Ellen Tauscher

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding this time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2203. This spending bill makes a number of important commitments to improve our environment, and I want to also congratulate the gentleman from California [Mr. Fazio] and the distinguished chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. McDade], for their leadership in this effort. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2203 also includes language that will allow the Corps of Engineers to participate in projects that will improve aquatic ecosystems such as the San Francisco Bay delta. I would ask the distinguished ranking Democrat to clarify my understanding that the conference committee agreement allows the Corps of Engineers to work with the East Bay Municipal Utility District and the State of California on this project.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the championship victory of the Antioch All Star Team on Saturday, August 17, 1997, at the 16-18 Babe Ruth World Series. The city of Antioch, which is in my district, recently celebrated their homecoming with a parade through the city and a civic celebration at city hall. The accomplishments of these fine young men are a great honor to the city of Antioch. The 16-18 Babe Ruth World Series was held in Jamestown, NY, where the players from Antioch competed against other such teams from around the Nation. Throughout the 1-week tournament, the team exhibited a true show of perseverance and a dedication to excellence. They managed to come from behind in several of their games, proving to the other teams that they would not give up. These athletes were not only dedicated to winning the game, but also dedicated to each other. The players from Antioch practiced long and hard to earn the right to play for the national championship, and through their hard work on the field and their commitment to teamwork, they rose from underdogs at the beginning of the series to the champions on the final day. It is wonderful to see such positive support from the community for this talented and dedicated group of East Bay teens. They show us that when we bestow our faith in our children, they can truly achieve excellence. The Antioch Babe Ruth All Star Team is deserving of the honor as the best 16-18 Babe Ruth League team in the country. These ballplayers are an excellent example of the kinds of things that young people in our communities can achieve. I hope you will join me in congratulating them for their achievement and their ambition.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to my constituent, Marie Haff, on her birthday. This past June 29, 1997, Marie Haff turned 80 years young. Marie Haff, a resident of Pleasanton, CA, is a strong believer in family, hard work, and education. She is the proud mother of three daughters, grandmother of nine children, and great grandmother of three. Although Marie officially retired in 1982 from her job, manager of Northern California Credit Bureaus, she certainly has not stopped working. Currently, she is a trustee emeritus of Western Management Institute of Washington, DC, and serves as executive secretary of Associated Credit Bureaus of California. In addition to this already busy schedule, Marie attends classes at the local college, and last year at the age of 79, set out to conquer the information age by obtaining her first computer. For many years Marie has served as a volunteer for local charities. She is active in promoting womens rights, and chaired the national committee which wrote the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, giving women the right to have their own credit records. For her efforts she has received many awards, including the Soroptomist Woman of the Year Award, International Credit Association Outstanding Leadership Award, and the Distinguished Service Award, California Department of Consumer Affairs. I am proud to know Marie Haff. I offer her my warmest congratulations, and best wishes for all the years ahead.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to my constituent Marie Haff on her birthday. This past June 29, 1997, Marie Haff turned 80 years young. Marie Haff, a resident of Pleasanton, CA, is a strong believer in family, hard work, and education. She is the proud mother of three daughters, grandmother of nine children, and great-grandmother of three. Although Marie officially retired in 1982 from her job, manager of the Northern California Credit Bureaus, she certainly has not stopped working. Currently, she is a trustee emeritus of Western Management Institute of Washington, DC, and serves as executive secretary of Associated Credit Bureaus of California. In addition to this already busy schedule, Marie attends classes at the local college, and last year at the age of 79, set out to conquer the information age by obtaining her first computer. For many years Marie has served as a volunteer for local charities. She is active in promoting women's rights, and chaired the national committee which wrote the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, giving women the right to have their own credit records. For her efforts she has received many awards, including the Soroptomist Woman of the Year Award, International Credit Association Outstanding Leadership Award, and the Distinguished Service Award, California Department of Consumer affairs. I am proud to know Marie Haff. I offer her my warmest congratulations, and best wishes for the years ahead.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Taxpayer Relief Act and to celebrate the balanced budget agreement. The balanced budget agreement that we are voting on to implement this week will eliminate the deficit and strengthen the foundation of our economy. It will also put more money in the hands of the American taxpayers through the child tax credit, the HOPE scholarship plan, and reductions in the capital gains tax rates and greater protection from estate taxes. Most importantly, this agreement provides tax relief in a fair and equitable manner. Working families in America who deserve the child tax credit will be eligible to receive it. Middle-class families struggling to save enough money to put their children through college will qualify for the HOPE scholarship plan, and increased protection from estate taxes will protect more families from unaffordable tax bills when they inherit a small family business or farm. At the same time, reckless and unaffordable tax cuts have been dropped in this agreement, protecting the budget from exploding deficits in the future. The balanced budget agreement provides a sensible path toward eliminating the deficit and providing tax relief. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the balanced budget agreement, and I encourage my colleagues to support it as well.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, four times in the last 15 years Congress and the President have told the American people that they had reached an agreement to balance the budget. In each case however, the deficit continued to grow. We now have the opportunity once again to make good on our word. Congress and the President have agreed on the outlines of a deficit reduction plan that will restore fiscal responsibility to our Nation's budget. Unfortunately the success of this effort hinges on key enforcement provisions that are not yet part of this agreement. The bipartisan Budget Enforcement Act would put in place a mechanism to force Congress and the President to actively address spending that is higher than expected or where revenues have fallen short of expectations. Instead of ignoring excessive spending or revenue shortfalls, we would be forced to confront the causes of the problem and make adjustments accordingly. We have made historic steps toward placing our economy on a sound footing for the first time in a generation. But without a strong budget enforcement mechanism, there is no guarantee that we will reach the goal of eliminating the deficit and living up to our agreement. I encourage my colleagues to support the motion to recommit on H.R. 2003.

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this rule because I frankly have no other choice. As a strong advocate of a balanced budget and a supporter of the balanced budget agreement agreed to by Congress and the President, I am very pleased that we are on the path toward eliminating the deficit. But without strong enforcement language in the reconciliation bills, there is no guarantee that the goal will be met. When the House considered the budget reconciliation spending and revenue bills, a bipartisan group of Members, including myself, attempted to offer enforcement language as an amendment. The House leadership back in June refused to make our amendment in order and instead promised that our amendment would be brought to the floor as a freestanding bill. What were we thinking about a month ago when we allowed that promise to be given with no guarantee that we would ever see this bill on the floor? In the intervening 3 weeks, we have responded to some of the criticisms of the bill and made changes to improve it. The Committee on Rules, however, last night decided not to allow us to bring forward that amended bill and has reported a rule that forbids any amendments. This is in direct violation of an agreement by the gentleman from New York [Mr. Solomon] chairman of the Committee on Rules, reported in the Congressional Record of June 25 to make in order an amended version of our bill by no later than July 24. Mr. Speaker, this is one more example of the duplicitous manner in which the House leadership treats its Members. I am forced to vote for this rule, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same, because it is the only way we can consider budget enforcement legislation. But this is not the way the House business should be done.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mrs. TAUSCHER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this important amendment that maintains current funding levels for programs that benefit girls and women and promote gender equity in our vocational education system. These vital programs train women for higher wage jobs so they can become self-sufficient and stay off welfare. They also promote high- skill, high-technology training in nontraditional fields for girls and women. These programs address the special needs of vocational training for displaced homemakers, single moms and single pregnant women. As the mother of a 6-year-old daughter, I want her to have the same career opportunities that will be available to my 6-year-old nephew. We must not forget our daughters, nieces, and granddaughters and the legacy we pass on to them. This amendment makes sense and these programs deserve our support. Please vote to maintain the funding for these important programs which offer a way up the ladder for women determined to improve their lives and that give our young girls the chance to feel the thrill of professional achievement and personal success.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this rule, and in opposition to H.R. 2107 without the changes necessary to bring it into accordance with the Budget agreement worked out between the White House and Congressional Republicans. I will not support a measure that goes back on the promises made to the American people to protect our remaining open spaces through the Land and Water Conservation Fund or protect our limited assistance to the arts through the National Endowment. As a proud member of the Blue Dog Coalition, I have focused on balancing the Federal budget while protecting our national priorities, including the environment, the arts, and humanities. As we have seen, many of our colleagues claim that we cannot justify continuing to fund the Endowments for social and fiscal reasons. Yet it is specifically for these reasons that we must continue support. Despite a 40% cut in funding over the past two years, the NEA continues to make a great investment in the economic growth in every community in America. The nonprofit arts industry alone generates $37 billion annually in economic activity, supports over 1.3 million jobs and returns $3.4 billion to the Federal Government in income taxes. That is a huge return on a small investment. When this economic gain of the arts and humanities is added to the educational benefits, the increase in quality of life that they provide, and the public support for the Endowments, it is obvious that we must continue to fund the arts. Each year, more people attend performing arts events than all professional sports events combined. The study of the arts and humanities helps students think critically and creatively, while working across traditional disciplines--skills that workers need to progress into the twenty-first century. Also, the Endowments preserve America's heritage by funding libraries, museums, folk festivals, theaters, arts centers, and dance studios which draw families and businesses to participate in the cultural life of their communities. Ultimately, the NEA economically brings diverse people together and builds bridges of understanding. I urge you to join me in creating a more productive America by supporting the National Endowments. Vote no on the rule; support the NEA. Thank you and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Michigan for yielding time to me. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Conyers amendment. In this post-cold-war era it is as important as ever that our Nation maintain an efficient, effective, and trustworthy intelligence apparatus. With national and economic security threats around the world, we must collect accurate information about the activities of countries and organizations that jeopardize our stability. At the same time, at the end of the cold war we are now provided with the opportunity to be more forthcoming about the money and the resources we spend on intelligence gathering. The Director of the Central Intelligence Agency has already taken steps to make more public the activities of our intelligence agencies. The fact that the general level of intelligence spending is a poorly kept secret only strengthens the argument that it should be publicly disclosed. As we attempt to balance the Federal budget, we are forced to make decisions about spending priorities. It is important that the American people know how much of their money proportionally is being spent to support the intelligence community, just as they need to know about how much money is spent on Medicare, transportation, and the arts. I intend to vote for the Intelligence Authorization Act for 1998. I believe it properly funds the important intelligence-related activities of the United States. But I also believe that the American public deserves to know the aggregate amount we are authorizing for these activities. The Conyers amendment is a commonsense proposal that places no threat to our national security. I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the rule. I object to the decision by the Committee on Rules to refuse to allow the Barton-Minge amendment, of which I am an original cosponsor, which would add strong budget enforcement language to the legislation. While I strongly support this historic budget agreement, I am concerned that without proper enforcement mechanisms, spending will run out of control and tax cuts will balloon, thereby voiding the balanced budget agreement. A bipartisan group of Members has developed a proposed amendment to ensure that, when actual spending exceeds spending targets, Congress would have to take action by December 15 or automatic cuts would go into effect. Similarly, if revenues failed to meet the expected level, any phase-in of tax cuts would be delayed. There have been numerous attempts to instill fiscal responsibility in the budget process, but those attempts have failed because they were unenforceable. Let us not allow this agreement to fall prey to the same shortcomings. I urge my colleagues to defeat the rule.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, this debate is what makes us different. It is exactly what should be happening in this great country of ours. America should never base its decisions solely on the power of economics. I commend those Americans, particularly those Members of Congress, particularly my good friend, the gentlewoman from California, Ms. Nancy Pelosi, for raising so many of the important issues related to extension of normal trade relations to China. So it is with some reluctance that I oppose this resolution and support extension of MFN to China. Secretary Madeleine Albright has stated, ``Engagement does not mean endorsement.'' I believe engagement does mean opportunity, opportunity to export our values and lifestyle, and an opportunity to promote a better and more secure world for our children and the children of China. I worked on Wall Street for 14 years before I left to raise my family. I recognize the opportunities economic integration can provide. I believe there is no greater opportunity or challenge in American foreign policy today than to secure China's integration into the international system as a fully responsible member, not just in economic terms, but in terms of human rights, the environment, weapons proliferation, intellectual property protection, and other issues. I believe we can better influence China's direction by exposing them to our Democratic ideals through engagement. We can effectively move the Chinese to change by increasing their exposure to the alternative model. We can work to end human rights abuses by continuing the dialog through trade and exchange. Revoking MFN would severely damage American interests and undermine our ability to influence China's direction. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this resolution and support extension of normal trade relations to China.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Connecticut for yielding time to me. I rise reluctantly to oppose the amendment by the gentleman from South Carolina [Mr. Spence] and the gentleman from California [Mr. Dellums]. There is no question that we must be diligent about guarding sensitive technology from countries that possess or we believe they possess nuclear weapons. Controlling the spread of nuclear weapons must be our top priority. But it makes no sense whatsoever to impose burdensome regulations on the export of computer technology that is widely available on the world market. Requiring American companies to secure export licenses which can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months will put them at a competitive disadvantage. The Clinton administration recognized in January 1996 that permitting the export of computers that perform up to 7000 MTOPS should not require a license unless the exporter believed that the end use of the computer would be for proliferation purposes. Adequate civil penalties encourage companies not to violate the law. Mr. Chairman, current law appropriately balances the interests in selling computers with the need for national security. I urge my colleagues to oppose the Spence-Dellums amendment.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I rise to discuss a nonnative aquatic weed which is taking over our Nation's waterways and is rapidly becoming a national problem. While I recognize the extreme threat that other nonnative aquatic species can cause, and the zebra mussel infestation of our Great Lakes and rivers throughout the Midwest is a prime example, I believe we need to begin to focus national attention on directing research funds on controlling and eliminating other nonindigenous aquatic species. In my State of California we have more nonindigenous species destroying our natural environment than any other State. One of the worst offenders in the San Francisco Bay Delta includes Egeria Densa, a water weed that originates in Brazil and has taken over not only our local waterways but the canals, rivers, lakes, and bays around the country, including the Mississippi River, the Florida Everglades, and the Chesapeake Bay. This weed impacts water quality in the bay by displacing native vegetation and choking the waterways, causing severe damage to boats, loss of recreational area, and a dramatic reduction of the property values along the deltas in my district. Rooted in the bottom of the delta, this nonnative weed reproduces when fragments of the plant break off and travel with boats or tidal flow to be deposited and then grow in another area. The plant picks up nutrients in the delta and, with the help of the Sun, spreads like wildfire throughout the delta sloughs. In the past several years, this spread has accelerated to the point that I fear any solution may soon be too little too late. Already there are areas that only a couple of years ago were open for boaters, yet are now completely inundated by this weed. In fact, many areas of the delta are now so full of Egeria Densa that it has turned canals into clogged beds of weeds in which nothing else can compete. I support this bill because it provides money for research into aquatic nuisance species like Egeria Densa. Mr. Chairman, I look forward to working with the chairman and ranking members of the Committee on Science and the Committee on Resources on this very important issue in the future. Research is needed to develop an effective and environmentally benign method to eradicate Egeria Densa before it becomes a major epidemic in my delta and around the Nation.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, last week I introduced House Resolution 1822, the State Infrastructure Banks for Schools Act, along with 31 Members from both parties. This is a cost-effective approach to help schools prepare our kids for the 21st century workplace. We are all familiar with the estimated $112 billion tax dollar price tag to improve school infrastructure. But we now know that a direct correlation exists between the condition of school facilities and the students' achievement. That is right, our kids' grades are affected by the condition of their schools. It is difficult to learn when the roof is leaking or blackouts occur if too many computers are turned on. H.R. 1822 addresses these problems by funding State Infrastructure Banks, or SIBS, for school construction. These banks provide maximum flexibility in financing and minimal restrictions regarding project approval. As loans are repaid, banks could provide assistance to projects in other schools. Although this is an innovative approach, similar programs have been used for Clean Water Act infrastructure, making improvements more affordable and widely available. Mr. Speaker, we need to educate our kids in a stable and supportive environment. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 1822.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, the Tenth Congressional District of California was shocked and saddened last week by the untimely death of one of its true community leaders, Margaret Lesher-Thorstenson. Some might say a shining light was dimmed in Contra Costa County with the passing of Margaret Lesher. I say the light will continue to burn bright through her many gifts of generosity, kindness, and friendship. As individuals and as a community, we are richer for having had Margaret Lesher in our lives. Mrs. Lesher was an extraordinary woman who had many facets to her life: A mother, wife, businesswoman, philanthropist, and friend. In each role she exemplified a spirit of voluntarism and generosity that all of us constantly strive to achieve. In every cause or endeavor upon which she embarked, she would give 110 percent of herself. Throughout all of her community service, Margaret Lesher realized that her family and friends were her foundation. I had the occasion to meet Margaret Lesher through the Battered Women's Alternative of Contra Costa County, a Contra Costa organization dedicated to aiding and assisting women in need. In 1990 she established the Margaret Lesher Transitional Housing and Employment Center. She not only gave financially to the program, but she also spent countless hours meeting and talking to the women who went through the center. Mrs. Lesher was always there to listen and support anyone who needed her help. As first vice president for Lesher Communications, the newspaper chain founded by her late husband, Dean Lesher, she strove to make the papers an accurate reflection of the character and personality of Contra Costa County. Mrs. Lesher worked side by side with her husband to make the publication one of the most successful in California. Even after the newspapers had been sold, the current owners have carried on the exemplary quality established by Dean and Margaret Lesher. Not many people knew that Margaret Lesher authored music and lyrics for 40 copyrighted songs and 14 poems. In 1982 she was honored with the Bronze Halo Award of Special Merit from the southern California Motion Picture Council for her contributions as a writer, songwriter, and vocalist. These talents inspired her to begin a wonderful collaboration with the arts and the community. Through the Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation, the magnificent building bearing the family name houses the California Symphony, the Diablo Ballet, and other theatrical groups. The center, along with many other buildings, are symbols of Mrs. Lesher's tireless commitment to the betterment of the community. Barry Jekoywski, the conductor of the California Symphony in Contra Costa County and associate conductor of the National Symphony here in Washington, captured the essence of Margaret Lesher's dedication to the arts when he said that she believed in the vision and importance of the arts in the community, especially for families and children. Today her memorial service is taking place at the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, the very center that she was instrumental in establishing. Over 1,000 people are expected to attend today's service to pay tribute to the first lady of Contra Costa County. It is difficult to explain to my colleagues what a special and unique person Margaret Lesher was. Many people's lives have been touched and blessed by her spirit, warmth, and kindness. Here on the House floor, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Margaret's husband, Collin Thorstenson, and her daughters Tricia Ryan Simonds, Wendy Alvs, Roxanne Gibson and Jill Heidt. This is a very difficult time for her family and all of Contra Costa County, an area that considered itself part of Margaret Lesher's family. With some poetic license, I will borrow the words of Robert Frost to capture the inspiration and dedication Margaret inspired within all of us: Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both and be one traveler, Long I stood and looked down one as far as I could, To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, just as fair, Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. At a time when it was not popular to support causes like battered women's alternatives, Margaret Lesher took a path that most would not have ventured down. She neither sought approbation nor applause. In fact, many of her wonderful deeds never received public attention. She simply wanted to make Contra Costa County a better place for all of its residents. In the end, the paths she chose were eventually the paths that all of us have followed. The many wonderful contributions Mrs. Lesher gave to our community will continue to thrive and flourish through the foundation established in her and Dean's name. We will miss her warmth and presence within our community, yet the light of her spirit will live forever in all the good that she has done.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Shuster- Oberstar amendment. While I am supportive of the budget agreement overall, it is sorely lacking in funding for important transportation needs. The Shuster-Oberstar amendment will make a modest adjustment to the resolution by adding roughly $12 billion over 5 years for transportation. This amendment does not address the issue of taking the transportation funds off budget, nor does it attempt to recapture the 4.3 cents in gas tax revenue that currently is directed to deficit reduction. Instead, it simply asserts that the money collected by the Highway Trust Fund in the next 5 years will be spent on highway and transit needs. The Shuster-Oberstar amendment is a good investment for America. The amendment would retain the balanced budget target, but would better provide for our Nation's transportation needs. I urge my colleagues to improve this budget resolution by adopting the Shuster-Oberstar amendment.

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the budget resolution for fiscal year 1998. As a member of the Blue Dog Coalition and in support of the Blue Dog budget, I am particularly pleased that this deal includes many of our recommendations. In particular, the foundation of this budget is firm because of the economic assumptions it employs. For the past couple of years Congress has debated whether to use Congressional Budget Office or Office of Management and Budget estimates in calculating economic projections. The Blue Dog Coalition has been consistent in its support of CBO numbers because we believe they tended to be more conservative. In the past, deficit reduction plans have failed because of incorrect assumptions relating to spending and revenue levels. We have learned that for a plan to be successful, it must use economic forecasts that do not overstate revenue projections or assume unrealistic levels of spending cuts. Use of conservative budget numbers is added insurance against unexpected downturns in economic productivity or unrealized revenue collections. If the assumptions turn out to be too pessimistic, the budget would simply balance earlier than anticipated. Would that not be nice? The budget agreement is an important bipartisan accomplishment. For the first time in years we have a plan to restore fiscal responsibility to our budget process, return accountability to our political system, and hopefully regain the confidence of the American people. As someone who campaigned on balancing the budget and has worked with the Blue Dog Coalition in support of a balanced budget, I am very pleased, and encourage my colleagues to vote for this budget resolution.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Law Enforcement Week to honor the brave police men and women throughout our country and in my district who put their lives on the line on a daily basis to protect our families, our friends, and our children. Many of these men and women have paid the ultimate price . . . losing their lives in the line of duty. In 1996 alone, 115 officers were killed nationwide. Their deaths are a reminder to us all that the officers who don a badge and patrol our streets are heroes and true public servants who risk injury and death to provide greater safety and protection for us all. In recognition of the efforts of these officers, I want to express my continued and strong support for the effective anti-crime COPS Program which has put more officers on our streets--more than 150 in my district alone. Effective programs like this which support our peace officers and reduce crime are true living memorials for our fallen heroes who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Thank you Mr. Speaker.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the women, infants and children's program and the long-term health of the low income women, children and infants that this program helps. This program is one of the most effective social government programs that we have for protecting the present and future health of many of our most vulnerable and needy children and mothers. I applaud those Republicans in this House who have chosen to do the right thing and work in a bipartisan manner to support the 200 plus Democrats who have demanded full supplemental funding levels for WIC. The small amount of extra money to be allocated to WIC Program is a smart and cost-effective investment in the future of our country and its children. For every dollar that we invest in WIC, we save more than $3 in Medicaid spending and other taxpayer costs down the road. The transfer of funds needed to ensure full funding for the WIC Program will prevent some 180,000 children, 160,000 in California, from being put at risk. As the mother of a 6-year-old I know full well how important is the kind of nutrition and care for young children which will help them be ready for school and to work hard in their young lives. I support this WIC funding.

Ms. TAUSCHER

Ms. TAUSCHER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my fellow Californian and the amendment of the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Lofgren] to H.R. 3, the Juvenile Crime Control Act. Juvenile crime has become an epidemic in our country. We are losing our children to crime at a more rapid rate and at an earlier age than ever before. Tougher laws for juvenile criminals are essential to solving the problem. However, it is only part of the answer to preventing our children from falling into a life of crime. After-school programs, drug prevention programs, community youth organizations offer our children alternatives to criminal activity. Effective community-based programs can and will keep our kids off the streets and out of trouble. Federal funding for proven, effective prevention programs is one of the most powerful commitments we can make to ending juvenile crime in this country. Early intervention through juvenile crime prevention programs helps put our kids back on the right track. The amendment of the gentlewoman from California would permit grant funds under H.R. 3 to be used for proven and effective juvenile crime prevention programs. I support this bill and its tough approach to juvenile crime. I believe it will be a better bill with this amendment.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about a subject of great importance to the women and families of the 10th Congressional District of California which I am honored to represent. That subject is the need for vital funding for research into the causes, treatments, and cures for breast cancer through the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health. This is an issue I have been focusing on for many years. In 1992 I was honored to be a founding board member of the Breast Cancer Fund in San Francisco, and I really believe that this is a very important issue for American women to be paying attention to. Mr. Speaker, this year the President is requesting $338.9 million for the National Cancer Institute's breast cancer program, and I urge all the Members of Congress to support this needed funding. Later this spring, the National Breast Cancer Coalition will be presenting Congress and the President with 2.6 million signatures from the constituents from all over America, urging us to work together to support 2.6 billion for cancer research between now and the year 2000. I believe this is a powerful statement about the commitment of the people of the Nation to fighting this disease. The increase in funding this year will allow the National Institutes of Health to continue its work in basic research, prevention, treatment, and community outreach as well as to initiate any studies. Mr. Speaker, I remain committed to working with my colleagues, the President, and the National Cancer Institute to defeat this killer of American women.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 400, because I am the granddaughter of one of the little guys. My mother, who I talked to on the phone just a few minutes ago, has been confused about the debate she has watched today. But I strongly support H.R. 400 because I also strongly support our Nation's businesses and the small and independent inventors. I believe this important and needed legislation will improve our competitiveness, reduce the loss of wasted and precious R&D dollars and eliminate the real and dangerous scourge of submarine patents. Many have valid concerns about the publication of patent information 18 months after filing. But H.R. 400 contains an exemption for all small businesses and independent inventors, allowing them to withhold publication until 3 months after the second meritorious PTO action. Furthermore, upon publication, inventors receive the constitutional monopoly over their invention. Others mention that the patent term will now be cut below the traditional 17-year term. Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is that H.R. 400 allows a diligent patent applicant to receive extensions of term for many reasons, including appellate review, administrative delays caused by PTO actions or inactions, the imposition of a secrecy order, or in the case of interference from a competing claim or infringement. Many of these extensions are unlimited to ensure that inventors will not lose any patent term. Mr. Chairman, nearly 45 percent of all patent applications filed with the PTO are from foreign companies and inventors who have manipulated our patent system to their advantage while U.S. inventors filing abroad are subjected to open examination. H.R. 400 levels the playing field in favor of U.S. businesses while providing additional protection for American inventors. I urge my colleagues to oppose the Rohrabacher amendment and support H.R. 400.

Mrs. TAUSCHER

Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, today is tax day, the deadline for all Americans to submit their Federal income tax returns. But there is another deadline today. April 15 is the day by which the House is statutorily required to have approved a budget resolution. The IRS generously allows taxpayers to file an extension if they cannot complete taxes by today. The House should not be so kind to the Committee on the Budget. The American people sent us here with a mission to restore fiscal sanity to the Federal budget. Today only the Blue Dog Coalition has prepared a balanced budget proposal. Unfortunately, the Committee on the Budget has refused to tell the American people what steps it would take to eliminate the deficit by 2002. In the absence of a budget resolution, the House has been brought to a grinding halt. Important legislation cannot move forward without knowing how much money is available. Decisions on priorities ranging from education to transportation have been put on hold. The Committee on the Budget does not warrant an extension on Budget Resolution Day. Show us your plan and let us decide if it makes sense for the American people.