Thomas Reynolds

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out the bill provides protections against human rights abuse. Any country engaging in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights is not eligible to receive benefits provided under the bill. I am particularly pleased as a Member from New York where we had the dean of our delegation the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) speak, we have the dean of the Republicans of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on International Relations. (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Ballenger).

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, for purposes of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Moakley), the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on Rules, pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of the resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. House Resolution 250 is a structured rule, providing for the consideration of H.R. 434, the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The purpose of this legislation is to authorize a new trade and investment policy for sub-Sahara Africa. The rule provides for 45 minutes of general debate, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and the ranking member of the Committee on International Relations. Additionally, the rule provides 45 minutes of general debate, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule also provides that it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of text of H.R. 2489, which represents the combined work product of the two committees with jurisdiction. The rule provides for consideration of only the amendments printed in the Committee on Rules report accompanying the resolution. The rule further provides that the amendments will be considered only in the order specified in the report; may be offered only by a Member designated in the report; shall be considered as read; shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent; shall not be subject to amendment; and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question. The rule waives all points of order against the bill, against the amendment in the nature of a substitute, and against amendments printed in the report. The rule allows the chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting time to 5 minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a 15- minute vote. Finally, the rule provides for one motion to recommit, with or without instructions. Mr. Speaker, House resolution 250 is a structured rule for consideration of H.R. 434, as is customary in the House for all trade legislation that comes out of the Committee on Ways and Means. Additionally, this fair rule makes in order four amendments, all of which are sponsored by Democratic Members of this body. Mr. Speaker, the end of the Cold War has opened up sub-Saharan Africa to the world as never before. And only now are so many African nations able to start making the necessary reforms to become part of the global economy. We are witnessing the rebirth of Africa as these nations move towards democracy and seek a higher standard of living for their people. Mr. Speaker, the new economic realities of sub-Sahara Africa must be met and encouraged by the United States. Indeed, improving the lives of the people in sub-Sahara Africa can best be accomplished by advancing the development of free market economies and representative democracies. H.R. 434 is the vehicle for that economic and social progression. The African Growth and Opportunity Act will provide sub-Saharan countries with the tools needed to raise the standard of living in African nations, while simultaneously benefiting the United States by opening new trade and investment opportunities for U.S. firms and workers. Mr. Speaker, under H.R. 434, the President would identify potential African nations that may qualify for free-trade status. The African nation would consult with the United States Government and, whenever applicable, the private sector, with the goal of promoting trade, investment and debt relief for the African country. The bill outlines specific criteria the sub-Saharan country must meet and adhere to in order to be eligible for trade status. The potential nations must demonstrate progress towards establishing positive pro- trade reforms in those countries. In addition, the sub-Saharan country must be dedicated to the eradication of poverty and the important role of women to economic growth and development. There is no question that the creation of an investment-friendly environment in Africa will benefit both the United States and Africa by attracting the capital necessary to promote much-needed job creation and economic growth. Mr. Speaker, this bill also builds upon accomplishments of the 106th Congress. Earlier this year, the House passed H.R. 1143, the Microcredit for Self-Reliance Act of 1999, a bill establishing microcredit programs that reach the poorest of the poor in developing nations with small loans that help people work their way out of poverty. The record of these programs has shown that women benefit significantly by starting small businesses and climbing out of poverty. The African Growth and Opportunity Act contains a core provision that will continue to improve economic opportunities for women by further advancing micro-enterprises. Mr. Speaker, the fundamental goal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act is to provide incentives for sub-Saharan African nations to move forward in their reform efforts; improve their economies and foster economic development. I would like to commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of the Committee on International Relations; and the ranking member, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson); along with the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Archer); the chairman of the Subcommittee on Trade, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Crane); and the ranking member of the full committee, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel). I urge my colleagues to support both this rule and the underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Pryce).

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to point out, because of the comments made by my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Moakley), that if we look at the Jackson amendments, there were seven individual amendments, not a substitute amendment, that was offered before the Committee on Rules. Also, as I stated in my opening remarks and I will restate now, trade legislation, including as recently as last year, is dealt with by the Committee on Rules and, more importantly by this House, in a structured rule, and this rule is very, very similar to the rule that was introduced and passed by this House last year.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 75th Anniversary of the New York State Association of Counties. Since its inception in 1925, NYSAC has seen its membership grow to nearly 6,000 executive, legislative and administrative officials. Through legal research, education, training and assistance to its members, NYSAC plays a key role in helping county governments deliver essential services to residents across New York State. As a former County and State official, I know first hand the tremendous job that NYSAC does in promoting the issues and concerns of New York's 62 counties at both the federal and state level. Indeed, despite New York's tremendous diversity--from the skyscrapers of Manhattan to the Falls of Niagara--NYSAC has consistently and effectively promoted the best interests of all its members, whether rural, urban or suburban. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere pleasure to offer my congratulations and best wishes to the members and staff of NYSAC, whose professionalism and commitment have helped ensure the efficient and effective management and delivery of county services; and I ask that this House of Representatives join me in saluting NYSAC for a job well done, and extend our sincerest best wishes for continued success as they begin their second 75 years of advocacy and support for the counties of New York State.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 10.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding any adjournment of the House until Monday, July 12, 1999, the Speaker, majority leader, and minority leader be authorized to accept resignations and to make appointments authorized by law or by the House.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of Akron in Erie County, New York. Since Jonathan Russell first cleared enough forest to build a frame house and general store, the village of Akron has established itself as a proud community to live and work in. Their strong industrial base, solid work ethic, and rich heritage has helped Akron live up to its name, which means ``high place.'' Besides a tremendous pride in their community, the residents of Akron have shown an equally impressive love of their country--serving when called whenever our freedom or liberty was threatened. Among the sons and daughters of Akron who have proudly served their nation was General Ely S. Parker, who helped write the terms of the surrender at Appomattox during the Civil War. From an outstanding commitment to education through the Akron Central School, to the growth of such employers as the well-known Perry's Ice Cream Company to a vibrant business district and strong spirit of community, the village of Akron has enjoyed a tremendous 150 years of history. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the birth of our Nation this weekend, on Sunday, July 4, 1999, residents and local officials of Akron will gather in Russell Park in the village to celebrate their sesquicentennial and the rich and proud history of their community. I ask, Mr. Speaker, that this House of Representatives join me in extending to the citizens of Akron, past, present, and future, our sincerest best wishes and heartiest congratulations on their 150th Anniversary.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the business in order under the Calendar Wednesday rule be dispensed with on Wednesday, July 14, 1999.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I call from the Speaker's table the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 43) providing for conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and a conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the arrival of the Brothers of Mercy in the United States. From their modest beginnings in June, 1856, when a German merchant named Peter Loetschert began helping the sick and the poor, the Brothers of Mercy grew rapidly. In 1924, two brothers arrived in Buffalo, New York, where they began what would be three-quarters of a century of service to the Western New York community. Today, the Brothers of Mercy complex in Clarence, New York, has earned a reputation of excellence in compassionate and professional geriatric care. From Independent Housing and Adult Care to Nursing Care and Rehabilitation, the Brothers of Mercy and their more than 500 employees offer some of the most comprehensive long-term health care in our community. It is my pleasure, Mr. Speaker, to offer my congratulations and best wishes to the Brothers of Mercy on their 75th Anniversary; and to further extend my hope that the Brothers of Mercy may enjoy another 75 years of assistance and compassion for the elderly population of our community.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my community's most distinguished broadcast journalists upon the occasion of his departure as an anchor and reporter at WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York. A graduate of Canisius College and the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law, Steve Boyd began his broadcasting career at KOTA-TV in Rapid City, South Dakota. A Buffalo area native, Steve joined the staff of WKBW-TV in 1989. During his career, Steve has been the recipient of a number of honors and recognitions, including awards from the New York State Broadcasters Association; the Associated Press of New York state; and the Society of Professional Journalists. Steve also garnered a New York State Emmy nomination. Steve is departing the field of broadcast journalism to begin a new career in the field of law; and as his friends and colleagues join him this evening to wish him success, I ask, Mr. Speaker, that this House join them in extending to Steve Boyd our sincerest best wishes.

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 218 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, for purposes 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 purposes of debate only. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 218 is an open rule that governs the consideration of H.R. 2084, the Department of Transportation and related agencies appropriations bill for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000. The rule waives clause 4(c) of rule 13 requiring a 3-day availability of printed hearings on a general appropriations bill, and section 401(a) of the Congressional Budget Act prohibiting consideration of legislation containing contract authority not subject to appropriation against consideration of the bill. The rule also provides for 1 hour of general debate to be equally divided between the chairman and the ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. In addition, the rule waives clause 2 of rule XXI, prohibiting unauthorized or legislative provisions in an appropriations bill, against provisions in the bill, except as otherwise specified in the rule. The rule waives clause 2 of rule XXI against the amendment printed in the report accompanying this resolution, which may be offered only by a Member designated in the report and at the appropriate point in the reading of the bill, shall be considered as read, and shall not be subject to amendment. Mr. Speaker, the rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who have preprinted their amendments in the Congressional Record. Further, the rule allows the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the bill, and to reduce votes to 5 minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a 15-minute vote. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Mr. Speaker, this bill provides for the appropriations for the Department of Transportation and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000. The underlying legislation represents an increase in safety measures and resources in every area of America's transportation system, from our airports and roads to bridges and railroads. The Committee on Appropriations carefully looked into each area and determined how best to target our valuable transportation dollars for maximum efficiency and safety. H.R. 2084 urges our transportation agencies to set priorities for competing requirements and compels those agencies to select priorities among their vast ranges of programs. The bill meets the funding obligation limitations set by the 105th Congress in the transportation legislation known as TEA 21, which provides $27.7 billion in highway program obligation limitations, a $3.5 billion increase over last year's level. This much needed funding is directed to the States to construct and improve roads and highways. This includes the bridge replacement and rehabilitation program that provides assistance for bridges on public roads, including a discretionary set-aside for high cost bridges and for seismic retrofit of bridges. The bill also includes technical assistance to other agencies and organizations involved in road building activities. The bill provides for $5.8 billion in transit program obligations, the funding level guaranteed in TEA 21, an $824 million increase over last year's level. This includes Federal financial assistance programs for planning, developing, and improving comprehensive mass transportation systems in both urban and nonurban areas. The bill recommends $4.6 billion for air traffic services, a 7.1 percent increase over the fiscal year 1999 level. Air traffic services make up an integral part of aviation safety. Over the past several years, the problem of runway incursion continues to worsen, now occurring at a rate of almost one per day. The bill also includes a general aviation provision to improve safety, including a $5 million grant for contract tower cost sharing and an additional $500,000 for the important aviation safety program. In addition, the bill provides $571 million for grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak, which has undergone remarkable rehabilitation over the past 4 years. This funding will cover capital expenses and preventative maintenance. In addition, the Federal Government will continue to work with Amtrak to help it reach its goal of total self-sufficiency. Mr. Speaker, safety should remain the Federal Government's highest responsibility in the transportation area. 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 on this measure. I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, not counting social security, the Congressional Budget Office or CBO projects an $824 billion in budget surpluses over the next 10 years. Again, that is not counting the temporary surplus in the social security trust fund. Guess what the Democrats are planning to do with the surplus. Well, if the statements by the President, the House Minority Leader, and the Minority Leader in the other body are any indication, we might be surprised to learn that what they want to do is take this surplus and raise taxes; Members have heard that right, raise taxes, not cut them. Many people in Washington are shaking their heads over the recent statements by Democratic Party leaders, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt) and Mr. Daschle. The gentleman from Missouri said earlier this month while in Ann Arbor, Michigan, unbelievably, that he would consider cutting defense and raising taxes in order to expand Washington's role in our schools. Now we have a Democratic leader in the other body who stated on CNN's Evans and Novak that tax increases were ``on the table.'' I guess there is really no need to ask what a Democrat majority in Congress would mean.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 206 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, for purposes of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to my neighbor, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter), 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. Yesterday, the Committee on Rules met and granted a structured rule for H.R. 1000, the Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century, or Air 21. The rule provides for one hour of general debate to be equally divided between the chairman and the ranking minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, this rule makes in order the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure amendment in the nature of a substitute as an original bill for the purpose of an amendment, modified by the amendment printed in part A in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying the resolution. Additionally, the rule makes in order only those amendments printed in part B of the Committee on Rules report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report; may be offered only by a Member designated in the report and shall be considered as read; shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and opponent; shall not be subject to an amendment and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. Further, this rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill, against consideration of the amendment in the nature of a substitute, and waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report. In addition, the rule allows for the chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the bill and to reduce voting time to 5 minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a 15-minute vote. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Mr. Speaker, after their historic flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Orville and Wilbur Wright cabled home a simple dispatch to their father, the Reverend Milton Wright. They spoke of the success of their four flights and finished the telegram with a simple pronouncement: ``Inform press, home Christmas.'' Of course, that may have been the last time two air travelers were that confident they would be home by Christmas. Much has changed in the 96 years since the Wright brothers sent that telegram and much more needs to be changed to ensure safety at our airports and fairness in the airline industry. Mr. Speaker, this bill provides for the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration and the air improvement program. It seeks to address many of the problems burdening our aviation system by making our airports and skies safer, by injecting immediate competition into the airline industry. The bill also addresses many safety concerns by ensuring that the FAA has adequate funding to hire and retrain air traffic controllers, maintenance technicians and safety inspectors needed to ensure the safety of the aviation system. It provides the resources for the FAA to modernize their antiquated air traffic control system. In addition, the bill provides whistleblower protection for both FAA and airline employees so they can reveal legitimate safety problems without fear of retaliation. Mr. Speaker, the safety of our skies and of our citizens must remain a paramount concern of this Congress and clearly this bill addresses those needs and concerns, but there is another issue in this reauthorization that means much to consumers, economic development and job growth across our Nation, and that is the issue of increasing competition and making air travel more affordable to more Americans. In my own district in upstate New York, the high cost of air travel has been a tremendous concern in cities such as Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to submit testimony to Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater, asking for his intervention in making adjustments to the slot process, which controls the take-off and landing rights at our Nation's busiest airports, to encourage airline competition and lower airfare costs. Airline customers in my community still pay some of the highest airfares in the Nation. In fact, in Rochester, New York, air travelers pay the fourth highest airfares in the United States. This is not only a tremendous burden for leisure travelers, it is a direct impediment to economic growth and job creation. Business travelers account for more than 70 percent of Rochester's flying public. They are also burdened with some of the highest-priced airfares. A published report noted that a last-minute round-trip airfare from Rochester to Chicago would cost nearly $1,100 on U.S. Airways. That same ticket from Baltimore would cost only $242. This bill addresses much of that concern by setting a dated elimination of slot restrictions at O'Hare, LaGuardia and Kennedy airports and, equally important, making additional slots available for new airlines. Making slots available to regional jet service providers will ensure that this Congress does what is needed to inject much-needed competition into the airline industry. This legislation does much to increase competition with the clear goal of lowering the cost of air travel for the American people. I would also encourage Secretary Slater to continue to use the power of his office to further identify other creative ways to help increase competition in the airline industry. Representing a number of smaller, general aviation airports in need of improvement, I am pleased that this bill addresses many of the hurdles small airports face in trying to serve their specialized markets with commercial and private aircraft. In addition, H.R. 1000 allows the States to control Airport Improvement Program grants to small airports. Under this provision, the State, not the FAA, will determine which general aviation airports are eligible for Federal funds. Additionally, the bill requires medium and large hub airports to file a competition plan so that the resources can be directed to those projects that will do the most to enhance competition. In conclusion, I would like to commend the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Shuster) of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the ranking member, for their hard work on this measure. I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I agree with my colleague and neighbor, the gentlewoman from Rochester, New York (Ms. Slaughter). If I had my way to write this bill, I would not have slots in it, no slots, any airport. I would have the free market based on the fact that my belief is that no slots would offer an opportunity to reduce the air fares in Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse. However, this is a body of compromise. And some representatives from the New York City area representing LaGuardia and Kennedy, all Democratic minority members I might point out, work to suppress additional slots for areas like Upstate New York, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. And it was soon compromised by the chairman of the committee that a negotiated solution provided opportunities for new and additional regional jet service from New York City to airports like Upstate New York. It is an important first step. It is not the last step. It is not a final solution. It is a compromise. It is a beginning first step. I urge more discussion, more ideas to come forward not only from this great body of the Congress but from the administration, the Secretary of Transportation, and the industry on what we can do to lower airfares and bring great competition to all of our airports in America. Madam 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. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining?

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss), the distinguished vice chairman of the Committee on Rules. (Mr. GOSS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Rules, I think it is important to remind my colleagues that the Committee on Rules received 89 amendments to this bill. We did our best to be fair and to make as many amendments in order as we could. The rule clearly allows for full and open debate on all major sources of controversy, including publicly funded abortions and nuclear lab security. It also allows a lot of debate on a lot of smaller issues as well. We live in a dangerous world, but Congress is doing something about it. Congress is working to protect our friends and family back home from our enemies abroad. There are some very important things that need to be understood that are contained in this legislation as it comes to the floor. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1401 helps take some of our enlisted men off of food stamps by giving them a 4.8 percent pay raise. It provides for a national missile defense system so we can stop a warhead from China if that day ever comes. H.R. 1401 boosts the military budget for weapons and ammunition, providing $55.6 billion, $2.6 billion more than the President requested. And H.R. 1401 tightens security at our nuclear labs, doing something to stop the wholesale loss of our military secrets. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this rule so that debate can begin on the appropriations for our armed services.