Jack Quinn

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, as I was delayed in travel from Buffalo to Washington, I missed a chance to vote today in favor of a motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 1158, Fiscal Year 1995 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions. This motion would have instructed our colleagues who are discussing House and Senate differences to among other things--but most importantly to me--would have accepted the Senate restoration of $1.3 billion to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. Mr. Speaker, I have come before this body on several occasions to point out the seriousness of the elimination of funding for this program. To those who live in areas like Buffalo, NY, it can be a matter of life or death. LIHEAP provides fuel assistance to disabled, working poor, and low-income senior citizens who can't meet their own total energy needs. LIHEAP recipients have an average income of $8,257 per year; without some assistance their heat could be cut off. For these people, LIHEAP is a vital program which is certainly not pork or luxurious Federal spending. Mr. Speaker, I would have risen in support for the motion to instruct conferees. I appreciate this opportunity to clearly state my position.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the hard work of my constituents back in Buffalo, NY, as we celebrate the completion of the PT Phone Home Program at the Buffalo VA Medical Center on Saturday. PT Phone Home is a cost-effective volunteer program which solicits equipment, labor, and donations from a variety of groups for patient bedside telephone service at VAMC's across the Nation. VA officials, NYNEX, the Service Employees International Union [SEIU] Local 200C, and the Communications Workers of America [CWA] Local 1122 have been collaborating to bring the PT Phone Home Program to Buffalo. A patient bedside telephone initial report issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs recognized that without the efforts of the PT Phone Home Program and its volunteers, the bedside telephone project would not have been started at this point. With the services of PT Phone Home, VA has estimated that $18 million will allow the planned installation of patient bedside telephone systems to be completed. Without these services, estimates run closer to $80 million. Without the direct involvement of the volunteer organizations mobilized under PT Phone Home, the cost of such a program is certainly prohibitive. Experience with this worthwhile program has convinced me that bedside telephones are an absolute necessity for our VA hospitals nationwide. Bedside telephone service allows nurses and support staff to spend more time on clinical activities and increases patient morale by allowing veterans invaluable contact with their family and friends. The veterans who use our veteran hospitals are here because of the sacrifices they were willing to make for their country. They were willing to serve in the name of freedom, and I am very happy to be part of an effort to give them something in return. I believe we owe all participants in the PT Phone Home Program a great debt of gratitude and would ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing those who made the Buffalo project successful. Mr. Speaker, I am certain you agree that all the medicine in the world cannot replace the therapeutic value of contact with family and friends.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, later today the House will vote on the question of whether or not to assign term limits to all Members of Congress. This is truly an historic occasion. I strongly support a 12-year term limit for both Senators and Representatives. In fact, when I first ran for Congress in 1992, the need for term limits was item No. 1 on my 11-point platform for immediate congressional reform. I will quote from that list: ``No. 1. Term limits: With incumbents winning re-election 90 percent of the time, America's electoral process is lacking the competition essential for true democracy. The life tenure of Members of Congress is the major contributing factor to most of the problems of Congress.'' Measures designed to effect congressional reform through term limitations appeared on ballots in eight States during the 1994 election, and, in all but one State, they were passed. Congressional term limits would enhance the democratic nature of our national legislature by opening it up to a true, fair, and competitive election process.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Rich Products Corp., the Nation's largest family-owned frozen foods manufacturer founded and headquartered in Buffalo, NY. Rich Products has had a long-standing tradition of teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. This all began in 1945 when Robert E. Rich, Sr., founder and chairman of the board, directed a laboratory team to find a vegetable-based replacement for whip cream from the new source known as the soybean. They discovered that the soybean substance could be frozen, thawed, and whipped. This new, revolutionary product was named Rich's Whip Topping and served to open and define the new world of nondairy products to the frozen food industry. It also made Rich Products the leader and innovator in the industry. Since this time, Rich's Products Corp. has introduced innovative products like Coffee Rich, the Nation's first nondairy creamer. it is the only nationally distributed creamer on the market that is truly 100 percent cholesterol free and low in saturated fats. Rich Products continued to expand both in size and its product line. Frozen baked goods were soon added to Rich's lineup. This was followed by the additions of frozen dough, frozen seafood specialties, soup bases, gravy mixes, powdered coffee creamers, frozen Italian pasta and meat, frozen fruit and barbecue and specialty meat products. Rich's also opened a new area in the industry with another innovation known as freeze flo. This is an all natural process that allows foods to remain soft while frozen. Rich Products Corp. now employs over 7,000 people nationally and internationally with manufacturing sites and field offices throughout North America and the world. Rich's is headquartered on the banks of the Niagara River in Buffalo, NY with sales now exceed $940 million annually. Throughout all its history, Rich Products Corp. has maintained a strong commitment to the western New York community. Rich's and its president, Robert E. Rich, Jr., demonstrated this with their effort to keep baseball in Buffalo. Bob Rich took a failing franchise and brought it to the forefront of professional baseball in many ways including breaking the million mark in attendance for 5 straight years. Bob Rich, Jr., also serves on numerous boards throughout the western New York community. Rich Products Corp. is also the parent company for Rich Communications which runs two radio stations in the western New York broadcast market. Robert E. Rich, Sr., has also demonstrated his commitment to the community by serving on the boards of over 30 organizations in western New York including the University of Buffalo, Buffalo General Hospital, and the United Fund of Buffalo and Erie County just to name a few. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the Rich Products Corp.; the chairman of the board, Robert E. Rich, Sr.; and the president, Robert E. Rich, Jr. I salute their 50-year history and the lifelong commitment of both these citizens to the western New York community. I wish them continued success into the next century.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the family-based nutrition block grant contained in H.R. 4, the Personal Responsibility Act, which combines funding for WIC, the Child Care Food Program, the Summer Food Program, and the Homeless Children Nutrition Program. There have been concerns raised regarding the future of the WIC program under this proposal. I believe, however, it will work well. States are often in a better position than Washington to determine what is best for their area and how funds could be used most efficiently. Funds under the block grant must be used for those in greatest need-- the low-income families who require assistance, not the administrators. A provision caps the percentage of funding that may be used for administrative costs, once again less money for bureaucrats. WIC is certainly not forgotten--at least 80 percent of the funding under the grant is earmarked for the WIC Program. The quality of the WIC is also not left behind. The nutrition standards provision in the bill provides for the development of model nutrition standards for the programs. This makes good nutritional sense and will ensure healthy supplemental foods. Mr. Chairman, the value of the WIC Program cannot be disputed. It finds bipartisan support because it is effective in improving the nutrition and health of low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women as well as infants and children who are determined to be at nutritional risk. This leads to better health and decreased medical costs. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 4 will help us to continue to meet the needs of low-income children and pregnant and nursing mothers and actually increase funding by $500 million over 5 years. I am pleased to support the family-based nutrition block grant. I hope that opponents' fears will be diminished when they see how effectively the States can administer these important nutrition programs while at the same time retaining the quality demanded of them.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the proposed elimination of the Summer Youth Program. I fully support the program and will fight to restore its funding when the rescissions bill is sent to the conference committee later this year. At the same time, I encourage private sector businesses to contribute to the Summer Youth Program so they may make a contribution to the communities in which they do business. In these times of tight budgetary constraints, it is my hope that local businesses can assist in ways that the Government can no longer afford. Although I support the Summer Youth Program, I also saw the need for reducing the deficit. If we continue to spend money we don't have, we will be passing the financial burden on to our children. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues, especially the members of the Appropriations Committee, to work to restore the funds necessary to continue the summer youth program.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to speak to an issue of utmost importance to my district in western New York. Mr. Speaker, I applaud congressional efforts to trim Federal spending and reduce our deficit. We are making some bold and difficult decisions. The rescissions bill before this body makes many steps in the right direction. It is an injustice, however, to eliminate programs--which unlike the Small Business Administration's tree planting program--people depend upon to meet their basic needs. I am referring to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP. I know this might not be a big concern to citizens in Florida or Arizona--but to those who live in areas like Buffalo, NY, it can be a matter of life or death. LIHEAP provides fuel assistance to disabled, working poor, and low- income senior citizens who can not meet their own total energy needs. Fifty-five percent of households receiving assistance have at least one child under age 18 and 43 percent include senior citizens. Some argue that LIHEAP was conceived in a time of energy crisis and that is no longer needed. We must remember, however, that energy is still not affordable to everyone. LIHEAP recipients have an average income of $8,257 per year--without some assistance their heat could be cut off. Eighteen percent of their incomes are spent on energy needs. LIHEAP is a vital program which is certainly not pork or luxurious Federal spending. I am very worried about the families and seniors from my district and districts across the Nation who may be unable to properly heat their homes next winter. I hope that the good and bad aspects of eliminating the LIHEAP program will be more properly addressed during the appropriations process.

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the proposed elimination of the Summer Youth Program. I fully support the program and will fight to restore its funding when the rescissions bill is sent to the conference committee later this year. At the same time, I encourage private sector businesses to contribute to the Summer Youth Program so they may make a contribution to the communities in which they do business. In these times of tight budgetary constraints, it is my hope that local businesses can assist in ways that the Government can no longer afford. Although I support the Summer Youth Program, I also saw the need for reducing the deficit. If we continue to spend money we don't have, we will be passing the financial burden on to our children. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues, especially the members of the Appropriations continue the Summer Youth Program.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, it is with a profound sense of honor and with great pleasure that I rise today in recognition of James T. Molloy, the former Doorkeeper of the House of Representatives. Mr. Molloy was born in Buffalo, NY, on June 3, 1936. He graduated from Canisius College with a bachelor of science in 1958. From there, Mr. Molloy began a career filled with worthwhile and successful endeavors. Of these, the most important is his family, consisting of his wife, Roseanne, and daughter, Amy. Over his long and distinguished career, James Molloy has exhibited a tireless dedication to public service. He has served as a marine fireman with the Buffalo Fire Department, a school teacher in Buffalo and Lackawanna schools, and as the Chief Finance Officer for the House of Representatives. In 1974, Mr. Molloy was elected by the 94th Congress to serve as Doorkeeper of the House. He was unanimously reelected as Doorkeeper by each succeeding Congress through the 103d Congress. Over the past 30 years, James Molloy has been involved in countless activities. He is a member of the International Association of Firefighters, International Brotherhood of Longshoremen, National Association of Legislative Assistants, and chairman of the Board for the Wright Patman Congressional Federal Credit Union. Among his many distinctions, Mr. Molloy has received the Outstanding Citizen Award from the New York State AFL-CIO in 1986, the President's Award from the New York State Federation of Police in 1986, and Roll Call's Man of the Year Award in 1990. The many awards given to James Molloy fail to capture the essence of what he has done. Whether it be helping kids get jobs in Washington, finance their education, or just taking the extra time to show them the Capitol, James Molloy has consistently been there for the young people of Buffalo. As Doorkeeper of the House, James Molloy introduced numerous Ambassadors, Prime Ministers, and Presidents. However, this did not cause him to lose touch with the many friends and family members both here in Washington and at home in Buffalo. For more than 20 years, the people of Buffalo had a friend in Washington in James Molloy.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Paul E. Fitzpatrick. Mr. Fitzpatrick is a constituent who represents the very best of community spirit and activism. Paul Fitzpatrick has been recently honored as the first ward Irishman of the Year. This award, with its admirable criteria and distinguished history, is a testament to Mr. Fitzpatrick's achievements. The Irishman of the Year award has been received by the likes of former mayor of Buffalo, James Griffin, and former Doorkeeper of the House of Representatives, James T. Molloy. Mr. Fitzpatrick is employed as a recreational therapist at the West Seneca Developmental Disabilities Service Office. in this position, Mr. Fitzpatrick provides recreational and leisure activities for the developmentally disabled both on the campus of the developmental center and in various community settings. In addition to helping disadvantaged youths, Mr. Fitzpatrick is the head coach of the Timon-St. Jude varsity football team. Mr. Fitzpatrick has won over 100 games and successfully led his teams to 11 division championships. On the football field and off, Mr. Fitzpatrick has proven himself to be a dedicated community activist always willing to help others. His countless successes and his years of service are evidence of his sincere devotion to bettering the community.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join many of our colleague here in the House in support of a constitutional amendment to ban the desecration of the American flag. Mr. Speaker, I just left an announcement on the left side of the Capitol with a group of Members, House Members, Senate Members, Republicans and Democrats, and hundreds of thousands of veterans from all over the country who are in support of this amendment. [[Page H2318]] The amendment states that ``The Congress and the States shall have the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the Flag of the United States.'' Almost every State, 46 of the States in this country have asked us to do just that. Let us give the States and the American people what they want and what our flag deserves. Our Stars and Stripes stands for the principle of democracy. It represents all the hard fought battles for freedom and preservation of the American way of life. I call on my colleagues to join Representative Jerry Solomon, Representative Sonny Montgomery, myself, and others to cosponsor this legislation in the coming weeks.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased and proud to rise today to salute LaShaun Quarles, an eighth grader who attends St. Aloysius School in Cheektowaga, NY. LaShaun was chosen as the first place winner of a Black History Contest which I sponsored to help commemorate Black History Month. Students throughout the congressional district were encouraged to highlight some of the important contributions African-Americans have made to our Nation. LaShaun chose Marcus Garvey as a figure whom she believes is vitally important to the history of the United States. A panel of judges found LaShaun's essay to be most inspirational and knowledgeable. LaShaun's admiration for Marcus Garvey and appraisal of his principles is worthy of our attention. I commend her essay to you and ask that it be placed in the Record. Why Marcus Garvey Is Important to the United States (By LaShaun Quarles, St. Aloysius, Grade 8) Marcus Garvey was a man who founded a most significant movement in African American freedom. Garvey traveled around the world forming the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and teaching African Americans that black is beautiful. I found Garvey's principles to be interesting. I learned a great deal from them. One of Garvey's principles includes ``never spend all of your earnings.'' It is very important to save a little of what you earn. I have observed a number of young African Americans spending a great deal of money on clothes, Nikes, etc. We need to begin to save a portion of our money towards our education and future. Reading about Garvey has encouraged me to save even more of my money. Another one of Garvey's principles is to ``have pride in your race.'' In a world where black is often hated, he taught us that black is beautiful. Not having pride in your race destroys our self-esteem and confidence. We as people must learn to love and appreciate ourselves and recognize the beauty of being African. Garvey was against skin bleaching and hair straighteners. He felt that God made us dark skin with coarser hair for a reason, and that we should keep ourselves looking natural. I realize that some young people within my community need to have more pride in their race and not be concerned about changing their physical appearance. If you choose to change something about yourself, it should be because you want to and not because you feel your friends will have more respect for you. Good character is a good principle also. Back in the early 1900's when Caucasians met an African America, they would automatically think that the person was bad news, but if you have a good personality, it will usually come naturally for a person to like you. I realize that you should always take time to know a person before passing judgement. As I look within my community, I realize that some kids judge people based on how they look or how they are dressed. We will often find better friends if we look for a good character. Another principle that Garvey talked about was ``obey the rules of society.'' This is an important principle because so many people do not obey rules. Many young African Americans go to jail because they broke a law. We have rules in society for a reason, if there were no rules, there would be no order in society. We have rules in school, and they are there so that we may be more disciplined and prepared for life. ``Never stop learning'' is another principle that Garvey stressed. I realize that it is necessary that I stay in school, if I am to reach my goal of becoming a lawyer. I hope that all young people continue their education. With education, kids most likely will not resort to selling or using drugs, because they would realize the negative consequence of their actions. Reading about Marcus Garvey has encouraged me to continue to have high self-esteem and pride in my race, not so that I may hate other races, but respect them as human beings with feelings. Marcus Garvey was a courageous man, and he not only helped me to discover the principles that I will use to guide my own life, but it teaches me about my African American heritage and about America itself. I think it is very crucial for us to know the heroes of our history.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of the bill, H.R. 607.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Bryan Wittman of Hamburg, NY. It gives me great joy to share with everyone in the Congress the outstanding achievements of one of my constituents. Bryan is the son of Mrs. Norma Wittman of North Hampton Brook Drive. Bryan, a native of my hometown of Hamburg, NY, attended St. Peter and Paul Grade School and St. Francis High School. He graduated from Ashland University with a bachelor of arts degree in radio and television. Bryan began his career in 1976 for the Erie County Fair and as entertainment director of the Darien Lake Theme Park in New York. He then moved on to become promotions director for the Ice Capades. In 1985 Bryan began his adventure with Disney. While serving as manager of advertising and promotions for Marriott's Great America Theme Park in Chicago, IL, Wittman was recruited to Disney World in Orlando, FL, as senior promotions representative. In 1988 he was relocated to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, where he became manager of promotions. Continuing in his career advancement in 1991, Bryan became director of marketing for Disney. As of February 2, 1995, he has been promoted to vice president for promotions, publicity, and special events. Bryan's energy and imagination have been praised by Disney executives as his hard work and abundant successes are a testament to his strong character. Speaking as a President of western New York, and as a Member of Congress, I applaud the outstanding accomplishments of Bryan Wittman.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, as a cosponsor of H.R. 7, I rise today in strong support of its provision to urge the United States to do everything possible to help Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and other Eastern European nations, become members of NATO. I think it is important to remember NATO's history while considering this necessary resolution. On April 4, 1949, 10 European governments, the United States, and Canada signed the North Atlantic Treaty, creating NATO. The Organization was established to deter potential Soviet aggression in Europe and to provide for the collective self- defense of the alliance. It is widely recognized that East Central European Nations, particularly Poland, have often been caught between a hammer and an anvil. This was seen not only in the historic expansion of the former Prussian, Austro-Hungarian and Russian Empires, but also during World War II when Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union divided the nations between themselves. More recently, Russia's actions in Chechnya, and its prior reluctance in withdrawing from the Baltic States, show the need for NATO's expansion. The inclusion of Eastern European Countries in NATO is a crucial step toward creating stability in an important region of the world. Further, it will provide the emerging democracies of those Eastern European countries with an opportunity to flourish. NATO was a stabilizing influence on Western Europe during the cold war. The expansion of NATO to include Eastern European nations will provide the same stabilizing influence during the post cold war era. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 7's provision to help Poland, Hungary, and other Eastern European nations gain membership in NATO, while cooperating closely with Russia.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Bryan Wittman of Hamburg, NY. It gives me great joy to share with everyone in the Congress the outstanding achievements of one of my constituents. Bryan is the son of Mrs. Norma Wittman of North Hampton Brook Drive. Bryan, a native of my hometown of Hamburg, NY, attended St. Peter and Paul Grade School and St. Francis High School. He graduated from Ashland University with a bachelor of arts degree in radio and television. Bryan began his career in 1976 for the Erie County Fair and as entertainment director of the Darien Lake Theme Park in New York. He then moved on to become promotions director for the Ice Capades. In 1985, Bryan began his adventure with Disney. While serving as manager of advertising and promotions for Marriott's Great America Theme Park in Chicago, IL, Wittman was recruited to Disney World in Orlando, FL, as senior promotions representative. In 1988 he was relocated to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, where he became manager of promotions. Continuing in his career advancement in 1991, Bryan became director of marketing for Disney. As of February 2, 1995, he has been promoted to vice president for promotions, publicity, and special events. Bryan's energy and imagination have been praised by Disney executives as his hard work and abundant successes are a testament to his strong character. Speaking as a resident of Western, NY, and as a Member of Congress, I applaud the outstanding accomplishments of Bryan Wittman.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to legislation before the House of Representatives today, the Violent Criminal Incarceration Act. This measure is one of six crime bills that the House will consider to chart the Nation's course to fight crime. Although I oppose the overall measure, I support many of the provisions in this legislation. For example, I support the bill's provision to increase the incentives in last year's bill for the States to curtail early parole for violent criminals. It is about time that we encourage the States to require the courts to put criminals away for the full term of their sentence. Truth-in- sentencing is long overdue. This legislation employs another well needed and long overdue measure. That is, to stop abusive prisoner law suits. Specifically, title II of H.R. 667 places certain restrictions on the ability of detained persons to challenge the constitutionality of their confinement. I strongly support that provision as well. Nevertheless, I oppose this legislation. The Violent Crime Incarceration Act boosts the State prison grants from $8 billion to $10.5 billion over 5 years at the expense of prevention measures like community policing. As written, therefore, H.R. 667 unravels the balance of the funding for police, prisons, and prevention, which I fought so hard for during the implementation of the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1994. Last year's Crime Act clearly shows that community policing works. The communities throughout western New York asked for it and now there are 53 more policemen on the streets because of it. Furthermore, I supported the Scott amendment to reduce the bill's prison grants by $2.5 billion, back to last year's funding level of $8 billion.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, as a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I, too, rise in strong opposition to the Orton amendment. The amendment blurs the Budget Act's clear distinction between mandatory and discretionary funding. Proponents of the measure today have said we must be consistent, that we must vote for the line-item veto and not have any exceptions. The exceptions that we talk about this afternoon, however, make a clear distinction how that money is raised. This is a trust fund, a dedicated trust fund where residents and constituents that I represent do not want to see their money and their tax dollars go to Washington and be put in the rest of the black hole where their money goes, and never see a return. A dedicated trust fund like this gets a bang for their buck. They know it is going to be used for highway or aviation programs. That is certain. They know it will not be put in with all the rest of the money where those Washington tricks are played. I urge all my colleagues to vote no on the Orton amendment.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. I thank the gentleman for yielding this time to me, and I appreciate his comments. Mr. Chairman, it is an honor for me to be here today and join so many of our colleagues in enthusiastically supporting H.R. 2. Twice during the 103d Congress, since I have been a Member here in the Congress, we have had a chance to vote on the line-item veto, and twice we fell short of those votes. In the 104th Congress now I think we have a real opportunity to give the President of the United States the line-item veto. Mr. Chairman, the line-item veto will rise or fall on its own merits. But I think we have an opportunity here to go above and beyond that. We hear words like ``power'' and ``punishment.'' I think one of the problems we are into right now is that we have an opportunity here, unlike other legislation, where H.R. 2 says that the President's rescissions will take effect immediately unless the Congress rejects them. If the Congress rejects them within 20 days, they go back to the President and they will be vetoed again, if he indeed wants that to happen. Then it comes back to the House for a two-thirds majority. One of the by-products of H.R. 2 will be some discussion, communication, interaction between the House and the Senate and the President of the United States. I think that is healthy for this Government. Mr. Chairman, at the same time we have some naysayers, who are opponents and say we are giving the President too much power. We are back to the power and punishment words. They say that he will punish Members for things they have done or have not done during the course of their term here. I think the track record that we have in city halls across the country, in State legislatures, in the Governors' chairs--we heard a former sitting Governor right here as our Member, the gentleman from Delaware [Mr. Castle], say that that is not the case, that the Presidents of this United States will use that power accordingly. Then we hear whether or not the President will be accountable, whether or not he punishes other Members or uses that power in the wrong way. Let us remember Presidents are also accountable to the same constituents that we are accountable to. Mr. Chairman, it is a pleasure for me to strongly support H.R. 2, and I ask my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong agreement with my colleague from New York, Congressman Jerry Solomon, who yesterday called the balanced budget amendment, ``the most important matter the House will address during the 104th Congress.'' The important thing to remember today is that I am here at the request of my constituents who overwhelmingly support this historic legislation. As an advocate of fiscal responsibility, I have been fighting for a balanced budget amendment since I ran for Congress more than 2 years ago. Implicit in this legislation is a measure to require that a balanced budget is achieved without touching the Social Security trust fund. We must leave Social Security alone. Time and time again, Congress has failed to summon up the courage to attack spending. This constitutional amendment makes courage the law and forces us to get our financial house in order. In addition to the balanced budget amendment, we also need the line- item veto and legislation prohibiting unfunded mandates. By enacting all of these proposals, we can help reduce the deficit and make a start on balancing the budget. I supported the Barton substitute with the three-fifths tax limitation provision because I think it is the best approach to make it as difficult as possible to raise taxes to balance the budget. Raising taxes simply lifts the burden off of Congress and places it on the backs of hard-working, American taxpayers. As the Hamburg town supervisor, I was required by law and by my constituents to balance the town budget each and every year. The American people are calling on us to balance the Federal budget, and we can respond with this law requiring us to do just that. Local governments are forced to balance their budget. State governments are forced to balance their budget. Yet the Federal Government has failed to balance the budget since the Johnson administration. We must always keep in mind that we are the representatives of the people. As such, we must listen to the voices of Americans. Their voices are loud and clear. Pass the balanced budget amendment.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I am entering these remarks in response to Roll Call Vote 25 which took place Monday night, January 23. I have been recorded as not voting. This is due, however, to problems with my voting card rather than my absence from the floor. My colleague from Illinois had offered an amendment to H.R. 5, the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act. This amendment would have exempted from the provisions of the bill my Federal mandate that protects aviation or airport security. Mr. Speaker, had my vote been accurately recorded it would have reflected a nay vote. I believe that we can not exempt numerous programs from the provisions of H.R. 5. H.R. 5 does not restrict mandates such as ones which aim to protect aviation or airport security. Rather it requires a cost-benefit analysis and strives to minimize the burden of unfunded mandates. We must thoroughly examine the mandates that we pass on to our States and localities. I do not find this unreasonable.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Bishop Edward D. Head as he celebrates his 50th anniversary as a priest and 25th anniversary as a bishop. In commemorating this occasion, we honor a man of towering strength and dignity, a man who, through his years of dedicated service to his church and his community, has earned a reputation for leadership, compassion and generosity. He has led the diocese of Buffalo through the difficult and tumultuous years of the last decades with unwavering faith and commitment. His devotion to the values and traditions of the Catholic Church in the changing times has only strengthened the bond the church has in western New York, and has provided a haven for those in need. Bishop Head was ordained a Catholic priest on January 27, 1945, in St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York City, by the late Cardinal Francis Spellman. Pope Paul VI named him a bishop in 1970, and he served as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York until he was appointed bishop of Buffalo in 1973. Bishop Head was born and raised in New York State. He studied at Cathedral College in New York City, did graduate work at Columbia University and studied theology at St. Joseph's Seminary. After his ordination, he taught sociology and did parish work until he was appointed to the staff of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York in 1947. A year later, he received a master's degree in social work from the New York School of Social Work. He continued his work with the Catholic Charities until his ordination as auxiliary bishop in 1970. Mr. Speaker, Bishop Head is a man who has generously devoted his life to working toward the betterment of his community. He is a tribute to the people he serves in western New York, and it is only fitting that we honor him today.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce the Restricted Explosives Control Act, a consequential piece of legislation that I sponsored in the 103d Congress. Not only does my legislation require a Federal permit for all purchases of explosives, it also dictates that all applicants must submit a photograph as well as a set of fingerprints along with their permit application. The bill defines ``restricted explosives'' as: high explosives, blasting agents, detonators, and more than 50 pounds of black powder. In addition, the legislation will not unduly burden legitimate explosives purchasers. The bill establishes a 6-month grace period, before the measure is implemented, to enable people to obtain Federal permits from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms [ATF]. During the holiday season of 1993, four mail bombs exploded in western New York--taking five innocent lives. Current law enabled those accused in the murders to buy the deadly dynamite in Kentucky, simply by providing false identification, completing a short form furnished by the ATF, and promising not to cross State lines. Once this measure is enacted, never again will an individual be able to walk into an explosives dealer's office, quickly fill out a short Federal form, and walk out with dynamite or some other type of high explosive. The Restricted Explosives Control Act is endorsed by the Institute of Makers of Explosives, the very people who manufacture explosives. The bill also is endorsed by the National Rifle Association. This legislation is a solid proposal that will prevent such tragedies. The fact is that current law allows for dynamite and other explosives to be sold over the counter. The Restricted Explosives Control Act must be implemented without delay so that we may close that deadly loophole in Federal explosives law.