Jack Quinn

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two of western New York's most dedicated community activists, Dr. Ora Lee Delgado and Mr. Anthony Delgado, upon the announcement of their retirement from full- time status at the Langston Hughes Institute. Dr. and Mr. Delgado have dedicated an impressive 47 combined years of community service to the arts and cultural center. As the western New York community will attest, the Delgados have been the guiding force behind the Langston Hughes Institute. It is with heartfelt gratitude that I and the western New York community thank Dr. Ora Lee Delgado and Mr. Anthony Delgado for their contribution in making the institute what it is today. The Langston Hughes Institute was named after the most prolific and probably best known of modern African-American writers. As a leading minority not-for-profit corporation in the Buffalo area, Langston Hughes Institute provides a vital range of services to the community. Specifically: educational, cultural, and assistance programs with an African-American focus. The primary objective of the Institute is to create a positive self-image and instill motivation in the community's youth. The Langston Hughes Institute has been established as the premiere arts and cultural center in western New York due to the efforts of Ora Lee Delgado and Anthony Delgado. I join with their family, colleagues, friends, and the entire western New York community in recognition of the Delgado's outstanding dedication and years of distinguished community service.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Elma Town Supervisor John F. DiJoseph. John DiJoseph tirelessly dedicated his life to the enhancement of the Elma community, and proved himself to be extraordinarily available to his constituents, or as he thought of Elma's citizens, friends. Since 1975, Mr. John DiJoseph has been involved in his community's local politics and various community organizations, including Celebrity Waiters Dinner for the Leukemia Society, Kiwanis, Elma Historical Society, Executive Committee of the New York State Association of Towns, Eric County Association of Town Governments, Elma Conservation Club, Erie County Agricultural Society, Elma Fire Council, Elma Fire Companies, Elma Community Council Services, Saint Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, and others too numerous to mention. In 1980, John DiJoseph first served the Town of Elma in public office as Councilman, and served in that capacity with distinction until 1986, when he became Town Supervisor. As Supervisor, John DiJoseph will best be remembered by his community, as the Elma Town Board Proclamation so eloquently stated, as someone ``to strive to emulate his total dedication to family and to his extended family, and the citizens of Elma.'' Mr. Speaker, today I would like to join with the citizens of Elma, and indeed, the entire western New York Community, to honor Mr. John F. DiJoseph, who is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children, John, Jr., Michael, and Norine; his parents, Frank and Mary; his brother, Patrick; and sister, Laureen for his distinguished service to the Town of Elma.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Wanda Carney, an individual who has served the constituents of western New York for 21 years. Wanda first began working for the U.S. House of Representatives in the district office of former Congressman Henry Nowak and later as a member of my staff. Over those 21 years, Wanda has served as a catalyst in helping literally thousands of constituents who have turned to their Congressman as their last hope. No matter the problem's size, whether it was with obtaining a passport, assisting a member of our armed forces, or interceding in adoption proceedings, Wanda addressed it with the same exemplary level of devotion. I am sure every Member of the House of Representatives can appreciate the importance of having a Wanda Carney on their staff and the void that is left when they move on. I join with Wanda's family, her colleagues, the Honorable Henry Nowak, her friends, and the entire western New York community in recognition of her outstanding dedication and years of distinguished service. With retirement comes many new opportunities. May she meet every opportunity with the same enthusiasm and vigor which she demonstrated throughout her brilliant career; and may those opportunities be as fruitful as those in her past. Thank you, Wanda, for your tireless effort and personal commitment. As you enter retirement, I wish you nothing but the best.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2564, the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. This historic legislation imposes new disclosure requirements for lobbyists who contact legislative and executive branch officials and their staffs. Lobbying reform legislation is long overdue. In fact, Congress has failed to agree to comprehensive legislation on this issue for 49 years. I have served in this body for almost 3 years and I am relieved to finally have the opportunity to vote for genuine lobbying reform. Today, when the House adopts a rule to ban lobbyists from giving, and Members from receiving, unnecessary gifts, such as meals and vacations, it will be amending the 1946 Federal Regulation and Lobbying Act. The 1946 act is seen as having broad deficiencies: among other weaknesses, it does not cover executive branch lobbying, grass-roots lobbying, or the lobbying of congressional staff. These deficiencies have diminished the public's trust in Congress and its actions. This issue should concern all Americans, because it indicates where the sympathies of their own Representatives lie, with them and their neighbors or with special interest groups based in Washington. Polls clearly show that citizens continue to believe that special interests control the outcome of legislative debate. It is time for the House of Representatives and all of its Members to answer to the public's demand for lobbying reform. The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 reforms the way special interest groups and lobbyists unduly influence legislation on Capitol Hill. The legislation holds lobbyists responsible and if they break the law, they will be punished with tens of thousands of dollars in fines. I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 2564.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in observance of Veterans Day and the 50th commemorative anniversary of World War II. As we take time to pause and reflect on the significance of this day, let us remember the legions of American heroes who sacrificed so that we may live in freedom. Veterans Day has a very special meaning for the families and relatives of the brave men and women who served their country in World War II. While their loved ones were overseas fighting against tyranny and oppression, those left behind remembered and supported them in their thoughts and prayers. Through the struggle for a lasting peace, America was united and unified behind our fighting men and women. Back home in the States, citizens did their part, collecting scrap tin, rubber, and metal and conserving electricity and heating oil so that these vital resources could assist the overall war effort. A true sense of community was fostered out of the great concern all Americans had for our soldiers. The veterans of World War II brought our Nation closer as they united and defeated forces that sought to destroy democracy and freedom for the free world. Our Nation's veterans have long answered their country's call to service without hesitation. As Americans, we must pause and remember their service through the years: World War I, World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, Operation Desert Storm, and all other conflicts which were fought on behalf of the universal ideas of freedom, justice, and peace. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to serve on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, as it affords me the opportunity and privilege to recognize our Nation's veterans. Neither they, nor their heroic sacrifices, will be forgotten by their country. On behalf of many grateful Americans, I would like to acknowledge the years of selfless, dedicated service our Nation's veterans have given to the United States of America.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the 1st of November to recognize National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. Alzheimer's is a neurological disorder that affects nearly 2 million Americans and is one of the primary causes of mental illness in the elderly. The affects of Alzheimer's disease increase significantly with aging. Nobody is immune to Alzheimer's, nor can anyone reduce their odds of acquiring it. All Americans are at risk. Demographic projections indicate that the number of Alzheimer's cases is expected to rise exponentially during the next several decades. The current number of Americans age 65 and over with Alzheimer's is 33.6 million, but this statistic is expected to increase to 70.2 million by the year 2030. The course of the disease is progressive and irreversible, beginning with simple forgetfulness, followed by noticeable and severe changes in memory and personality. Eventually, victims of Alzheimer's cannot care for themselves, and life expectancy is usually reduced. Although this disease was first discovered in 1906 by the German physician Alios Alzheimer, the exact cause of the disease is unknown. Researchers are aggressively attempting to find out what causes Alzheimer's and how to effectively diagnose, treat, and prevent this disorder. One emerging consensus among the scientific community is that a principle goal of research efforts should be aimed at delaying the onset of symptoms of aging-dependent disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. The National Institute on Aging [NIA] of the National Institutes of Health [NIH] is the Federal Government's lead agency for Alzheimer's research. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join with me in support of the efforts to overcome this devastating disease.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, as a leader in the movement to eliminate wasteful government spending, I rise today in support of H.R. 2491, the Seven Year Balanced Budget Reconciliation Act. This measure will achieve the first balanced budget in more than a quarter of a century, and is the right thing for America's families. This is a historic vote and one that will be remembered as the first step to ensuring the future of our children and our grandchildren. I promised in my first campaign more than 3 years ago to fight for reform and to balance the budget. This bill goes a long way in accomplishing both those goals. We have reached a crisis point. The current Federal debt is approximately $4.9 trillion, amounting to $19,000 for every man, woman, and child in America. This bill means real money for America's families. It allows the working men and women of this country to keep more of their hard earned money in their own pocket, instead of sending more and more of it to Washington. It simply boils down to doing the right thing for America and its families. By balancing the budget, we'll go a long way toward ensuring that the American dream--the dream that our children will be better off than we are--will continue for generations to come. The Seven Year Balanced Budget Reconciliation Act overhauls nearly every major Federal spending program except Social Security. The measure also includes a plan to preserve, protect and strengthen the Medicare Program which still allows Medicare spending to increase for every senior, every year. The bill also includes genuine welfare reform which emphasizes work, families, and hope for the future. Under welfare reform, States are given the authority to punish food stamp traffickers. We finally will be able to protect our innocent children from criminal activity that threatens their health and well-being. As a strong advocate for reforming the Medicaid Program to allow States like New York to reinvent Medicaid, with other members of the New York delegation, I was able to obtain significant improvements for the State. In a move that will literally mean billions of dollars for New York, congressional leaders agreed to change the provision and gradually reduce the rates of growth so that the State has more time to reform its system. An additional $5.8 billion will be made available for Northeastern States, particularly New York and New Jersey. Although I see this improvement as a step in the right direction, I'll be working for additional improvements in the Medicaid formula. We cannot turn our backs on the future to continue the failed policies of the past. The most significant gift we can leave our children is a legacy of sound government.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Msgr. David A. Gernatt, better known simply as Father Dave. Father Dave is retiring this year after nearly 50 years as a Catholic priest and over 25 years as the first and only pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church in West Seneca, NY. Father Dave was the 6th of 10 children born to John and Martha Gernatt, immigrants from Austria and Germany. It was while growing up on the farm in Collins that Father Dave first learned his committed work ethic and deep devotion to his religion. Father Dave entered the Josephinum Pontifical College of Worthington, OH at the age of 14. He spent 12 years there, studying through his high school years, his college years and 4 years of graduate courses in theology. Father Dave never received a high school or college diploma because his goal was not to graduate, but to become a priest. [[Page E 1813]] Father Dave served at five parishes throughout western New York before returning to the Josephinum in 1966 to serve as spiritual director. At this time, Father Dave was invested as a monsignor. His time back at the college was short lived because in 1967 he resigned in order to become a paster; however, it did teach him valuable lessons about the new things going on in the church after the Second Vatican Council. On October 22, 1967, Bishop James McNulty of Buffalo assigned Father Dave with forming the new Parish of St. Catherine of Siena. Church services were first held in the West Seneca Town Hall while the new church building was built on the former farm at 4928 Seneca Street. The ground breaking ceremony took place in October of 1967. The first mass was said there on June 1, 1970. Father Dave had a vision of developing a family-like community. He believed that there were no distinctions between priests and lay people and both should work together. Father Dave always believed in his parishioners and worked to encourage involvement of everyone in the parish. Father Dave knew and believed that everyone has different gifts to offer and the entire community could only benefit from everyone offering their gifts. This parish and Father Dave holds such a special place in many peoples' hearts. A small example of this is the fact that the membership of this community out stretches my Congressional District. The benefits of this small community that gathers throughout the week in West Seneca have literally been felt throughout the world. Father Dave will always be a part of St. Catherine's. His vow of no bingo will long echo through St. Catherine's. Father Dave's belief that mass is no place to talk about money will continue to be carried on through the tradition of not passing a basket. Father Dave's goals will still continue to be met when night after night the church building is being used, not just Sundays. Father Dave's work will continue to be seen at every gathering at St. Catherine's when there is every age group represented offering its own gift at every meeting and function. The plain, simple structure of St. Catherine's will always be a mirror image of the exterior of Father Dave, just as the inner warmth, compassion, and love of Father Dave will continue to be felt inside St. Catherine's Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize Father Dave. I wish him a happy and healthy retirement. I also wish the people of the parish he built continue the ways that Father Dave laid down for them. I thank Father Dave for the strong and lasting positive effect he has had on the western New York community.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to thank the gentlewoman from New York for her efforts to deter underage drinking and driving. While we share the same concerns, I must speak against her amendment, because it goes against everything we are trying to change about Washington. My objection to the Lowey amendment is found in its approach, not in its substance. The gentlewoman's amendment will penalize the States by withholding 5 percent of their highway funds if they do not comply. This is a States rights issue. At a time when we are trying to empower the States to govern themselves, we do not need to send them edicts and unfunded mandates from Washington that will withhold much needed highway funds if they do not comply. This bill is a States rights bill. In the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee we started the trend to give rights back to the States by eliminating the national maximum speed limit and mandatory helmet laws. This amendment flies in the face of what we are trying to do here. This very important safety provision of zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving has already been included in H.R. 2274. This provision, though, offers incentives to the States who comply, rather than penalizing them for not doing so. Earlier this year I joined with my esteemed colleague from New York, the Reverend Floyd Flake, to work on a bill designed to reduce drinking and driving among younger drivers. It is a fact that traffic fatalities are the leading cause of death for those under the age of 21 and of those fatalities 40 percent are alcohol related. In addition, studies have shown that teenage driving is impaired at lower blood alcohol concentrations than that of an adult. Zero tolerance laws that have been adopted in various States across the country have proven to reduce the incidence of fatal crashes among teenagers. In closing, I would like to thank Chairman Shuster and Subcommittee Chairman Petri for including my zero tolerance provision in this legislation. Vote ``yes'' for zero tolerance of underage drinking and driving. And vote ``yes'' for States rights by voting ``no'' on the Lowey amendment.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 65th wedding anniversary of Harry and Geraldine Dubel. Harry and the former Geraldine Solomon, who were both born in 1909, were married on September 10, 1930, at St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church. Parents of 3 wonderful children, Rita, Henry Jr., and Robert, their family now proudly includes 13 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Harry initially worked as a delivery man for the Bond Bread Co. and then worked in the grocery business. After 10 years, during which he studied the business, he and Geraldine opened their own family-owned and operated market. Their small market grew and prospered and became Buffalo's well-known ``Dubel's Supermarket.'' After 54 years of hard work, Harry went into semiretirement: now he works only 6 days a week at the store with his sons who took over the family business years ago. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to join with Harry and Geraldine's family, colleagues, and innumerable friends throughout western New York to recognize and celebrate with them their 65-year commitment based on mutual love, faith, and respect. Harry and Geraldine Dubel are in inspiration to us all.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to inform my constituents about the House of Representatives' plan to preserve, protect, and strengthen Medicare. Unfortunately, some individuals and groups are misrepresenting the facts, thus causing unnecessary anguish and apprehension among our nation's seniors. In my district in Western New York, I have seen firsthand the anxiety which such statements have caused. According to the Presidential Medicare Board of Trustees, the Medicare hospital insurance trust fund (part A) will begin running out of money as early as next year--spending $1 billion dollars more than it takes in--and will be completely bankrupt by the year 2002. By law, Medicare is prohibited from making payments for hospital or other health services if its reserves are depleted. That means if nothing is done now to preserve Medicare, 34 million seniors will be in jeopardy of losing their vital health care coverage. I am committed to saving the program for all Americans, that includes my mother, who currently is on the program, and my daughter, who will be on it someday. If Congress does not act to save Medicare, the consequences 7 years from now will be catastrophic for all Americans. Preserving Medicare will not require cuts in the program. Rather, Medicare spending will continue to increase, more than private-sector health care spending increases and general inflation rate. The reason Medicare is in such financial difficulty is that it has been growing at a rate of 10 and 11 percent a year. If we can slow the growth to between 5 and 7 percent annually we can save Medicare from bankruptcy. Right now, the Federal Government spends $4,800 per person per year in Medicare. If we do not make the changes necessary to save the program now, there will be zero dollars available in the year 2002. The plan makes Medicare financially safe and secure both now and in the future by simplifying the system and making it easier for seniors to use and understand it. In addition, it gives seniors the same right that Members of Congress have to choose their health care plan. In our efforts to preserve, protect and strengthen the Medicare Program, we must eliminate fraud and abuse. We are working with doctors and hospitals to make this happen. I urge all of my constituents, and all Americans to play a part in the effort to strengthen Medicare. I welcome all comments and suggestions regarding my effort to save this important program.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, this is about priorities today in this discussion, and I rise today as I have in the past to speak on the merits of the LIHEAP program. This important program, of course, provides cash supplements to assist low income households to pay winter heating bills. It is disturbing to many of us today that we have this bill before us that has no funding in the Federal year of 1996, and these serve probably the poorest households in the country and across all of our districts. Many of our low-income citizens must pay a high percentage of their incomes already and quite simply cannot meet to pay their own energy needs. These LIHEAP recipients have an average income during the course of a year of only a little bit over $8,000 a year. Without some kind of assistance for their heating needs, these people could be absolutely put in dire straits. The effects of being without heat are obvious to those of us who come from the Northeast and understand these kind of temperatures that we are looking at, not only the summer problems, of course, but those in the winter. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to offer my support for the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to inform my constituents about the House of Representatives' plan to preserve, protect, and strengthen Medicare. Unfortunately, some individuals and groups are misstating the facts, thus causing unnecessary anguish and apprehension among our Nation's seniors. In my own district in western New York, I have seen firsthand the anxiety which such statements have caused. According to the Presidential Medicare Board of Trustees, the Medicare hospital insurance trust fund (Part A) will begin running out of money as early as next year--spending $1 billion dollars more than it takes in--and will be completely bankrupt by the year 2002. By law, Medicare is prohibited from making payments for hospital or other health services if its reserves are depleted. That means if nothing is done now to preserve Medicare, 24 million seniors will be in jeopardy of losing their vital health care coverage. I am committed to saving the program for all Americans, that includes my mother, who currently is on the program, and my daughter, who will be on it someday. If Congress does not act to save Medicare, the consequences 7 years from now will be catastrophic for all Americans. Preserving Medicare will not require cuts in the program. Rather, Medicare spending will continue to increase more than private-sector health care spending increases and general inflation rate. The plan makes Medicare financially safe and secure both now and in the future by simplifying the system and making it easier for seniors to use and understand it. In addition, it gives seniors the same right that Members of Congress have to choose their health care plan. In our efforts to preserve, protect, and strengthen the Medicare Program, we must eliminate fraud and abuse. We are working with doctors and hospitals to make this happens. I urge all of my constituents, and all Americans to play a part in the effort to strengthen Medicare. I welcome all comments and suggestions regarding my effort to save this important program.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, I, too, want to rise in support of the manager's amendment today and to thank the gentleman from California [Mr. Lewis] and the gentleman from New York [Mr. Lazio] and so many others across the aisle that have worked so hard to come up with this compromise. I think it takes a great step in the right direction. Mr. Chairman, we are talking about some big numbers, 19.1 to 19.4 billion. We talk later on in the bill about $600 and $300 million. The key though is back in our districts where we know it works. I recently visited a facility run by People, Inc., a not-for-profit. It takes these funds and makes sure that disabled and handicapped citizens are used properly in the right direction. I think that when we look back at our directions in our home States and towns and districts, we can see that this money works. Seniors, homeless vets, and others, it works. While there are some criticisms, we know that these big, big number we talk about here on the floor and in and out of committees, back in our districts where we have a chance to see it right away in action, we know that this money is put to its best use. I congratulate all the Members who worked for the manager's amendment and urge its support later on this afternoon.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentlewoman from Florida [Mrs. Thurman] be removed as a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 85.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, it is my pleasure to rise today in strong support of the Mollohan amendment to H.R. 2076, the fiscal year Commerce, Justice, State & Judiciary Appropriations Act, and the COPS Program. The Mollohan amendment would restore crucial funding for COPS Program, or the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, which has been highly successful in Buffalo and throughout Western New York. Since the program was first authorized in the Crime Bill of 1994, law enforcement authorities throughout Western New York already have received funding to hire 28 additional officers. Nationwide, the COPS Program has authorized funding for 18,159 community policing officers. This is in addition to the 2,080 new officers funded under the 1994 Police Hiring Supplement (PHS) Program, bringing the total to 20,239 more officers on the beat across the country. In 1993, the Buffalo Police Department received funding to hire more than twenty officers under the PHS Program. One of the COPS Programs' most successful programs is COPS MORE. MORE puts additional officers on the street by funding equipment, technology, hiring of civilians and overtime. Last summer, the Commissioner of the Buffalo Police Department requested the flexibility to use grant funding where it is most needed. Under COPS MORE, the Buffalo Police Department recently received $1.3 million. The funding has enabled the Department to get cops out of the precinct and back onto the street where they belong. Like you, I am appalled by the following statistics: A murder occurs every 21 minutes; a rape every 5 minutes a robbery every 46 seconds; an aggravated assault every 29 seconds; a burglary every 20 seconds; and a larceny theft every 4 seconds. If we keep those alarming facts in mind, this vote is very simple. More copes on the street, means more hoodlums behind bars. I urge all of my colleagues to support the Mollohan amendment in order to restore necessary funding so that the successful COPS Program may continue.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of the numerous courageous men and women who throughout the Korean war gave of themselves on behalf of the United States of America and all freedom- loving people of the world. On Thursday, July 27, 1995, we will dedicate the Korean War Veterans Memorial as a remembrance for all of the heroic efforts that American service men and women selflessly performed for their country. The Korean War Veterans Memorial is more than just a symbol: it is an embodiment of the resolute courage of America's service veterans. It stands as all America's veterans have stood, dauntless in the face of jeopardy, compassionate in victory, and dedicated to the pursuit of freedom for all people throughout the world. The men and women who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America during the Korean war forged a special bond with one another, as have all of America's combat veterans. This band transcends traditional boundaries and common circumstance. This bond will be evident by the community of veterans who will gather here in Washington, DC, and will pay an enduring tribute to their fellow comrades. I would like to take this opportunity and say to the veterans of the Korean war and all wars, that we, as a nation, are thankful for your patriotic service. When your country called, you answered by serving with bravery and distinction in the face of oppression. For this, I, like every American citizen, am eternally grateful and remain in your debt.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, as an original cosponsor of House Joint Resolution 79, it is with great pride that I rise to urge my colleagues to support the rule for its consideration. This amendment gives Congress and the States the power to enact legislation prohibiting the physical desecration of the flag of the United States. Forty-nine States have passed resolutions calling on Congress to propose this constitutional amendment. A recent Gallup survey found that 79 percent of those asked would vote for a constitutional amendment and that 81 percent belived they should have the right to vote on the issue. Mr. Speaker, let us give the American people what they want and what our flag deserves. The American flag represents this great Nation and is something to be revered--not destroyed or mutilated or treated with disrespect. This amendment helps to preserve a symbol of our country--a united nation where values transcend political party, ethnic group or socio-economic class and reflects pride in the principles of democracy and freedom upon which this country was founded. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman of the Rules Committee for bringing this rule and his leadership on this important issue and once again I would urge my colleagues to support the rule and ask that they vote ``yes'' on final passage.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in favor of H.R. 1565, which provides for priority health care to veterans exposed to agent orange, ionizing radiation, or other environmental hazards. In 1992, this body required the National Academy of Science to conduct a comprehensive study of the health effects of exposure to agent orange and other herbicides. The NAS findings serve as the basis of H.R. 1565 which requires certain specific diseases to be considered related to exposure for treatment purposes--including those where there is insufficient evidence to prove a connection. Often, many of our veterans, who served this country with distinction during their tour in Vietnam, have felt let down. They have felt that the Government has not recognized that some of their problems stem from exposure to agent orange and other herbicides. It is my hope that this legislation will help drive home the fact that we are aware of their tremendous sacrifices and give our support. H.R. 1565 also provides for treatment for veterans subjected to ionizing radiation. These veterans also deserve our assistance. I wish to compliment my colleagues, Representatives Hutchinson and Edwards, for their leadership on this legislation. I am pleased to offer my support.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the time being yielded by my friend, the gentleman from New York. Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to support the amendment offered by Congressman Gutierrez to prohibit congressional unsolicited mass mailings within 90 days of an election. Last year, I successfully offered an amendment to this bill, along with my colleague, Mr. Pomeroy, to cut congressional franking allowances by $4 million. The franking allowance, therefore, was reduced from $35 million to $31 million for House Members. There is quite a bit of talk in Washington about reducing the cost of Government. If Congress is ever going to be successful in getting Government spending under control, it first must reduce its own expenses. I consider the ability to communicate with my constituents to be very important. Nevertheless, when I first ran for Congress in 1992, I pledged not to send mass mailing within 6 months of an election. I have kept that promise throughout my tenure in Congress and it has worked very well. This amendment only prevents Members from sending mass mailings within 3 months of an election. By restricting myself from mailing within 6 months, twice the amount of time involved in this amendment, I have shown that this approach not only works, but is not overly restrictive. I invite my colleagues to support this amendment. I also encourage all of you to join me in an effort to restore credibility to this body by voluntarily withholding mass mailings within 6 months of an election.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Richard Dean McCarthy, better known as Max McCarthy, who recently passed away. Max was a member of the House of Representatives from 1965 to 1970. Max last worked for the Buffalo News as the Washington bureau chief. His last column appeared in the News 2 days after he had died. In the words of the Buffalo News, ``Max was an outstanding citizen of Buffalo, outstanding patriot and a fine newspaperman.'' Max McCarthy served our Nation in two wars. He was with the Navy in the Pacific Theater in World War II and with the Army in the Far East during the Korean war. After serving Buffalo and western New York in the House for three terms, Max lost a bid for the U.S. Senate and then worked as press attache in the United States Embassy in Iran. Prior to working for the Buffalo News, Max also worked in the White House as an adviser in legislative affairs in the Carter administration. Max was a avid writer. He was first published in the Buffalo News as a corporal in the Army, stationed in Japan in 1952. He sent accounts of military life to the Buffalo Evening News and they published his stories. Max also wrote some books, one of which led to congressional hearings, policy reviews, and the cancellation of a plan to dump outdated nerve gas in the sea. Max was known for his honesty and integrity. He received numerous awards and recognitions for the service he provided to the western New York community in many different ways. Western New York is still reaping the benefits of many of Max McCarthy's projects. Max lost his long fight with Lou Gehrig's disease in early May. He will be missed by his family and the community.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding only because I came down here to talk about the line-item veto, an issue that is so near and dear to many of our hearts who have worked on this for so long. As an original cosponsor of H.R. 2, the Line-Item Veto Act, I believe it offers a true, true line-item veto. It would allow, of course, the President to rescind all or any part of appropriated funds, require a majority of both Chambers to disapprove the President's rescissions, and, finally, require a two-thirds' vote of both Chambers to override that Presidential veto of the disapproval bill. I think while we will talk about some politics almost each and every day in these Chambers, this is one issue where I think Republicans and Democrats alike can get behind to give the President of the United States, whichever party it happens to be, the line-item veto, and I think it is time this year.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment to reauthorize the coastal nonpoint source pollution control program known as section 6217. This program is important because our coastal States have unique and significant problems. While there have been some complaints about the 6217 program, we should look at ways to improve not kill it. I had representatives from my State come to me to announce that New York will have a management program for approval in July. Approximately 18 States will be ready to go on September. We can not end the program now. To repeal this program would punish the States that are making good faith efforts to work on their nonpoint pollution. To repeal this program would reward States that have not been making strong efforts to address the nonpoint problems specific to the coastal States. I am worried that to repeal the program now will delay any progress that it ready to be made. I rise in support of the gentleman's amendment.

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 in strong support of House Joint Resolution 135, which condemns the bombing in Oklahoma City. This resolution condemns the terrorist-fashioned bombing of a downtown Federal office building in Oklahoma City, denouncing it as an ``abhorrent act of cowardice.'' Also, the resolution expresses congressional support for the President's and Attorney General's efforts to pursue all possible means of apprehending and punishing the responsible parties. Today, I met with Congressman Bill McCollum, chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, to discuss antiterrorism legislation. Specifically, we conferred about my pending legislation, the Restricted Explosives Control Act, which I introduced in an effort to diminish the incidence of domestic terrorism. I join all of my fellow colleagues in the House of Representatives and extend my deepest sympathies to all of the families in Oklahoma City. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you all in the days and weeks to come.