Jack Quinn

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I too want to join my good friend, the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Boehner] and my dear friend, the gentleman from New York [Mr. Rangel], in paying tribute to our many teachers all across the country. In my particular district in Buffalo and western New York as a former middle school teacher myself, I would like to pay a special tribute today to our middle school world affairs/social studies teacher Jean Kask who is now retired. Mr. Speaker, when I walked over here from my office today and saw the hundreds of students right outside the building, it reminded me of those world affairs trips that Mrs. Kask would bring to this city, to this very floor, 300 eighth graders for 4 days for many, many, many years. The interesting thing about Mrs. Kask is while she had those skills that were important in the classroom, she also taught other teachers. I consider myself to be luckier than all the students she had because I taught alongside of her and learned just as much as the students did, if not more. Mr. Speaker, I salute Jean Kask of Orchard Park Middle School and all of our teachers throughout the district and the country in this very important week.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Officer Charles E. McDougald. On April 9, 1997, our Buffalo community suffered a tragic loss. One of the brave men and women who serve our city as police officers was senselessly murdered. That officer, Charles E. ``Skip'' McDougald, will not soon be forgotten. Officer McDougald's 8\1/2\ year career with the Buffalo Police Department was one full of integrity, genuine concern for the community as a whole, exemplary service, bravery, and professionalism. A recipient of the mayor's Award of Merit on two occasion for bravery and heroism, Skip McDougald was a vital component of our city's police department. In addition to the mayor's awards, Officer McDougald was also honored as a Police Benevolent Association Officer of the Month. In recognition of his commitment to our community's protection, valor, bravery, and dedicated service to the Buffalo Police Department, Officer McDougald was awarded the prestigious Buffalo Police Department Medal of Honor posthumously, the first time the high honor has been bestowed upon an officer in 25 years. But Skip McDougald's service to our community doesn't end there. In addition to his work as a police officer, he served as a substitute English teacher for the city school system. In every aspect, Officer McDougald dedicated his life to helping people--especially children. That dedication to public service will be his greatest legacy. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to join with the city of Buffalo, the Buffalo Police Department, the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association, our entire western New York community, and indeed, a grateful nation, to honor Officer Charles E. McDougald, who is survived by his wife, Sylvia; his four children, Jovan, Diane, Chad, and Jennifer; and his partner, Officer Michael N. Martinez in recognition of his brave and devoted service. To that end, I would like to convey to the McDougald family my deepest sympathies, and ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with me in a moment of silence.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Mr. William L. Gaiter. Mr. Gaiter dedicated his life to building a better community for all. His love for the community was exhibited through his tireless commitment to social change and civil rights for everyone. As an activist and civil rights leader, Mr. Gaiter was instrumental in improving the quality of education in Buffalo by persuading the Board of Education to establish the BUILD Academy--Build Unity, Independence, Liberty, and Dignity--of which he served as president. Along with Claudia Sims and Judson Price, Mr. Gaiter organized the first Juneteenth Festival, a western New York celebration of African- American culture. In addition, Mr. Gaiter served as Erie County's equal employment opportunity coordinator in 1983, and headed the Student Timeout for Academic Renewal [STAR] counseling program. Mr. Gaiter touched the lives of people both in the United States and beyond. In 1984, as organizer of the Western New York Council for African Relief, Mr. Gaiter selected an African community, and developed cultural, economic, and social ties between it and western New York. He led a delegation to the Senegalese village of Malika to deliver money raised by 47,000 Buffalo schoolchildren. Mr. Gaiter's exceptional life of community service and activism serves as an example of what we should all be about--love, love of God, and love for our fellow man. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to join with the city of Buffalo, and indeed, our entire western New York community, to honor Mr. Gaiter, a true community leader. I would also like to convey to the Gaiter family my deepest sympathies, and ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with me in a moment of silence.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Mr. Burt P. Flickinger, Jr. Throughout his life, Burt Flickinger tirelessly dedicated himself to the enhancement of our western New York community. A prominent Buffalo businessman who began in his family's business as a floor sweeper, Mr. Flickinger led his company to national prominence as a premiere food supplier and distributor. Insistent on earning his way to the helm of his family's company, Mr. Flickinger served as a division manager, secretary, senior vice president, and eventually president. Burt Flickinger was No. 1 in his campus school class, attended the Nichols School and Philips Exeter Academy, and graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University. A true leader in recycling, Mr. Flickinger and his wife demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting our environment. To that end, Mr. Flickinger helped craft New York State's return-deposit recycling bill, created the Beverage Industry Collection and Sorting company [BICS] for food manufacturers and retailers, and initiated a recycling of plastics program for area supermarkets. In 1988, Mr. Flickinger spearheaded the effort to bring the 1993 World University Games to Buffalo. By accomplishing this difficult task in his typical volunteer basis, Buffalo became the first American city to host this prestigious international event. Built for the games, Buffalo now boasts an impressive 18,000-seat football stadium at the University of Buffalo, a new aquatic center in the town of Tonawanda, and a world-class swimming pool and athletic complex at the Erie Community College City Campus, appropriately named the Burt Flickinger Athletic Center. Mr. Flickinger also proved instrumental in the preservation and subsequent growth of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Heading many major gifts campaigns and serving for several years as chairman of the finance and executive committees, Burt Flickinger almost single- handedly kept the orchestra from bankruptcy. Another important project to Mr. Flickinger was the Roycroft Revitalization Corp. This nonprofit organization played a vital role in the restoration of one of western New York's most enduring landmarks, the historic Roycroft Inn. In addition, Burt Flickinger was a four-time president of the Food Industry Council, a founding member of the Food Bank of Western New York, director, treasurer, and a founding member of the Erie Recycling Center, chairman of the New York State Food Merchants Association, and permanent chairman of the Boys Town of Italy of Western New York. In recognition of that extraordinary level of community service, Mr. Flickinger was recognized as the Buffalo News' Outstanding Citizen in 1989, and the 1989 recipient of the University at Buffalo's Distinguished Citizen Award. On April 21, 1997, the Buffalo community lost one of its greatest men. A man whose dedicated and charitable community service, hard work, commitment to Buffalo's development, personal strength, unparalleled integrity, and vibrant love of life serve as an inspiration to us all. During a tribute in 1988, John Walsh III, CEO of Walsh Duffield Cos. put it best--``We see Mr. Flickinger as a humble, quiet, forceful, and thoroughly professional servant of his community, and we are educated by his kindness and compelling example of leadership.'' Mr. Speaker, today I would like to join with the city of Buffalo, and indeed, our entire western New York community, to honor Mr. Burt P. Flickinger, Jr., who is survived by his wife, Mary Ewing Ryan Flickinger; his brother, Peter; his children, Burt III, Molly Flickinger Ford, and Catherine ``Bambi'' Flickinger Schweitzer; his stepchildren, Peter Ryan, David Ryan, and Molly Ewert; and his seven grandchildren and two stepgrandchildren for his dedicated service to our western New York community. To that end, I would like to convey to the Flickinger family my deepest sympathies, and ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with me in a moment of silence. We will all miss Mr. Flickinger very much.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1090 will provide important new appeal rights to veterans whose claims have been denied by the Veterans Administration. Mr. Speaker, this bill will put current VBA regulations on clear and unmistakable error into law. Those regulations now apply only to VA Regional Offices. It will also allow veterans to appeal on the basis of clear and unmistakable error at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Currently, veterans may file a motion for reconsideration at the Board on the grounds of obvious error, which the Court of Veterans Appeals has determined to be the same as clear and unmistakable error. Unfortunately, that motion for reconsideration falls short of a right of appeal and is allowable only at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals. Mr. Speaker, this bill sets a high standard for appeal. The grounds on which such an appeal may be made must be so obvious that a reasonable person would allow the appeal. The error must also materially contribute to a faulty decision by the VA. The court has stated that a mere allegation of such error is not sufficient to automatically grant the appeal. Mr. Speaker, this right of appeal is long overdue and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1090.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1092 eliminates the current cap on enhanced use leases for the VA. These leases are models of how Federal agencies may enter into agreements with developers and other entities to get the most out of VA-owned real property. These leases allow developers to build on VA property to provide space to both the VA and private concerns. The result is a lower cost VA infrastructure for the taxpayers and quality commercial space for local businesses. The bill also changes the name of the National Cemetery System to the National Cemetery Administration and the title of the Director to the Assistant Secretary for Memorial Affairs to more accurately describe the scope of the position's responsibilities. Additionally, the bill changes the name of the Court of Veterans Appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Finally, the bill codifies the increased rates of veterans service- connected compensation resulting from the cost-of-living allowance effective last December. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1092.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for H.R. 240 because it is the biggest improvement to veterans' preference in many years. To me, the most important aspect is that veterans, for the first time, will be able to seek justice through the courts when they feel their preference rights have been violated--that is a landmark in veterans' preference law. H.R. 240 prevents agencies from building artificial barriers to hiring veterans. Veterans will now be able to compete for jobs currently restricted to people with civil service status or employed by the agency. Eligible veterans will be able to have priority placement if they lose their jobs in a reduction-in-force. To discourage agencies from designing elaborate processes to avoid hiring veterans, the bill makes violation of veterans' preference a prohibited personnel practice and authorizes damages if the violation was deemed willful. Also, for the first time, veterans' preference will apply to nonpolitical jobs in the legislative branch, the White House, and certain jobs in the judicial branch. The bill will also apply veterans' preference in any reduction-in-force at the Federal Aviation Administration and make those serving in Bosnia, Croatia, and Macedonia eligible for veterans' preference. H.R. 240 will actually improve the employment opportunities for women and minority veterans. Women now comprise about 12 percent of the Active Duty Force and minority members now make up nearly 20 percent. These groups will now have a small advantage over similar nonveterans and that is the way it should be. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Chairman John Mica and Ranking Member Tim Holden for their persistence and the way they have developed this legislation. Because they have listened to, and worked with the major unions on this bill, the unions have expressed their support. OPM, in testimony before the Civil Service Subcommittee has expressed its support. The Veterans Service Organizations enthusiastically support the bill. I thank all the groups who have helped build this landmark legislation for their efforts. Mr. Speaker, this bill is a winner for veterans, women, and minorities and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 240.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill that requires the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to truly consider the needs of our veterans who so bravely served our Nation. The VA has devised a plan called the veterans equitable resource allocation. However, the funding formula simply considers population trends, the cost of labor, and specialized care. There is no mention of the special needs and challenges that are unique that each veteran community across the country. As we all know, a multitude of other factors, both nonmedical and medical, plague our veterans. How could it be proposed that a formula for distributing dollars for VA health care not take into account medical conditions of the veterans it serves? If we allow the VA to implement their plan as it exists today, the VA will be sending a message to its sicker, poorer, older, and service- disabled veterans that they just don't care. My bill addresses a fundamental problem with the VA's plan. My legislation charges the VA to certify to Congress that they have accounted for such critical factors as catastrophic injuries, disease, homelessness, poverty, cost of living and care, the age and type of infrastructure used by the Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, and so forth. Until these conditions are met, we might as well remove the word equitable from the VA's so-called equitable resource allocation model. I would like to add that many of the established health care facilities in the northeast are considered centers of excellence. Just last year, the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association [EPVA] made 164 trips transporting patients to and from VA hospitals. Eleven of those trips were made from southern VA facilities to northeast medical centers because of their ability to perform specialized surgeries and treatment. No trips were made from the Northeast to the Southwest. I am pleased to inform you that I have introduced my bill today along with 25 of my colleagues. I encourage my other colleagues to sign onto the bill. A veteran in the Southwest who needs care is no more important than one in the North. We owe it to our veterans to make available the highest quality of care. I would like to submit the attached text of my bill for the Record.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Polish Singing Circle on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary. Founded in September of 1897, the Polish Singing Circle was created to promote American and Polish culture through song. Throughout its 100 year history, the Polish Singing Circle has continued to exhibit a strong and dedicated commitment to the Polish community, the city of Buffalo, and to the spirit of community service and volunteerism that has always been the hallmark of our western New York community. The Polish Singing Circle has helped raise funds for charitable organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Orphanage, and the Villa Maria Academy. The commitment of service exhibited by this historic group has also been expressed through military service, as many members defended our Nation during times of war. And, in a great show of patriotism, members of the America Polish Singing Circle came home from war and dedicated their time to performing for the injured veterans hospitalized in the VA Medical Center. This unselfish gesture truly highlights the Polish Singing Circle's exceptional 100 year history. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to join with the group's members, and indeed, our entire western New York community, to honor the Polish Singing Circle on the occasion of its 100 anniversary. On behalf of the 30th Congressional District of New York, please accept my personal best wishes for another hundred.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School was founded in 1946 by Bishop John F. O'Hara, C.S.C., former president of Notre Dame University. Timon's establishment marked the beginning of the diocesan high school system in Buffalo, and from a humble beginning of only 76 students in 1946, has grown to over 1,100 students. With its reputation for continuous academic excellence, Bishop Timon-St. Jude has set the standard by which all other schools are measured. Throughout its remarkable history, Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School has demonstrated its strong commitment to the education of the whole person, including the person standing before this distinguished body today. As a member of the graduating class of 1969, I have personally experienced the benefits of attending an institution that instills a true appreciation and genuine respect for the importance of education, voluntarism, civic responsibility, and community involvement. Over the past 50 years, Timon has remained steadfast in its mission to create ``a spiritual, academic, and physical environment that nurtures and enhances the growth and development of each student.'' Bishop Timon-St. Jude is an institution that teaches life skills, and it continues to serve as an example of how a superior educational institution contributes to the stability of a region. The western New York community is a stronger community because of the quality educational experience that Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School provides. Mr. Speaker, today I join with the faculty, staff, administration, and students of Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School, the alumni, and indeed, our entire western New York community in recognition of this historic 50th anniversary.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Thomas Gilmartin, on the occasion of his retirement. Tom Gilmartin served the town of Hamburg as superintendent for buildings and grounds from July 1974 until December 1996. As a former Supervisor of the town of Hamburg. I witnessed first-hand Tom's intense work ethic, professionalism, and integrity. Tom currently also serves as an usher at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Hamburg. A prominent Irish-American in western New York, Tom's community service includes work with the Knights of Columbus, the Irish-American Cultural Association, the Gaelic-American Athletic Association, and the Irish Parade Committee. In recognition of that dedicated service, volunteerism, and hard work, Tom will serve as the grand marshall of the 1998 St. Patrick's Day Parade in the city of Buffalo. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to join with Tom's wife, Mary; his children, Katie, Tom, Tim, and Mary Alice; the town of Hamburg; and indeed, our entire western New York community to pay tribute to Mr. Thomas Gilmartin. With retirement comes many new opportunities. May he meet every opportunity with the same enthusiasm and vigor in which he demonstrated throughout his brilliant career; and may those opportunities be as fruitful as those in his past. Thank you Tom, for your tireless effort and personal commitment to our Western New York community. As you enter retirement, I wish you nothing but the best.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jim Kelly on the occasion of his retirement as quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. Throughout its celebrated history, the Buffalo Bills have never enjoyed the tremendous success it did under the able leadership of Jim Kelly. During his 11- year career, Jim Kelly took the Bills from league obscurity to four consecutive Super Bowls. He amassed nearly 36,000 passing yards, completing over 60 percent of his attempts. But with Jim Kelly, statistics only tell half the story. His toughness, will to win, and dedication to his team are truly legendary. In addition to his Hall of Fame caliber performance as a professional quarterback, Jim Kelly has proven himself a leader off the field in our western New York community. His charitable endeavors include an annual celebrity golf tournament to benefit disadvantaged children, involvement with area youth through an annual football camp, the Kelly for Kids Foundation, and his tireless effort on behalf of Camp Good Days and Special Times for families dealing with cancer. Jim's own family played an important role in developing the values which made him such a leader in the community and with the Bills. His closeness to his father and brothers, well-known love and admiration for his late mother, Alice, and commitment to his new family embody the true blue-collar values which characterize our community. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to join with Jim's wife, Jill; his daughter, Erin; his brothers, Pat, Ray, Ed, Dan, and Kevin; his father, Joe; the Buffalo Bills organization; the National Football League; and indeed, our entire western New York community to pay tribute to Mr. Jim Kelly. With retirement comes many new opportunities. May Jim meet every opportunity with the same enthusiasm and vigor in which he demonstrated throughout his brilliant career; and may those opportunities be as fruitful as those in his past. On behalf of all of the Buffalo Bills fans in western New York and elsewhere, I would just like to express to Jim our sincere thanks and congratulations.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation which extends priority healthcare to Persian Gulf war veterans who served in Israel and Turkey. My bill is entitled the ``Persian Gulf Syndrome Health Benefits Extension Act of 1997.'' The bill has received bipartisan support and passed the House of Representatives by voice vote in 1996. Men and women who served during the Persian Gulf war in Israel and Turkey were originally excluded from the definition of in-theatre operations. Many of these soldiers suffer from similar undiagnosed medical problems that may be related to service during the Persian Gulf war. Throughout my service on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I have emphasized the need to alleviate the suffering of those individuals afflicted with Persian Gulf war illnesses. It is time to simply care for our veterans who so bravely fought for our country.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Inspector General For Medicare and Medicaid Act of 1997. I was prompted to introduce this legislation when seniors in western New York continuously approached me at my town meetings last year with concerns about this issue. Many of us in Congress and throughout the country share their concerns that waste, fraud, and abuse within Medicare and Medicaid Programs have reached an excessive level which threatens the financial stability of our most vulnerable populations. For instance, one of my constituents gave me copies of his personal medical statements which showed that he was billed three times for the same procedure, amounting to $2,367 in charges. Most people do not scrutinize their medical statements; which helps for fraud to be easily overlooked. in the end, seniors are forced to dip into their life savings. My bill would establish an exclusive, full-time and independent Office of Inspector General [IG] for the Medicare and Medicaid Programs. This office would be charged with detecting, identifying and preventing waste, fraud and abuse within the Medicare and Medicaid Programs. This IG office would be required to issue semiannual reports to Congress consisting of recommendations on preventing waste, fraud and abuse within the Medicare and Medicaid Programs. The IG office would also be responsible for coordinating any audits, investigations, and other activities which promote efficiency in the administration of the Medicare and Medicaid Programs. The need for this legislation comes down to dollars and cents. According to a 1995 GAO report, unchecked and improper billing alone would cost Medicare in excess of $3 billion over the next 5 years. Furthermore, health fraud has been estimated to cost between 3 and 10 percent of every $1 used to meet the health needs of America's seniors and indigent populations. I think you would agree that this funding would be better spent as a reinvestment in providing healthcare to our Nation's elderly, disabled, and poor citizens. To further compound the problem, GAO also reported that physicians, suppliers, and medical laboratories have about 3 chances out of 1,000 of having Medicare audit their billing practices in any given year. At the conclusion of the July 1995 GAO report to Congress, one of the main policy recommendations was to ``enhance Medicare's antifraud and abuse efforts.'' My bill simply responds to this need. I contend that with a separate IG office we can only expand on identifying and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in healthcare. Based on HHS data, within a 4-year time frame, we have saved $115 for every $1 spent on inspector general operations. In 1995, the Office of the IG saved $9.7 million per employee. This savings was accomplished with employees working on diversified case loads. It is my understanding that employees in the IG's office do not specialize in Medicare and Medicaid fraud, but must focus on several issues at one time. With a more specialized personnel, other HHS programs such as welfare and head start stand to benefit as well. By magnifying our focus to Medicare and Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse, I am confident that we will see an increased return of our investment.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 85th anniversary of the Polish American Journal. As Representatives from Polish-American districts are sure to recognize, the Polish American Journal is the largest independent monthly English language newspaper in the United States and carries on the tradition of preserving Polish culture and customs in our country. Founded in 1911 as Zorza, The Dawn, it was subsequently renamed Republika before combining with another newspaper under the ownership of John Dende, 1920, and to become known as Republika-Gornik Pennsylwanski (Republic-Miner of Pennsylvania). The paper was influential in providing anthracite coal miners with information about working conditions, wages, and mine safety. John Dende's editorials won wide acclaim and were often reprinted in other Polish language newspapers. Indeed, John Dende became a highly respected activist for his work on behalf of his Polish-American compatriots. Following John Dende's passing, the paper was published by his sons, Henry and Richard. In 1948 the Dende brothers made the difficult decision of changing from strictly Polish to mostly English to meet the needs of the nearly 5 million U.S.-born Polish-Americans and reach directly into the English-speaking community. Renamed Polish American Journal, the paper acquired national stature as the voice of Polish- Americans. Members of Congress, government officials, civic and political leaders, free Poles of the cold-war era, and anti-Communist crusaders throughout the world all turned to the Journal as a freedom forum and information source. Henry and Richard Dende remained publishers of the Polish American Journal until 1983, ever true to their mission of promoting and preserving Polish and Polish-American culture, customs, traditions, and interests. In August of that year, however, Henry and Richard Dende agreed to have the Journal published by Panagraphics Corp. of Buffalo which is located in the 30th Congressional District of New York. And Panagraphics continues the work begun by the hearty Polish immigrants 85 years ago. It is fitting to enter these remarks in anticipation of Polish- American Heritage Month, for the Polish American Journal is a familiar voice in these halls. It was this publication that gave us firsthand accounts of a war-ravaged Poland and the plight of the Poles who were forced to live behind the Iron Curtain. During that period, the Journal became the most quoted ethnic newspaper in the Congressional Record, as its headlines were cited by many of our former colleagues and their constituents. Since that time, the Polish American Journal has fought hard to see freedom restored in Poland, a dream that was realized with the election of Lech Walesa to Poland's presidency. While the Polish American Journal has demonstrated its role as a voice for Poland here in the United States, it more importantly serves as witness to the countless contributions Americans of Polish descent make to the United States. From Revolutionary War heroes Thaddeus Kosciuszko and Casimir Pulaski to World War II flying ace Col. Francis Gabreski and the highly decorated late Col. Matt Urban, Poles and Polish-Americans have long demonstrated their deep commitment to America's liberty. The pages of the Polish American Journal are a record of the achievements of Polish-Americans in all fields, from academia and politics to science and the arts. This gives all citizens of the United States a deeper understanding and respect for the lives of the sons and daughters of self-sacrificing immigrants whose stories proudly shin in the colorful ethnic mosaic we call America. Since its founding, the Polish American Journal has been dedicated to the promotion and continuation of Polish-American culture in the United States, a heritage rich in the joys of the family, church, and country. Its anniversary is a milestone by which all can be proud, for its success mirrors the achievements of all Polish-Americans whose virtues and ethics have contributed to American society. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the paper on its anniversary and commend its staff, writers, contributors, and subscribers who take pride in their economic roots and who willingly share the ideals of their ancestors with Americans of all backgrounds.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Bishop Charles Henry McCoy. Throughout his life, Bishop McCoy tirelessly dedicated himself to the enhancement of our western New York community. On September 22, 1996, the Buffalo community lost one of its true leaders. A man whose dedicated and charitable community service, commitment to God and family, and strong principles serve as an inspiration to us all. A gospel preacher for over 60 years, Bishop McCoy dedicated himself to his ministry and to service to his community. On May 28, 1926, Charles McCoy was licensed to the ministry. From that time until the day he died, Bishop McCoy served the Church of God in Christ. Whether it was as pastor, district superintendent, executive secretary, elder, or jurisdictional bishop, Charles McCoy's church building skills were demonstrated clearly. Under that leadership, the second jurisdiction has grown to include 53 churches. Further, through the McCoy Center, a brilliant facility built under the direction of Bishop McCoy, the Church of God in Christ has been able to make a significant contribution to the development of our community with emerging housing projects. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to join with the city of Buffalo, western New York second jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ, and indeed, our entire western New York community, to honor Bishop Charles Henry McCoy, who is survived by his stepson, Douglas; seven grandchildren, Tyrone, Delores, Douglas, Stacy, Cheryl, Eric, and Trent; and nine great-grandchildren for his dedicated service to our western New York community. To that end, I would like to convey to the Bishop's family my deepest sympathies, and ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with me in a moment of silence.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, as America observes National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 1996 it is fitting that we recall the sacrifices made by the brave men and women taken prisoner and who have returned home, as well as those who are listed as missing in action and presumed dead. Words cannot aptly describe our feeling of gratitude for the dedicated service these courageous Americans have provided for our Nation. However much of our actions pale in comparison to our pride we must always make an effort to remember these heroes. Just as we commemorate those who fought so selflessly for our country on Veterans Day and pay tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their country during Memorial Day, so too should we remember America's POW/MIA's. We as a nation must not forget the sacrifices endured by our former prisoners of war and our missing in action. I call on my colleagues in the House and the Senate, as well as all Americans to honor the service of our former POW's and pray for those Americans still unaccounted for.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by thanking the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Chairman Shuster, and the gentleman from New York, Mr. Boehlert, the subcommittee chair, for their assistance in moving this legislation forward, and begin by associating my remarks with the gentlemen from Pennsylvania, Mr. Borski and Mr. Shuster, and others, that Mr. Will has done an fantastic job at FEMA. The purpose of our legislation, as we have said from the beginning, is to move FEMA in the right direction. This is also an opportunity for me to acknowledge and to thank the gentleman from Michigan, Congressman Bart Stupak, who has worked as an advocate of this legislation on the other side of the aisle, as well as the others mentioned in Mr. Schuster's opening remarks: Mr. David Rodham, the President-elect of the National Emergency Managers Association, for his early support; and especially the Water Resource Subcommittee staff, who were a great help in promoting this bipartisan measure from the beginning. Mr. Speaker, I introduced this legislation earlier this year in the interest of developing a new, clear, concise snow removal policy. Last year, as we mentioned, in cities and towns in my district like Buffalo and Lackawanna, Cheektowaga, West Seneca, and Lancaster, all of those towns and cities endured 36 inches of snow in less than 24 hours. When I tried to find help for these communities I ran into an astonishing maze of bureaucracy. It seemed that no one could give me a straight answer as to whether these towns and cities would be eligible for any kind of assistance. Now, I know some of my colleagues are thinking, ``Mr. Quinn, you are from Buffalo, and it snows in Buffalo; you ought to expect it.'' And we do expect it. But as I discovered, no city, not even Buffalo, NY, can prepare for a storm of that proportion in any budget or with any amount of planning. I am proud of what we were able to accomplish in Buffalo as a community to get ourselves out of that terrible mess. It might have taken other cities weeks to clean up, but Buffalo and western New York had our traffic bans and our travel advisories lifted within 3 days. Regardless of how much one prepares going into a winter season, a storm such as the one we experienced in the Northwest and the mid- Atlantic region States last winter cannot be accounted for in any budget. We worked with New York Governor Pataki and the National Emergency Managers Association to clarify the Federal snow removal policy and to help our communities cut through the bureaucratic redtape. The purpose, Mr. Speaker, of this legislation is to reduce the confusion, the ambiguity, and the lack of criteria we dealt with over this past winter. The bill promotes a clear, concise and simple plan that will benefit everyone, from the Congress to FEMA to our local communities. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those people along the East Coast who were recently devastated by Hurricane Fran. Hurricane Fran illustrated why we as a Nation must reach out to our fellow Americans inflicted with natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes. FEMA has a definitive policy and guidelines in place to deal with all of those natural disasters. Currently in their regulations there is no discernible Federal snow emergency policy. The blizzards we face across the Nation pose no less a threat to our lives and property than those of the other terrible disasters. Clear-cut trigger points would let States and local governments determine whether an emergency declaration is warranted or not and to what extent the Federal Government would be involved. I believe, Mr. Speaker, and others who have cosponsored and supported the bill, that this is an opportunity for us as Federal legislators to provide meaningful help to our constituencies. In closing, Mr. Speaker, in these times of tight budgets where all of us have been asked to make tough decisions on the allocation of funds, the supporters of this legislation are not looking for a handout. The legislation is only a straightforward attempt to come up with a policy that will assist our communities in understanding the Federal Government's policy concerning snow removal. Our local mayors have asked for our help and our governors have asked for our help. Let us do something to help our local leaders. This legislation does not create more government bureaucracy. This is an attempt to make the Government regulations we have already in place more understandable. I want to conclude by making two points perfectly clear, Mr. Speaker. The first is that FEMA, who has done a great job, has had nearly 6 months to issue and to clarify these regulations; and, second, this legislation does not ask FEMA to expand the scope of the Federal involvement in snow emergencies, it simply asks FEMA to clarify the policy so that emergency managers in our district can understand them a little better. I believe the bill is an example of responsible good government, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 3348.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me today. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support today of the rule and also rise in support of the Small Business Job Protection Act. I also rise as a Republican Member of this body for almost 2 terms now who has never opposed the minimum wage and was pleased to join a number of Republican colleagues of mine to finally get this bill to a vote on the floor. This has been a historic week in our House and in Congress. On Wednesday, the House voted to end welfare as we know it, and just last night we passed legislation to make health insurance more accessible to Americans who get sick or lose their jobs. Today the House is considering legislation to raise the minimum wage and at the same time provide necessary tax incentives to small businesses. Mr. Speaker, in April, about the middle of April, I was proud to begin this process by submitting the bringing a bill to the floor that would have raised the minimum wage. Today, now as we take another historic step in raising the minimum wage for over 4 million Americans, it is an opportunity for me to thank the people who worked so hard in this effort. I want to thank those sometimes-courageous 23 other Republican Members who joined me in my minimum wage increase bill. I also wanted to thank the Republican leadership who continued to meet with me and the others, who continued to work with us, our group, as we found ways to bring the bill in an acceptable manner to this floor. Time after time during that often heated debate, there were times when it was not acceptable to one group or another; but in the end, leadership worked with Members who felt a need to bring this bill to a vote and we did. What we found out was that we thought was going to happen all along, the minimum wage increase in the House passed overwhelmingly with bipartisan support. Mr. Speaker, it is also an opportunity for me today to thank my Democrat colleagues on the other side of the aisle who also, once we had the bill in acceptable form on the floor, joined in that bipartisan fashion to pass the bill and, at the same time, I believe, sent a message to the Senate, our colleagues across the building, that this was important legislation and that the House was prepared to act in a bipartisan way to get them a bill, to get a bill that the American people needed, the American people who had not seen the minimum wage increase in almost 7 years. I think we need to thank all of those Members who helped us get to this day today. I believe, Mr. Speaker, that Americans who work a 40-hour work week ought to make a wage that they can live on. A lot of rhetoric has taken place in the well, a lot of rhetoric has taken place back and forth in these past 3 months since my bill was introduced. I think we are here today, again, on an historic event, to say that we are going to give those workers, the men and women of this country, a raise. Today America will get the raise it deserves. It is through the hard work of a lot of Members in this Chamber and in the Senate. I stand here before all of our colleagues today asking support for the rule, support for the conference report and also urge the President to sign this bill as quickly as possible to give Americans the raise they deserve.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, today we have another opportunity to promote peace and security in the world. The NATO Enlargement Facilitation Act will prepare for the eventually inclusion of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic into NATO. As an original cosponsor of the bill, I want to express my strong support for this measure. The nations of East Central Europe, particularly Poland, have suffered tremendously throughout history. Indeed, they have paid a high price for their unfortunate geographic location. Caught between aggressive neighbors, the sovereignty of these nations has continuously been threatened. Presently, NATO is in a unique position to help these emerging nations. NATO membership can provide the stability that this region needs as it strives toward democratic institutions and market economies. There is every reason to believe that the presence of NATO will lead to the same political and economic successes that Western Europe has enjoyed in the post-war era. I am convinced that active engagement with Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic is necessary in the tumultuous years following the cold war. Western institutions such as NATO are crucial to fostering a close relationship with these developing democracies and bringing East Central Europe into the community of prosperous, peaceful nations.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my enthusiastic congratulations to the village of Orchard Park, in New York's 30th Congressional District, on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. Founded in the early 19th century by Quakers, Orchard Park originally fell under the charter of the town of East Hamburg, NY. A group of concerned citizens petitioned the town of East Hamburg for the incorporation of the village of Orchard Park on August 21, 1921, and on October 18, the measure was subsequently ratified by a vote of 155 to 96. Throughout its celebrated history, the village of Orchard Park has steadfastly demonstrated its distinct sense of civic loyalty and pride through its dedication to local education, financial development in its business and retail districts, and careful maintenance of the village's original charm of 1921. As a former teacher in the Orchard Park Central School District, I have seen first hand the village's dedicated commitment to its residents, distinguished community service, and strong sense of community spirit and pride. Mr. Speaker, today I join with the residents of the village of Orchard Park, village Mayor Patricia Dickman, the members of the village board, and indeed, our entire western New York community in warm tribute to the village of Orchard Park on the occasion of this historic anniversary, and send my personal best wishes for continued prosperity in the future.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3643 and to commend my fellow members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee for their hard work this year. I am pleased to be a member of a committee that has put forth many beneficial revisions for our Nation's veterans. I especially want to thank Chairman Bob Stump for his tenacious advocacy for servicemen and women and his fine ability to expedite veterans' legislation. H.R. 3643 improves health care delivery to minority groups within our Nation's veterans population such as women veterans and those who served the country in the Persian Gulf war. The bill also includes provisions which I introduced earlier this year. For one, the bill extends priority healthcare to those service men and women who were stationed in Israel and Turkey during the Persian Gulf war from August 2, 1990 to July 31, 1991. Currently, veterans of these regions are experiencing undiagnosed medical problems similar to those who served in the theater of operations. Israel experienced repeated SCUD attacks. Military members stationed in Turkey supported aircraft missions into the Persian Gulf, served as a transportation point for returning personnel and equipment and rendered assistance to the Kurds. Thus, the possibility for contamination or exposure by military members stationed in Turkey and Israel was extremely high. Medical records of many veterans stationed in and around the Persian Gulf fail to accurately identify medications distributed and inoculations administered. Since no definitive diagnosis has been determined in the cases of Persian Gulf illness, these veterans stationed in Turkey and Israel exhibiting similar medical problems should also be granted health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This provision is a technical correction, since these countries should have been included in the original bill. The bill also includes a provision to set mammography quality standards. Women make up 5 percent of the veterans' population. While the veterans' population is decreasing, female representation is increasing. As a society, we must quickly adapt to this change and better serve women veterans. I am pleased to see that we were able to work in a bipartisan fashion to make improvements in women's health care services.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished service of Mr. Donald Herbert, a Buffalo firefighter injured in the line of duty. On December 29, 1995, while serving the city of Buffalo as a firefighter at a residential fire, Mr. Herbert suffered traumatic injuries when the roof of the building he was in collapsed. Despite the extensive nature of his injuries, and after a very trying first few months, Donald Herbert's personal strength and commitment to God and his family have enabled him to make his way toward recovery. Today, the Herbert family, the Buffalo Professional Firefighters Association, and our Buffalo community have organized an event to honor Mr. Herbert, and to convey to him our grateful appreciation for his service, valor, professionalism, and bravery. Donald Herbert can count on our Buffalo community, because we have always been able to count on him. Mr. Speaker, today I join with the Herbert family, the Buffalo Fire Department, the city of Buffalo, our western New York community, and indeed, all of those who have dedicatedly served our Nation and ensured our safety as firefighters to honor Mr. Donald Herbert for his dedication, hard work, and commitment to our city; and offer him my sincere best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to Mr. Peter Ratchuk. A former student at Saint Francis High School in Athol Springs, in the 30th Congressional District of New York, Peter Ratchuk has distinguished himself among his peers as an athletic standout. This past June, in recognition of his outstanding talent as scoring defenseman, Mr. Ratchuk was selected as the 25th pick by the 1995-96 Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche. In doing so, Peter became only the second western New York hockey player to be selected in the first round of the National Hockey League Draft. Committed to Education and with an eye to a future in broadcasting, Peter Ratchuk will enter college at Bowling Green State University in Ohio before entering the National Hockey League with the Avalanche. It is that maturity, commitment to hard work, personal strength, dedication to the sport of hockey, and mature ability to perform which will undoubtedly allow Peter to be successful in college, professional hockey, or whatever the future may hold. Mr. Speaker, today I join with the Ratchuk family, St. Francis High School, the National Hockey League, and indeed, our entire western New York community to congratulate Peter Ratchuk in recognition of this outstanding accomplishment, and offer Peter my enthusiastic commendation and sincere best wishes.

Mr. QUINN

Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained this afternoon and was therefore unable to cast my vote in support of House Concurrent Resolution 193, the Cost of Government Day Resolution. House Concurrent Resolution 193 expresses the sense of Congress that the cost of Government spending should be reduced so that American families will be able to keep more of what they earn. Throughout my tenure in the House of Representatives, I have been committed to balancing the budget by eliminating wasteful Government spending. I therefore would like to express my strong support for this resolution which commemorates July 3, 1996, as Cost of Government Day. It is an injustice that western New Yorkers and all Americans are forced to give up more than 50 percent of what they earn to the Government. Out of 366 days in 1996, the average American will work 184.6 days to support the total cost of Government, leaving 181 days of work to support their families.