Louise Slaughter

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), the ranking member of the Committee on the Judiciary.

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler). (Mr. NADLER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio).

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha).

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Committee on Rules met at 8 o'clock this morning to begin taking testimony on the antiterrorism legislation. While the Committee on the Judiciary had reported a truly bipartisan bill by a vote of 36-0, which is somewhat miraculous, 2 weeks ago, we were not informed until 7 o'clock this morning that we would be taking testimony on a new bill, the content of which the Committee on Rules had not seen nor apparently had the members of the Committee on the Judiciary. We now have under consideration a rule which waives the two-thirds same day consideration requirement because, during the night, a bipartisan bill was turned into a bill which most Democratic members of the Committee on the Judiciary cannot support. We are considering this waiver of the two-thirds consideration rule because so many Members understand the grave and long-lasting ramifications of this legislation. This legislation is so far reaching that they felt it necessary to come to the Committee on Rules earlier this morning to offer amendments to the new bill or to simply sit and try to get an explanation of what is actually contained in it. Democratic Members of the Committee on Rules will not oppose this rule, but we will oppose the rule reported a few minutes ago to provide for the consideration of the new bill. We will oppose that rule because of the process and because we strongly believe it is important to maintain bipartisan cooperation in matters such as this. While we believe the President should have the tools he needs to fight this war against terrorism, we cannot give up the role of Congress in doing so. The majority has usurped a committee's jurisdiction and has therefore set back the hard-won bipartisan efforts of a committee not known for working in such a collegial and bipartisan manner. Both Chairman Sensenbrenner and Ranking Member Conyers presented to the House a fair and balanced package designed to give the administration what it needs to ferret out the terrorists among us, and they are to be commended. But to undo their work is unfair and unbalanced. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation designed to protect our most vulnerable citizens in the event of a terrorist attack: our children. The events of September 11 have illustrated only too clearly for us the risks posed to our children by terrorism. Children perished aboard the planes that crashed. Both the World Trade Center and the Pentagon housed day care centers. Nearby schools had to be evacuated. And an estimated 10,000 American children lost a parent as a result of these atrocities--many of them losing their sole or primary caregiver. In recent weeks, new concerns have emerged. With the threat of bioterrorism and chemical warfare more prominent, we have realized that our understanding of the proper dosages of vaccines and antidotes for children is incomplete. Few health care providers are trained to recognize the early signs of smallpox or anthrax, which can mimic cold or flu symptoms. The National Pharmaceutical Stockpile Program is not necessarily equipped with the supplies necessary to administer drugs or other treatment to large numbers of children. Other needs have become evident as well. Many schools lack effective evacuation plans or methods of moving children to an alternative safe location. Networks do not exist for informing parents of evacuations and the sites where their children may be found. Mental health services are not always available for children traumatized by catastrophic events. Finally, the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks robbed untold numbers of children of their sole parent or caregiver. While these children are now largely being cared for by relatives and friends, they are considered orphans by the government. We must establish a method for settling these children in loving homes and ensuring that all possible aid and services are provided to them in a coordinated, comprehensive fashion. I am proud to join my colleague, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, in introducing today the Protecting America's Children Against Terrorism Act. This bill addresses each of these critical issues, supplying federal resources and coordination to ensure that our children's needs are met in the event of a terrorist attack. The bill would protect children against bioterrorism by: Establishing a National Task Force on Children and Terrorism. The task force would examine and make recommendations regarding the preparedness of our Nation's health system for mass casualties of children and youth resulting from bioterrorism. Establishing a Children and Terrorism Information Network. The network would collect and disseminate information for health providers on how to prepare for a biological or chemical terrorist attack and what steps to take to ensure children get the health care they need in the case of an attack. Providing research funding on children and bioterrorism. Supporting training programs for physicians and health care personnel. Ensuring that the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile Program (NPSP) includes inventories to meet the medical needs of children. The bill would protect our schoolchildren by: Recommending advance plans for school evacuations, safe places and parental notification. Ensuring mental health services for children affected by terrorism and their caregivers. The bill would secure our social services infrastructure to assist children and families by: Helping communities provide universal hotlines, such as 2-1-1. And, finally, the bill would provide services for children orphaned as a result of terrorism by: Establishing an Office of Children's Services after any disaster in which children have lost their custodial parent(s). The events of September 11 have revealed to us the gaps in our preparedness for a major disaster. We owe it to our children to ensure that we close these gaps before a future emergency--be it terrorism, natural disaster, or other cause--requires that we take action. I hope my colleagues will join me in lending strong support to the Protecting America's Children Against Terrorism Act. Our precious children deserve no less.

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Madam Speaker, today we open this legislative day with a prayer from Rabbi Alan Katz. I want to take a moment to tell my colleagues and the country about Rabbi Katz and the important role that he plays in my community. Rabbi Katz has served as rabbi of Temple Sinai in Rochester since 1986, and he has played prominent roles in many of Rochester's civic and faith organizations. Rabbi Katz is joined here today by his parents; his wife, Jan; and his brother, David. Rabbi Katz knows better than anyone that one of America's strengths is our diversity. As Americans, we have enormous freedom; and some in other lands do not understand it. Rochester is a community of many faiths; and Rabbi Katz is a leader in helping others learn, understand, and celebrate our differences. He is known for his ability to reach across racial, ethnic, and religious lines to create understanding and friendship. He is part of a Muslim-Jewish dialogue group; and he has fostered a relationship between Temple Sinai and AME Baber Church with Reverend Norvell Goff, Sr. Along with Catholic Bishop Matthew Clark, he co-led the Rochester Interfaith Mission to Israel in the summer of 1998. In these difficult and emotional times, many of us are returning to faith to seek guidance and understanding. Many people in Rochester turn to Rabbi Katz for his wisdom, his understanding, and his ability to heal. I am proud to have known Rabbi Katz for a number of years; and I am grateful for his work in our community, as well as his personal friendship. I am honored that he was here today to lead us in prayer.

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I would like to go back to the dairy compact. I do want to talk about the sadness that I feel about what has happened to the Northeast area compact. I understand the ruling, and we were pretty sure before we got here that it was going to be ruled out of order. But I do nonetheless want to strongly express my support for this amendment. It seems that the Congress giveth and the Congress taketh away; and once again, the dairy farmers that I have been working with in the 15 years I have been here are going to be in serious trouble once again. The dairy compact has been instrumental in helping dairy farmers not only in New York. We are not selfish enough to ask for anything just for ourselves. But it helps people across the country, because all they do is establish a minimum safety net price to be paid to dairy producers on Class I milk only. Just as milk does the body good, the dairy compact does the economy and the dairy farmer good. Dairy is important to the entire Northeast and the rest of the country because of the economic contributions it makes, both in dollars and jobs. Without the Northeast Dairy Compact, thousands of dairy farmers will be forced out of business and consumers will suffer increased prices as a reflection of the forced transportation costs. In addition to helping family farmers stay afloat, the Northeast Dairy Compact has helped save farmland that would have normally been lost to urban sprawl. For many of us, there is nothing more heart breaking than seeing wonderful farmland and dairyland going under the bulldozer. As a sign of odd bedfellows, both dairy farmers and environmentalists have come together to support dairy compacts. Again, I am proud to join my Northeast colleagues in support of not only continuing the Northeast dairy compact, but expanding it.

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Boehlert- Kind-Gilchrest-Dingell amendment to H.R. 2646, the Farm Security Act of 2001. This amendment would expand Federal conservation efforts and more equitably distribute federal funds from USDA income support programs. The Boehlert-Kind-Gilchrest-Dingell amendment would expand several conservation programs that are incredibly beneficial to farmers in my home State of New York, as well as farmers across the country. According to USDA, New York State received only 0.53 percent of the total conservation funding. We can do much better. In fact, 34 States fare better under this amendment than under H.R. 2646. By shifting just 15 percent of the $12 billion spent annually on commodities from these programs to conservation, more farmers in more States will get assistance. Programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Farmland Protection Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, Conservation Reserve Program, and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program are all improved to address the needs of smaller and disadvantaged farmers more adequately. In addition, New York farmers receive only about 0.65 percent of the total Federal crop funding. This amendment would ensure that noncommodity crop producers are eligible for a larger share of Federal farm spending, which is currently concentrated in select States. In fact, farmers in New York, as well as those in California, Florida, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania receive only 3 cents in Federal funds for every dollar they earn, compared with the 20 cents per dollar received by farmers in the Great Plains States. However, this measure does not destroy the safety net for commodity producers. Under the Boehlert-Kind-Gilchrest-Dingell amendment, producers--even the top 10 percent of producers--still get higher payments than the average of the past 10 years, and many times more than they were slated to receive under the last farm bill. In fact, the Bush administration agrees that H.R. 2646 directs Federal payments to those with the least need, saying yesterday that ``there is no question that some of our Nation's producers are in serious financial straits, especially smaller farmers and ranchers. Rather than address these unmet needs, H.R. 2646 would continue to direct the greatest share of resources to those least in need of government assistance.'' Many prominent State agencies, agricultural and conservation groups have endorsed the Boehlert-Kind-Gilchrest-Dingell amendment to H.R. 2646, including the New York State Department of Agriculture, the Audubon Society, and the Wildlife Management Institute. This amendment is a step forward in our efforts to ensure the future of American agriculture and preserve our environment simultaneously. I urge my colleagues to support this important amendment.

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute one of America's finest and most respected arts policy advocates who left public office at the end of September--Bill Ivey, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. During his three-year tenure, Chairman Ivey has been an effective leader and has placed the National Endowment for the Arts on sound footing. While in past years, mention of the Arts Endowment has frequently been prefaced by such adjectives as ``beleaguered'' or ``embattled,'' today, the NEA is a dynamic and forward looking agency. One of Chairman Ivey's most enduring legacies is his success in changing the tone surrounding the debate of federal funding the arts here on Capitol Hill. His down-to-earth personality, his tenacity in holding face-to-face meeting with more than 250 Members of Congress, his two and a half decades of experience as the director of a non- profit arts organization, and his astute insight into arts policy and community needs won praise from both sides of the aisle. Today, the NEA enjoys strong bipartisan support, and in 2001, received its first budget increase since 1992. Chairman Ivey came to Washington with a clear vision for the NEA and the arts in America and he articulated that vision in a five-year strategy. Challenge America is an initiative that has won the support of not only Members of Congress, but of communities and citizens all across the nation. This program effectively focuses federal arts funding on some vital American values: education, services to young people, preservation of our cultural heritage, and community partnerships. Chairman Ivey has also sought cooperation with other federal agencies, establishing new partnerships and strengthening existing ones. Today, the Arts Endowment works in partnership across America with more than 20 other federal agencies as well as state arts agencies and local arts organization on hundreds of projects to enrich the lives of all Americans. Chairman Ivey is a strong leader and a passionate spokesman for the arts, artists, and our nation's living cultural heritage. His influence will long be felt in these areas and his presence will be greatly missed by those of us who have had the privilege of knowing and working with him. The National Endowment for the Arts are fortunate to have had him at the helm of our nation's federal cultural agency. Best of luck, Bill; I know you will continue working to establish the value of the arts in the hearts and minds of all Americans.

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. 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.

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Linder) for yielding me the customary one-half hour, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Ms. SLAUGHTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank).

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, this is an open rule. The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), the ranking minority member, was consulted throughout the process of developing this legislation, along with the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Knollenberg), who is a fine chairman and a great Member, in the process of developing this legislation, a trend we hope will continue with developing other appropriations measures in the days ahead. I would further note that this version of the D.C. appropriations bill is much improved over past years. In fact, 35 of the 69 riders included by the subcommittee were eliminated at the full committee markup. Far too often, Congress takes it upon itself to micromanage the citizens of the District to advance an agenda that few of its residents share. Every year, the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), my friend, has made eloquent pleas to this body, asking it to refrain from making social policy in the city that she represents. But it is not to be. While this is a much-improved bill, it is still flawed. The measure includes controversial prohibitions against using local funds, not a dime of Federal money, for abortion services and the needle exchange programs. Moreover, the Committee on Rules took it upon itself to make in order an amendment that prohibits Federal as well as local funds from being used for the implementation of the District of Columbia Domestic Partnership Act which was passed in 1992 and never implemented because the House of Representatives does not like it. This amendment was defeated in the full committee on a bipartisan vote. But a gift from the Committee on Rules puts it before us today. I look forward to the day when Congress gives the Mayor and the council of the city an opportunity to govern and make the kind of decisions with their own money that other governments are allowed to make without interference by the House and by the Congress.

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), the ranking member of the subcommittee.

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I call for a no vote on the rule, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the people of upstate New York to say that we are deeply grateful for this action this morning in my district where people are waiting 8 hours in line to donate blood. We bleed too for our sister city.

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I would like to paraphrase an editorial from Toronto that I think we really ought to hear. It was written by a man named Gordon Sinclair who is the voice that we always hear on a program called As It Happens. This Canadian thinks it is time to speak up for the Americans as the most generous and possibly the least appreciated people on all the Earth. Germany, Japan and to a lesser extent Britain and Italy were lifted out of the debris of war by the Americans who poured billions of dollars and forgave other billions in debts. None of these countries is today even paying interest on the remaining debts it owes to the United States. When France was in danger of collapsing in 1956, it was the Americans who propped it up, and their reward was to be insulted and swindled on the streets of Paris. I was there. I saw it. When earthquakes hit distant streets and cities, it is the United States that hurries in to help. This spring, 59 American communities were flattened by tornadoes. Nobody helped. The Marshall Plan and the Truman policy pumped billions of dollars into discouraged countries, and now newspapers in those countries are whining and writing about the decadent, warmongering Americans. Why does no other land on Earth even consider putting a man or woman on the Moon? You talk about Japanese technocracy and you get radios. You talk about German technocracy and you get automobiles. But you talk about American technocracy and you find men on the Moon, not once but several times, and safely home again. You talk about scandals, and Americans put theirs right in the store window for everyone to look at. Even their draft dodgers are not pursued and hounded. They are here on our streets in Canada, and most of them, unless they are breaking Canadian laws, are getting American dollars from ma and pa at home to spend here. When the railways of France, Germany and India were breaking down through age, it was the Americans who rebuilt them. When the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central Railroad went broke, nobody loaned them an old caboose. Both are still broke. I can name you 5,000 times when Americans raced to the help of other people in trouble. Can you name even one time when someone else raced to the Americans in trouble? I don't think there was outside help even during the San Francisco earthquake. Our neighbors have faced it alone, and I am tired of hearing them get kicked around. They will come out of this thing with their flag high. And when they do, they are entitled to thumb their nose at the lands that are gloating over their present troubles. I hope Canada will never be one of those. Stand proud, America. I think we need to hear that. It does us a little good to remember who we are. On the morning of September 11, our nation experienced a tragedy of unspeakable proportions. Four commercial passenger jets were hijacked with devastating consequences. Thousands of people are known or presumed to be dead, and thousands more have been injured. We are all brokenhearted over the needless loss of life that has occurred. Too many beloved spouses, parents, siblings, and children had their futures snatched away by madmen. Scores of firefighters, police officers, and rescue personnel were lost when their dedication drove them to the scene and into the damaged buildings to help the victims. These men and women are national heroes. As time passes, more stories of heroism will emerge--people who put their own lives at risk in order to aid others. I am astounded and very proud to have heard how many people stayed calm in the midst of chaos. Time and again, we heard how perfect strangers reached out to help each other survive and escape. In the worst of circumstances, the very best in these people emerged. I am deeply proud, as a New Yorker, of the great strength and courage showed by the people of this city and state and their leaders. The mayor and other local leaders were on the scene, demonstrating that they would not submit to terror. The outpouring of support, volunteers, and donations from around the city, state, and nation are a testament to the fundamental generosity and greatness of spirit found in New Yorkers and, indeed, in all Americans. If these terrorists believed that they could intimidate America with these despicable acts, they are very, very wrong. As Americans, we pride ourselves on being tough and resilient, even defiant. These heinous crimes will only stiffen our resolve never to bend in the face of terrorist threats. We will find the people responsible for these crime, and they will pay a heavy price. As Members of Congress, we have returned to the Capitol today to conduct the business of the nation. We are hard at work, and we will get the job done. As a demonstration of solidarity, I have asked all of my constituents to fly the American flag. America shall not be bowed. We will stand strong before this act of unspeakable cowardice, and we shall prevail. God bless America. Volunteers Prepare For N.Y.C.'s Call (Liz Foran and Greg Livadas) While medical personnel and Red Cross volunteers prepared to travel to New York City to help at the World Trade Center, hundreds of other local people waited in line for up to eight hours yesterday to replenish blood supplies. ``I figured they were going to need all the help they could get,'' said Irondequoit resident Carolyn McMahon, who went to the Prince Street donation center yesterday. Three local Rural/Metro Medical Services ambulances and more than a dozen local staff members planned to leave Rochester at 3 a.m. Today to be in New York City by 11 a.m., spokesman Darrell Grigg said. ``We don't even know where in New York City we're going,'' he said. ``We will be unsure what we'll be doing, whether assist in rescue and recovery, helping emergency services within the city or being involved in the operations in transferring some of the stable patients to hospitals in the area.'' Rochester Fire Capt. Pete Rizzo, part of a statewide Urban Search and Rescue Team, left yesterday for New York City to assist officials there while area firefighters, medics, morticians and social workers readied teams. ``I'm a little bit apprehensive, but I'm really glad I can step in and help,'' said Michael Rood, director of the Salvation Army's William Booth Haven men's shelter and a social worker. Rood and seven other Salvation Army social workers will travel to Syracuse for advanced training in anticipation of a call for help from New York. Rochester Fire Capt. Daniel McBride said dozens of local firefighters are ready to help firefighters in New York City should there be the need. ``I would go down in a heartbeat,'' McBride said. ``There's a tremendous need I hear unconfirmed reports of over 200 firefighters unaccounted for. They've taken a big hit.'' Those without specialized training found other ways to help--mainly by donating blood. Area blood donations centers extended hours until 10 p.m. yesterday and tonight. Sybil Miller, spokes-women for the American Red Cross blood Services for the New York-Penn Region, said about 1,000 pints of blood from the region, which includes Rochester, will be sent to New York City. ``We have earmarked half of our local supply to be sent to New York a soon as they say they need it,'' Miller said. Officials at New York City's largest blood donation center said they could run out of O-negative blood by late yesterday. They had only 40 pints of O-negative left yesterday afternoon. The need for blood may be just as great locally, as hospitals prepare for the possibility of receiving patients transferred from inundated New York City hospitals. ``I really don't know what to expect,'' said Monroe County health director Dr. Andrew Doniger, who expects to know more today. Area hospitals have cleared beds and assessed their surgery schedules for the coming days in preparation, Doniger said. He added that the many hospitals downstate, and in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, would have to be overwhelmed first before upstate hospitals would be called in to help. Area hospitals and the Medical Society of Monroe County have also assembled lists of physicians who would be willing to volunteer at hospitals in New York City and Washington,

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, recognizing that the Rochester Host Lions Club is part of the Lions Club International, which was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1917; and acknowledging the Rochester Host Lions Club, chartered on September 2, 1921, is the oldest Lions Club in New York State; Recognizing that the Rochester Host Lions Club's dedication to serving those in need has made a measurable impact on the community, by contributing to the betterment of the City of Rochester, its surrounding areas, and New York State; Recognizing the Rochester Host Lions Club's significant efforts in serving persons who are visually, hearing, and handicapped impaired, including SightFirst, the world's largest blindness prevention program; and acknowledging the Lions' efforts to establish the first eye bank in the United States; Recognizing the Rochester Host Lions Club's many other community service efforts, including purchasing glasses for the needy, volunteering for the Salvation Army Christmas collection, hosting fundraising events for various community service organizations, and contributing funding to shelters, youth centers, community groups, and substance abuse treatment centers; Urging the Rochester Host Lions Club to continue its exemplary public service to the community, as evidenced by its current fundraising work to expand its school-based health clinic program to include a dental and eye care facility; Recognizing that members and friends of the Rochester Host Lions Club have come together this evening, August 30, 2001, to commemorate this important day in the Lions Club's history, its 80th Anniversary; Resolved that I, Rep. Louise M. Slaughter, congratulate the Rochester Host Lions Club on its 80th Anniversary; and resolved that this proclamation will be submitted into the Congressional Record.

Ms. SLAUGHTER

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel). (Mr. RANGEL asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior).

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green). (Mr. GREEN of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss) that we have one speaker remaining, and I would ask if he has more and does he plan to close.