Nick Rahall

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RAHALL. I yield to the gentleman from New Mexico.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the subject matter of this legislation has already been explained. It is noncontroversial. I fully support it. I do want to take this opportunity to commend the bill's sponsor, the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Skeen), who serves as chairman of the Subcommittee on the Interior of the Committee on Appropriations. I commend him not only for sponsoring this bill pending before us today, but for his outstanding leadership on the Interior appropriations bill this year. All too often in the past, that particular appropriation bill has been the subject and the target for controversial riders that are unfriendly to the environment. This has often bogged down consideration of this appropriations measure, which funds so many programs of importance to Americans and American resources. To his credit, the gentleman from New Mexico produced a relatively clean bill this year, then adequately funded the programs under his jurisdiction, within, of course, the constraints of the budget. So I want to thank the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Skeen) for his excellent leadership. He has done a great service to this body, and indeed, to the American people. I look forward to continuing to work with him in the future in his position as chairman of the appropriations subcommittee.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega). (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to extend a warm welcome to Imam Hendi. He is here with us today as guest chaplain and here to observe the commencement of Ramadan--the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal. Imam Hendi has spent his life educating and working with youngsters and students to guide their spiritual development and to educate them on the tenets and faith of Islam. He was the first Muslim chaplain designated by Georgetown University where he currently serves. Back in 1991, I was the first Member of Congress to invite an imam to pray before the House. Today we share again the rich religious diversity of America by welcoming Imam Hendi. This morning, at the commencement of Ramadan we send our greetings as our Muslim citizens and Muslims around the world prepare for this holy month of spiritual renewal. Islam is one of the largest world religions, and one of America's major religions. Muslims from all over the world are valued members of our American communities. And this Muslim community comes together in the United States from all corners of the world: the Middle East, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and Africa to celebrate their faith in our country. In this month of introspection, faith, prayer and cleansing, together we share the horror of American Muslims felt when they witnessed criminals use their sacred faith as an excuse for their crimes. While we will not excuse the criminal acts of September 11, so too can we never excuse those who seek to blame Muslims as a whole for those acts. Nor will we, as a Nation, tolerate acts of violence and hatred directed towards those who practice Islam. This has been made clear, from the President on down. There can be no battle between the United States and the Muslim world, because the United States is part of the Muslim world. Today we have 6 million Muslims in the United States, and that number continues to grow. We welcome our Muslim citizens, and we value them, and we send them our best wishes. I would like to close by stating my support as a cosponsor of Congressman John LaFalce's resolution, H.Res. 280; to express solidarity and support for members of the Islamic community in the United States and around the world while commending them for their faith in Islam.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the pending legislation would enable the Secretary of the Interior to waive or refund operation and maintenance payments for certain irrigation districts which contract with the Bureau of Reclamation for water from the Klamath Project. This measure is being advanced because while many water districts have paid their operation and maintenance expenses, due to drought conditions, they ultimately did not receive water from the Klamath Project. While I am not opposed to this bill, I do want to note for the record that the United States has experienced additional expenses due to the reaction of certain individuals to the drought-related reduction in Klamath water deliveries. For instance, when the drought caused the Interior Department to not deliver water, certain individuals took it upon themselves to pry open the headgates of Klamath Lake to release water. This has caused the Government to expend approximately $750,000 guarding the headgates of the Klamath Project from further acts of lawlessness. Certainly, these funds would have been better spent developing long- term solutions to the water problems in the Klamath Basin. For the time being, however, recognizing the hard work put into this measure by the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden), I do urge its adoption. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to state at the outset that I support the pending legislation. Let me assure my colleagues on the Democratic side of the aisle that this bill is much different than other measures that we have seen to purportedly honor former President Reagan. This measure does not contain the irony of naming an airport after a President whose only claim to fame when it came to aviation was to bust the air traffic controllers union. It does not propose to circumvent all established procedures and force-feed a memorial to him on the Mall, as some have proposed. Instead, the pending legislation would establish a Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home National Historic Site in the same fashion as we have designated such sites to other former Presidents, for example, the Truman National Historic Site in Independence, Missouri, and the Garfield National Historic Park in Mentor, Ohio. In this regard, it is a fact that Ronald Reagan resided in this particular home in Dixon, Illinois, during a portion of his teenage years. The home has already been fully restored and is being operated as a museum. So it is fitting that this legislation include this site as a unit of the national park system. It is our hope that this addition will assist those in seeking insight into the former President's life and work. Let us move forward on this particular designation to Ronald Reagan, but please let it be the last of them, at least in this Congress. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. If I might just respond to some of the comments made in opposition to this bill, in particular, by the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hefley). I do not view this particular legislation as a pet project of a powerful person, regardless of it being the Speaker's bill. I have been contacted, I know, from Democratic Members on my side of the aisle in support of this legislation, including the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello). I happen to believe that it would be a waste of taxpayers' money for the National Park Service to study this matter. The facts are the facts. As I said in my opening statement, Ronald Reagan lived at this site. I do not believe we need a study to determine that. The home has been restored. It is being operated as a museum. So I do not believe that taxpayers' money would necessarily be spent wisely to conduct a study of these very same facts. I can assure the gentleman from Colorado that I am not being swayed because it is the Speaker's bill. I am on the minority side of the aisle. So I would close and urge adoption of the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich) and thank him for his help on this legislation. He is the chairman of the subcommittee. I would like to thank the chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), for his support, as well. Over the last 2 months, Members of Congress have stepped outside party boundaries, joining together and unanimously supporting millions of dollars in aid to victims, families, and rescue workers affected by the September 11 attacks. However, in addition to financial assistance, I believe it is important for us to provide other forms of relief for these victims and their families during the grieving and recovery process. In times of crisis, many of us find solace in our religion. In addition, we can find solace in that great cathedral of nature. That is the premise of this bill, the Healing Opportunities in the Parks and Our Environment, or HOPE, Act. Simply put, this legislation would direct the Secretary of the Interior to create a program under which the survivors and families of the victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the emergency personnel who responded to that crisis, may visit our national parks, forests, and public lands free of charge. This program is modeled after what is known as the Golden Eagle Pass, with the exception that it would be valid for a lifetime. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ``Nature is a symbol of the spirit,'' and ``Nature turns all malfeasance to good.'' There may come a time when a fireman, a nurse, or a survivor who has seen far too much pain and suffering may decide that a day at the lake with his or her family would provide welcome relief. Let us continue to aid these victims and family members as we already have financially. Let us provide them Emerson's symbol of spirit to aid in their healing. In this way, we can strive to keep hope alive in the wake of the tragic events of September 11, and indeed, of only yesterday, when an airliner once again went down in New York City, as we recover and we rebuild. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, in 1895, Guglielmo Marconi transmitted electrical signals through the air. This first radio broadcast went from one end of Marconi's house to the other. The second stretched from his laboratory out to his garden. Six years later he sent a signal from England to America. Like the acclaimed Italian inventor, WMUL-FM radio started out small: a ten-watt transmitter in a science building basement. Yet, in the spirit of Marconi himself, the Marshall University broadcasters were blazing new trails and determined to expand the range, quality, and influence of their signal. It was 1961. Now, in their fortieth year, WMUL-FM has a $100,000 a year budget, broadcasts an 1,150 watt signal, and transmits from state-of-the-art digital studios. The Marshall students who staff it, and the professors who teach them, are nationally-recognized radio professionals. Since 1985, they have won 435 awards. WMUL-FM alumni have worked at all levels in local, regional, and national electronic media, distinguishing themselves regularly regardless of the competition. I congratulate Marshall University and WMUL-FM radio for four decades' service to the Marshall and Huntington communities. Their commitment is impressive and their accomplishments inspiring. Marconi would approve of the electronic signals that WMUL-FM sends through the air.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I want to note the vital contribution the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) has made to the daunting clean up task at the World Trade Center's ``Red Zone,'' better known as ''Ground Zero.'' The IUOE's National Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Program is based in Beaver, West Virginia. I am proud to represent them in Congress as part of the Third Congressional District of West Virginia. Don Carson, the Director of IUOE's Hazmat program, and a team of workers from the Beaver facility were among the first out-of-state workers to be sent to work at Ground Zero immediately after the September 11th terrorist attacks. Mr. Carson has sent me heart- wrenching pictures of the twisted metal that show the depth of the tragedy and the danger of the rescue work. But that danger has not deterred any of the workers who have been involved in the rescue, and now recovery, effort. Ever since the tragedy occurred, IUOE, and the Hazmat Center, have played a major role in the rescue and recovery effort. In fact, Mr. Carson has been coordinating the Hazmat workers' activities based out of a command post trailer parked on the right field warning track of a baseball field near Stuyvesant High School. Today, Mr. Carson sent me an article from the New York Daily News. The article describes how Mr. Carson ``has been handing out respirators, hardhats and protective vests since the attacks.'' The workers' health has come into question as the long weeks pass since the attacks. They have developed a cough that doctors refer to as the ``World Trade Center cough.'' Don Carson and IUOE's Hazmat Center are trying to tackle this. They are working with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the New York City Department of Health (DOH) to conduct a respirator fit test and orientation for all workers assigned to Ground Zero. The workers must have a DOH sticker affixed to the credentials in order to work in the Red Zone. After the workers take their respirator fit test, they will be given an American flag hard hat. The News article notes that these workers ``battle constant danger, fumes and fatigue, as well as their own emotions. ``Our guys have seen things that God never intended,'' said Bobby Gray, 46, the union's master mechanic. ``But they soldier through.'' The IUOE workers have ``pulled bodies from the rubble, cleared hills of.jagged steel and recovered million of dollars in gold bullion trapped under the fallen towers.'' The farther down the workers go below ground level, the more dangerous it gets. They must drill 8-inch cables into the concrete retaining wall--the ``bathtub wall''--that circles the World Trade Center site to make sure it is anchored to the bedrock. If the ``bathtub wall'' would burst, the Hudson River would rush in and flood the site. But the IUOE workers press on, risking this incredible danger as they drill the holes. The News article follows the IUOE workers' tasks as they operate ``twenty five cranes, 75 excavators and countless front-loaders, pay- loaders and machine drills.'' For example, crane operator Steve Nolan operates a 438-foot crane, navigating a one-and-one-half ton man-basket from inside the rig's cab. ``A crane like this is not to be run by the seat of your pants,'' Nolan said. ``If you have an oops'' on a job like this people are dead.'' ``Even when I'm wrecking a building, it's usually a happy job because we are replacing it with something new,'' said Steve Nolan. ``When I sit in the crane, I ask myself. `What kind of sick hatred could do this?'' '

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Chairman, both Democrats and Republicans in this House agree that we must overhaul our aviation security system after the terrorist attacks against America on September 11, 2001. But sadly, this House is divided over one key aspect of this debate--whether or not we should make airport security screeners federal employees. I believe they must become federal employees, for many glaring reasons. It is the only way to solve the problem. Security screeners stand at their posts at airports because they are paid to watch the x-ray machines as people and carry-on luggage pass the metal detectors. The screeners are paid to look for hidden bombs, guns, knives, or any potentially lethal weapon, before innocent passengers board the planes. Yet, as James E. Casto, Associate Editor of the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, West Virginia pointed out, the standards for security screeners across the nation are inconsistent. Mr. Casto noted two of his personal experiences while traveling: in one case at an airport out West, he encountered a screener who was really on her toes. She spotted a letter opener he had in his toiletry kit, that he was using as a makeshift screwdriver to fix his eyeglasses. She sternly made him fill out a form to leave the letter opener behind as ``abandoned property.'' But at another major airport in the Midwest, Mr. Casto noted the he encountered ``a gaggle of screeners who were laughing and apparently having a great time. I doubt they would have noticed if I'd had an A-K 47 under my arm.'' The problem is that until now, security screeners have been hired privately by the airlines and the lowest bidder always gets the contract. Security has been secondary to the airlines. The airlines' mission is not the security business. It is the passenger service business. As a result of this private system, there are no government standards to ensure consistency in training, supervision, wages and benefits, background checks, and continued security training once screeners are on the job. That is why Mr. Casto, and millions of passengers, experience various levels of scrutiny from security screeners based at different airports, and hired by different airlines. We know of cases where convicted felons were hired to be security screeners. Why? Because private security companies do not conduct thorough background checks of the people they employ. This is absolutely unacceptable. The American people expect the federal government to act to protect them in times of national security. Perhaps before September 11th, domestic air travel was not considered to be a national security issue. But today, we must accept the harsh reality that international terrorists may attack us at any time. Our domestic flights have become a new tool for their terrorism. Therefore, domestic aviation is a national security issue. National security means federal law enforcement. Federal law enforcement can only be conducted by federal employees, just as it is for Customs, immigration and agricultural inspections of crops coming in from other nations. In order to regain the American people's confidence in flying, the federal government must demonstrate to them that we have taken all necessary steps to ensure their safety. The best starting point is to make the security screeners federal employees. As the Herald-Dispatch noted in an editorial on October 31, 2001: ``Many House Republicans . . . favor continuing to contract security operations to private companies, under new federal standards.'' ``But reports by both the General Accounting Office and the Department of Transportation have shown that the workers who now staff airport security checkpoints are generally paid little more than those who work at fast-food restaurants and have little or no training for their all-important jobs. Little wonder that turnover in security at many airports is said to be more than 100 percent a year.'' ``House Republicans would simply continue this failed approach, merely grafting on an overlay of new federal regulations.'' Mr. Chairman, we must federalize our airport security workforce to ensure consistent, high standards for their training, supervision and job performance. The more professional they are, the safer American passengers will be in the skies.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, the Federal Government must take over our Nation's aviation security system. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 3110, the ``Transportation Security Enhancement Act of 2001'' which will make security screeners Federal employees. I believe security screening must become a Federal function because, until now, the airlines have contracted out to private security companies for the lowest bidder. As a result of this arrangement, the men and women who screen passengers as they walk through metal detectors at our Nation's airports are paid low wages--just above the minimum wage--have no benefits, and have a turnover rate as high as 400 percent. They leave their jobs before they have a chance to master them. This means that people who screen passengers as they walk through the metal detectors have very little experience looking for potentially lethal weapons before passengers take their carry-on luggage aboard a plane. I attach for the Record an op-ed entitled ``Airport security shouldn't be hit-or-miss'' by James E. Casto, Associate Editor of the Herald Dispatch of Huntington, WV. Mr. Casto writes a rather entertaining piece about being stopped at the airport in San Diego, CA, in June 1998, when a security screener spotted ``something'' in his bag. The ``something'' turned out to be a letter opener in his toiletry kit. He used it as a makeshift screwdriver to replace a screw he lost from his eyeglasses. But woven into that entertaining piece, Mr. Casto noted that: As September 11th made tragically clear, until now airline and airport security has been pretty much a hit-or-miss proposition. While the screener at the San Diego airport was really on her toes, others are not. Mr. Casto noted that during a long layover in Chicago, there was a gaggle of screeners who were laughing and apparently having a great time. I doubt they would have noticed if I'd had an A-K 47 under my arm. Mr. Casto's message is clear, concise, complete and correct. The aviation security workforce must have consistent work standards, because they answer to a vast number of companies with inconsistent work standards. I believe federalizing the force is the surest way to achieve this goal. When the Federal Government takes over training, supervision, and employment of security screeners, as the ``Transportation Security Enhancement Act of 2001'' provides, they will be subject to the highest performance standards. In addition, they will be paid decent wages and benefits, which will encourage them to stay on the job and master their jobs. Our Nation's passengers will then be reassured that the most thorough screening of all passengers has taken place before they board their flights. This system is the best step we can take to prevent the heinous crime of September 11, 2001, from ever happening again. Airport Security Shouldn't Be Hit-or-Miss I remember the incident in every detail--although I had to check back a bit to find exactly when it happened. It was June of 1998, and I was at the airport in San Diego, Calif., heading home. I got in line at security. When my turn came, I placed my bag on the conveyor, stepped through the metal detector and reached to retrieve my bag, only to find that one of the security screeners had a firm grasp on it. ``There's something in here,'' she said, fixing me with the same kind of cold-eyed stare she no doubt would have given bank robber John Dillenger had he turned up in her line. I resisted an impulse to tell her that the only contraband in my bag was some dirty socks. ``May I take a look?'' she asked, delving into my bag before I had a chance to even answer. ``I don't see it,'' she said, as she pawed through my stuff. ``See What?'' I asked. ``The machine showed a letter opener in here.'' A letter opener? What the dickens would I be doing with a letter opener? Slowly, a faint memory dawned. Unzipping my toilet kit, she reached in, fumbled around a bit and triumphantly pulled out a metal letter opener. She summoned her supervisor, who looked even less amused than she did. ``Listen,'' I said, ``if this is a problem, I'll simply leave the opener here. I don't need it. All I want to do is catch my plane.'' I started to walk away. ``Wait,'' the supervisor said, ``you have to fill out a form.'' So I had to complete and sign an ``Abandoned Property'' form, giving my name and flight number, before I hurried on my way. How in the world had a letter opener found its way into my toilet kit? Actually, the explanation was simple: One day, I lost a screw out of my eyeglasses. I used the letter opener as a makeshift screwdriver to replace it. And, since I was on my way to the airport at the time, I threw the screwdriver in my toilet kit in case I needed it again. But that was years before my 1998 California visit. At the time, I estimated that I had gone through maybe 50 or so airport security checks with the letter opener tucked away in my kit. Nobody said a word about it--until I encountered that eagle-eyed female screener at the San Diego airport. Since Sept. 11 and the terrorist attacks perpetrated by airline hijackers said to be armed with simple box cutters, I've thought a lot about my old letter opener. And about the amazing number of times I was able to breeze through airport security checkpoints without anyone saying a word about it. As Sept. 11 made tragically clear, until now airline and airport security has been pretty much a hit-or-miss proposition. Security checkpoints have been manned by people generally working for whatever company submitted the low bid for the contract. Often, they've been paid minimum wage and given little or no training. Far more typical than my experience in San Diego was one I encountered when, during a long layover in Chicago, I waltzed through security several times--letter opener and all--and never got a second glance from a gaggle of screeners who were laughing and talking and apparently having a great time. I doubt they would have noticed, if I'd had an AK-47 under my arm. Congress is debating changes in airline and airport security. The Senate has voted to have security operations taken over by the federal government. The House and President Bush favor a system that would see the federal government supervise and train private-sector employees. As for me, I think I'd favor tracking down that tough-as- nails screener I encountered out in San Diego and putting her in charge.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1814, introduced by our colleague, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver), would provide for a study of a series of trails extending through western Massachusetts and central Connecticut. The purpose of this study would be to determine if the trails in question are a suitable and feasible addition to the National Trails System. The trails are well established and traverse several hundred miles to provide a link to a number of historical and recreational sites in the Northeastern region. The testimony before the Committee on Resources indicate widespread public support for the trails, and the National Park Service testified that the trails would be a good candidate for study for possible designation as part of the National Trail System. Mr. Speaker, I wish to commend the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver) for his initiative and for his pursuing this along every step of the away. I am aware of no opposition to the legislation, and I would urge its adoption by the House. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver).

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I, too, want to join in the commendation to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Olver). I said in the beginning he has walked this legislation along every step of the way. I did not realize he had walked every step of the trail as well. So I commend him for his leadership and personal involvement on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp) for the enthusiasm and dogged determination with which he has pursued this issue. Obviously, judging from his remarks just now in the well and his every appearance before our committee and before this body, Members can really see his love for this area. I salute him for that dedication. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, Moccasin Bend is an area near Chattanooga, Tennessee, where archeologists have unearthed evidence of Native American inhabitants dating back thousands of years, mingled with important artifacts from the Civil War. In fact, this area is thought to be one of the most important Native American sites within any American city. Yet, Moccasin Bend enjoys no uniform protection. The area is home to a number of uses that are inconsistent with providing the area and its artifacts the protection they deserve. H.R. 980 will be an important step in changing this. The legislation will designate a major portion of Moccasin Bend as a national historic park, to be managed and preserved by the National Park Service. Once fully established, future generations will be able to visit this new unit and explore firsthand thousands of years of history. It should be noted that passage of H.R. 980 does not mean that there is no more to be done at Moccasin Bend. Several of the parcels in the area simply cannot be included in the park at this time. However, this legislation provides us with the tools we need to include those areas in the near future, and we look forward to working with the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp) and the local community to ensure this area will be fully protected. Mr. Speaker, we support H.R. 980 and urge our colleagues to do likewise. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2924 would authorize the administrators of the Western Area and Southeastern and Southwestern Power Administrations to carry out reward programs to reduce vandalism and theft at their facilities. The bill would authorize agencies to offer up to $1,000 to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals charged with vandalism and/or theft at the three power market administrations. The Bonneville Power Administration has similar authority and its rewards program has helped reduce crime. Mr. Speaker, the administration supports H.R. 2924. It is a worthwhile bill. I urge its adoption. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2925, as amended, would assist in law enforcement efforts at the Bureau of Reclamation facilities in 17 western States. Despite the agency's responsibility to manage more than 300 dams and reservoirs and 58 hydroelectric power plants, the Secretary of the Interior lacks the adequate authority to enforce Federal law at Bureau of Reclamation facilities. There are often violations of Federal law, including vandalism, theft, trespass, and threats to the security of the facilities. H.R. 2925, as amended, would authorize the Secretary to contract with Federal, State, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to enforce Federal and State laws on Reclamation lands. The bill would authorize the Secretary to contract with an adjacent landowner, such as the Forest Service or the local police department, to enforce laws on Reclamation lands. The bill would also authorize the Secretary to pay the law enforcement agencies for their services. The administration supports this bill. Given our support for the safety of our water supply, this legislation, as amended, deserves our support. I urge its adoption. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, over the last weeks Members of Congress have stepped outside of party boundaries, joining together and unanimously supporting millions of dollars to aid victims, families, and rescue workers affected by the September 11th attacks. Now, in addition to financial assistance, it is important for us to provide outlets for these victims and their families through the grieving and recovery process. The legislation I introduce today continues the bipartisan spirit of the Congress, as it is cosponsored by Resources Committee Chairman James Hansen. The bill would direct the Secretary of the Interior to create a program under which the survivors and families of the victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the emergency personnel who responded to that crisis, may visit our national parks, forests, and public lands free of charge. Ralph Waldo Emerson said Nature is the symbol of the spirit and that Nature turns all malfeasance to good. While this proposal cannot adequately respond to the loss of those who grieve, perhaps the experience of our Nation's greatest treasures--our parks and forests, our mountains and rivers-- will help strengthen America's well-being--physically, mentally and spiritually. That is why I have named this bill the Healing Opportunities in National Parks and the Environment Act, the HOPE Act. It is important that we keep hope alive in the wake of the recent tragic events as we recover and rebuild. There may come a time when a fireman, or a nurse, or a survivor, who has seen far too much pain and suffering, may decide that a day at the lake with his or her family would provide welcome relief. Let us continue to aid these victims and family members as we already have financially. Let us provide the victims and family members the symbol of the spirit--to aid in their spiritual and mental healing. We can facilitate this by providing lifetime free access to all of our natural wonders. This legislation will make that possible. This legislation is just a small gesture that might encourage someone who is suffering to seek comfort in the beauty of this great land. Like most Americans we continue to struggle with a response to these events. This is just one step Congress can take to support America's greatest natural resources, our citizens.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be an original co-sponsor of the ``Displaced Workers Assistance Act'' introduced today by Mr. Gephardt. This bill will provide job training skills, health care benefits and extension of income support to employees of the airlines, and related industries, who lost their jobs as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. I am especially pleased that the bill has been introduced just days after the House passed the ``Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act'' last Friday. I have always supported legislation to improve the quality of life for the American Worker. Last week, when the House passed the ``Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act,'' I joined in the concern expressed by several unions that the bill did not contain provisions for displaced workers. During floor debate on the airline stabilization bill, Speaker Hastert and Democratic Leader Gephardt pledged to address the needs of displaced workers in separate legislation as soon as possible. I voted for the ``Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act'' last Friday because we were given these assurances. I am pleased that the bill we introduce today has solid provisions to provide relief and security to displaced workers. I will work as hard as I can to help to get the bill passed and enacted into law expeditiously. Regarding job training, workers who are not expected to return to their jobs within the airline industry will be eligible for retraining benefits for other types of work. Workers who are not expected to return to their present jobs, but who may find some alternative job within the airline industry, will be eligible for upgrade training. Regarding health care benefits, the federal government will fully reimburse eligible workers for their COBRA premiums. Workers who do not qualify for COBRA and are otherwise uninsured will be eligible for Medicaid. The federal government will cover 100 percent of the premiums. These health care benefits will last for a maximum of 18 months. Regarding income support, workers who exhaust their 26-week eligibility for state unemployment insurance will be eligible for an additional 52 weeks of cash payments funded entirely by the federal government. Workers who do not meet their states' requirements for unemployment insurance will receive 26 weeks of federally financed unemployment insurance. Workers who are eligible for the benefits provided in this bill are employees of airlines, commercial airline manufacturers, suppliers to airlines, and airports. Only those workers who lost their jobs as a direct result of the terrorist attacks of September 11 or security measures taken in response to the attacks, are covered under this bill. All Americans, and all people in the civilized world, were horrified at the events of September 11, 2001. But for those workers in the airlines and related industries, the pain was even more severe because of the loss of their livelihood, through no fault of their own, but through the fault of the terrorists' heinous crimes. It is my fervent hope that the provisions of this bill will help the fine people who lost their jobs to rebuild their financial security. By providing these displaced workers with job training, extended health care coverage and extended unemployment benefits, we are giving them the tools to get a new job, while receiving compensation and continued health care coverage during the process. These benefits will provide the displaced workers with peace of mind as they rebuild their lives and financial security. They deserve our help, and we must pass the ``Displaced Workers Assistance Act'' expeditiously. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues in designating the Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and United States Courthouse in New Albany, Indiana. I had the pleasure of serving in the House of Representatives for over twenty-two years with Lee Hamilton. Lee's lifetime commitment to public service, under the administrations of seven Presidents from both parties, never faltered. His enormous achievements are a testament to a remarkable life of selfless duty and an unstinting commitment to the peace and prosperity of the people of Indiana, our Nation and to peoples living in every corner of the world. Lee Hamilton was known in this House for his unimpeachable integrity, his gentle voice of reason, and professionalism; all for which I had the great fortune from which to benefit. Lee Hamilton arrived in Washington to begin his long tenure in the House during the Lyndon Johnson administration. As those times demanded, he was present for the creation of such landmark legislation as the Elementary and Secondary and Higher Education Acts, helping assure an educated citizenry so that the socio-economic needs of this country might be met. He also presided over the enactment of legislation to assist those living at or below poverty--especially the childlren--as Johnson's War on Poverty began, and the President's Great Society began to take shape. There was much going on in this House when Lee Hamilton arrived from Jeffersonville, Indiana to begin his service as the representative of the Ninth District of that great state, and aside from domestic issues, Lee was soon to become deeply involved in international issues as well. As Lee Hamilton's distinguished service grew and flourished on behalf of those who needed federal support in order to obtain an education, food, shelter and health care, he quietly became our most able leader in International affairs. As he chaired and served as ranking member of the International Relations Committee for many years Lee devoted himself to leading this country through the cold war, helping bring about the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the former Soviet Union; and then seeking to strengthen the development of new democracies. Over the years I was able to look to him for assistance with concerns I have had over events in the Middle East, and especially in the land of my grandfathers, Lebanon. His deep understanding of the culture, history and traditions of the Middle Eastern countries is enormous. I know there were many times over the years when, at my request and no matter how busy he was, he took the time to share with me and my colleagues his remarkable insight into how best to address events in a troubled area in times of great distress. Lee Hamilton continued his distinguished career in foreign relations when he left the House of Representatives to become Director of the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars and Director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University. His unmatched experience in both of these realms continues a distinguished career in advancing America's leadership on the world stage. During this tragic time for the United States we need the steadying hand and influence of such honorable leaders as Lee Hamilton to guide our nation in her fight against terrorism. I can think of none better to contribute than this most accomplished statesman. And so it is with warmest personal regard, highest esteem and deepest appreciation that I join my colleagues in designating the Lee Hamilton Federal Building and United States Courthouse in New Albany, Indiana.

Mr. RAHALL

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill to stabilize the airline industry. Since the September 11 tragedy, the airlines have lost $5 billion. There is fear in the industry that we could lose a possible 100,000 jobs. This include pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, sky caps, and other airport-related jobs like firefighters and food service workers. This bill will save these workers from layoffs. I share the concerns expressed by unions that the bill does not provide protections for dislocated workers, and extended health care coverage for airline workers. Speaker Hastert and Democratic Leader Gephardt have pledged that the House will bring up a bill to help the workers expeditiously. I will help to write this bill and will work to get it enacted into law as quickly as possible. I have always supported the American worker, and the unions, and will continue to do my best to support legislation that will protect the quality of life for the American worker. Today, we are in a unique situation. Never, in the history of this nation, have we experienced the horror of September 11. We must pass legislation one step at a time. Today, we will pass legislation to stabilize the airline industry and to save jobs in the airline industry. Then we will pass legislation to help displaced workers and to overhaul airport security. Today's bill give the airlines an infusion of cash. Before the tragedy of September 11, the airlines were already burdened with a heavy debt load. Business was down due to a soft economy. The bill will provide $5 billion to the airlines and $10 billion in loan guarantees. This will prevent a negative ripple effect in the economy, and will save jobs. If the airlines were to go under, we would see a negative effect on domestic and international commerce, in economic development, agriculture, travel and tourism, the hotel-motel industry, the entertainment industry, sports events, rail, water and highway transportation, including the trucking industry, and the list goes on. My constituents in West Virginia were worried that air service to rural areas and small towns would be irreparably damaged if the airlines go under. Already, USAirways and other major airlines announced a cutback in flights. I am pleased that this bill provided $120 million for essential air service to small communities for fiscal year 2002. This will ensure that small communities like Beckley, Bluefield and Lewisburg, West Virginia can continue to provide the most adequate air service to West Virginians. In closing, we must remember that we are considering legislation under the most extraordinary circumstances. We must help the airline industry to stabilize, and then we will turn our immediate attention to the providing the most comprehensive protections, and extension of health care coverage, to the American workers who were displaced by this heinous crime.