John Shimkus

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to commend the students of Staunton High School who helped the city of Staunton, Illinois earn a Governor's Hometown Award. Collaborating with the Staunton Chamber of Commerce, the class created and maintained a web site for the community. The Art II class led by teacher, Gayle Scheller, contributed an amazing amount of time and energy into creating this outstanding web site. Thanks to their efforts, Staunton has the use of a powerful technological tool. In addition, the city has benefited from statewide recognition through the award bestowed by the Governor. This contribution by the Art II Class of Staunton High School has enhanced communication throughout the community, in addition to increasing the town's image. I would like to thank them for their contribution.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the chairman for the kind words to my wife and family. We briefly floated the name Billy Tauzin Shimkus, briefly. We settled on Daniel, and as my son, David said, it is now Daniel in the Shimkus den, so he is going to be prepared for a well time in the family. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin), and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bliley) for their help and support. I also thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey) for their help and support in working on this important issue. I also would like to recognize the gentlewoman from Missouri (Ms. Danner) for her constant historic aspect in this battle from my neighboring State of Missouri, and I am sure she is excited about us coming to completion on one portion today. I am very happy that the House has decided to take up this bill, which is the Senate version of my E-911 legislation. It is a good bill and one which improves upon what was passed out of the Committee on Commerce. Currently, there are over 68 million wireless phone users in the United States. Many of these users bought their phone specifically for use in emergency situations. Ironically, a simple solution to a life- threatening situation becomes very complicated when some areas in the United States do not use 911 as a cellular number for emergencies, and I recounted numerous times just going over from my side of the St. Louis metropolitan area from Illinois over to Missouri and the Mason Dixon Line of the Mississippi having two different numbers and how critical that could be at a time of emergency. At a time when studies have shown that in an accident it is critical to receive care within 30 minutes in urban areas and 50 minutes in rural areas, it is vital that we pass this legislation and get our constituents the care they need. Specifically, both the House and the Senate bills designate 911 as the national emergency number. Importantly, S. 800 includes provisions from the House bill that were drafted by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey) to protect consumer privacy. This legislation requires carriers to obtain a customer's express prior authorization before disclosing any location information other than in an emergency situation. Unless this legislation is enacted, there will be no protection for a customer's location information. Additionally, this bill provides comparable liability protection for wireless and land line carriers with respect to nonemergency communications. Again, I would like to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bliley), our full committee chairman; the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin), my subcommittee chairman; and the ranking members of both the full committee and the subcommittee. I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today in memory of my friend, Mr. William ``Chuck'' Evers, who was born June 13, 1945 in Alton, Illinois, and died Sunday, September 12, 1999. Chuck practiced law in Collinsville, Illinois for twenty years. He was active in our community and generous in sharing his knowledge of the law. Those who agreed and disagreed with him almost always re- evaluated their positions after speaking with him. This role was very healthy for all levels of government as it greatly enriched the public debate. Chuck Evers touched many lives as an active citizen of Collinsville. He is survived by his wife, Lynda nee Vandewater, daughter, Caren Evers, son, W. Clark Evers, and mother, Dorothy Mae nee Gericke Evers. Collinsville and I will remember Mr. Evers for his great contributions to the community. He will be forever cherished for his commitment; first to his family and faith, and then to his country and to his work.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to commend a constituent of mine, Carl Schultze, for his many years of service to the Collinsville community in Illinois. Known to many as ``Mr. Collinsville,'' Carl has devoted much of his life to community service through volunteer activities and club memberships. His involvement includes memberships to the Sunrise Kiwanis, Collinsville Building and Loan Board, Collinsville Chorale and Holy Cross Lutheran Church, and the Collinsville Progress Board. Carl's dedication to the community was formally acknowledged on August 16, 1999 when Collinsville Mayor, Stan Schaeffer, proclaimed the following week as Carl Schultze Week. I would like to thank Carl for his commitment to public service. He is an inspiration, and it is a true privilege to have him as a part of our community.

Mr. SHIMKUS

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

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize the hard work and tireless dedication of Principal Ed Harris to Edwardsville High School. He was recently named Illinois Principal of the Year by MetLife and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. School District Superintendent, Ed Hightower, praised the principal's work. ``[Harris] has made positive changes at the High School and has proven quality leadership in this position'' Ed Harris will continue his outstanding work this year at Edwardsville High School. His goals for the year will include maintaining the safety of students and staff, and ensuring that the administrators are visible and available to students. A principal like Mr. Harris shows us what a difference individual attention and caring can do for our schools and our children. I would like to thank him for his great contribution to the school and the community.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) be removed as a co-sponsor of H.R. 2788. She was inadvertently added as a cosponsor of this legislation.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to tell my colleagues about the wonderful Fourth of July celebration that was held in the town of Fieldon. This year marked the 45th anniversary of the Independence Day celebration. On Independence Day the town of 350 is a perfect picture of small town America, with the Stars and Stripes flying from white front porches. ``We invite the public to join us in Fieldon for the Fourth of July Celebration,'' Mayor Betty Duggan said. ``There will be games, bingo, good country cooking and fireworks.'' Fieldon has a rich and patriotic history dating back to before the civil war. When long time resident Hazel Dunham was asked about the event she said, ``Fieldon is a patriotic town of people who love the flag of their country.'' I am extremely proud to represent the people of Fieldon, Illinois, people who possess the pioneering spirit of hard work, moral values, and patriotism.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, what is the Republican agenda? The Republican agenda is the best agenda for all Americans. B is for bolstering our national security, E is for education excellence, S is for strengthening retirement security, and T is for tax relief for working Americans. Republicans have the BEST agenda. It is a positive, forward-looking agenda that recognizes that our military needs must be given a higher priority in a dangerous world, that our schools need to be improved if our kids are going to enjoy a bright future, that our seniors need to be protected against a looming social security and Medicare crisis, and that Americans who pay the taxes should be given tax relief, not more rhetoric about why Washington needs more money. Bolstering national security, education excellence, strengthening retirement security, tax relief for working Americans, Republicans have the BEST agenda.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to thank Vandalia resident Shirley Locke who has selflessly volunteered at the Fayette County Hospital's long-term care unit for the last 23 years. As a volunteer, 64-year-old Shirley Locke works seven days a week for five to nine hours a day calling bingo, serving coffee, and going on outings with the patients. ``She's here more often than any other volunteer'', Shelly Rosenkoetter, activities director for long-term care, said. ``We don't know what we'd do without her.'' Shirley wouldn't trade her volunteer work for anything. ``I just wanted something to do,'' she said. ``It's like a second home to me. I'm going to do it as long as I can.'' I think it is great to see people like Shirley who are willing to volunteer long hours to lend a hand to the people of her community.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize the artistic talent possessed by Kevin Anderson of Godfrey, Illinois. Kevin's painting of a red woodpecker has been chosen as one of the ten pieces to be featured in the Illinois Audubon Society's Wildlife Art Challenge exhibit which will be on display at shopping centers, libraries, and other locations throughout the state this year. Kevin, the son of Sam and Myra Anderson, is a second grade student at Lewis and Clark School. Kevin is the youngest of the 10 pupils whose artwork is included in the Audubon Society display. When Kevin was asked about his painting he responded, ``The woodpecker is one of my favorites. I like its bright red head.'' It is great to see our youth take interest in our local wildlife. It is very important to educate our young people to appreciate wildlife so that it can be enjoyed for future generations.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize the extraordinary work of Carrollton's home town hero, former Speaker of the House Henry T. Rainey. A memorial to the famous resident will hang in the new visitors center in Alton. ``Rainey put the Alton area into the world trade and transportation market by pushing an appropriation through the U.S. House to build Locks and Dam 26 in Alton in 1938,'' Greene County historian Phil Alfred said. Rainey worked closely with President Roosevelt during the depression until his sudden death in 1934. Although Rainey served in Congress for thirty years and became one of the most powerful speakers in the history of the U.S. House, he never forgot his roots in Carrollton. He always came back to his farm to visit the people of his home town. My colleague Congressman Jerry Costello and I are extremely proud of the residents of the Alton area for taking pride in their community and honoring a great man.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, why is the idea of giving tax relief to taxpayers so upsetting to many Democrats? Could it be that Washington would rather have more money to spend, and the politicians on that side would rather spend more money? Why is it that Democrats refuse to acknowledge that the Republicans, the Republicans, have passed lockbox legislation to protect Social Security and Medicare while Democrats in the other body have blocked Social Security lockbox legislation? Why do Democrats mischaracterize the effect of the Republican tax relief package on the national debt, ignoring the $2 trillion in debt reduction that we provide for? Why do Democrats refuse to admit that the Republican proposal allocates $2 for Social Security and Medicare for every $1 in tax relief? Why is the new Washington spending not a threat to fiscal discipline whereas tax relief is? Why do Democrats call for higher spending and attack Republicans as extremists for cutting spending while at the same time attacking Republicans for failing to exercise fiscal discipline? Why?

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Chairman, I understand that the bill provides $97.5 million under biomass/biofuels energy systems, which includes $41 million for the transportation program. It is my understanding that, although the House version does not identify which projects receive funds, the conference report has reflected a compromise between the two chambers that provides funding to certain projects. The concern I would like to raise to the Chairman deals with a project that the Chairman and I have discussed, the National Ethanol Research Pilot Plant. As the Chairman knows, this project has a $6 million cost-share contribution from the State of Illinois, and will provide for cutting- edge research that will lead to increased efficiencies coupled with cheaper production of ethanol. Preliminary estimates are that the plant could reduce the cost of ethanol by over 10 cents/gallon in the near term. If, as in the past, the Conference Report on this bill identifies projects for funding under the biofuels program, I would like to strongly urge that this plant be funded.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to use this time to congratulate Earl C. Spohr for his ``exemplary efforts in promoting and advertising the services of the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP). He has been selected as HCFA's Volunteer of the year and will attend a Banquet and awards ceremony in Miami Beach, Florida, where he will be honored. Earl responded modestly to the invitation saying, ``It came as a pleasant surprise.'' It is very important that we educate our elderly about Medicare and the services that it provides. Many seniors go without care that they are entitled to because they are unaware of their benefits. It makes me very proud that one of my constituents took it upon himself to educate seniors about medicare.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize the unparalleled service of Springfield Fire Chief J.D. Knox. The Springfield Firefighter's Union this year nominated Knox, who won the state honor last month and is running for the National Veterans of Foreign Wars ``Firefighter of the Year.'' When he responded to the nomination he said, ``I was shocked. I thought it was a joke.'' Two years ago when Knox became chief he had big ideas. He was determined to do things that had never been done. Knox is currently lobbying for Fire Department controlled ambulance service. Implementing such a program would save money and increase response time according to Knox. I would like to thank Knox for is dedication and open-mindedness that has made the Springfield Fire Department a world class organization.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to commend Marilyn Beyes of Smithboro, Illinois for her unparalleled volunteer activity in the community. She travels 18 miles almost every day to work as a volunteer at a number of community establishments. Marilyn may be seen laying ten-pound bricks in the Fayette County Museum Garden or organizing an art show with over 250 entries and 350 people in attendance. When asked about why she puts in such long hours as a volunteer she said, ``I see a need, and I want to lead this community with something good.'' When Vandalia Mayor Sandra Leidner was asked about Marilyn she said, ``She's the epitome of volunteerism. I think she sets a fine example for others.'' It is great to see such determination and willingness to lend a hand to the community. Marilyn is a perfect example of not only a community volunteer but also a community leader.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to remember Wilmer ``Will'' Botterbush of Godfrey, Illinois who passed away unexpectedly on July 14th. Wil was among the most committed and dedicated public servants that I have known. He was active in local government, the small business community, the Boy Scouts and most importantly he was a dedicated father and friend. His son Ray Botterbush said, ``the village of Godfrey and its citizens were always foremost in his mind.'' While it's hard to disagree with that statement, it was clear to me and anyone who met him that first and foremost in Wil's mind was his family, especially his three sons, Ray, Kevin and Tim. The Godfrey community has lost one of its most renowned public servants and I have lost a good friend. Yet while we mourn his loss, we should remember that Wil Botterbush's legacy lives on in three equally dedicated and talented young men. Wil Botterbush's contributions to his community will continue for generations to come through the lives of his sons and grandsons.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to make the House aware of the 130th anniversary of Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Church in Edwardsville. The church serves as a pillar of the community. The church began in 1869 in the home of a church member who was also an ex-slave. In 1871 the church moved to a log cabin nearby. The church has always been a center for the community to come together to interact. There will also be the very first showing of the new history museum created by the church. When a long time church member was questioned about the church she replied, ``I used to like the old ice cream socials years ago. It was a way for folks to get together, and there was always a place for the kids to play.'' It is exciting to see a community get together to celebrate the anniversary of a historic institution in its community. Such events create a sense of pride and history throughout the community.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, the pollsters and political pundits tell us not to use statistics in our speeches. They tell us people's eyes glaze over at hearing the numbers. No matter. Honest statistics do matter. When this administration came to power in 1993, the Federal Government took in 17.8 percent of our gross domestic product in taxes. Today, that share is 20.7 percent. Let us hear those numbers again, because they are important in discussing whether or not tax cuts are a good idea. They are also numbers that we will never, ever hear the other side refer to. Ever. In 1993, when this administration came to power, the Federal taxes were 17.8 of the economy. Today, the tax burden is 20.7 percent of the economy. In other words, the Federal tax burden is at a record peacetime level. Taxes are higher than they need to be so that Washington can spend more and more money creating new programs and expanding old ones and giving us less power and control over our lives. One-fifth of the economy in Federal taxes is just too much.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to call attention to the 125th anniversary of the Radom Post Office. The celebration was held on June 16th. Refreshments were served and a raffle was held at the end of the day. The post office has been a pillar of the community since it was built in 1874. Jane Restoff, the current postmaster in Radom, organized the event. In small towns like Radom, the Post Office serves not only as a place to send letters, it is a place where the community comes together to interact. It is an important part of our heritage and must not be forgotten.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to commemorate the historic Hazel Dell farm. It was the location for this years veterans' celebration in Jerseyville. The owners of the farm say it was a natural place for the celebration because the original owner of the farm, Col. William Fulkerson, fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War. His grandson died battling the Germans in World War II, and his grandson died in Vietnam. Last year, the 1866 Fulkerson Mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic places and a brief dedication was held during which the new National Register plaque was unveiled. I am very pleased to see our community coming together to remember our veterans and take pride in our local heritage.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to congratulate Jeanette M. Middleton of Nashville who recently received a $25,000 Milken Educator Award from founder Michael Milken at the recent Milken Family Foundation National Education Conference in Los Angeles, CA. Jeanette is a teacher at Lebanon Grade School were she implemented numerous innovations in the schools resources and ways of teaching. Among her accomplishments at Lebanon Elementary School are: starting a science fair; incorporating a recycling program into her science classes; using proceeds from recycling to start a Critters in the Classroom Project; helping write a grant application that resulted in a $65,000 grant to start a computer lab; developing the school web site; and instructing teachers in classroom applications for technology. I am extremely grateful to Jeanette for going the extra mile to see that our children are educated to live, prosper, and grow in to the 21st century.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, they say heroes come in all shapes and sizes, now we know they come from Michael, Illinois. On July 4th, 23- year-old Army Spc. 4 Anthony Gilman became the first U.S. casualty of the multinational peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. He was tragically killed when hit by an out of control pickup truck that was being driven by a Macedonian civilian. His father said, ``We're very proud of him, to me he's a hero. He wanted to serve his country. He enjoyed it.'' Anthony was about halfway through a 4-year enlistment during which he served in Germany, Turkey, and Greece. I cannot portray how proud I am of Anthony. He selflessly served his country and made the supreme sacrifice for the good of not only his country but the world. Our hearts and prayers are with him and his family.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize the unparalleled service of Springfield Fire Chief J.D. Knox. He was named by the Springfield Firefighters Union as ``Firefighter of the Year.'' When he responded to the nomination he said, ``I was shocked. I thought it was a joke.'' Two years ago when Chief Knox became chief he had big ideas. He was determined to do things that had never been done. Chief Knox is currently lobbying for Fire Department controlled ambulance service. Implementing such a program would save money and increase response time according to Chief Knox. I would like to thank Chief Knox for his dedication and open-mindedness that has made the Springfield Fire Department a world class organization.