Thomas Reynolds

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I move that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow for morning hour debate, and 10 a.m. for legislative business.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, earlier today the Committee on Rules met and passed this resolution, providing it shall be in order at any time on the legislative day of Thursday, October 26, for the Speaker to entertain motions to suspend the rules and pass or adopt the following 11 measures: H.R. 2498, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for recommendations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding the placement of automatic external defibrillators in Federal buildings in order to improve survival rates of individuals who experience cardiac arrest in such buildings, and to establish protections from civil liability arising out of the emergency use of these devices; the resolution H. Res. 650, expressing the sense of the House with respect to the release of findings and recommendations by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding the electricity crisis in California; the bill H.R. 1550, to authorize appropriations for the United States Fire Administration for fiscal years 2000 and 2001, and for other purposes; the bill S. 2943, to authorize additional assistance for international malaria control and to provide for coordination and consultation in providing assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to malaria, HIV and tuberculosis; the bill S. 2712, to amend chapter 35 of title 21, United States Code, to authorize the consolidation of certain financial and performance management reports required of Federal agencies, and for other purposes; the bill H.R. 5309, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2305 Minton Road in West Melbourne, Florida, as the ``Ronald W. Reagan Post Office Building''; the bill S. 3194, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 431 North George Street in Millersville, Pennsylvania, as the ``Robert S. Walker Post Office''; the bill H.R. 4399, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 440 South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, Florida, as the ``Arthur `Pappy' Kennedy Post Office Building''; the bill H.R. 4400, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1601-1 Main Street in Jacksonville, Florida, as the ``Eddie Mae Steward Post Office Building''; the bill H.R. 5528, to authorize construction of the Wakpa Sica Reconciliation Place in Fort Pierre, South Dakota, and for other purposes; and finally, the bill H.R. 5314, to amend title 10, United States Code, to facilitate the adoption of retired military working dogs by law enforcement agencies, former handlers of these dogs, and other persons capable for caring for these dogs. Mr. Speaker, as we are all aware, we are nearing the end of the congressional session and floor time is at a premium. This resolution allows us to consider several bills today under the expedited suspension procedure. Additionally, the majority of these bills are completely noncontroversial and none come as a surprise. In addition, this resolution is within the spirit of House rules. Under clause 1 of rule XV of the rules of the House, the Speaker may only entertain motions to suspend the rules on Monday and Tuesdays and during the last 6 days of session. The House has not yet passed an adjournment resolution, but I think all of us hope and expect that we are in the last 6 days of this session. This resolution simply abides by the spirit of the standing Rules of the House. I strongly support this rule, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. With this resolution, we will consider the underlying 11 bills before we adjourn for the year. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 651 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hall), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. (Mr. REYNOLDS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks, and include extraneous material.)

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th Anniversary of the University of Rochester Medical Center. From quality, compassionate patient care to cutting-edge research to individualized student education, the University of Rochester Medical Center has earned a nationwide reputation for excellence. Since its founding by Dean George Hoyt Whipple, the School of Dentistry and Medicine has produced some of our country's most skilled doctors and researchers, whose commitment to the art of healing has made a real difference in the lives of countless people and families. To continue their tradition of excellence and prominence, the University of Rochester Medical Center will today mark the investiture of three deans, who will build on the center's successes heading into its second 75 years of service. They are Patricia Chiverton, Ed.D., R.N., EN.A.P., third dean of the School of Nursing; Deborah Cory- Slechta, Ph.D., first dean of Research of the School of Medicine and Dentistry and Director of the Aab Institute of Biomedical Sciences; and Edward Hundert, M.D., as the eighth dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this House of Representatives join me in saluting the achievements of the University of Rochester Medical Center on the occasion of their 75 Anniversary, and that this Congress join with me in wishing continued success upon the celebration of the investiture of Deans Hundert, Cory-Slechta and Chiverton.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hall); pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. (Mr. REYNOLDS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks, and include extraneous material.)

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 612 is a standard conference report rule providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 4475, the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2001. The rule waives all points of order against the conference report and against its consideration. Additionally, the rule provides that the conference report shall be considered as read. Finally, the rule lays House Resolutions 586, 592, 595, 599, and 600 on the table. Mr. Speaker, whether cross-town or cross-country, by car, train or plane, ensuring the safety and efficiency of our transportation networks is one of the Federal Government's highest responsibilities. The conference report accompanying H.R. 4475 continues the Republican Congress' focus on safety for all modes of transportation. This bill improves and invests in the Nation's infrastructure and safety by targeting funds to critical programs such as air traffic control modernization, airport improvement grants, motor carrier safety, and increasing investments in highway safety research. The bill enhances the safety and capacity of the aviation system and the highway and rail networks. It makes runway prevention systems and devices eligible for airport improvement funds and directs the FAA to make such requests for discretionary funding the highest priority. Under this bill, air traffic services continue to make up an integral part of aviation safety. The bill provides a total of nearly $17.8 billion in discretionary budget authority for our Nation's infrastructure and transportation safety, including the Federal Aviation Administration, transit program spending, the United States Coast Guard, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The bill includes $279 million for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an increase of more than 50 percent from last year's levels, to improve the safety of the trucks of our Nation's roads. The underlying legislation also increases investments to critical highway safety research and development of smart vehicle technologies. Another significant piece of the Transportation Appropriations is to fund the drug interdiction activities carried out by the U.S. Coast Guard. The bill provides for $565 million for these activities, helping the men and women of the Coast Guard prevent addictive and deadly narcotics from ever reaching our shores, let alone our neighborhoods and school yards. Additionally, the bill meets the funding obligations for the highway and aviation accounts, as prescribed under TEA-21 and AIR-21 reauthorization bills. These programs are critical to improvements and modernization of our roadways and our airways, providing desperately needed funds across the Nation. The bill also contains an increase in funding for pipeline safety, an increase of 25 percent over last year. I am also pleased the underlying bill makes available a $2 million continuing appropriation for the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority bus project, an important public transportation project that will serve my district and region. It also contains an additional appropriation for reverse commuting that will help those most in need to reach their jobs, wherever they may be, demonstrating our commitment to better, safer public transportation. Similarly, the conference report provides much needed funding of $2 million for the Niagra Falls Transportation Authority in the Buffalo area. Under this legislation, Western New York will be able to be better served with more reliable and safe bus transportation and improve job access and reverse commute efforts. Mr. Speaker, safety should remain the Federal Government's highest responsibility in the transportation area, and clearly this bill addresses those needs and concerns. In conclusion, I would like to commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), the ranking member, for their hard work in bringing this measure before the House today. I would also like to commend the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation, and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Sabo), the ranking member, for their hard work and continued commitment to our Nation's infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying measure. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, does the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hall) have any further speakers?

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 612 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young).

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, ask anyone you know or even someone you pass on the street if they know someone who has cancer and nearly every single person will respond with a heart-wrenching ``Yes.'' Today I come before my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ask for their support in helping the littlest cancer warriors--children. Anthony Peca is a grandfather from my district who recently lost his granddaughter, Catie, to cancer. Catie had neuroblastoma and was denied access to a clinical trial. She fought valiantly like only a child can, but in the end the cancer overcame her. And now, Anthony Peca and his family are left with a hole in their hearts, knowing from experience that eight years old is too young to die. According to the National Childhood Cancer Foundation, cancer kills more children than any other disease. Each year cancer kills more children than asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies, and AIDS, combined. In recent years, cancer research has made leaps and bounds in progress, yet the incidence of cancer among children in this country is rising almost 1 percent per year. The research is simply not keeping up. And children are suffering because of it. And it's not just the disease itself that exacts such a heavy toll. How much do families suffer emotionally and financially? How do we rebuild a child's youthful spirit and innocence once it has been shattered by the disease inside them? There isn't a medicine strong enough to mend the soul of a child. That's why this resolution is so important. Thanks to the tireless and courageous efforts of Congresswoman Deborah Pryce, Congress has the opportunity to address childhood cancer awareness, treatment, and research. We have the power to encourage both the public and private sectors to conduct research, expand medical education, and open up more clinical trials to children. Childhood should be something that you grow out of, not something that gets ripped out from underneath you.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, as the eyes of the world are fixed on Sydney, Australia, and the games of the 27th Olympiad, I rise to ask this House to glance closer to home, to Western New York, to share in an inspiring story of personal triumph and the spirit of athletic competition. On Wednesday, September 20, 2000, friends and supporters will gather at the Rochester Yacht Club to lend their support to sailors Keith Burhans, Paul Callahan and Richard Hughes and their quest for gold at the 2000 Paralympics to be held next month in Sydney, Australia. Burhans of Monroe County lost both legs in a 1995 boating accident. Callahan, of Newport, Rhode Island, has been a quadriplegic since college. And Hughes is an amputee from Philadelphia. The three formed a world-class team that finished second in last year's World Disabled Sailing Championship. But their story is even greater than their ability to tack around the tetrahedrons faster than their competitors. They have used their personal experiences to teach others to overcome barriers and test their limits. Callahan reorganized and became CEO of the Shake-A-Leg program for the disabled in Newport. And Burhans joined the board of the Rochester Rehabilitation Center, which organizes SportsNet, a similar program that allows those with physical disabilities to participate in the able-bodied sports world. In what became the first race of one of the oldest competitions in sport, the America's Cup, a young Queen Victoria watched as the yacht ``America'' plowed across the finish line. When she asked her courtier to search the sea and identify which boat was second, he took a long took through his telescope and replied: ``Your majesty, I regret to report, there is no second.'' To Keith Burhans, Paul Callahan and Richard Hughes, I am pleased to report that your personal courage, your triumph over adversity, and your devotion to athletic competition has already made each of you, like the 1851 crew of the ``America,'' a winner. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this House of Representatives join me in saluting the achievements of these three extraordinary men, and that we further extend to them the best of luck at the games of the 2000 Paralympics.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney).

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost) pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, during consideration of this resolution, all time is yielded for the purpose of debate only. (Mr. REYNOLDS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 574 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Smith).

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 574 is a standard rule providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, known as NASA. The rule waives all points of order against the conference report and against its consideration. Additionally, the rule provides that the conference report shall be considered as read. Mr. Speaker, this House could not have picked a more appropriate time for consideration of this conference report. Earlier this week, the crew of mission STS-106 entered the International Space Station to prepare for the arrival of its first permanent crew. Those crew members became the first humans to enter the service module which will serve as a living quarters and command and control center for the space station complex, an historic, multinational effort that is expected to create more than 75,000 jobs here at home. With their scheduled return to Earth on Wednesday, I know that this House and this Nation wishes Commander Terry Wilcutt and the crew of Atlantis Godspeed. Since the dawn of man, the human race has been ingrained with a fascination and a need to slip beyond its boundaries and explore the unknown. From across the continents to the depths of the oceans and to the far reaches of space, that pioneer spirit continues to this day. And its contributions and discoveries have had a significant impact on our society and our way of life. When Neil Armstrong took that giant leap for mankind on July 20, 1969, perhaps he did not realize that the same technology that protected him from the harsh elements and atmosphere of the Moon would one day allow a 6-year-old boy from Virginia Beach to walk in the sunlight of the Earth. Just a couple years ago, Mikie Walker became the first American child to receive a modified space suit that protects him from the sun's ultraviolet rays and other light sources. Suffering from a genetic disorder that causes extreme and potentially dangerous sunlight sensitivity, NASA spacesuit technology allowed him to play outdoors for the first time in his young life. More than 1,300 documented NASA technologies have benefited U.S. industry, improved our quality of life, and created jobs for Americans. The Space Shuttle program alone has generated more than 100 technology spin-offs, including a tiny 2-inch by 1-inch, 4-ounce artificial heart pump whose technology was first used to drive fuel through the Space Shuttle. Mr. Speaker, the underlying legislation will allow NASA to continue to ensure this Nation's leadership role in space exploration and applied science. The underlying legislation authorizes funding for the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, scientific research, Payload/ELV support and investments in support at the level of the administration's request. Mr. Speaker, the U.S. space program's new technologies, breakthroughs in medical research and other scientific discoveries have quite literally changed the lives of people across the globe. Recognizing NASA's development of noninvasive diagnostic capabilities in the life sciences, the underlying legislation includes the House language setting aside $2 million for early detection systems for breast and ovarian cancer. The legislation reflects Congress' continued endorsement of NASA's faster, better, cheaper concept and belief that a greater number of small missions will do more to advance certain scientific goals than large missions launched just once every decade. Additionally, NASA has made strides to reduce institutional costs including management restructuring, facility consolidation and procurement reform. Under this legislation, they will be encouraged to continue to pursue these actions. With Congress' commitment to move our space program forward, young Americans will continue to be attracted to fields and job markets like science and engineering, areas that are key to making American industry more competitive across the globe. I would like to commend the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) for their hard work on this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support both the rule and the underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 570 and ask for its immediate consideration.