Jack Quinn

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, in 1995, Congressman James Walsh and Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, directed the National Parks Service to study the merits of the Erie Canal System's federal designation. In 1998, the study concluded that the system did in fact have great historical significance and recommended the canal for National Heritage Corridor status. Legislation was thus drafted and presented on the House floor on October 3, 2000. I support H.R. 5375 because I too, feel that the Erie Canal represents a key component of not only New York State's history, but the history of the United States, as well. The Erie Canal was originally built to provide a waterway that would link the Great Lakes with the eastern seaboard. Completed in 1825, the canal was the first of its kind and proved to be the working model used in future canal construction throughout the United States. This manmade waterway helped to transform the economy of the Northeast and Midwest states along the Great Lakes. The construction of the canalway helped to accelerate shipping and trade in these areas, which in turn helped to establish flourishing metropolitan areas such as New York City, Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, not to mention the development and growth witnessed in Mid-western shipping centers, such as Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago. Recently the residents of Buffalo and Western New York have realized that our city can once again generate economic investment from its position as the western terminus of the Erie Canal. The Erie Canal as the centerpiece of the City's Inner Harbor development. A major focus of the Inner Harbor project is to once again center the region's transportation system at Buffalo's waterfront. I have worked to bring over $35 million in federal dollars to the Inner Harbor to fund transportation related infrastructure improvements. The designation of the Erie Canal is a National Heritage Corridor would further enhance the attraction of the Inner Harbor site both locally and nationally. The significant National Heritage Corridor designation would allow Congress to provide federal resources and technical assistance for canalside communities from Buffalo to Albany to establish projects involving interpretive centers, historic preservation and economic development. This is the perfect time to approve this legislation. The year 2000 marks the 175th Anniversary of New York State's creation and stewardship of the Erie Canalway for commerce, transportation, and recreational purposes, establishing the network which made New York the ``Empire State'' and the nation's premier commercial and financial center.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, we gather today to honor the crew of the naval destroyer U.S.S. Cole. A tragedy of great magnitude occurred in the Yemen port of Aden on October 12, 2000. While the U.S.S. Cole was refueling in Aden, in an apparent terrorist suicide mission, a small boat loaded with explosives struck the U.S.S. Cole. The impact of the explosion left a 40-by-45 hole in the side of the destroyer, but this impact extends far beyond the port of Yemen, and into the hearts of the American people. Not only did this explosion strike a devastating blow to the ship itself, but the ship's crew as well. This deliberate act of terrorism has left seven crewmembers dead, ten missing and presumed dead, and over three dozen wounded. So, we gather here today to not only express our heartfelt sympathies to the families, friends, and loved ones of these servicemen and women, but also to express our thanks for the ultimate sacrifice that these men and women made for their nation. The United States Government has yet to identify the culprit of this terrible act, but we do know that the U.S.S. Cole and its crew were going about routine duties in the area and performed dutifully and selflessly in a situation of great duress. This unfortunate tragedy has taken seventeen lives and wounded over 40 U.S. servicemen. We cannot commend the crew of the U.S.S. Cole highly enough for the exemplary spirit and patriotism which they demonstrated in salvaging their crew and ship. Let the memory of those who perished in the U.S.S. Cole attack, motivate us to carry on with the same spirit with which they served to preserve the future peace and security, of our nation.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute the individuals who were inducted into the W.N.Y. Baseball Hall of Fame on September 27, 2000 and pay special tribute to Thomas J. (Sarge) Caulfield, inducted posthumously, for his lifelong commitment to baseball, the youth of the City of Buffalo and the local and national community. Tom, or ``Sarge'' as he was affectionately referred to, spent a lifetime teaching, coaching, helping and guiding young men throughout the Niagara Frontier. It is not clearly known how Tom acquired the nickname ``Sarge'' although there were several theories. One involves his uncanny knack of referring to others as Sarge. Another, and probably closer to the reality, holds that it came from his unique ability to take charge of even the most difficult situation, always with an eye for taking care of his charges, and confronting it with his popular refrain, ``not a problem.'' In his youth, Tom was an outstanding athlete and baseball player and, indeed, considered by some a professional prospect. He received All- High honors as a baseball player at South Park High School in 1933. Moreover, in 1932, he played for the Millers, New York State Legion champions, and for the Haff and Haskins, 1935 Buffalo Municipal Baseball Association (MUNY) champions. In 1938, he moved to coach/ manager leading the South Buffalo Businessmen to a MUNY championship behind pitchers Warren Walters and Warren (Lefty) Spahn, who went on to become the winningest left-handed pitcher in major league baseball. Interestingly, it has been said that Tom was instrumental in the purchase of ``Lefty'' Spahn's first pair of baseball spikes. Tom's passion for baseball and his commitment to youth development lead him to progress from player, to coach, to manager and, ultimately, to distinguish baseball organization official. In 1969, ``Sarge'' received a special award from the MUNY league for his outstanding contributions to Western New York baseball. In 1976, Tom served as the president of MUNY baseball. More significantly, in 1968, he was named ``Man of the Year'' by the National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF), a national organization dedicated to amateur baseball and known as the ``oldest sand lot organization in America, operating continuously since 1914.'' Tom was praised by the NABF for his overall contributions to amateur baseball and credited as ``one of the top fund raisers for the youth of America.'' ``Sarge,'' who served as NABF president in 1977, was instrumental in getting the City of Buffalo to host the NABF National Tournament and, by all accounts, did such a magnificent job as a host city official, that the NABF honored Buffalo by returning the tournament to our great city the following year. Through his efforts on behalf of and association with the NABF, Tom was memorialized in the baseball hall of fame at Cooperstown, N.Y. As reported at Tom's induction into the Hall of Fame, in the 1960's and 1970's, ``Sarge'' was probably the most influential person in amateur baseball throughout the United States. ``Sarge'' also managed for many years the Ramblers. Originally started as a South Buffalo team, expanded over the years, the Ramblers became a highly competitive force in local amateur baseball. However, there is another side to Tom Caulfield that deserves special mention because of its impact on Buffalo area youth. Tom, as Superintendent of the Department of Parks for the City of Buffalo, sincerely believed that participation in sports coupled with an opportunity to work, kept youngsters ``off the streets.'' He worked tirelessly in helping his players and others get jobs for the city and elsewhere. In fact, it has often been repeated by former players and employees that if it were not for the tutelage, encouragement and guidance of the ``Sarge,'' the positive life choices they made would never have been available. One example of his commitment to lend a helping hand, even when not expected, involves a city worker who was experiencing an increasingly troublesome attendance problem. Even though Tom was the head of the Department and receiving pressure from the supervisor, who worked for Tom, to fire the individual, he got up early one morning and drove to the delinquent worker's house and woke him up to take him to work. When the worker complained that Tom had no right to come to his house, Tom calmly pointed to and named the worker's four children and wife as the basis of his right to take such action. The attendance problem was solved. Although Tom was better known for his practicality and problem- solving acumen, he was also deeply philosophical about parks and recreation. With the passion and understanding generally attributed to the preeminent urban planners and landscape architects of our time, Tom, sincerely believed, and practically applied, during his long tenure with the Parks Department, the concept that harmonious urban living demanded adequate opportunities for individuals to recreate. His pride and efforts in the development and maintenance of recreational outlets was formally recognized in 1974 when the Buffalo Recreation Society presented him with its Outstanding Service Award. Finally, in spite of all his work on behalf of others, Tom utilized his unique talents and considerable energy to balance his outside activities with an extreme dedication to his own family. Therefore, it is with great pleasure and pride that I join Tom's family, especially his wife Mary (Hanratty), who passed away in 1999; his daughter Marilynn; his sons Mark J., John T., and Thomas E.; his grandchildren John, Alyson, Liam, Lauren, John A. (Jace), Molly; his great grandchildren Rachel, Bridget and great-great grandchild, Maria Christina; his former players, proteges, employees, friends, and a grateful city in giving special recognition for his induction into the W.N.Y. Hall of Fame and his immeasurable contributions to youth development in the Buffalo area. Mr. Speaker, if the measure of a man's life is his positive influence on others, it can be said, without equivocation, that the legacy of Thomas J. Caulfield will continue for generations through the lives of those he mentored and touched.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend my colleagues in the House of Representatives for demonstrating their overwhelming support for H.R. 4292 last week. The Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2000, which is designed to ensure that all infants who are born alive are treated as persons for purposes of federal law, passed the House with 385 votes. It has long been accepted legal principle that infants who are born alive are persons and are entitled to the full protection of the law. In fact, many states have statutes that, with some variations, explicitly enshrine this principle as a matter of state law, and some federal courts have recognized the principle in interpreting federal laws. But recent changes in the legal and cultural landscape appear to have brought this well-settled principle into question. Babies whose lungs are insufficiently developed to permit sustained survival are often spontaneously delivered alive, and they may live for hours or days. Others are born alive following deliveries induced for medical reasons, or following attempted abortions. Enactment of H.R. 4292 is necessary to ensure that all infants who are born alive are treated as legal persons for purposes of federal law. H.R. 4292 is proposed to codify (for federal law purposes only) the traditional definition of ``born alive'' that is already found in the laws of most states: complete expulsion from the mother, accompanied by heartbeat, respiratory, and/or voluntary movements. Although I was unable to vote on this legislation, I wholeheartedly support it and urge its enactment into law.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by thanking the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) for their normal bipartisan approach to this issue here this morning, as we always approach these issues in the Committee on Veterans Affairs in the Congress. Also, besides thanking the gentleman from Arizona and the gentleman from Illinois, it is an opportunity for me to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney) from the Saratoga region of New York, who just opened, by the way, a brand-new national cemetery in Saratoga, New York, Mr. Speaker, this past year, and understands clearly what it is about to pay tribute to veterans who have served their country. So I join in support from the Subcommittee on Benefits' perspective to support H.R. 284 this morning, the Honor Guard for Veterans Empowerment Act, and also urge all of our colleagues later today to vote in the affirmative on this. In the Subcommittee on Benefits, Mr. Speaker, we have had opportunity this past year or two to visit this whole discussion of burial for our veterans. It is interesting to me when we have an opportunity, and just last year a number of us traveled over to Arlington to view right here in D.C. and over in Arlington, Virginia, the situation for burials in the columbarium as well as full burial service. It is interesting for us to see on the committee the support we get when we bring bills like this to the floor and the support that we need during the course of the year to make certain that we budget the kind of money, the kind of personnel that would be necessary to make certain when we have an opportunity that we treat our veterans the way they should be treated, with dignity and with honor. That is why the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney) has really hit the mark this morning with a common sense approach to this issue. He understands what that means, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude. It is also an opportunity for me to just take a few brief moments this morning to talk about other work on the subcommittee. We, from time to time, debate here on the floor, and certainly back in our district, I know in Buffalo, New York and Saratoga, New York and Arizona and Illinois and other places have a chance to discuss whether or not we are meeting the needs of our veterans when it comes to health care, for example; when it comes to education benefits for our veterans; when it comes to housing benefits; or whether or not we are discussing the important issue of homelessness among our veterans. Fully one-third of the homeless people in this country are veterans. So we will agree to disagree sometimes about whether or not we have full funding or adequate funding for health coverage, for education benefits, for housing benefits for the homeless veterans, but when it comes to burial, when it comes time, as the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez) just pointed out a few moments ago, to talk about the family that remains after a veteran passes on, we really need to step up to the plate and make certain that these veterans and their families are given the honor and dignity that they deserve. The gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney) brings us a bill this morning that does exactly that and, at the same time, makes certain that our reservists are also given the opportunities that they need to protect the job back home, and to make certain that they have done what they have done for their families at the right time and place. H.R. 284, then, is that bipartisan approach that we talk about so often here in the House of Representatives. I am happy to join, and my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner), the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Benefits, joins me this morning and all others in supporting H.R. 284. This is common sense approach to making certain that dignity and honor is afforded to the veterans in our country. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), and the ranking member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), as well as the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney).

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, every day, at least one child will die as a result of domestic violence. Every few minutes, approximately nine women are abused around the nation. For this reason, we must reaffirm our commitment to combating domestic violence by reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. H.R. 1248, the Violence Against Women Act, provides women and their local law enforcement offices the necessary resources to escape domestic violence. The reauthorization of this Act would preserve funding for abused women, grants for training police forces, a national domestic violence hotline, and grants for victim services and prevention programs. Women seeking to escape abusive relationships require legal assistance to be free from such abuse, including assistance in obtaining a divorce, custody of their children, or even to obtain a change of address or social security number for safety. Since 1994, The Violence Against Women Act has provided over $1.5 billion in grants that have been used to encourage arrests, train police, prosecutors and judges, as well as provide critical victim services. Reauthorization of this Act includes new support for transitional housing, allowing up to $30 million over four years to assist domestic violence survivors move beyond shelters into safe permanent housing. The new Act would expand the reach of the program to support groups such as elderly, disabled and Native American women. Furthermore, the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act would allow states and local communities to engage in long-range planning without continually fearing that funds will be lost in the next fiscal year. There is much evidence of the success the Violence Against Women Act has had in providing assistance to women at risk of abuse. Calls to the National Domestic Violence Hotline have doubled in the last six months, to a rate of 13,000 calls per month, and use of battered women's shelters has been steadily increasing, all since the inception of the Violence Against Women Act. These programs need to be funded at the highest possible levels so that families in need of safety and protection have full and adequate access to such assistance. The passage of H.R. 1248 is necessary to confirm congressional commitment to fighting violence against women for the next five years. We must do what we can to protect and assist women and children who are the unfortunate victims of domestic violence.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I will include my prepared remarks for today's Record, because we in these prepared remarks talk about the things that Senator Moynihan has done. I would like to file those, and if I may, Senator, take a moment of personal privilege to thank you on behalf of the residents of Buffalo and Erie County in western New York for all you have done over several years. I remember when I got elected in 1992 and first came into office in 1993, the very first visitor in my office was you, the very first person to come over and talk with me. We sat in the corner and enjoyed a cup of tea, and you told me what would be important for New York State. And you were right. You have been for all of us, Members and constituents alike, a model and an example. I can give you a little secret here that my cousin Peter Quinn in Monroe County in Rochester, New York, has a son about 7 or 8 right now, and his name is Daniel Patrick Quinn. My youngest brother, Mike up in Buffalo, has a son named Daniel Patrick Quinn. There are no John Francis Quinns running around that I know of, Senator, but lots of Daniel Patricks. We cannot find a stronger advocate for the arts, whether it is the Darwin Martin House and the Frank Lloyd Wright effort in Buffalo, New York, when we turn to someone like you. Finally Senator, and to Liz and your family, we obviously wish you the best; but some people would say that I'm talking the height of flattery, and I want you to know when I leave this place, whenever it is and for whatever reason, if I can leave as Daniel Patrick Moynihan leaves, I will be a lucky man. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today and join with my colleagues to pay tribute and officially recognize the retirement of my good friend, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Senator Moynihan has dedicated his life to service of his country. He served with the Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford administrations, and as an Ambassador to India, U.S. Representative to the United Nations, and as United States President of the U.N. Security Council. Upon his election to the United States Senate in 1976, Senator Moynihan emerged as a strong advocate for the State of New York, but never lost sight of his obligations to the Nation as a whole. His strong commitment to education, science, and arts and humanities is testimony to his leadership and integrity as a United States Senator. A prolific author, Senator Moynihan has penned or edited a remarkable eighteen books. He truly personifies that old phrase ``a gentleman and a scholar,'' and I am proud to count him among my friends. His strong example is one we all strive to follow. When I arrived in Congress in January 1993, one of the very first visitors to my office in Cannon was Senator Moynihan. We shared a cup of tea and talked about what was important for Buffalo and New York State. Senator Moynihan has been a stalwart supporter of my district and our State, every day since that first visit. I want to say thank you: not only from me and my staff, but all Buffaloians. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to join with both houses and the New York State delegation in commending Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan on his commitment to New York and the country. I also join with his wife, Elizabeth; his children, Timothy Patrick, Maura Russell and John McCloskey; and indeed, all Americans in expressing our sincerest gratitude for his leadership and service. We have marched in parades together. There is no stronger advocate in the Congress of the arts than Pat Moynihan. Whether it's the Darwin Martin House in Buffalo with its Frank Lloyd Wright history or the Albright-Krax Art Gallery, we are fortunate to have had Pat Moynihan as our supporter, benefactor and friend.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I am here to announce that for the second year in a row now, the Congressional basketball team has defeated the team of lobbyists from the American League of Lobbyists here in Washington, D.C. Last night's game was a hard-earned victory of 70-67. The Congressional team got together in a bipartisan way. I would like to mention that the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Barrett); the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. LoBiondo); the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Hulshof); the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley), our general manager and commissioner; the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer); the gentleman from South Dakota (Mr. Thune), our MVP last night; the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind); the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee); the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella); the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus); and the gentleman from California (Mr. Baca) all got together in an effort to prove that we can get along here in Washington and that we can do better when the cause is right. Last night the American League of Lobbyists organized a benefit for over $17,000 that will go to charity for the Hill staffers, for the hungry and homeless, for Horton's kids, and for Everybody Wins, a youth mentoring program here in the Washington, D.C. area. We set a challenge for the lobbyists we can get along better, and we are going to make sure that some young people here in Washington, D.C., benefit from it.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute and officially recognize the retirement of my good friend, Special Agent Stanley ``Chip'' Amrozowicz. Known by many as ``Chip A-to-Z,'' Special Agent Amrozowicz has distinguished himself as a proud example of service, leadership, and professionalism in law enforcement. His excellent career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation is one of dedication and achievement. Throughout his service with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Chip has been assigned to the Organized Crime/Narcotics Squad, the White Collar Crime Squad, the Foreign Counter-Intelligence Squad and the Reactive Squad. In 1988, he formed the Special Operations Group within the Buffalo Division that oversees all undercover activities. Prior to his appointment as Special Agent, Chip served the Nation as an Officer in the United States Army. He was an Infantry Platoon Leader and Infantry Company Commander with the Army during the war in Vietnam. That bravery, patriotism, and valor would serve him well when he returned and began service with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. His current duties with the Bureau highlight his extensive experience and ability to lead. As the Police Training Coordinator, FBI National Academy Coordinator, Employee Assistance Program Coordinator and Police Instructor, Chip has helped ensure that the next generation of Agents working with the FBI in Buffalo will be as skilled as those in the past. In addition to those important duties, Chip also serves as Special Weapons and Tactics Reserve Commander and the Canadian Liaison Agent. It is plain to see that Chip's service to the FBI has been outstanding, and will undoubtedly be missed. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to join with the Amrozowicz family in commending Chip on a job well done. With retirement comes many new opportunities, both personal and professional. May Chip meet each of these opportunities with the same vigor and commitment as he did throughout his brilliant career, and may those opportunities be as fruitful as those in his past.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a minute to thank everybody who has been involved in this process: the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster), the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw), the gentleman from California (Mr. Matsui), the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri), and many others not on the floor today, the gentleman from Illinois (Speaker Hastert) being one. I can remember back in July where many of us went to the Speaker to talk to him about the importance of this bill to try to get it on the calendar. While he is not on the floor discussing it today, I think he and others on both sides of the aisle played a huge role in getting us here today. I did not rise to talk about the specifics of today's bill because whenever we talk about pension and pension plans we can get a little bit complicated. We have people on both sides of the aisle who have worked this issue. We have people like the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw), who has worked with rail labor and others who understood the problems. I rose today, this afternoon, just to talk a little bit about the fact that we have been at it now for almost 2 years, Mr. Chairman, talking about discussion, talking about compromise, talking about meeting each other halfway. We are about doing something that is good for a lot of people this afternoon, retirees, and some who will retire. Coming from a railroad family, my father put on 35 years on the South Buffalo Railroad back home. There is a section here that talks about widows and widowers. This has been a patently and basically unfair rule for too many years, that just because a railroad worker dies, that pension for the widow or widower remains sometimes cut by two-thirds. In the meantime, that same family has the same mortgage bills and heating bills and taxes and prescriptions and all those other bills that come and go day-to-day, week-to-week, year-to-year. I think more than anything else, Mr. Speaker, we are here to talk about righting some wrongs, doing the fair thing for railroad workers all across the country. I enthusiastically support H.R. 4844, and ask all of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same thing this afternoon.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) to make certain our colleagues understand that this is an effort by the Veterans Subcommittee on Benefits to make the VA more user friendly, more constituent friendly. When we have said so many times on the subcommittee, when there is an area that is not certain, the benefit of the doubt should always go to the veteran when we are able to do that. Madam Speaker, I want to publicly thank the gentleman for his effort in this regard. It has really made the hearings, I think, more beneficial to everybody.

Mr. QUINN. Madam Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. QUINN. Madam Speaker, the members of the Subcommittee on Benefits have worked for the past 6 months or so to craft this legislation that we are considering this morning, which I am pleased to say has the bipartisan support of over 100 of our colleagues here in the House. Madam Speaker, H.R. 4864, as amended, is in direct response to a 1999 decision by the Court of Appeals for veterans claims, the Morton v. West decision, which puts limitations on the VA's duty to assist veterans with the development of their claims. The bill clarifies the claimants' and the VA's duties with respect to obtaining evidence in support of claims for veterans benefits. The bill also requires that the Secretary make reasonable effort to obtain relevant records that the claimant identifies and authorizes the Secretary to obtain, and it eliminates the requirement that a claimant submit a ``well-grounded'' claim before the Secretary can assist in obtaining evidence. The Subcommittee on Benefits had a hearing on the issue this past March 23; and since that time, we have been working and meeting with members, not only the veterans service organizations but also the VA and its officials to develop the bill that addresses the concerns of all interested parties without requiring the Veterans Benefits Administration to do unnecessary work. It is our intention that H.R. 4864, as amended, this morning will give direction to both the VA and the claimant himself or herself. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), the ranking member, for their leadership on this issue as we crafted this bill. Both of these individuals have served together on the VA committee now for some 19 years. Thanks also goes to the VSOs that engaged in oftentimes a spirited dialogue to ensure that this bill does right by veterans and all of their survivors. Madam Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner), the ranking member, and my partner on the Subcommittee on benefits, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), who had input from beginning to end on this matter. Madam Speaker, I urge our colleagues to support H.R. 4864, as amended, this morning. Madam Speaker, I inform the Chair that we expect to ask for a recorded vote when the time is appropriate.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Madam Speaker, I want to note the opportunity for us to talk with the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) this morning and others. We are proud to be here today to consider H.R. 4850, the Veterans Benefits Act of 2000. H.R. 4850 combines four bills that were referred to the Subcommittee on Benefits, H.R. 3816, H.R. 3998, H.R. 4131, and H.R. 4376. Briefly, Madam Speaker, the Veterans Benefits Act provides a COLA, cost-of-living adjustment, effective December 1, 2000, for service- connected and survivor benefits. It also provides that a stroke or a heart attack suffered by a Reservist during inactive duty training shall be considered service connected for purposes of VA benefits. It adds the service-connected loss of one or both breasts due to a radical mastectomy to the list of disabilities entitled to an additional special monthly compensation. And, finally, extends service members' group life insurance eligibility to members of the Individual Ready Reserve. I would like to thank the ranking member and my partner on the subcommittee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner), for his help in bringing this bill to the floor today. I would also like to thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak), who is not a member of the committee but had the foresight to bring to our attention and worked with us on the provision affecting Reservists who suffer a heart attack or stroke while performing weekend drills. The benefits improvements in this bill will have an effect on a large number of veterans across the country. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, today I rise to urge my colleagues to support funding for courthouse construction projects in the fiscal year 2001 Treasury, Postal and General Government Appropriations bill. Specifically, I want to highlight a local concern of ours up in Buffalo, New York, and ask that we consider providing $3.6 million for site acquisition and design work on a Federal courthouse in my district in western New York. The President's fiscal year 2001 budget resolution includes funding for eight Federal courthouse projects nationwide, totalling over $480 million. However, the bill before us today contains no funding for courthouse construction projects. The Administrative Office of the United States Courts has ranked the project in Buffalo, New York, as seventh highest as a priority across the country, seventh highest; and yet it has not been included in the President's budget. So I have actively lobbied colleagues of ours up in New York, the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce) and others, to assist us in making certain that people here in our Nation's capital know of the importance. Unfortunately, because of tight budget constraints, our pleas have not been answered. So I would like to take this opportunity today to stress the importance of the project and to ask the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), the distinguished chairman, to agree to work with us on this project.

Mr. QUINN. Certainly, I yield to the gentleman from Arizona.

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe). I only want to conclude by saying that I appreciate the tough, tough job that he has with these budget constraints, and everybody has these concerns. But I appreciate the time of the gentleman from Arizona and the efforts of the full committee. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to pay tribute to Sister Sheila Marie Walsh, RSM, whose tremendous commitment to our Western New York community, leadership, and service to God have had a strong impact on my Congressional District. Sister Sheila Marie's ``missionary spirit'' has been most evident in her work in the health care arena. She earned her degree in hospital administration, and boasts several years of real experience in hospital management. For sixteen years, Sister Sheila Marie served as Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Hospital in South Buffalo. Her advocacy, leadership, professionalism, and integrity as CEO both strengthened the hospital and its role in our community. In addition to that outstanding commitment to Mercy Hospital, Sister Sheila Marie currently serves as president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in the Diocese of Buffalo. She is also a member on the Board of Directors for Mercy Flight, the Lotus Link Foundation, and Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora. For the past eight years, she has been on the leadership team of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Regional Community of Buffalo. Next month, Sister Sheila will bring that Faith and Commitment to God to a small, hospital in Georgetown, Guyana, South America. Located in a country with few resources, this is a small facility sponsored by the Dallas, Pennsylvania Sisters of Mercy. I know that Sister Sheila will meet this new challenge with the same dedication, care, and integrity that she has always demonstrated, and that her tenure in Guyana will be a great success. I also know that we in Buffalo will miss her while she is away. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to join the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and indeed, all of Western New York in tribute to Sister Sheila Marie Walsh. Best wishes to her as she embarks on this important new mission in Guyana. She will remain in our prayers.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mr. QUINN. I yield to the gentleman from Maryland.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the good citizens of Buffalo, New York. As some of my colleagues might be aware, a new theatrical performance entitled the ``Full Monte'' based on the success of the 1997 film is headed to Broadway. While the film used a small, economically depressed town in England as its setting, the new play changes the backdrop to my hometown of Buffalo, New York. While I applaud the success and appreciate the artistic endeavor of the playwrights, I am extremely concerned that the use of Buffalo as the setting will tarnish the image of a wonderful city going through a rebuilding process. I respectfully request that the creative minds of this play reconsider their choice of Buffalo as the new setting. Instead, I suggest that they choose a fictional name for their setting. A fictional city name would prevent them from harming not only the image of Buffalo and its good residents but any locality in America. In closing, I wish the ``Full Monte'' the greatest success as it moves from San Diego to Broadway but not at the expense of the good name of my hometown of Buffalo, New York.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to pay tribute and officially recognize the Seventieth Anniversary of the Vidler's 5 & 10 store in historic East Aurora, which I'm proud to say is part of the Thirtieth Congressional District of the State of New York. On June 21, 1930, Mr. Robert S. Vidler opened his store on Main Street in East Aurora, in the midst of the Great Depression. Despite those humble beginnings, Vidler's has become a landmark in the quaint village of East Aurora, and is yet another fine example of the proud tradition and heritage of our Western New York community. Throughout the past seventy years, this terrific store has served as a shining example of the small-town family businesses that our Nation was founded upon. Currently owned and operated by Mr. Vidler's two sons, Ed and Bob. Not only has this great store survived these many years, it has prospered. Today's Vidler's is about ten times as big as the original, and continues to thrive in this vibrant community. The store occupies four connected, vintage 1890 buildings on two levels. It offers an eclectic blend of merchandise that ranges from the nostalgic to the very latest. It's famous red and white awning is a common stop for area tourists seeking a shopping experience like those of the past in the many ``five and dime'' stores across the country. As Members of Congress, we pause to honor and recognize those family businesses whose proud history of dedicated service and commitment have helped to strengthen our communities. I'm pleased to include this fine business as among our very best. Mr. Speaker, today I join with the Village of East Aurora, the Vidler Family, and indeed, our entire Western New York community in special recognition and commendation of the Vidler's 5 & 10 Store on this historic Anniversary. We all wish them continued success and prosperity.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Chairman, I want to begin by thanking the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter) for the fine job and the hard work he has done, not only for the job he has done this year in a very difficult year, but over the years for our Labor-HHS bill. Mr. Chairman, as a former teacher, funding for elementary and secondary education programs is a top priority for me as well as many other Members here in the House. I have several concerns regarding education funding levels in this bill. I am particularly concerned that the title I education programs have been level funded at fiscal year 2000 levels. These title I programs are vital for school districts like the Buffalo area and many more. Title I educational assistance programs target low-income and disadvantaged areas providing accelerated instruction, smaller classes, extra time to learn after school and during the summer, and computer-based instruction. Buffalo receives approximately $23 million a year in title I funding alone. As my colleague can see, this is critical for many districts. I have been working closely with our colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh), to ensure full funding for this program. Secondly, Mr. Chairman, I also want to talk with the gentleman for a moment about other programs we have discussed. It has been argued that a nearly $200 million cut in the dislocated workers assistance program, run by the Department of Labor, can be justified by our Nation's strong economy. While that may be true in some parts of the country, unfortunately, in my district, in our area of the State and many other Rust Belt communities throughout the country, workers who are permanently separated from their jobs depend on this program to return to productive unsubsidized employment. Lastly, the one-stop career centers were not funded in the bill this year. The elimination of these one-stop career centers would threaten the division of Veterans Employment and Training Services efforts toward establishing licensing and certification of military skills for the civilian economy. This would affect the licensing and certification language in the new Montgomery GI Bill legislation, which was passed in the House in May. It would also have a negative effect on Veterans Employment and Training legislation which the subcommittee will introduce later this summer. Everyone has worked extremely hard to ensure these programs exist for our Veterans. These three concerns, Mr. Chairman, lead me to look forward to working closely with the gentleman from Illinois in the weeks to come so that these programs receive adequate funding in the final version of the legislation, and I appreciate the opportunity for this discussion.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I want to take with my short time maybe a little bit different tack here. I want to speak on the rule for just a minute or two. I think this is a good rule. I want to associate myself with the remarks of the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks) earlier from the other side who took some time to talk to the rule and to the bill. I think that the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) have taken great effort to fashion a bill that warrants debate. The rule this afternoon allows for that kind of debate to take place here in the House and offers everybody an opportunity should they wish to be heard on that. I suggest to Members that they approve the rule. On the bill, itself, Mr. Speaker, we find increasingly here in the House that nothing is easy when we are talking about appropriations bills. We are asked increasingly to do more with less, whether we are talking about this bill or any of the others that will come these next few weeks and months. I happen to believe that our priorities in this case are appropriate. I think as I said on the rule issue a few moments ago that some time and energy has taken place here to make sure that we do have a bipartisan bill for us to look at. We have a bipartisan opportunity for us to talk about what should be done and what should not be done, but when we are talking about money and when we are talking about taxpayers' money and priorities, I believe that this time around we are going to offer the House an opportunity to vote affirmatively on a bill that has those priorities in place. Whether we are talking about those of us who want to geographically cast ourselves from the Northeast and the Midwest and the West and the South, I think that the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) have taken that time, have listened to their members, they have listened not only to the members on the subcommittee and the full committee, but they have listened to Members at large who had things to say before the committee during some of those hearings. I would say to our colleagues who are out in their offices and will be back here later this afternoon and this evening to vote on this bill that they take a good look at it. I think that we have begun this early in our system of rules and bills because it is a bipartisan effort. I suggest approval later this evening.