicts that same person of a subsequent offense. In other words, Aimee's Law encourages States to keep murderers, rapists and child molesters behind bars and hold them financially accountable if they do not to the States that end up having to incarcerate on the second offense. The second bill, the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act, also passed the House in July. It provides assistance to American victims of terrorism and allows those victims who prevail in court to collect against the frozen assets of terrorist countries. It is designed to send a strong message to terrorists and their state sponsors and will allow victims of past terrorist acts to finally receive some level of justice. Finally, the third bill, the Twenty-First Amendment Enforcement Act, passed the House in August. It grants States that have the authority to regulate interstate sale of alcohol within their borders the right to do so. Mr. Speaker, this law is straightforward and noncontroversial. Its adoption will allow the House to consider and pass this important conference report. I urge all my colleagues to support both the rule and these essential provisions which seek to protect women, end violence, and fight crime. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions) my distinguished colleague from the Committee on Rules.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague Congresswoman Lois Capps, to introduce the Millennium Cancer Research Act. This important legislation authorizes a five-year demonstration project designed to increase the flexibility, effectiveness and creativity of our nation's cancer research program. It has been developed in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and my colleagues in the Senate, in an effort to encourage high impact, cutting-edge research that will lead to future progress in the fight against cancer. Mr. Speaker, each year millions of Americans are touched by cancer, as they or someone they know is struck by this terrible disease. We have made enormous strides in the war against this most formidable of opponents, but we must do more to accelerate success. As scientific breakthroughs occur and innovations happen, our nation's cancer laboratories must be able to build upon them and should not be hindered by red tape. This legislation will allow for a restructuring of the National Cancer Institute that will help to rid its scientific laboratories of redundancy and inefficiencies that slow progress in our ongoing battle against cancer. It will command accountability both to peers through mandatory reviews and to Congress through annual reporting requirements. This bill will provide the necessary flexibility to respond quickly to emerging research opportunities and to engage the brightest minds available while maintaining strict congressional oversight. It will allow NCI to streamline existing systems, maximize cost-effectiveness and more easily enter into strategic partnerships and collaborations in pursuit of a cure. In short, it puts in place an administrative structure that reflects the complex way in which research is conducted today. Specifically, this legislation: Directs the NCI Director to establish a program to encourage high- impact, high-risk rapid response research; Provides NCI with authority similar to that given to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to enter into multiparty agreements that recognize intellectual property rights as well as financial and in-kind contributions; Allows NCI to create one simple and cost-effective personnel system to better recruit and manage priority research programs and initiatives; Updates the dollar level for grants that must be reviewed by the National Cancer Advisory Board to $300,000, in order to reflect inflation and the pace of science over the last 15 years; and Requires the NCI Director to report annually to Congress on research initiatives advanced under this legislation and to the NIH Director on the potential benefits of expanding these activities to other Institutes. Mr. Speaker, we are at a critical juncture in the war on cancer. By the year 2010, we face losing one-fourth of our citizens to this disease every year. At a time of such rapid growth and discovery in the world of medicine, we need to be as thoughtful in forming the institute that leads our nation into the battle against cancer as we are in choosing the science that will help us to win. This legislation will propel our nation toward that goal and I encourage support for this bill.