Steven Rothman

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, this is wrong. This impeachment should never had occurred. The majority never met its burden of proof, the offenses do not meet the constitutional standard for an impeachable offense, and we are turning our backs on the founding fathers for partisan political purposes. It is wrong. We still have the opportunity to bring this to an end--to do what the American people want us to do--to punish the president without punishing the nation. If this trial commences in the Senate, we will be subject to months of partisan wrangling while issues like HMO reform, saving Social Security, and improving education are pushed to the sidelines. Mr. Speaker, lets get back to work on the issues Americans sent us here to address. Let us or the Senate censure the president and get back to the issues that impact American's daily lives. Do not fund this impeachment, do not appoint managers, do not do any more damage to the United States Constitution. Bring this to an end.

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, this is wrong. This impeachment should never have occurred. The majority never met its burden of proof. The offenses do not meet the constitutional standard for an impeachable offense. We are defining down the impeachment standard in the United States Constitution, to the permanent and irreparable damage of our Constitution. And we are turning back on what our Founders intended, which was a strong Presidency, only to be removed on the showing beyond a clear and convincing standard of treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors against the State. But we still have the opportunity to bring this to an end, to do what the American people want us to do: To punish the President without punishing the Nation. We know because we were fact witnesses who the President lied to about his relationship, which he chose to characterize to us, and about his unforgivable relationship with an intern in the White House. And for that, he should be censured. Mr. Speaker, let us get back to the work of the people, issues like HMO reform, saving Social Security and Medicare, and improving our education. The rule of law prevails in America. The President can be held to the standards of the civil courts, which is why he paid the $850,000 settlement, to settle the civil case. The rule of law applies to him. And if some prosecutor decides to prosecute him for alleged criminal activities when he leaves office, the rule of law will apply against him, the criminal law, and he could go to prison if those charges are proven. The President is not above the rule of law. Impeachment was not about punishment, it was about saving America from a tyrannical President who threatened the Republic. That is not what we have. That is what the American people know. The American people want the President censured, not impeached. Let us move on with the good work and important work of our Nation.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, this vote today is about one thing, the sanctity of the Constitution of the United States. The Founding Fathers were clear. They created a strong presidency where the executive was elected for 4-year terms. They did not want a parliamentary system where the Congress could remove the people's choice unless the President's conduct had threatened the very stability of the country. The founders specifically rejected proposals to allow impeaching the President for poor character or for morally bad behavior. They said it clearly. The President can only be impeached for treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors against the state. This high bar for presidential impeachment has served our country well for 210 years, so well in fact that only one president in our Nation's history has ever been impeached by this House. Now, driven by their hatred and loathing of Bill Clinton and his policies, the Republican Party is about to take our constitutional balance of powers and permanently and irreparably and forever damage it. The constitutional punishment of impeachment was not meant to substitute for the punishment of the civil and criminal courts. Impeachment was meant to address presidential behavior that threatened the republic so gravely as to require the removal of the President in the middle of his or her term. We can all agree that the President's acts, lying to the American people and having an affair in the White House with an intern, were reprehensible. The President should be censured for his wrongful action. But violations of these kinds of civil or criminal laws should be handled like any other Americans, in the civil and criminal courts. The first three words of the Constitution are, ``we the people.'' And in this case the views of the people are well-known, censure the President but do not impeach him. But we cannot. The Republican Party will not let America's elected representatives either vote for or even debate censuring the President. It is a blatant abuse of the Republican Party's majority power in the Congress. This Republican juggernaut, driven by the right wing of their party and aided and abetted by the so-called Republican moderates, will forever damage the constitutional balance of power in America. Every future President will be looking over his or her shoulder wondering if future Congresses do not like the President's veto of a controversial bill or do not like the President's policies or lifestyles, will that future Congress controlled by a different political party appoint a special prosecutor and spend $40 million in 4 years investigating that President's private life. If this Congress impeaches the President on these grounds, today will go down as one of the saddest days in American history for our country, for our Congress and for the institution of the American presidency. I beg the Republican majority, the one that the people put in power and that the people can remove from power, censure our President for his wrongful conduct, let the civil and criminal courts punish any of those offenses, but do not damage our Constitution by impeaching the President on these grounds.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to affirm my unconditional support for our troops involved in the mission against Saddam Hussein, to affirm to the world and to Saddam Hussein that the American people and America's elected representatives are united behind the work of our Armed Forces. We offer each member of our Armed Forces, over 20,000 strong in the Gulf, this united support, and we want to tell them that the American people stand shoulder to shoulder with them. Their mission, Operation Desert Fox, is a continuation of President Bush's efforts to stop a dangerous and evil madman who threatens his neighbors and all the world with his continuing efforts to manufacture, stockpile, and use political, chemical, and nuclear weapons. The President's decisive action was the right move at the right time. We have given Saddam Hussein enough chances. With or without allies, it was time to act, to stand up for our national interests, and to stand up for what is right. God bless our service men and women, and God bless America.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Nick Cangialosi of Garfield, New Jersey, a man who embodies the American dream. Having arrived in America at the age of fifteen from Sicily, Nick came to this country with nothing but hope in his heart and a determination to succeed. Like many Italian immigrants coming to America in the 20th century, Nick was a success story waiting to happen. With a remarkable work ethic, soon after his arrival in America, Nick gained the experience and resources to start a business with his brothers. To this day, the firm Nick began, Vinyl Building Products, enjoys a high degree of success. Parallel with Nick's commercial success, he has established a track- record as a model citizen. In the vibrant Italian-American community in New Jersey, Nick's history of volunteerism is legendary. He is also well-known throughout the entire state of New Jersey for his outstanding volunteerism and philanthropic efforts in support of a number of worthwhile causes and institutions. I know that among his many efforts, Nick is deeply involved as a member of the Board of Governors of the Hackensack University Medical Center, an outstanding hospital that serves the needs of thousands of New Jersey residents. Nick is also a distinguished member of the Steering Committee for Felician College in Lodi, New Jersey and a dedicated member of the St. Ciro Society. Mr. Speaker, given all that Nick Cangialosi has accomplished in his life, it comes as no surprise that he is to be honored on October 2, 1998, by the Bergen County Chapter of Boys' Towns of Italy. At this event, the Right Reverend Monsignor J. Patrick Carroll-Abbing, who is the founder of Boys' Town, will present Nick with his organization's prestigious Humanitarian Award. This honor rightly serves to recognize Nick's selfless efforts on behalf of needy people throughout the world. I would like to join Boys' Towns in saluting Nick and the goodness and kindness he represents. The world is a better place because of the efforts of Boy's Towns chapters around the world and the work of individuals like Nick Cangialosi. He is, simply put, an inspiration to the people of the Ninth Congressional District in New Jersey and to our nation.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark Polish-American Heritage Month which is being celebrated throughout our nation during the entire month of October. For seventeen consecutive years, the more than one million Polish-Americans in New Jersey have participated in events that honor and recognize the remarkable accomplishments of the Polish-American community. The Polish values we celebrate during the month of October are universal values, embraced by millions of Americans. On behalf of the active and growing Polish-American community that I am proud to represent in northern New Jersey, I urge all my colleagues to reaffirm our nation's warm relations with Poland during Polish-American Heritage Month. To be sure, Polish-Americans are rightly proud of the high level of cultural, social, economic and political involvement they have established in America. By assisting Poland's current transition to democratic governance and a market economy, the Polish-American community is continuing a long tradition of aiding their homeland. Following World War II, it was the Polish-American community that initiated legislation that enabled the resettlement to America of over 200,000 members of the Polish Armed Forces who had fought for the cause of freedom. These efforts, coupled with the unbridled patriotism and ingenuity of millions of Polish-Americans, have made our country a better place to live. Mr. Speaker, I want to praise the dedicated work of the Polish- American Heritage Month Committee and the hard work of the Polish- American Congress in sponsoring this worthwhile month-long celebration of the Polish experience in America. I salute the efforts of all those who have endeavored to highlight the tremendous contribution Polish- Americans have made to our nation.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a proud member of the Congressional Ukranian Caucus to urge my colleagues to support the passage of H. Con. Res. 295. Very appropriately, this bill expresses the sense of Congress that the 65th anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine of 1932-1933 should serve as a reminder of the brutality of the government of the Former Soviet Union's repressive policies towards the Ukrainian people. As I have remarked in the past, the Ukrainian Famine was a dark and horrible chapter in the world history that for too long has gone unnoticed by both the American people and by this august body. By passing H. Con. Res. 295 today, Congress will be bringing the world's attention to this tragedy and will help heal the emotional scars of those who endured the Ukrainian Famine. I know that the Ukrainian-Americans I am so very proud to represent in New Jersey eagerly await the passage of this resolution. This resolution offers a small measure of justice to the thousands of the Ukrainian-Americans who still suffer from the cruelty exacted upon them by Soviet authorities earlier this century. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues who care deeply about human rights, who care about the need to remember past tragedies, to support the passage of this worldwhile resolution.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to extend my deepest sympathies and offer my support to those on the island of Puerto Rico who have suffered losses due to the damage caused by Hurricane Georges. I would also like to clear up some confusion regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal agency currently working to alleviate the pain and suffering caused by the hurricane. I recently learned that erroneous reports regarding the funding of FEMA have been circulating in Puerto Rico. Some in the Commonwealth have stated to the press that funding for the FEMA program is obtained from local taxes and user fees within Puerto Rico and thus, the inhabitants of Puerto Rico are being forced to fully fund the FEMA relief efforts on their own. These reports are completely untrue. On the contrary, the funds for FEMA come from the U.S. Treasury general fund and are appropriated by the Appropriations Committees in the House of Representatives and the Senate. The general fund is supported by the collection of federal taxes and federal user fees from citizens of the mainland of the United States. Thus the burden of FEMA relief efforts is not being incurred solely by citizens of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. I urge all of my colleagues in the United States Congress to join me in continuing efforts to aid our fellow American citizens in Puerto Rico in their time of need. We need to continue to seek disaster relief funding for FEMA before Congress adjourns.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4567. I am pleased that this bill includes the text of H.R. 3511, and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this important legislation. H.R. 3511 is one of those bills that, though technical in nature, can be critically important for those that it may affect. In fact, for some older Americans, this legislation will mean the difference between spending the remaining years of their lives struggling to overcome the handicap of blindness and having the benefits and opportunities of sight. H.R. 3511 can make a difference in the lives of our senior citizens because it grants to the Secretary of Health and Human Service (HHS) the discretion needed to allow programs such as the National Eye Care Project (NECP) to provide eye care to all elderly Americans at no out- of-pocket cost to those that it serves. Under current law, ophthalmologists who participate in the National Eye Care Project are required to charge each patient all of the copayments and deductible specified by Medicare--unless, of course, that patient is determined to be finally disadvantaged and lacking the means to pay for medical eye care. The problem is that many senior citizens will decide not to see an eye doctor if they must answer such intrusive questions as whether making the Medicare copayment would mean they are ``unable to afford food'' or ``be forced to put off paying for such expenses as food, housing, transportation and prescription medication.'' Others who are not ``financially disabled,'' as defined by Medicare, do not believe they can afford the copayments and deductibles, and therefore decide to defer a visit to the eye doctor for another day. Unfortunately, with some eye diseases, a delay of even a few weeks can lead to irreparable damage, and even blindness, which could have been avoided with timely care. The National Eye Care Project was established by the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 1986 to address this problem. Through a toll-free Helpline, seniors can receive information about common eye diseases and, if eligible, get a referral to one of the approximately 7,500 volunteer ophthalmologists across the country who provides eye care to those in need. Prior to enactment of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and the NECP could advertise that it would provide this care ``at no out-of-pocket cost'' to those who need it, and seniors seeking care were not required to answer intrusive questions about whethr they could afford to make Medicare copayments. However, HIPAA made this approach illegal by prohibiting the waiver of Medicare copayments without a case-by-case determination of financial need. H.R. 3511 will remedy this situation by giving the Secretry of Health and Human Services the discretion to allow a program such as the NECP to waive Medicare co-payments for all participants. HHS would not, of course, make such a determination for the NECP of other programs if it could not establish that granting a waiver would not create a loophole for fraud and abuse in the Medicare program. Combating fraud and abuse was the original objective behind HIPAA restrictions. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3511 is important legislation that can lead to significant benefits for our senior citizens. I urge my colleagues to vote for this legislation.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, after 4\1/2\ years investigation of nearly every aspect of President Clinton's public and private life, Independent Counsel Ken Starr presented the House with 11 allegations of impeachment, all relating only to the President's misconduct with Monica Lewinsky. The Democrats say that these are serious allegations and that we should resolve these 11 charges by the end of this year and let the chips fall where they may. The Republicans say that they will not be limited to the 4\1/2\ year investigation by Mr. Starr. They feel that Mr. Starr was too light on President Clinton, and so they want an impeachment inquiry not only limited to Mr. Starr's charges regarding Miss Lewinski, but any other charges anyone can come up with on any subject at any time and with no time limit. And they want the American people to pay for it. Mr. Speaker, I believe the Republican bill is unfair, it is unfair to the President, it is unfair to our country, and it is not in our national interest. We already know that what the President did was wrong, It was morally wrong, and now we need to decide what is an appropriate punishment for his offenses. But let us reject the open-ended Republican inquiry. Let us instead follow the democratic model and resolve the 11 charges that Mr. Starr actually brought to us and do so before the end of the year so that we can get together as a Nation and address the serious and important other issues that face us here at home and around the world.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man, Mr. Louis Franco, Sr., who has dedicated 50 years of his life to the Lodi, New Jersey Fire Department. This gentleman has tirelessly given to his community in serving the residents of Lodi, New Jersey. Mr. Franco began volunteering with Hose Company #2 as a young man. Year after year, he continued to serve the community of Lodi as a fireman. Such nobility, such commitment, such dedication, should be recognized and applauded at the highest levels. On behalf of the residents of Lodi, I commend Louis Franco, Sr. for his exemplary work. Louis Franco, Sr. was born in Lodi on September 9, 1926. At the age of 22, Louis joined the Lodi Volunteer Fire Department. He has held many honorable positions during his 50 years of service. With time, his leadership evolved and he was elected to the offices of Lieutenant and Captain of Hose Company #2. Louis became Fire Chief in 1967, and he twice held the office of President. For the past thirty years, Louis has also been President of the Lodi Fireman's Relief Association. Additionally, he has been a lifetime member of the following organizations: the New Jersey State Fireman's Association, the New Jersey State Exempt Fireman's Association, the South Bergen Fire Chief's Mutual Aid Association, along with the New Jersey and New York Fireman's Association. He also holds a membership in the New Jersey State Fire Chief's Association and the Passaic-Bergen Firemen's League. Louis has been married for 45 years to his lovely wife, Marie. He is also the proud father of three children: Emilia Franco-Duffy of Fair Lawn, Frank Salvatore of Virginia, and Louis Charles, a Lodi Police Officer. Louis and Marie are both proud grandparents to three grandchildren. Today, I also commend Louis for being a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. I am proud to honor Mr. Louis Franco for his dedicated service to our community. Louis is a model citizen and I feel privileged to share these words about his steadfast dedication for 50 years in the Lodi Fire Department.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Nick Cangiolosi of Garfield, New Jersey, a man who embodies the American dream. Having arrived in America a the age of fifteen from Palermo, Italy, Nick came to this country with nothing but hope in his heart and a determination to succeed. Like many Italian immigrants coming to America in the 20th century, Nick was a success story waiting to happen. With a remarkable work ethic, soon after his arrival in America, Nick gained the experience and resources to start a business with his brothers. To this day, the firm Nick began, Vinyl Building Products, enjoys a high degree of success. Parallel with Nick's commercial success, he has established a track- record as model citizen. In the vibrant Italian-American community in New Jersey, Nick's history of volunteerism is legendary. He is also well-known throughout the entire state of New Jersey for his outstanding volunteerism and philanthropic efforts in support of a number of worthwhile causes and institutions. I know that among his many efforts, Nick is deeply involved as a member of the Board of Governors of the Hackensack University Medical Center, an outstanding hospital that serves the needs of thousands of New Jersey residents. Nick is also a distinguished member of the Steering Committee for Felician College in Lodi. New Jersey and a dedicated member of the St. Ciro Society. Mr. Speaker, given all that Nick Cangiolosi has accomplished in his life, it comes as no surprise that he is to be honored on October 2, 1998, by the Bergen County Chapter of Boys' Towns of Italy. At this event, the Right Reverend Monsignor J. Patrick Carroll-Abbing, who is the founder of Boys' Town, will present Nick with his organization's prestigious Humanitarian Award. This honor rightly serve to recognizes NIck's selfless efforts on behalf of needy people throughout the world. I would like to join Boys' Towns saluting Nick and the goodness and kindness he represents. The world is a better place because of the efforts of to Boy's Towns chapters around the world and the work of individuals like Nick Congiolosi. He is, simply put, an inspiration to the people of the Ninth Congressional District in New Jersey and to our Nation.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in honoring Lee Hamilton, a man who has rendered thirty three years of distinguished service as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. It was nearly two years ago that I, as a freshman member of Congress, first met Lee Hamilton. Having been newly assigned to the House International Relations Committee, Lee Hamilton was there to assist me during my very first days on the committee. And whether it has been learning more about the foreign policy challenges facing America, or working to build a consensus to support American efforts to bring peace abroad, Lee Hamilton has always been there for me and the Democrats who serve on the International Relations Committee. For all his work to enhance and advance American interests abroad, Lee Hamilton deserves our enduring thanks. He has been a champion of U.S. engagement abroad, fighting this fight, often in the face of isolationists here in this very Congress. I wish Lee Hamilton the best as he takes leave of this body. I know that I and my colleagues on the House International Relations Committee, both Democrat and Republican, will miss his remarkable contributions, not only to our committee, but to the entire Congress and to our entire nation. Lee Hamilton is and will continue to be a leading voice on foreign affairs. Mr. Speaker, over eight decades ago President Woodrow Wilson remarked that ``there must be, not a balance of power [in the world], but a community of power; not organized rivalries, but an organized peace.'' Lee Hamilton, to his credit, has worked to advance this goal like no other member of Congress during his 18 terms in the House of Representatives. For that our nation is eternally grateful.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my full support for the settlement of outstanding claims filed by U.S. companies against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the early 1980's dozens of American companies filed claims totaling hundreds of millions of dollars for debts owed to them by the Kingdom. Following the creation of a formal claims resolution process by Congress in 1993, each of these claims have been settled, save one-- the claim filed by Hill International, Inc., a New Jersey company to whom Saudi Arabia still owes over $55 million. The merits of Hill International's claims are not in dispute. Our own State Department has promised its full support and has even pledged to aid Hill International in their fight to collect what is owed to them. Dozens of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have made an appeal for fairness on this issue and have urged Saudi Arabian authorities to settle this final claim promptly. But sadly, to this day, no movement has been realized on this important issue. Perhaps the government of Saudi Arabia believes their efforts to settle outstanding claims have been ``close enough.'' Mr. Speaker, I want to send a message to Saudi Arabia that as a friend of the United States they should lead by example and pay this final debt.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Chairman, today, unfortunately, the Republican leadership in the House has decided to take another step in giving up on public school education in America. Mr. Chairman, public school education is the key that has unlocked the door for generation after generation of Americans, the door to the American dream. It was for me, it has been and will be for my children. Besides, what will be next? Do we say to the person who does not like the books in the local public library that we will give them a voucher so they can buy books they like and create a private library in their own home? What about the person who does not like the folks who hang out in the public park? Will we give that person a voucher so they can buy their own swing set in their backyard and call it a private park? No. Because we are still a country that believes in the collective good and in the American dream. Let us fix our public schools: competition through charter public schools. Let us not give up on America's public schools. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to add my voice to those of my colleagues who have eloquently spoken today on the pressing need for a just and lasting peace in Cyprus. As a member of the House International Relations Committee, one of my top priorities has been to advance a comprehensive settlement of the tragic division of Cyprus in 1974. The cause of peace for Cyprus, the cause of freedom for Cyprus and the pursuit of unified Cyprus is in sum, not a complicated matter. To solve the Cyprus problem we need only to secure one vital element and that is the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island. That the solution is so simple and the inability to secure it so long delayed, deeply disappoints me. Too many deliberations have been held, too many peace summits convened, too many U.S. diplomatic overtures have been made, to see the prospects for peace crumble due to the intransigence of Turkish-Cypriot political leaders. To break the stalemate in the Cyprus peace talks I am convinced that the time is ripe for the U.S. to press Ankara directly to exercise the resolve needed to withdraw its troops from Cyprus. Notwithstanding Turkish efforts to stalemate the peace talks, I am heartened that Cyprus is on track to join the European Union (EU). With an eye to a promising and prosperous future, Cyprus's accession to the EU bodes well for the future of the island nation. As Cypriot President Clafcos Clerides remarked in June of this year, EU accession will bring Cyprus one step closer to serving as an ``important hub of economic, trade and business'' in the vitally important Mediterranean region. Mr. Speaker, to close my remarks I want to reiterate that I believe in freedom for Cyprus. I believe in a united Cyprus. And I am committed to continuing my full support in seeking a genuine and long-lasting peace for Cyprus.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Indiana for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I thank our chairman, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), and my very good friend, the sponsor of this bill, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez). Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3743, the Iran Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act of 1998. It is emblematic of the serious need to pass this bill that on July 22 of this year, the same day that the bill was considered and passed by the Committee on International Relations, Iran tested a missile capable of striking American troops throughout the Middle East. I do not think I have to explain to any of my colleagues here in the House, or to any American, for that matter, the implications of an Iranian nuclear missile. H.R. 3743 rightfully seeks to prevent U.S. tax dollars from being used to help Iran develop nuclear technology, specifically nuclear power plants. Helping Iran develop its nuclear technology through U.S. taxpayer dollars, or in any other way, is like training a known assassin how to use an AK-47 assault rifle and expecting him to only use it for defensive purposes. The only reason that Iran, one of the most oil-rich countries on the planet, is developing nuclear power technology is to advance its offensive missile technology program. To think that Iran is developing nuclear technology for civilian power needs is naive and dangerous, dangerous to the United States of America. The Iranian Shahab-3 missile, which was successfully tested only two weeks ago, will reportedly have a range of between 1,300 and 1,500 kilometers and be capable of carrying a 750 to 1,000 kilogram warhead. According to various intelligence reports, Russia is now helping Iran develop its technology that will put Shahab missiles within range of U.S. troops throughout the Middle East. If Iran combines their nuclear technology with these Shahab missiles, like the one fired just 2 weeks ago, the threat to our troops and the region will be unthinkable. The lives of American soldiers, sailors, U.S. allies, and ultimately, American citizens, would be in needless and mortal peril. Let us send a message to the Iranians: The United States Congress still has its eye on the ball. We are not fooled by their President's statements of moderation, as welcome as those statements may be; statements made, however, at the same time they are trying to build weapons of mass destruction. If they want to be friends with the United States of America they should behave as a friend, and they should let their actions speak louder than their words of moderation, which contradict their efforts to develop nuclear technology. Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of H.R. 3743.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to mourn the loss of two members of our American and our Capitol families--Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson. Their names are quickly becoming synonymous with the word ``hero,'' and rightly so. These two men, and the entire Capitol Police force, daily summon the courage to stand in defense of lawmakers, staffers, tourists--every one of us--along with this bastion of American Democracy we call the United States Capitol. Friday that dedication was put to the test. Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson did not waiver. They laid down their lives in defense of this Capitol and all it represents in the hearts of every American. Jacob and John, I only wish that you were here with us today, to hear how grateful our nation is to you both for protecting our democracy. We are grateful for your dedicated public service to our country, your valor, and your courage. As Rollo May has said, ``courage is not a virtue or value among other personal values. It is the foundation that underlies and gives reality to all other virtues and personal values.'' Your courage on Friday and throughout your careers is a symbol for all law enforcement officials, public officials, and every citizen to follow. Mrs. Chestnut--Mrs. Gibson--my prayer and condolences go out to you and your families. And my prayers and gratitude go out to the entire Capitol Hill police force during this difficult time of grieving. God bless you and God bless every one of us.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, this week I join more than 160 Members of Congress in signing a discharge petition to force the Republican leadership of the House to allow the Democrats' Patients' Bill of Rights to be voted on in the Congress. The Democrats' Patients' Bill of Rights states that managed care should be more about managing the health of our loved ones, and not about managing and protecting the profits of HMOs; about protecting the health of patients, not the financial stability of the HMOs. Mr. Speaker, HMO reform must provide that if the HMO wrongly denies coverage and that wrongful denial causes the injury or death to a patient, that that patient or his family can hold the HMOs accountable for their decision. That is, in a nutshell, the difference between the Republican and Democratic patient plans. The democratic proposal would allow patients to hold HMOs accountable; the Republican plan does not. Moderates on both sides of the aisle have endorsed the Democratic Patients' Bill of Rights, but the Republican leadership in the House refuses to allow the Democratic Patients' Bill of Rights to be voted on. I urge Americans, call your Member of Congress and demand a vote on the Democrat Patients' Bill of Rights. Hold HMOs accountable.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Sandra Bernal, on her recent graduation from Officer Candidate School (OCS). I am especially proud that Ms. Bernal, a resident of Teaneck, NJ, was awarded the Deputy Adjutant General Honor Graduate commendation upon her completion of the program. Ms. Bernal's accomplishment is a credit to her commitment to excellence and to her family and community. As a commissioned officer in the Armed Forces of the United States, Ms. Bernal will be contributing her considerable skills and talents to enhance our Nation's defense. Those same attributes that gained her a commendation during her OCS training will now, thankfully, be brought to bear during her service in the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard. For her service to our Nation, her dedication to America's liberty and freedom, I applaud Ms. Bernal's achievement. In the finest sense, she represents the best of America.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I hold in my hand a series of very thoughtful articles from my hometown newspaper about the devastating effects when HMOs deny doctors and their patients the right to see medically needed specialists or to receive special tests. The problem is the Democratic Party and a handful of Republicans want to make HMOs accountable when they deny a specialist's care or special medical tests and that denial causes pain or injury or death to the person. Right now if that happens, the patient who gets sick or dies, his family can sue the doctor, but they cannot sue the HMO who denied the test or denied the procedure that would have saved the person's life. The Republican Party will not allow HMOs to be held accountable. We should ask yourselves, why? Why would the Republican party not allow HMOs to be sued or to be held accountable if the HMO's denial of a test or treatment caused the pain, injury, or death? In our society if somebody does something wrong to you, you can sue them. Why are they protecting the health insurance companies?

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to see that we are finally taking up passage of legislation designed to rein in the IRS. We have all heard the stories about the worst IRS nightmares in the Nation, people committing suicide, families going bankrupt and losing their small businesses. Last October I walked door-to-door and business-to- business in my district and heard from taxpayers about their own battles with the IRS. The IRS has an extremely important job to do, but today we are making their job a little bit easier, and we are making the IRS a more fair, more efficient, and more taxpayer-friendly agency. But my friends, this bill is only the beginning. Next we must repeal the marriage penalty, which punishes two-income married couples. A married couple pays more in income taxes than if they were unmarried. This is simply unfair and sends the wrong message about the importance of families in our country. We must repeal the marriage penalty now. Finally, we must also make our Tax Code much simpler. Anyone who has spent long hours huddled over their 1040 with broken pencils and piles of frustration knows that our tax system today is simply too complicated. We must simplify the Tax Code so that the average American does not need a Ph.D. in accounting to complete his or her taxes. I urge support for this first step in IRS reform.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a legendary public servant in Bergen County, New Jersey, Mr. Gerry Calabrese. Through decades of service, Mr. Calabrese has distinguished himself as a gentleman who puts the welfare of the people of New Jersey above his own. Gerry began his career in public service by fighting for the American cause of freedom in World War II. After returning a hero, Gerry turned to his education and entered St. John's University where he was honored as an All-American basketball player. Upon graduation, Gerry continued playing on the hardwood with the National Basketball Association's Syracuse Nationals. However, his true vocation of stewardship to the people of his community was just around corner. After retiring from the NBA, Mr. Calabrese was elected to the Cliffside Park Borough Council in 1955. In 1959 he was elected to his first term as the Borough's Mayor. And since 1965, he has served continuously as Cliffside Park's chief executive. His final term will expire in 1999. During his tenure, he has opened the Mayor's office to local men and women empowering them to become active in the political process and establishing a level of constituent service previously unparalleled in Northern New Jersey. Not stopping there, he also served on the Bergen County Board of Freeholders from 1975 to 1985 (functioning as its chairman in 1984), as Bergen County Democratic Chairman from 1991 to 1998, the New Jersey delegation to the National Democratic Convention in 1988 and 1992, on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities from 1960 to 1987 (retiring as Director of Water and Sewage for the State of New Jersey), and on the 1992 New Jersey Congressional Re-Districting Committee. A beloved father and grandfather, Gerry Calabrese has earned the respect of men and women of all political parties and all walks of life. In reflection of his time of service, he has been honored by local chapters of UNICO, B'nai B'rith, the Police Benevolent Association, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, the Polish American Democratic Club, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Elks Lodge, and the Amvets. It will be difficult to imagine Bergen County without him as one our most revered and respected mayors. Cliffside Park's next Mayor will have enormous shoes to fill when Mayor Calabrese leaves the office he has held for forty years. As this chapter of Gerry's life comes to an end, I wish him, his wife Marion, and his children and grandchildren, all the very best for a long, happy, and healthy retirement.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Korean War veterans of New Jersey, who gathered on May 31, 1998, to designate Kinderkamack Road as the ``Korean War Veterans Roadway.'' This wonderful dedication ceremony was organized at the suggestion of Mr. Richard T. Bozzone, Commander of the Chorwon Chapter of the American Korean War Veterans of New Jersey. On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces invaded South Korea, setting the stage for the men and women of America's armed forces to enjoin a crucial battle against communist expansionism. Battle by battle, skirmish by skirmish, America's fighting forces heroically pushed back the North Korean aggressors. The sacrifice and valor displayed by America's Korean War veterans should never be forgotten. And for this reason the designation of the ``Korean War Veterans Roadway'' will serve as a daily reminder to the residents of northern New Jersey of the American soldiers who served, and those who died, in defense of liberty on the Korean peninsula. I want to thank Commander Bozzone and all the members of the Chorwon Chapter of the American Korean War Veterans for initiating this project. Their successful effort to name a major roadway, which runs through nine Bergen County towns, in honor of America's Korean War veterans, is a tribute that will long endure.

Mr. ROTHMAN

Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, this is a shameful morning in America. Two of the most important issues facing the American people, anti-tobacco legislation and campaign finance reform, have just been dealt a severe setback by this Republican-controlled Congress. There was an opportunity yesterday in the Republican-controlled Congress to bring some justice to this debate, to right some wrongs, to invest in the tobacco-free future of our children. But instead, our Republican colleagues killed the tobacco bill. Here in the Republican-controlled House, the leadership will not even allow debate on tobacco. They do not even plan to bring a bill to the floor. Instead, the Republican leadership in this House continues to spend their time killing campaign finance reform. Mr. Speaker, I believe strongly in finding bipartisan solutions to America's problems. But how can we solve America's most important problems if the present Republican-controlled Congress continues to kill or strangle debate on issues of such vital importance to America as tobacco and campaign finance reform?