Bart Stupak

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to bring to the attention of the House of Representatives and the American public the retirement of a man who many residents of Michigan's Upper Peninsula think of as one of God's greatest blessings. Father Donald Louis Shiroda will retire from the priesthood at the end of this month after 37 years of dedicated service to the people and the communities of the Upper Peninsula. After high school, Father Shiroda served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he made the decision to become a Catholic priest. In 1950, he began seminary in Kitchner, Ontario at St. Jerome's, moving to Milwaukee's St. Francis Seminary 2 years later to study philosophy and finishing his theological training at St. John's in Plymouth in 1959. Father Shiroda then began his career as a priest serving as assistant pastor for St. Gregory Church in Newberry, MI. Father Don has served numerous parishes and communities throughout the Upper Peninsula, subsequently administering to St. Thomas in Escanaba, St. Agnes in Iron River, St. Albert the Great in Houghton, Marquette's St. Christopher, Calumet's St. Paul the Apostle, Immaculate Conception in Iron Mountain, and the Sacred Heart Parish in L'Anse. In 1986, Father Shiroda was appointed pastor of St. Joseph Church in Sault Ste. Marie. He has been an example and leader of faith, human kindness, and the active living of God's love in the Sault area for the last 11 years. The people of the Sault have had the opportunity to know Father Shiroda's talents in many settings. Along with his service as Dean of the Sault Ste. Marie Deanery and Episcopal Vicar of the Eastern Region, he has also held terms as Sacramental Minister to Catholic Campus Ministry at Lake Superior State University and regularly performs mass at the Hiawatha Correctional Facility. As Father Don recently stated about his community, ``I love the people of the Sault, not only the Catholics, but everyone. I have just as many non-Catholic friends as I do Catholic. I'm a people person. I also greatly enjoy my work with children and working up in long-term care. I really enjoy those people. I wasn't any place longer than 5 years until I came here.'' The people of the Sault, and all across the Upper Peninsula love and enjoy Father Shiroda and it will be with a heavy heart that they witness the end of his distinguished pastoral career. Father Don's last Sunday Mass will be said June 29, 1997, 37 years and 3 weeks after his first Mass was held in Newberry. Fortunately, he will not be saying goodbye to the area, but plans on continuing his ministry. ``I'm going to reside in the Sault and help where help is needed,'' he has said. ``People of the Sault are all people of God regardless of their denomination.'' Mr. Speaker, Father Don Shiroda truly has been a blessing for the people of the Upper Peninsula and the Sault Ste. Marie area. As a practicing Catholic, I know the importance and value of priestly leadership and direction. Father Don is an example to all of us, Catholic and non-Catholic, because of his compassion and concern for the community and the people who surround him. Not only is he a spiritual model, but also a model American citizen and for this he deserves our recognition and praise. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all the residents of Michigan's First Congressional District, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Father Donald Louis Shiroda on his retirement, thank him for his dedicated service, and wish him well in his endeavors yet to come.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 437. I thank the gentleman from Hawaii for yielding, and would like to congratulate Mr. Saxton and Mr. Ambercrombie for their leadership on this important issue. Mr. Chairman, the National Sea Grant College Program plays a vital role in protecting the fragile ecosystem of the Great Lakes. When the National Sea Grant College Program was originally authorized, it directed that funds be used to research aquatic nuisance species in the Great Lakes region. Typically, most of this money has gone toward zebra mussel research and has been successful in stemming the flow of zebra mussel infestation. As many of you know, the zebra mussel is a nonindigenous species that infiltrated the Great Lakes in the 1980's when it was dispensed with bilge water from a Black Sea cargo ship. Since then, zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species have caused substantial damage to water infrastructure systems. A recent Sea Grant survey of Great Lake facilities using surface water showed the cost of battling zebra mussels from 1989-94 was over $120 million, in recent years it is up to $30 million per year. In addition, a recent study by the Office of Technology Assessment estimates that the power industry alone may spend more than $3 billion over the next 10 years just to control zebra mussel infestation in water intake systems. Apart from these economic costs, there is evidence that the zebra mussel may disrupt the lower food chain and deplete valuable Great Lake fish stocks. This could severely impact a $4 billion sport and food fishery in the Great Lakes region. Zebra mussel infestation is not a problem that is only limited to the Great Lakes. The zebra mussel is spreading rapidly across the United States, having been found throughout the Mississippi Valley, the Gulf Coast, the Chesapeake Bay, and in locations as far away as California. In fact, the zebra mussel has now spread to 20 States and continues to spread. To give you an idea how fast zebra mussels multiply, it is possible that one zebra mussel could produce as many as 1 million eggs. The National Sea Grant College Program's research into aquatic nuisance species is crucial and must be maintained and even enhanced if the spread of these species is to be prevented and controlled. The zebra mussel research is especially important, as lessons learned from this research can be applied to the prevention and control of other aquatic nuisance species. H.R. 437 continues the Federal Government's commitment to zebra mussel research and to fighting the spread of this aquatic nuisance species, which is more than just a nuisance. In addition Mr. Chairman, Michigan Sea Grant plays a pivotal role in my district in addressing a wide range of issues that are vital to the Great Lakes. For example, Sea Grant is a leader in developing new approaches for the responsible management of Great Lakes fisheries, working with over 600 seafood processors and fishermen to improve seafood safety, coordinating citizen volunteers in my district to monitor Great Lakes water quality, and helping State and local governments create new economic opportunities in coastal recreation and tourism, while managing development wisely in an industry whose economic impact on my State now rivals that of automobile production. My Chairman, I strongly urges the passage of this bill.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, it was January when the Governors of three Midwestern States, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota, declared natural disasters in their States because of heavy snow. Residents of these States first faced the deadly dangers of terrible snowstorms and then tragically lost their homes and possessions to the ensuing floods. It has been months of pain and suffering for these people in these States and their leadership, who have turned to the Federal Government for the assistance promised in our programs of emergency relief. There remain more than 5,000 citizens who are homeless, without relief, who need financial assistance now. Why does the GOP leadership continue to play games with the supplemental emergency appropriations bill for even one minute? Apparently, the Republican leadership does not care about these folks. Democrats do care. We support a clean emergency appropriations bill. To my Republican friends I say let us pass a supplemental emergency appropriations bill without the controversial nonemergency provisions. Let us pass a clean emergency appropriations bill today.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, as a retired member of the Michigan State Police, it is an honor for me to bring to the attention of the House of Representatives and the American public the celebration of the retirement of a former colleague, a constituent and most importantly, a friend, Capt. Eugene David Sweeney from the Michigan State Police. Throughout his distinguished 30 year career, Captain Sweeney has exemplified the attributes and personal qualities it takes to achieve the respect he has earned and the official commendations he has received. As a member of the 67th Recruit School in 1967, he quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to Sergeant on October 2, 1977, and was transferred to the Fire Marshal Division at First District Headquarters in Lansing, MI. His leadership and abilities soon provided the basis for additional promotions, including one 8 month span in 1981 when he was promoted to lieutenant, then first lieutenant, and post commander of the Negaunee Post. In 1989, he was again promoted to inspector for the Eighth District. On September 13, 1992, Gene Sweeney received his final promotion as captain in his role as commander of the Eighth District. The Eighth District comprises all of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. There are few, if any positions where an individual places more on the line than in the area of law enforcement. Captain Sweeney put it all on the line every day for 30 years. He received the department life saving award on May 30, 1977. He also served as a model for many State troopers who served under his command and who have gone on to be excellent troopers themselves. Captain Sweeney is married to the former Kathleen O'Rourke. They have three children, Shawn, Colleen and Aaron who, in keeping with family tradition, is also a member of the Michigan State Police. Aaron is serving with the Fire Marshal Division at the Eighth District Headquarters in Negaunee, MI. Mr. Speaker, John Stuart Mill once said, ``Everyone who receives the protection of society owes a return for the benefit.'' We have all received the benefit of knowing, working with and for Gene Sweeney and his family. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all the residents of Michigan's First Congressional District and as cochairman of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, I congratulate Capt. Eugene Sweeney upon his retirement and wish him well with all future endeavors.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, today we are considering a plan which balances the Federal budget by the year 2002. We should be proud that Democrats and Republicans have been able to work together to create this plan, but it is important that we review the facts and understand how we got ourselves in a position to balance the budget in 5 years, while protecting Medicare, Medicaid, investing in education, the environment and health care for children. When President Clinton arrived in Washington in 1993, he inherited a $290 billion budget deficit--the largest deficit in our nation's history. Job growth was stagnant, and unemployment was over 7 percent, and Washington was unable to find a solution to the exploding deficits and sluggish economy. But in 1993, President Clinton proposed a budget plan which included $500 billion in savings over 5 years. The plan was criticized by many of our Republican colleagues, who argued that deficits would explode, jobs would be killed, and our economy would crash if we adopted the President's budget plan. In fact, not a single Republican--in the House or the Senate--voted for the 1993 budget plan. But today, 4 years later, the plan has worked, and has put us in a position to balance the budget in 5 years. Today our deficit is just $67 billion--the lowest amount since 1979. The budget deficit today makes up just 0.9 of 1 percent of the gross domestic product [GDP]--the lowest level since 1974. Since 1993, 12 million new jobs have been created and our unemployment rate--at 4.9 percent--is at its lowest level since 1974. Democrats know what it takes to balance the budget. We made the tough choices in 1993, and made the tough votes. Today we have the opportunity to vote on a resolution which will bring our deficit to zero in just 5 more years. We have assembled a budget plan that is smart--we haven't lost our values and goals in the budget cutting process. The budget resolution includes $16 billion to insure 5 million children who have no health care coverage giving working families the opportunity to make their families healthy and more secure. We are investing in education by funding the $1,500 tax credit for the first 2 years of college and the $10,000 tax deduction for all post-secondary education and training, and by increasing the Pell grants from $2,700 to $3,000, making 350,000 more students eligible for Pell grants. We are tightening our belts, but we are committed to protecting Medicare and Medicaid. We are investing in education for our kids. We are building a system to give uninsured children health coverage. And we balance the budget by the year 2002. Mr. Chairman, I support this budget plan because it preserves the programs and efforts that are important to working and middle-income Americans: Medicare, Medicaid, education, environmental protections, and child health. It does all these things and still balances the budget in 5 years. Mr. Chairman, this plan is smart and it is fair, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the resolution this evening.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, to clarify further, we would have to change current law in order for these communities to receive Federal assistance without a declaration from the Governor. But due to House rules, such an amendment would not be in order on this bill.

Mr. STUPAK. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, again, I thank my distinguished colleague from California for his leadership.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from California. Mr. Chairman, the Stafford Act requires that a major disaster request must be based on a situation of such severity and magnitude that effective response is ``beyond the capabilities of State and local governments and supplemental Federal assistance is required.'' What about those situations where it is beyond the capabilities of local governments, but the State refuses to act? I would hope that politics do not become a factor when our citizens cry out for help, but unfortunately, that seems to be the case sometimes. Mr. Chairman, currently our system of Federal assistance is like a chain, with each link dependent upon the other. When a disaster strikes, our citizens desperately cling to the bottom of this chain, or lifeline, if you will, while waiting for help from above. If one link in the chain fails, however, our citizens' needs fall by the wayside. I do not believe that the well-being of our citizens should rest solely with a chain that could contain a faulty link. I believe there needs to be a safety line, one that you hope will never have to be used, but that exists should the current system fail to ensure that we do not drop our citizens that are desperately seeking help. In an attempt to exhaust every possibility to help my citizens, I offered an amendment before the Committee on Rules that sought to address this matter. However, it was not made in order. I realize that this bill is not a proper vehicle for this legislation. Therefore, I hope to work with the committee to address this situation in a more appropriate manner in the future.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I would like to engage the chairman, the gentleman from California [Mr. Lewis] in a colloquy about the availability of emergency funds for communities that have been devastated by catastrophic snowstorms. As I am sure the gentleman is aware, the past two winters brought record-breaking snowfalls across the United States. In my district, which includes the Upper Peninsula and the upper section of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, there were areas that received a total snow accumulation of 367 inches, or 31 feet. Records that were set last year were broken only this winter. Even this past Monday parts of my district received over 14 inches of snow, resulting in school closings and further financial strain on communities. My northern Michigan communities were unable to deal with this onslaught of continuous snow. Yet, it is absolutely necessary for the road commissions to keep roads open to ensure that emergency vehicles can pass. The financial havoc these storms wreaked on the people and local governments of my district will be felt long after the next set of winter storms arrive. The storms caused snow and flooding damage to roads and structures, curtailed agricultural planting, delayed home building and tourism, and induced other personal and financial effects. The true impact of these past two winter storms will be felt for years to come. It is my understanding that the Federal Government already has provisions in place that would help communities that have been devastated by these natural disasters. As a result of this past January's storms, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota will receive Federal aid this year for snow removal assistance. In each State the Governor of that State issued a major disaster declaration. I would just like to clarify with the gentleman that under present law a declaration must be made by the Governor of that State within 30 days of the event, followed by a declaration by the President, in order for local communities to receive Federal aid, and if such declaration was made, the affected communities would be eligible for aid under this bill, as in my case, where communities have been financially devastated by the costs of emergency snow removal.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Cummings]. He has been a valuable member of our task force who helped put this bill together, along with the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Scott], the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Lofgren] and the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Stenholm]. The gentleman was a great addition to our team.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 90 seconds to the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Roemer].

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\3/4\ minutes to my good friend, the gentlewoman from Michigan [Ms. Kilpatrick], former member of the Michigan legislature, head of the appropriations and especially appropriations on prisons.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Rhode Island [Mr. Weygand].

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Blagojevich] a new Member.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Levin]. (Mr. LEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes and 10 seconds to the gentlewoman from Oregon [Ms. Hooley].

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, to the last gentleman that spoke from Arkansas [Mr. Hutchinson], he said his prosecutors have asked for help from the Federal Government. I am pleased to see that he acknowledged that they would not get any help underneath the majority bill without changing the law in Arkansas to reflect this poorly drafted bill called H.R. 3. That is why the gentleman should support the Democratic substitute because we do at least give them some help in Arkansas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute and 45 seconds to the gentleman from Iowa [Mr. Boswell], another new member of our caucus. (Mr. BOSWELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute and 45 seconds to the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Sandlin], a great addition to our caucus.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California [Mr. Farr], our delegate to the Summit on Volunteerism and Hope for America.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Turner], a valuable member of our task force and former State senator.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, for the last speaker, I hope he understands that his State of Pennsylvania does not qualify for any fund or help underneath the majority bill, but underneath the minority bill they could, with local initiatives. Mr. Chairman, I yield 15 seconds to the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Delahunt].

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 45 seconds to the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Kind].

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 90 seconds to the gentlewoman from New York [Ms. Velazquez].

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Rhode Island [Mr. Kennedy].