Bart Stupak

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, it is an honor for me to bring to the attention of this body and the Nation the 50th anniversary of the founding of Cross in the Woods being celebrated on June 23, 1996. The Cross in the Woods is the largest crucifix in the world and is located in Indian River, MI. Made of bronze and redwood and weighing 14 tons, it stands 55 feet high and is 22 feet wide. The idea for Cross in the Woods began in 1946 when Rev. Charles Brophy, a young priest from Cheboygan County, succeeded in having State officials transfer to Cheboygan County the 13 acres of Burt Lake on which the cross now stands. Once obtained by the county, Reverend Brophy purchased the site from the county for $1. In 1954, the cross was raised and sculptor Marshall Fredericks began his work of designing and sculpting the crucifix. This is unique to most crucifixes in that it depicts Jesus Christ without a crown of thorns and missing the wound to his side. It was the intention of Mr. Fredericks to have a crucifix showing that Jesus Christ was at peace with his beliefs and the sacrifice he made by dying on the cross. Over 200,000 citizens from across the country visit the cross annually. In addition, the current pastor at the cross, Rev. Donard Paulus maintains a mailing list of over 20,000 people who receive regular newsletters keeping interested parties informed of ongoing events. Also located on the grounds is a chapel where services are held weekly that regularly attract a capacity number of parishioners and visitors. Plans are underway for the construction of a church that would provide a view of the cross and other statues located on the grounds. Mr. Speaker, the Cross in the Woods reminds us that God's ways are opposite of our own human ways. As the cross was a symbol of death in the Roman Empire, it is now a symbol of victory in our faith. For it is said in Romans 8:38-39: ``For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.''

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to bring to the attention of the House of Representatives and the Nation that the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church or Ironwood, MI, is celebrating its centennial anniversary on June 22, 1996. It was 100 years ago that 20 Lutherans were drawn together by their common faith to form the Church of Ironwood, MI. Today, the congregation has nearly 600 dedicated members who are proudly celebrating the love and faith that has been shared within the congregation and the Ironwood community for the past century. In 1896, Pastor Michael Kivi was asked to lead the small congregation. He graciously accepted the offer and began his new job for a salary of $20 a month. Thirteen dedicated pastors have served the congregation since Pastor Kivi. Currently, Pastor Francis Strong leads the members in worship and fellowship. The congregation has been planning the anniversary festivities since 1992. ``The History of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church,'' a concise history of the parish, was printed last fall. An original stage play was written for the celebration entitled ``Workers in the Vineyard.'' A centennial feast is being hosted on June 22 for members and friends of the congregation. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all northern Michigan, and the entire Nation I would like to congratulate Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church on 100 years of faith, love, and ministry.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, after U.S. Governors earlier this year announced a plan to reform Medicaid, I looked forward to working in a bipartisan fashion to create a quality piece of legislation. However, there have never been any bipartisan negotiations on the current bill. The result is a new blueprint for block-granting that may be ideologically perfect, but is socially destructive. The proposed legislation removes the guarantee of health care for the elderly and disabled. It allows each State to define the scope, amount, and duration of any Medicaid payment. It will require impoverished seniors to pay high deductibles or copays that they cannot afford. It will force spouses and children around the country to contribute a disproportionate amount for nursing home care for their parents or grandparents. This bill would be devastating to rural health care, because it does not require benefits provided by each State's program to be provided equally to all parts of a State. Medicaid was created in the first place because States did not provide for those who needed care. Let us not turn back the clock and create 50 new federally funded experiments that use our grandparents and children as guinea pigs.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to announce the 50th anniversary of organization of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Gaylord, MI. Lutheran services have been held in Gaylord and the vicinity since July 16, 1933. Pastors from neighboring towns such as Boyne City and Cheboygen led the congregation until 1946 when Rev. Elmer Scheck settled in Gaylord and became a permanent pastor for the church. On March 3, 1946, the congregation adopted a formal constitution affiliating their membership with the Confessional Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod. Along with the formal constitution came the need for a permanent building. The white log church, as it came to be known, was erected in 1947-1948 for $10,000 plus donated labor. The congregation eventually outgrew the white log church and a new building was constructed in 1973-1974. In 1994 an addition was built to house the Sunday school classrooms and the congregation remains in the renovated building today. In 1979, Trinity Lutheran Church began a preschool. Although most of the students are not from the congregation the school promotes a positive Christian emphasis and atmosphere for its students and their families. Over the past fifty years many pastors have served the Trinity Lutheran Church of Gaylord. In 1994, the congregation built a new addition and named it after the Rev. Richard T. Noffze who was an interim pastor throughout the years at Trinity Lutheran. The current pastor is Rev. James F. Haenftling. From each member of this congregation, past and present, to each pastor, from Reverend Noffze to Reverend Haenftling, the one thought that has prevailed as the Trinity Lutheran Church grew is found in Romans 12:5: ``So in Christ, we who are many, form one Body.'' The many citizens of the Gaylord community have provided 50 years of spiritual guidance and community fellowship to form one body, the Trinity Lutheran Church. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Trinity Lutheran Church on this, their golden anniversary.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I bring to the attention of the House of Representatives and of this Nation the recent retirement of Mr. Gilbert ``Gibby'' LaFave, director of aging and nutrition for the Dickinson-Iron Counties Community Service Agency. The agency, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, will truly miss Mr. LaFave who concluded his tenure on May 10, 1996, after 16 dedicated years. During these times of budget cuts and increased need for social services to our senior citizens, the efforts of so many people to stretch a dollar, to provide more and better services to those who truly need assistance and to improve the quality of life for so many is truly an accomplishment. throughout his years at the DICSA, Gibby personified dedication, care, and concern for our seniors in his every effort. Leading the development of the rural transportation program for seniors and the handicapped in Dickinson and Iron Countries, Gibby's efforts provided a way these seniors could get out of doors and do things for themselves. The program allowed for a degree of self- sufficiency and helped the local economy. Gibby was also very much aware of the inability of many seniors to perform their household chores due to physical constraints. In response, he was the leading force behind the development of the senior chore service that provides this type of work to be done for seniors by more able-bodied clients of the agency. For many, many years, Gibby LaFave has also lent his efforts to this community and surrounding area through participating in local government and helping to raise funds for a variety of programs, services, and other noteworthy causes. Mr. Speaker, the public service of Gilbert ``Gibby'' LaFave is greatly appreciated. His concern for his fellowman will be long remembered and valued. On behalf of so many Michigan's Upper Peninsula that benefited by his actions, I congratulate Gibby LaFave on his retirement and wish him well.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, it is an honor for me to bring to the attention of this body and the Nation a remarkable individual who has devoted his life to helping others. Rev. Louis C. Cappo is celebrating his 50th anniversary of ordination into the priesthood on June 8, 1996. Throughout his career Reverend Cappo has enriched Michigan's Upper Peninsula economically, socially, but most important spiritually. He is currently Rector of St. Peter's Cathedral parish, a parish known for their poetic liturgies and beautiful music. Reverend Cappo was born and raised in Houghton County, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He attended St. Lawrence College and St. Francis Seminary in Wisconsin, graduating in 1943 with a degree in theology. On June 8, 1946, Father Cappo was ordained a priest in Milwaukee at St. John's Cathedral. After ordination he returned to the Upper Peninsula, beginning his ministry in Ishpeming. Reverend Cappo spent his first 25 years of ministry serving parishes, hospitals, and Catholic schools throughout the Upper Peninsula from St. Ignace to Hancock to Escanaba. In 1972, Reverend Cappo settled in Sault Ste. Marie when Bishop Salatka appointed him executive director of the Tower of History and head of the department of community services and family life for the Marquette diocese. In this assignment, Father Cappo's responsibilities included running various social and community programs, including the Campaign for Human Development, Natural Family Programming, marriage, family, and individual counseling, infant and special needs adoptions, and infant foster care programs. Father Cappo served as director of the department of community service and family life for 13 years. In 1975, he was appointed to his present position, Rector of St. Peter's Cathedral. Reverend Cappo is known throughout the Upper Peninsula not only for his devotion to improving our spiritual life and social programs, but also for the work he has done to help improve the area's economy. One of his most noteworthy accomplishments was in 1966 when he was instrumental in bringing natural gas to the Upper Peninsula. Father Cappo has participated in the International Trade Commission, the U.S. Small Business Administration Advisory Council and the Marquette United Way Board of Directors. He has also been chairperson of the Michigan Tourist Council and is currently Chaplain to the Michigan State police. Reverend Cappo's devotion is recognized by colleagues, Catholics, and fellow citizens throughout our State. As an example of his devotion, in 1974 he was presented with the Northern Michigan University President's Award for outstanding citizenship. This remarkable man is 76 years old and as devoted to his priesthood as ever. Mr. Speaker, in Hebrews it states, ``one does not take this honor on his own initiative, but only when called upon by God, as Aaron was, you are a priest forever.'' Father Cappo has been called by God to be a spiritual leader for all the residents of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. For whenever we have called upon Father Cappo he has been there for us. It is appropriate that we give honor to Father Cappo and as we recognize Father Cappo's achievements, we give honor to God. Honor to God through his priest, who is our priest forever. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of St. Peter's Parish, the Marquette diocese, and the entire State of Michigan, I congratulate Rev. Louis Cappo on this golden anniversary of his ordination into priesthood.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, it has come to my attention that the move to privatize functions of the Department of Defense is apparently running into some snags when it comes to work being performed on the approximately 3,000 armories located all across our Nation, and at facilities located overseas. First of all, I want to make certain that I am fully understood on this point, for I do not intend to detract from or denigrate any members of the National Guard and the Reserves. Quite simply, my concern is that much of the work being performed through the Reserved Component Automation System could be resulting in additional costs, delays, and inefficiencies. The Reserved Component Automation System program consists of installing electrical circuits and local-area-network [LAN] cable and devices in preparation for computers at armories throughout the Nation. Apparently, the Department of Defense has determined that it cannot afford to perform this work at some of the smaller facilities through the use of outside contractors and, instead, is considering using armory personnel for this work. Again, I am not questioning the skills, talents, and capabilities of members of the Guard and Reserves, but when there are small businesses in the private sector that have a proven track record of performing such work, I am concerned that local firms and local workers are being left out of the kind of work they customarily perform, typically at the lowest cost and with the greatest efficiency and best quality. Mr. Chairman, a firm in my district has performed electrical and computer wiring work in as many as 70 armories, and the work they perform is of the highest quality and efficiency, and frequently at the lowest costs. I would like to request of the distinguished chairwoman, my friend from Nevada, that we fully explore the best use of the funds that we appropriate through the Reserved Component Automation System and that we continue to apply very high standards, standards that call for cost- savings, high-quality, and greater efficiencies. February 23, 1996. Congressman Bart Stupak, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Subject: Reserve/Armory projects. Dear Bart: We have recently been advised that a contract has been issued to Boeing to perform the tasks we discussed on the larger sites in each State plus Europe. The contract is apparently a long term one and only for the large sites. The information still indicates the government plans to complete the rest of the sites with armory personnel or individual contractors and since this is the arena we hoped to participate in, the door may be open. Please let me know how I can assist you. Sincerely, Ronald C. Lindberg, Rapid Electric Sales & Service. The Government has issued contracts for a Reserved Component Automation System which Rapid Electric has participated in by doing most of the armories in Michigan. The project consists of installing electrical circuits and LAN cable and devices in preparation for computers. The Government has determined it can't afford to do the smaller sites as originally planned and is considering using the armory personnel for the electrical and LAN installation. We offer an alternative: Rapid Electric has licensed electricians trained and experienced in these installations and can complete the work in a timely and professional manner while maintaining a cost within the allocated budget. The work would be completed using our already trained personnel along with licensed electricians from the communities and states where the armory is located. We would be consistent with the goals of privatisation and putting people to work as well as complying with the local codes and licensing laws. Using nonqualified, nonlicensed personnel for installation of a national defense system is commercial senselessness. If we can't afford to do it right we are better off not to do it at all. It's better to work without a system than to depend on one that doesn't work. The Government is expected to have an armory ready for the computer people when they arrive. If the electrical and LAN work isn't complete or does not operate when they arrive there is added expense and delay for rescheduling and return trips. If the system fails when needed, it is of no value.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to bring to the attention of this body and the nation an individual who has truly made a difference in his local area and who, along the way, has helped so many others. Mr. Paul R. Argall, President of PCBM Management Company, Inc., in Ishpeming, Michigan began with a dream, a goal, an idea and has molded that into one of the most successful business operations in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. For his efforts, Mr. Argall has been named Michigan Small Business Person of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration, a honor well deserved. Mr. Argall first distinguished himself as a Certified Public Accountant, opening his own firm in 1978. Realizing that his home town of Ishpeming, like other small communities in the Upper Peninsula, was on an economic decline, Paul moved forward in 1984 by establishing PCBM Management Company that formed the foundation for a dream that he believed would not just provide jobs for so many local residents, but would be the primary source of economic development for the area. The goal was to build a village within the city that would include various businesses to support local tourism. Following the acquisition in1987 of some 35 acres of land along US-41, the first of what would be many new small businesses began with the Pamida Discount Center, a 40,000 square foot department store that created 50 new jobs. A fifty room hotel and 165 seat restaurant was then added in 1989 and the Country Village Plaza began to take shape. Since then, many new businesses have opened including other restaurants, grocery stores, a bowling center, banks, laundromats, bookstores and many other shops. PCBM Management itself has grown considerably, as well, to now six subsidiaries and is recognized in the area a leading real estate development company. The company has grown to over 120 employees who oversee annual sales of nearly $3.5 million and in 1994 made the Inc. 500 as well as the Michigan private 100, a list of the state's fastest growing companies. Further, in 1995, PCBM was recognized by the Michigan Jobs Commission for its long standing commitment to Michigan and to Ishpeming. As good as this company is, it was the foresight of and guidance by Paul Argall that has provided the foundation for its growth. A strong family man, an active member of his church and other charitable organizations, Paul deserves not just the title of Small Business Person of the Year, but the thanks of so many people in the Ishpeming area. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Ishpeming area, the Upper Peninsula and the entire state of Michigan, I congratulate Mr. Paul Argall and PCBM Management Company on a job well done.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, we've now had a look at the Republican's 1997 budget, and I have several major concerns. It appears that many of the cuts proposed last year have reappeared in the new budget. These include cuts in Medicare and Medicaid, cuts in the earned income tax credit, and in education. I am greatly concerned about the impact of these cuts on seniors, on rural health programs, on student loan programs. I also worry about extremist positions on these budget areas which will lead once again to Government shutdowns, disruption of service to Americans, and a tremendous waste of time and money. Mr. Speaker, we have the means to reach agreement on a plan to balance the budget in 7 years. In discussions earlier this year, Republicans and the President agreed on certain cuts, enough to realize $711 billion in savings. At the time of the discussion, only $635 billion in cuts was needed to balance the budget by the year 2002. More recent figures show similar areas of agreement. Let's build on areas where we agree. Let's balance the budget while protecting essential programs for Americans--education, the environment, Medicaid, and Medicare.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, we continue to debate how to deal with a sudden hike in gas prices. This is an important issue in my district. The First Congressional District of Michigan sprawls across hundreds of miles of the upper Midwest. With extensive forests and beautiful rivers, with shoreline on three of the Great Lakes, tourism is an essential industry in my district. It is the second biggest industry in Michigan. But my district is also full of hardworking Americans who value education. Title I, Head Start, drug-free schools, and student loan programs are essential investments in the future for families in my district and the rest of America. But the majority leader has suggested education be cut to make up for lost revenue, if part of the Federal gas tax is repealed. Mr. Speaker, through shutdowns and budget gridlock we have fought and won battles to protect education. Now, in an effort to deal with an unrelated problem, we have to fight another Republican assault on education. Let's not penalize American school-children to help their parents at the gas pump. It makes no sense for my district or the Nation.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, because of the issue here and the term ``law enforcement officer,'' we actually defined it in the bill as being an officer, agent or employee of the United States, a State or political subdivision authorized by law or government agency. I mean when we take a look at this, I think this would include any law enforcement officer in the United States.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, let me address the substance of my amendment and also the point of order being reserved by the majority. Mr. Chairman, I do believe that my amendment is germane to H.R. 2974. Whereas 2974 seeks to provide enhanced penalties for crimes against elderly and children, it also specifies crimes against, and I quote, vulnerable persons. These are defined in the bill as individuals who, due to age, physical or mental condition or otherwise, are particularly susceptible to criminal conduct. When it is a situation where law-abiding citizens and laws enforcement officers are confronted by criminals wearing body armor, especially police officers, then I think it is fairly obvious to everyone except maybe the criminal that the police officer is in a vulnerable position. As such, this amendment is highly relevant and germane to the legislation before us today. Mr. Chairman, my amendment seeks to control the growing use of body armor by criminal elements and impose penalties for those who wear body armor while committing Federal crimes. Body armor, the protective personal devices commonly utilized by those in law enforcement, are vests and helmets made from Kevlar. Other advanced materials are increasingly becoming a common tool used by those who seek to break the law and victimize innocent citizens. This amendment is very similar to legislation I introduced last year, H.R. 2192, the James Guelff Body Armor Act. I act now today because we have been unable for more than a year to get even a hearing on this legislation. Mr. Chairman, to illustrate the point that we are at, Mr. James Guelff was gunned down on the streets of San Francisco on the night of November 14, 1994, following a violent shootout with a heavily armored and well-protected criminal. This criminal and killer was decked out in a bullet-proof vest and helmet. He was virtually unstoppable by more than 100 San Francisco police officers as he unloaded more than 200 rounds of ammunition into a residential neighborhood. Only a strategically aimed shot by a marksman was able to bring a night of violence to an end but not soon enough for Officer Guelff. I have heard from law enforcement officers all across this country about the increasing occurrences of drug dealers and other suspected suspects possessing body armor. From Baltimore to Texas, from Michigan to Los Angeles, criminal elements are being transformed into basically unstoppable terminators with virtually no fear of police of other crime fighters. These heavily protected criminals are capable of unleashing total devastation on civilians and police officers alike. The increasing availability of body armor in the wrong hands can only direct a greater danger to America and greater danger to the American people and a growing threat to our institutions. Quite simply, my amendment seeks to impose penalties when body armor is used in committing a violent crime. Mr. Chairman, penalties will be determined by the Sentencing Commission. Although technological advancements have helped law enforcement officers fight crime and counter terrorism, these same high-technology advancements when ending up in the wrong hands pose new challenges and a growing danger to police officers and all others who seek to protect and safeguard our citizens. I have received very positive feedback from those in law enforcement in support of this measure. I would hope that the majority would see the need for providing enhanced safety and penalties and my amendment would achieve this goal. This amendment as has been drafted and appears before us now, the amendment is supported by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriffs Association, National Troopers Association, and by police departments from Boston to Los Angeles and other major cities and jurisdictions across this country. I ask that there be support for this law enforcement amendment and support for this important bill not just for women and children and elderly but for everyone.

Mr. STUPAK. I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman will continue to yield, for the enhancement aspect of it, the underlying crime would have to be a Federal crime. The individual who may be in pursuit of this criminal could be a law enforcement officer from any jurisdiction, but the Federal crime that they are in pursuit of this criminal for would have to be a Federal crime as defined in the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. So the underlying crime, you are absolutely correct, the protection would extend to anyone investigating that Federal crime where they met such an individual wearing this protective device.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I would ask, this was a small step here we are doing here tonight, but we do have the main underlying bill. And we have been trying to find a vehicle and even have some hearings on it. I would ask that the chairman give us due consideration of the full bill, the James Guelff Body Armor Act of 1996, so we can get to extend it to all police officers, not just Federal crimes but also State and local violations of law. So I would once again ask the chairman at a time hopefully very soon that we could address this issue further. This is just a small step tonight. I would like to take it one step further.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. I yield to the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Conyers].

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, in this House we have seen extreme examples from the GOP on how to deal with issues facing our Nation. We have also seen sensible solutions which have won out in the end. The country is now debating how to deal with the sudden hike in gas prices. We hear the same old extremist knee-jerk reactions from the Republicans. The majority has suggested cutting education to make up for revenue lost if part of the gas tax is repealed. Cut education? Do we really want to balance our books on the backs of America's families? Mr. Speaker, a cut in the Federal gas tax of 4.3 cents a gallon would reduce revenues by an estimated $30 to $35 billion over 7 years. The new majority refuses to look at cutting corporate welfare. They refuse to look at what windfall profits are being realized by oil companies whose speculations send gas prices skyrocketing. Mr. Speaker, through the shutdowns and budget gridlock, we Democrats have fought and won battles protecting education. But we can never rest. Here is a new assault on the American education system. Let us be sensible, not extremist, protecting our future.

Mr. STUPAK

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, the amendment is relevant to the Ocean Shipping Act because it deals with maritime commerce on the Great Lakes and involves foreign commerce with Canada, highly important to my district and to the region. My amendment, the text of my bill, H.R. 2821, simply attempts to save the American taxpayers a considerable cost that the U.S. Navy incurs. Mr. Chairman, let me explain my amendment. I do believe that this amendment is relevant to the Ocean Shipping Act because it deals with maritime commerce on the Great Lakes and it involves foreign commerce on the Great Lakes and it involves foreign commerce with Canada, highly important to my district and to the region. My amendment, the text of my bill, H.R. 2821, simply attempts to save the American taxpayers the considerable costs that the U.S. Navy currently incurs with the storage of six Cherokee-class tugboats that are destined for transfer to the Northeast Wisconsin Railroad Transportation Commission. These tugboats are obsolete and left over from recent closures of naval bases and shipyards, including Long Beach in California. They originally were destined to be scrapped if a deadline of December 31 was not met in achieving a compliance agreement between the railroad commission and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Jeremy Boorda, personally assured me the Navy would not go ahead with the planned scrapping of these vessels if this agreement could be achieved as soon as possible. I have been informed that the U.S. Navy and Admiral Boorda support my measure to expedite this transfer, as long as the agreement can be achieved. I'm pleased to report that the environmental compliance agreement will be finalized within the next 7 days, according to officials with region 5 of the EPA. If we cannot enact this transfer within the next few months, than additional costs for taxpayers will be incurred by forcing the Navy to tow these vessels up the coast of California to Suisun Bay for storages. According to the Navy, an additional $25,000 for each tugboat will have to be spent to place these vessels in interim storage, while the Navy currently pays more than $100,000 per year to continue the storage of these six vessels. The Government shutdowns of last November and December disrupted the process toward achieving an agreement, and the final details have finally been resolved. Mr. Chairman, my amendment simply attempts to minimize the costs and expenses that have resulted because of Government shutdowns and delays in reaching an agreement. Not only would the American taxpayers save, but the economy of the upper Great Lakes would benefit much sooner if these tugboats could be placed into service as soon as possible. This is truly a win-win situation for everyone, for the Navy, for American taxpayers, and for the economy of the Great Lakes region. I appreciate the chairman of the committee not objecting, and I want to thank him, as well as Jim Oberstar, Howard Coble, and Bob Clement for their assistance. As well, I want to thank the chairman of the National Security Committee, Floyd Spence, and the former chairman, Ron Dellums.

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

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

Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Chairman, with those comments from the distinguished gentleman, I would like to thank him, the gentleman from South Carolina [Mr. Spence], the gentleman from North Carolina [Mr. Coble], the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Bateman], the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Oberstar], and others for their help on this.