John Shimkus

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Chair's approval of the Journal.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the hardworking men and women that are in town this week for the American Soybean Association's annual conference. Earlier this week I had the opportunity to speak at the conference and bring them up to date on legislation I have introduced on their behalf. As many in this Chamber know, after the Gulf War, Congress acted to reduce our national dependence on foreign oil by enacting the Energy and Policy Act of 1992. This statute requires State and Federal vehicle fleets to use expensive alternative fuels and technologies in order to reduce its oil dependency. Unfortunately biodiesel, a fuel derived from soybeans, was not included in the list of fuels that fleet managers could use to comply with this Federal mandate, largely because the fuel was still being tested and developed. My bill, H.R. 2568, the Energy Policy Amendments Act of 1997, which has 55 cosponsors, will allow biodiesel to be used in diesel engines across the Nation to reduce harmful emissions, clean our air, and increase the demand for soybeans, all at a reduced cost when compared to traditional alternative fuel technologies. Mr. Speaker, biodiesel is just one example of a good clean air policy.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, as a proud descendant of Lithuanian immigrants, it is my honor to pay tribute to this day in Lithuanian history. On this day eight years ago, a 51-year foreign occupation of the country as a result of the Nazi-Soviet Pact ended, allowing for the establishment of a new democratic state. The people of Lithuania endured many years of imposed communist dictatorship and cultural genocide while trying to accomplish their strive to independence. During this time, they engaged in non-violent movement in support of their cause for change politically and socially. Working faithfully towards democracy through protest and perseverance, the people of Lithuania held their first democratic elections in Lithuania in more than half a century in 1990--restoring their independence on this day eight years ago. Less than a year later, in January, 1991, foreign troops launched a bloody and virulent assault on the people and government of Lithuania. Again, the Lithuanians had to defend themselves against this oppressive regime and were able to once again bring about democratic reforms. Nine months later, Lithuania became a member of the United Nations. Additionally, Lithuania participates in other international organizations such as the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe, the North Atlantic Cooperation Council, and the Council of Europe. It has applied to join NATO and is an associate member of the EU, waiting for negotiations for future membership. As a man who nobly represents the United States and strongly supports Lithuania, I commend the people of Lithuania for their courage and tenacity in their use of peaceful means to regain their independence. I unite with the Lithuanian people in celebrating their independence day and look forward to the day when we can all celebrate their entrance into NATO.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, school choice works. Consider the recent example of Albany, New York. Philanthropist Virginia Gilder identified one of the worst schools in the entire city and offered every student a scholarship of $2,000. One-sixth of the children at that school took her up on the offer and transferred to private schools. What was the result? Here is what the Washington Post reports: ``It worked. The school board ousted the principal, brought in nine new teachers, added two assistant principals and invested in books, equipment and teacher training after years of neglect.'' Faced with the prospect of losing its students to the competition, Albany's school system reformed itself. Albany's example shows that school choice helps not only the students who receive scholarships, it also helps the children who remain in public schools. Mr. Speaker, if it worked in Albany, it can work in Anacostia. Next month, the House will consider school choice legislation for the children of the District. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I come to the House floor today to tell my colleagues of yet another example of taxpayer abuse by the Internal Revenue Service. A constituent of mine who requested that his name not be used has recently contacted me regarding his recent IRS audit. This hardworking family man was recently forced to take a day off of work and pay his CPA $1,100 for his representation and defense. The gentleman's crime, you might ask? He was a little late in filing his tax return and accidentally incorrectly reported his daughter's Social Security number. After the audit the IRS declared the whole incident a mistake. I can understand why these mistakes would set off bells and whistles at the IRS, but what I cannot understand is why a taxpayer would have to lose work time, wages, and pay a CPA to fix such a simple problem. Madam Speaker, I am proud to have voted for the IRS restructuring bill last fall, but I am even more excited about our attempts to rid the American people of this terrible Tax Code. The time is right to reform our Tax Code.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, broadcasters across this Nation have a single mandate from the Federal Government, to serve the public interest in the communities where they operate. I am pleased that the Illinois broadcasters in my State do such an excellent job both on and off the air. A recent survey conducted by the Illinois Broadcasters Association indicates that the average TV station in my State contributes over half a million dollars annually in air time for public service announcements and over 80,000 per radio station. These stations are an integral part of small town USA and even create a sense of community in large cities. Local stations provide the news we depend on, the weather warnings we count on, and the public affairs programs which give viewers and listeners the opportunity to hear from their elected officials. I salute the Illinois broadcasters in my district and the broadcasters across the Nation that do such a fine job day in and day out. America's system of free, over-the-air broadcasting has been on the job since the 1920s and still serves us well almost 80 years later. It is one thing we can all count on in the next millennium.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, two years ago this week, after literally years of intense and contentious debate, the President signed into law the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Passage of this landmark legislation represented the largest overhaul of our nation's communications laws in more than 60 years. The Telecommunications Act was intended to remove long standing monopoly protections to allow customers to get long-distance service from their local phone company or local phone service from their long-distance or cable company. This historic new law would also permit customers to get many communications services--local and long distance phone service, cable and cellular service--from one company on one bill. Many in Congress hailed this new law as the ``greatest jobs bill of the decade.'' The President praised the law saying ``customers will receive the benefits of lower prices, better quality and greater choices in their telephone and cable service, and they will continue to benefit from a diversity of voices and viewpoints in radio, television and the print media.'' Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, it's two years later and consumers have yet to see most of the benefits. What they do see are mergers and lawsuits filed by frustrated would-be competitors. Thus far the Federal Communications Commission has rejected bids by three of the former Bell Companies seeking to enter the long-distance market. In many areas, cable rates have risen and potential new competitors struggle to secure the necessary programming which is critical to their survival and growth. The FCC has a new Chairman and three new commissioners. While I am encouraged by their public statements pledging to move forward with implementation of the Act--I am disappointed in the fact that little, if any, progress has been made. There is absolutely no reason why Americans can't start realizing the benefits of the Telecommunications Act now.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it shall be in order for the Speaker to appoint two Members of the House, one upon the recommendation of the minority leader, to represent the House of Representatives at appropriate ceremonies for the observance of George Washington's birthday to be held on Monday, February 23, 1998.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the people of Lithuania who will be celebrating their Independence day next Monday. With the passage of each year, Lithuania grows into a more stable, prosperous and Democratic country. To ensure this growth continues in Lithuania and the rest of the Baltic States, the United States must remain committed to supporting the region. Lithuania is rich in history and has proven its resilience. This country has continually been occupied by rogue regimes which exploited its resources and people. However, the desire for democracy continued to grow within the Lithuanian people. After four decades of suppression, Lithuania finally achieved freedom in 1990 and reestablished the independent Lithuanian state. I do not think that many Americans paid attention to the recent presidential elections in Lithuania. I wish they would have. They should be proud of the fact that an American citizen was elected the new President. Valdas Adamkus, from my home State of Illinois, is a shining example of the Democratic reforms which have come to this former Soviet state. His election testifies to the desire of the Lithuanian people to do away with ex-Communists and to embrace western ideas. President Adamkus and his family fled the country as the Communists took over during World War II. After spending part of his teens in a Nazi camp, President Adamkus emigrated to the United States. Here he forged a truly distinguished career as a regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency. With the many years spent in America, president Adamkus will be able to bring fresh non-Soviet ideas to government. Now is the time for the United States to recognize the struggle the Lithuanians have endured for democracy and freedom. On January 16 President Clinton took the first step in realizing the importance of this region of the world. On that day he signed the U.S.-Baltic Charter. While the charter does not contain any security guarantees, it does prove to the Baltics the continuing commitment of the United States to their country. Additionally, the charter commits the Baltic States to democracy, rule of law, free markets and human rights. However, what the charter should not do is close the door on the expansion of NATO to include the Baltic region. Recently, we have begun to hear that NATO does not need to be expanded. Some fear the expansion will dilute the military alliance which is the essence of NATO. They would rather have the European Union do much of the work for the emerging democracies while leaving NATO to deal with Russia. This is very shortsighted. What we need to do is focus on the region, providing guidance and support while these countries are developing. The United States should not pull back and leave these countries stranded in a strategic uncertainty. Enlargement, with the need to meet the rigorous military and political standards will continue to promote calm in the region. We need to leave the door open for expansion so that Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have a goal to strive towards as they continue to develop. Mr. Speaker, again I would like to congratulate the Lithuanian people on another year of independence. After all their hard work and struggle, they are beginning to reap the rewards. The United States should wholeheartedly embrace Lithuania and the entire Baltic region through the expansion of NATO so these emerging democracies can continue to prosper.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the business in order under the Calendar Wednesday rule be dispensed with on Wednesday, February 25, 1998.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that, notwithstanding any adjournment of the House until Tuesday, February 24, 1998, the Speaker, majority leader and minority leader be authorized to accept resignations and to make appointments authorized by law or by the House.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the business in order under the Calendar Wednesday rule be dispensed with today.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, it is time for the Federal Communications Commission to do something to safeguard the telephone rates that people living in rural America pay. When the Telecommunications Act of 1996 passed, there was one thing Congress wanted to ensure: that rates for residential and rural customers did not skyrocket. To protect against that, the FCC was directed to come with a ``competitively neutral'' support program. The law required them to take action by May of last year. We have yet to see action. They announced possible rules, but also stated a whole new round of administrative proceedings. Right now, the FCC is debating which computer model will give them the right answers. Some of the smaller telephone companies have seen their support programs frozen in place; others are still up in the air. This is not acceptable, Mr. Speaker. I urge the FCC to resolve this issue and resolve it soon. For rural Americans, telephone service at affordable rates is not a luxury, it is essential.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is my hope the awareness of breast cancer will continue throughout the year. Last year 182,000 women were diagnosed with this horrendous disease. Breast cancer affects young and old--regardless of race, religion, or economic status. The women affected are our mothers, sisters, wives, and friends. It is through brave women such as Helen Gibbons, Sammye Fark, Sandra Rank, Mary Dreas, and Lynda Long that I have learned about breast cancer. And most importantly the devastating effects it has on these women and their families. While the medical community has made great advances in the detection and treatment of this disease--chances of survival increase dramatically if breast cancer is caught early. That is why I encourage women over 40 to have regular mammograms and for all women to do a self breast exam once a month. Even through October has ended, we all must continue to keep the spotlight on this devastating disease.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, sometimes people become so carried away by the media and spectacle of an event that they miss the basic message or main point of the effort. In the wake of the hype and hoopla of the October 4 Promise Keepers' rally, I want to praise the basic message of the Promise Keepers as one of support for the fundamental American values upon which our Nation was founded. It's a bold message. It's a message of individual responsibility. A message of family values. A message of acceptance of their commitments to the most basic fabric of our country, our families. The Promise Keepers call for a return to these commitments. These men recognize that through fulfilling their most important commitments, those to their wives and children and to God, all of America benefits. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the message of Promise Keepers and those who strive to fulfill it.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, last month Andrew Taylor, a 4-year-old boy from Springfield, IL, succumbed to a brain tumor and lost his life. Many Members may remember Andrew. As a 3-year-old he received national attention when he became a hero by saving the life of his grandmother. Iva Taylor had fallen and lay in a pool of blood when Andrew called for help on a cellular phone. Andrew, 3 years old at the time, placed a pillow under his grandmother's head and told her, I am going to take care of you. Then the young boy waited until help arrived. One year ago in July, when the Springfield community learned of Andrew's brain tumor, they rallied to help his family with the mounting medical expenses. Many community members and organizations came forward to help ease the burden of his mother Lisa, a single parent, and to make Andrew's life as comfortable as possible. On July 4 of this year, his brain tumor was diagnosed inoperable. In October, our little hero passed away. As a father of a 4-year-old myself, the story of Andrew touches me tremendously. My thoughts and prayers are with his mother and family.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, as a former teacher in Edwardsville, IL, I often use my 1-minutes to praise teachers and students who have touched so many lives in central and southern Illinois. My past in education also makes me very aware of the need for reforms in our local schools. That is why I rise today to urge parents, teachers, and students to embrace the bold education reform agenda that was proposed by my fellow Republicans. This education agenda includes six measures which provide every child in America with first-class learning opportunities in safe, secure schools where children can focus on learning and teachers can focus on teaching. Sending more money to Washington bureaucrats is a policy of the past, and we must begin to give control of our schools back to the States, local schools, teachers, and our parents, where it belongs.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. 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. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the young members of the Mt. Vernon, IL Future Farmers of America who have won the Illinois FFA career development contest and will soon head to the national contest in Kansas City, MO. As part of the contest, this group of young men and women from southern Illinois was asked to choose a topic of debate on agriculture. The Mt. Vernon FFA chose to debate on the ethanol tax incentive, which is so important to the environment, energy independency, and economic growth in this country. FFA debate team members will now travel to Kansas City on November 12 to debate with other FFA groups nationally. I want to commend the Mount Vernon Township High School FFA for their hard work and wish each and every one of them the best of luck in debating ethanol in Kansas City. Hopefully, they can come out and help me as we fight for the ethanol tax credit here in Washington, DC.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1534, the Private Property Rights Implementation Act. Allowing property owners their day in court to defend their constitutional rights should be an easy vote. Why should property owners face enormously expensive hurdles in attempting to defend their Federal rights in court? Some opponents of the bill are now standing as defenders of federalism and local decisionmaking. I hope their faith in State and local officials and their ability to make responsible decisions carries over to future discussions about block granting various Federal programs. The fact is that H.R. 1534 does not impose any new limit on the ability of local governments to make decisions affecting zoning or any other land use controls. Those limits are imposed by the Constitution, not H.R. 1534. H.R. 1534 simply allows an individual who feels their fifth amendment rights have been violated the opportunity to have the facts of their case heard without fighting bureaucratic hurdles for years. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 1534.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the gentleman from New Jersey for running this hour for this message. It is one that I really get fired up about. I remember harking back to even the campaign days when this issue would come up, it stirs emotions in many of us, and my perspective comes from, I guess, the different jobs that I have held before coming to this floor, one being that of a military officer. We have done ourselves a great disservice by calling this a war on drugs, because we have never significantly started a campaign. We have not identified the resources. We have not focused the attention. We have not really, unfortunately, decided to fight a war on drugs. We like to use the verbiage, and I am aghast at it. So I wish we would get that out of our lexicon until we are ready to do it, until we are ready to fight the war on drugs. I think three things have to be done, and I think we are taking some steps in the right direction, but I do not want skirmishes, I want a war on drugs. I want to drive it from the land. A couple of things. We need to, as we did this year in the House, we need to say let us put military forces on the border and stop drugs coming across the country's border. And on the House floor we said let us put 10,000 troops there because this is a serious conflict that we are in and we need a serious commitment. So we have to do everything in our power to stop the importation of drugs from outside the Continental United States. Second thing is, and my colleague from Arkansas has had great experience, we have to punish the drug pushers. We need to identify them, which we can. They are on the streets. We need to arrest them. We need to lock them up. They need to be breaking rocks. They need to be sweeping streets. They need to be chained up so that they are an example. There is an example, when kids see a chain gang sweeping the streets of drug pushers. So if they do the crime, they do the time. And, of course, we have a judicial system that does not support that. The third thing is we just need to look at ourselves. And I am going to say shame on my colleagues who used drugs in high school that are still abusing drugs as adults. And I am going to say shame on the entertainment industry who glorifies the use of drugs. And I am going to say shame on the professional athletes who glorify drugs or abuse drugs. Because what this is all about is our children, and they are looking at the folks in the entertainment industry, they are looking at their parents, they are looking at sports leaders and idols, idolizing them, wanting to be like them. But we have adult leadership in our Nation, adult idols, and I hate to use the word ``adult'' because they are still caught in a juvenile world that thinks drug use is cool, and so we have to get that message out. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We need to work on preventing the first use by children of drugs. We can stop it at the border if we commit ourselves, we can arrest the pushers if we commit ourselves, but if we do not educate the children to make good choices, then those others are for naught. As a former teacher, as a West Point graduate, we lead by example. Children are crying out for leadership. They are crying out for good examples. And we as a society continue to fail our most vulnerable, which are our children. Our message is simple: Nancy Reagan was right. Just say no. The current administration is wrong when they laugh about it and they send the wrong message. We need to take the moral high ground. We need to talk to our kids. We need to plead with them. We need to lead by example. We need to just say no. If we truly love our children, we will tell them just say no. We will spend time with them and we will work with them. And to the gentleman from New Jersey, I again thank him for this opportunity. It helps air out some major concerns that I have that I do not get to address many times in some of the other forums. One of these days, and I just hope we get serious and that we will move in the right direction. As I see so often in this body, we really have no national policy on specific issues. We pick here and we pick there and there is no coordination. I would ask the drug czar to be a little bit more coordinating in these efforts.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, the building was destroyed by fire. The walls were the only thing left standing. In September 1987, the Carlinville High School, which lies in the 20th District of Illinois, was destroyed by fire. In a move that is common in my area of Illinois, Carlinville High School Principal Dick Spohr rallied students, parents, and community leaders. Principal Spohr organized a community-wide effort to rebuild the school so that classes could resume immediately. Ten years later, Mr. Spohr was named the 1997 Illinois Principal of the Year by Metlife Insurance and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. However, this kind of effort is nothing new for Mr. Spohr, who believes that people make up the real school. It is the teachers, the parents, the staff, and especially the students. As Congress tackles the tough issues, like the voucher system, national testing, and higher education reauthorization, each Member must keep in mind Mr. Spohr's sacrifice and resolve. Principal Spohr believes in the system and is always willing to give the students the freedom to make their own mistakes and rejoice in their own victories.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask support from my colleagues for legislation I introduced with the gentlewoman from New York [Mrs. McCarthy] to classify biodiesel and its blended versions as an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Biodiesel is a renewable alternative fuel for diesel engines derived from soybeans. The production, sale, and use of biodiesel is good for the environment, good for family farmers, and good for the economy. Biodiesel runs cleaner than regular diesel fuel, which means that fewer emissions, such as particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide, are released into the environment. Meanwhile, soybean farmers are given a new market in which to sell their product, which helps them and the economy. Mr. Speaker, this legislation does not create a tax credit, a tax incentive, or a Federal mandate. In fact, it costs the taxpayers nothing. This bill gives fleet managers the option to use biodiesel in heavy-duty fleet vehicles, such as city buses, boats, and trucks, in order to comply with the Federal mandates of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Energy Policy Act amendments of 1997.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, in 1992, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act which set Federal requirements on the use of alternative fuel vehicles such as ethanol-powered cars. This legislation required Federal, State, and city fleets to use vehicles that are cleaner and better for our environment. This act listed fuels and vehicle types that can be used by fleet managers to comply with this act. Unfortunately, biodiesel was not one of the listed alternative fuels at the time because the industry was new, untested, unproven. However, today, that is not the case. As a result, I am introducing a bill, along with the gentlewoman from Missouri [Ms. McCarthy], to classify biodiesel as an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Biodiesel is a renewable alternative fuel for diesel engines derived from soybeans. Once biodiesel is classified as an alternative fuel under this bill, it will be used immediately in conventional diesel engines with no engine modifications needed. A few examples of the type of vehicles using this B-20 mix are heavy-duty fleet vehicles such as city buses, boats, and trucks. The diesel engines will use biodiesel in blends of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel, which is the most efficient, energy-efficient, and environmentally beneficial mix. The use of biodiesel will help to save on capital expenditures as fleets will be able to modify and improve their existing vehicles, as opposed to purchasing completely new fleets. The production, sale, and use of biodiesel will create a new market for our farmers, and, in turn, boost our economy. Because it runs cleaner than regular diesel fuel, the use of biodiesel also means that fewer emissions, as an example, particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide, are released to our environment. By granting alternative fuel status to biodiesel this bill will promote economic development and energy security. Biodiesel means jobs and tax revenues for processing a greater portion of our domestic soybean oil in the United States. The emerging biodiesel market offers a stable, long-term market for efficiently produced domestic soybeans that will directly benefit American farmers. The use of domestic biodiesel also improves national energy security by displacing imported energy, such as foreign oil. It is important to note that this legislation does not create a tax break or a new Federal mandate. This bill will simply allow the biodiesel industry to compete in the alternative fuel market, giving fleet vehicle managers more flexibility in complying with the mandates required at the Federal level. The production, sale, and use of biodiesel is good for the environment, good for family farmers, good for the economy, and good for our energy security. As a Congressman from one of the largest agricultural producer States in the United States, creating new markets for our family farmers, helping the economy, and keeping our air clean is very important to me. In a time that we are looking for answers to environmental concerns, new markets for family farmers and a boost for the economy and energy security, biodiesel makes sense for everyone.